By JacobWendy Macias January 30, 2019
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By PaulKyle Ramirez January 03, 2019
I plan to furnish my whole house from here, very happy with the bedroom set we have from National Furniture! ...read more
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I love my new bedroom set and will be getting more soon for the rest of my house ...read more
Smudging, by the use of Native American smudging fans, is a way that Indians use to purify themselves and perform a personal cleansing. Different herbs are used to create smoke which is spread with the use of a fan. These fans are made of either a few feathers tied together into a bunch or an entire wing. Different types of feathers are used, depending both on availability and symbolism. The smoke from the incense herbs is spread, not only around the room generally, but is also directed to the person who needs the healing. It is not uncommon for an entire home to be purified by the use of Indian smudging fans. Holding a long history in the culture and life of Native American tribes, the smudging fan has retained great importance. Used to guide healing smoke to the damage in a person's aura or spirit, the smudging fan holds great importance. To beseech the spirit world to restore the patient, the ceremony is accompanied by prayer. It's interesting to know, several types of herbs are used to create the smoke. To get rid of any evil spirits, sage is often the first herb burned. A purifying fire of cedar will be lit once the Native American smudging fan has circulated the sage smoke properly. Propelled by the smudging fan, the fresh, pungent cedar smoke refreshes and cleanses. Then sweet grass is lit, in order to ensure that beneficial spirits follow. Good thoughts and influences will follow as the sweet grass smoke is spread by the smudging fan. It is no mistake that feathers are chosen to make Native American smudging fans. As a link between the earth and the spirit world, birds have been seen by many cultures as an important tool. Incorporating feathers of different birds, Native Americans understand this connection and use many various types. It is possible to buy Indian smudging fans for a collection or for personal use today. Created by true Native American artists, they are highly sought for decorative objects. Sometimes imitation eagle feathers are used however, most often they are made of turkey feathers. The handle is generally made of wood or a section of antler. Significant items, such as beads, leather and fur are used for further decoration. Many collect Native American smudging fans to add to a grouping however, some people actually use them for personal healing and cleansing ceremonies. On the wall of the country or western style home, they make wonderful decorative accents. The interesting shape and texture of the Native American smudging fan also adds to the ambiance of the setting. When used as a part of a collection of mixed Native American objects, these fans will be especially effective, decor wise. www.missiondelrey.com Visit Mission Del Rey to see more about smudging fans. ...read more
By Mission Del Rey Southwest May 22, 2011
Gourds are not the only source of material for Native American rattles. The materials used for rattles or shakers range from turtle shells to pottery. Many tribes, especially those in the northwest, carve their rattles out of wood. The Navajo as well as other Southwest tribes use gourds, pottery, and rawhide for their rattles. Indians of the Great Plains use rawhide, buffalo horn, as well as gourds. Literally almost anything that produces a pleasing rattling sound can be used. Native American rattles are used to signify the three spiritual kingdoms. Plants are symbolized either by a wooden handle or by the gourd if that is used. Animals are represented if the rattle is made of hide, or by feathers used to decorate the rattle. The mineral world is represented by the small stones used inside the rattle as the percussive element. The power drawn from thethree kingdomsis transmitted when the rattle is shaken. Dancers shake rattles when performing as rattles are used in almost all Native ceremonies today.The symbolism and meaning of Indian rattle is drawn from the natural world. It freely flows into the ceremonials and dances so important toNative American culture. Rattles are often used not only at a ceremony, but by individuals for meditation. Tension and stress can be released by listening to thesoothing soundof the rattle.Native American rattles are available in a wide range of styles today. Indian artists, who draw upon their cultural knowledge, produce beautiful and meaningful rattles. A plain rattle can be enhanced by being decorated in a variety of ways. Feathers and fur are often attached to the rattle. Many rattles are painted either in traditional Indian geometric patterns, or with visions of the natural world. Many times, painted rattles feature the animal world. Sometimes also used in the design is traditionalIndian bead work. Rattles made byNative American artistsincorporate traditional items into the rattle for the sound. Items included inside a rattle such as corn, clay beads, small pebbles and seeds, all produce a calming and pleasing sound.A Native American rattle can bring a bit of the spiritual serenity of the Native American culture into your home. Many people find that a collection of Indian rattles adds a new dimension to their home decor. A collection of Native American rattles will brighten the wall in any room of your home. If you use the rattle for personal meditation, visitMission Del Rey, you will undoubtedly find that your mind is refreshed and cleared by the sound of the rattles you find there. www.missiondelrey.com ...read more
By Mission Del Rey Southwest April 29, 2011
Thepotter's wheelwas never used to produceNative American potteryby the tribal people before the coming of Europeans. Pottery was made, and is still made, using the coil method. It takes a real artist to build a pot in this way, from the bottom up. The coils are first attached to the flattened base, and meticulously smoothed. As more coils are added and smoothed, the pot begins to take shape. An expert artisan will produce a pot that is not only completely smooth, but that has walls of an even thickness. This gives the pot strength.While everyNative American tribeproduced coil pottery, the most famous is that produced by the Southwest Indians. Some of the most easily recognized pottery pieces may be from the Navajo,AcomaandHopi tribes. The geometric or stylized designs on the pottery help to account for the distinctive look. A most important fact about Native America pottery is that it is traditionally made without using a kiln. After the pots are placed in a pit, a thick layer of sticks and brush are put on top. After the fire is ignited, the pottery will harden just as if it had been fired in a kiln. Often the pots are burnished, or polished, after firing with a smooth river stone.The designs used to decorate Native American pottery can be bold and beautiful. Some of the designs are etched right into the wet clay with a variety of hand tools. The patterns can vary from geometric patterns to patterns of animals and birds. Represented on the pottery are things such as eagles, turtles and cattle. On some pieces of pottery, floral patterns are found as well.A very unique and interesting form ofIndian potteryis horsehair pottery. To make this style, horsehair, feathers, seeds, grass stems, and other natural items are placed on the pot when it is still hot. Almost abstract designs are formed in this way, and pots where red clay has been used are especially attractive. Legend has it that the long hair of a native potter brushed by accident against a hot piece of pottery. The resultant design was so pleasing that it became a style on its own.In almost any home, Native American pottery can make an artistic and decorating statement. The earth tones provide a natural touch and theme. A home decorated in the Southwest style is the perfect spot for this type of pottery. A ranch house, cabin or any rustic dwelling, can home Indian pottery with great success. Just by adding a unique piece of this pottery to your decor, it will add a bit ofNative American culture. VisitMission Del Rey ...read more
By Mission Del Rey Southwest April 17, 2011
Modern decorating style is sleek and clean, with a trendy flair. This particular decor is found in modern urban lofts and celebrity homes. The modern interior decorator knows what's edgy and stylish without losing the great feeling of a home. Tried and true decorating techniques are used in... ...read more
Small living is spreading throughout the world as a way to reduce expenses and to be more Eco-conscious. Small living spaces require a designer to make every bit of space functional. There are several decor ideas for small spaces that incorporate functionality, proper use of space and still maintain a... ...read more
