Strange stories about Vietnamese pottery

The biggest flower-vases

There is no other place in Vietnam displaying so many giant flower-vases of all sizes like the house of artisan Le Minh Ngoc in Bat Trang pottery village in Gia Lam (Hanoi). Here, the shortest jar is 1.5m high, a medium one is about 2.5m and the highest can nearly reach the ceiling.

Firstly, he made 0.45 m-high vases and he has gradually raised the height of them to 1m, 1.2m, 1.8m, 2m and 2.5m and all the time his passion for this work also grew. After many years of researching and creating, he is now the only artisan in Bat Trang who can make flower-vases of 2m high or higher.

In 1996, he decided to make two 5.6m-high flower-vases, as high as the banian tree in his village, to the wonder of everyone. On the day of opening the kiln, all the villagers were eager to see his products but regrettably, the vases were deformed. At that time Le Minh Ngoc was completely dispirited.

The two flower-vases were made in 2002 with their height of 3.2m, diameter of 0.94m and weight of 170kg. They were recorded in the Vietnam’s Guinness Book in September 2004. These vases are so big and high that Ngoc had to build a new kiln for them and they need ten strong people to carry.

Recently Ngoc has found kaolin (a kind of clay) in Quang Ninh and intends to produce some 5.4 m high vases.


The "Pottery Road" project

This is a project to celebrate the 1000th Thang Long – Hanoi anniversary.

It's 6km-long colorful mosaic covering the dike from Au Co Road through Nghi Tam, Yen Phu, Tran Nhat Duat and Tran Khanh Du roads.

To implement the project, Nguyen Thu Thuy and a team of Vietnamese and international artists have created many pottery works based on traditional materials of famous pottery craft villages such as Bat Trang Village outside Hanoi.They have also adorned the ceramic mural with unique cultural motifs and patterns of different dynasties, such as designs of Thang Long architecture of the Ly Dynasty (1010-1225), artifacts found in the Thang Long citadel archaeological site, brown flowed pottery of the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400) and sculptures in the 17th-18th centuries.

The Pottery Road is trying to acquire the Guinness Record 2010 for the longest pottery road in the world.

Source: TkCeramics - Vietnamese pottery

Stylish Home Decorating in Black and White

When people start thinking about living room decorating ideas and decorating their home, whether it be one or two rooms or even the entire house, the first question that usually springs to mind is ‘what colour’. Usually, people choose colours that they like or those which match pieces of their existing furniture. When searching for living room decorating ideas, one idea which is perhaps too often overlooked is decorating with the two basic colours (or shades, to be accurate) ” black and white.

Black and white, used in home decor shows style and creates drama and pizzazz. Top decorators say that every room in the house can benefit by using a touch of black. Black is a colour which anchors and grounds a room. Adding sophistication, black is definitely a colour that demands attention. Stylish home decor ideas for a home using black may include accessories such as light fixtures, trim or furniture. Black serves to add definition to focal points in a room. Black is just one colour that stands out or makes a statement, but it is definitely one of the most outspoken!

Decorating with the shades of black and white in your living room decorating ideas, lends a clean, fresh, elegant environment. This combination can be added to any room in a home making it a sophisticated area. Black and white are frequently used in contemporary interior design and often used to highlight other colours in the French Country style. It may be hard to visualize but there are many ideas for decorating a home using combinations of only these two basic colours.

The floor is a great place to start when considering stylish home decor. Black and white vinyl tiles laid alternately make a beautiful chessboard pattern and gives a clean and elegant appearance. Black marble used on the floor, accented by wide white baseboards is another beautiful idea for decorating a home. Laying white ceramic tiles with a black border or simply painting the floor black or white and using stencils of the opposite colour for decoration, is also quite stunning. These are great ideas for decorating a home.

Can you think of anything more perfect than white walls in the Mediterranean style? Painting the walls white or even an off-white, say smoke-white or apple-whitemakes a perfect backdrop for decorations such as shelving framed in black. Great living room decorating ideas! Elegant black window surrounds or black shutters against a clean, crisp white wall would certainly create an aura of sophistication. Maybe a glass-topped table with a black iron rim and black chairs? These are great ideas for decorating a home using only black and white.

Imagine a bedroom decorated using only black and white – that would be lovely stylish home decor too. A black or white iron bed-stead, covered with a striped black and white duvet or eiderdown. The pillow cases could be either all black or all white and you could add throw cushions in the other colour.

A nice leather black or white armchair in the corner would certainly accent the living room decorating ideas. Then you could have the white walls with a sophisticated piece of artwork, framed in black, hanging on it. That would surely add to the contemporary feel of your living room decorating ideas. Black furniture against the crisp white walls would look really neat and tidy and you could jazz it all up with accessories like pewter or silver candlesticks, jugs or vases.

However, if you think that the living room decorating ideas need a little more colour to complete the effect, perhaps a throw or a cushion in a bold colour such as red or gold for the chair in the corner of the room would be enough to accent the room. There are innumerable ways to decorate a home, however, finding the one that suits you and those who live with you is really very important. It’s nice to do something extreme and unusual, but please remember that you must be able to live with what you have created for quite sometime.

Decorating Your Home for 2010: Design Styles

What is your style? Each person has a style that reflects who you are and how you see yourself; your home should reflect this same aesthetic. In this second installment on ideas for decorating your home in 2010, let’s look at design styles.

You may not have thought about your style before. In fact, you may not even know what your style is. Yet, figuring this out will enable you to create a home that beautifully defines who you are and makes both you and your guests feel welcome. Here’s a little help in determining your style.

Do you find your eye drawn to rooms and photos in which the couch is flanked by end tables, with a lamp on each table? Do you enjoy decorating using items in pairs? Perhaps medium to dark-toned woods with unique design elements capture your attention. If these warm tones and calm symmetry appeal to you, your design style is traditional. For a photographic example of traditional style, check out the photo that accompanies “Decorating Your Home for 2010: Focal Points”.

On the other hand, perhaps you’re a person who likes a cozy, cottage look. A more casual version of the traditional style, this one has homey touches such as ruffled kitchen curtains, handmade quilts and needlepoint, design motifs that include fruit, flowers or animals, and colors in dusty tones such as mauve, gray, blue-gray, and deep greens. If this style sounds perfect to you, then your design style is country.

Or maybe sleek, spare design attracts you. Characterized by steel, glass, plexiglass and smooth, unadorned woods, this design style focuses on spaciousness and placing few items in each room, thereby allowing individual pieces or a spectacular view to take center stage. If this uncluttered style calls out to you, your style is modern.

Often confused with modern, contemporary style has the sleekness of modern design, but with personal touches such as rugs, art and other accessories that add personality and quirkiness to the décor. The photo accompanying “Home Décor after the Holidays” is an example of contemporary design.

Old World or Ethnic design introduces the flavors of other countries. A more eclectic style, this one uses elements of one or more cultures to reveal your heritage, travels or interests and happily coexists with traditional, modern or contemporary designs. If you enjoy items that highlight your cultural sensibilities, this style is for you.

Don’t hesitate to mix these design styles in whatever way you find appealing. What matters is that your design style reflect your life, interests and personality. Next time, we’ll look at color’s role in your home's décor for 2010.

Source examiner.com

How To Paint On Ceramics

Simply put, ceramics are crystalline solids formed by the action of heat and subsequent cooling. Ceramics, as objects of art, were used from, as early as, the Paleolithic era. The origin of ceramics is credited mainly to Asia, with the earliest work of pottery work being found in China. Ceramics found wide usage throughout the world, because of its beauty and durability. Ancient ceramic vases are the most priced and sought after. Other than art, ceramics has huge usages like tiles, utensils, semiconductors, electrical appliances, etc. In households, ceramic products like vases and tiles can be made very attractive by painting on them. In this way, a simple ceramic tile or vase can be converted into a work of art. Easy and enjoyable, it is also a very constructive hobby. Read the article below to know more on how you can paint on ceramics.

Ceramic Painting Tips 

Prepare The Ceramics

The ceramics must be extremely clean. Remove the seam lines on the ceramics that are formed due to the mould. Use a scraping tool to gently scrape the lines. Erase the lines completely. Now use a sponge, and after dipping it in water, wipe the ceramic tile or pottery. Ceramics are quite delicate so handle with care. If the ceramic surfaces are not cleaned properly then the paint won’t stick to it. Since, ceramic surfaces are glazed, it is very difficult to get the paint on them. Treat the shiny surface with a mild abrasive, which not only removes the dirt and grease but also makes the surface a little rough. You can also use the sandpaper as an extra measure. This also removes the dirt and roughens up the surface without leaving any marks. Then thoroughly remove the dust using a wet sponge. Let it dry completely.

Drawing

Draw the outline of the image you are going to paint. If drawing is not your forte then you can trace the image on the ceramic. Place a carbon paper onto the ceramic surface and on top of it place the image. Now using a fine pencil trace the image onto the carbon paper and this in turn will form an outline on the ceramic surface. Drawing the outline is not required for people with a good hand at painting. This is also not necessary if you only want to paint the surface without any images.

Priming

Use a high adhesion primer as a base, on which the paint should be applied. Ensure high quality, otherwise, the paint will peel off in a short duration. The primer is very good in forming a bond between the paint and the ceramic surface. If you are using an oil-based paint, then the primer should also be oil based. Taking a roller, apply the primer on the flat surface, and use a brush for the sides. Paint the primer evenly, and set it for drying. Once dry apply a second coat of primer, and again leave it for drying. If you see, any small burrs on the surface, then using sandpaper slightly brush it, taking care not to leave any scratch marks on the primer.

Painting

Use paints of the best quality. It is better to use acrylic ceramic paints, for painting ceramic surfaces. Also, buy a wide range of brush sizes. Keep a number of rags handy to wipe the paint drippings and missed brush strokes. Paint the design and leave it for drying. While drying take care that no dust or other debris falls on it. If you are not painting any design, but only giving it a simple paint, then it is better to give three coats of paint. Always wait for the paint to dry in between coats.

Glazing

Unless the paint is glazed, it will appear dull. After the paint has dried thoroughly, apply acrylic gloss over the entire object. Gloss not only adds shine to the painting, but it also protects the paint. It is better to apply three coats of gloss for better effect. Leave for drying.

How To Paint On Ceramics

Tips For Decorating Your Kitchen

The decor of your kitchen area wholly depends on your likes, preferences and choices. In some houses you will find a separate room for the kitchen while in other houses the kitchen is set in an open area which seems like an extension of your living room or dining room. Kitchen designs that are most popular these days are L- shape, U-shape, island shape and gallery shape kitchen designs. These days people are adding expensive appliances like Dishwashers, ovens, Glass and wooden cabinets, old and silver dinnerware and pewter finish to give a whole new look to their kitchen area.

If you want to decorate your kitchenette on a large scale then you can even hire professional interior decorators. They would provide you great ideas for making your kitchen look more appealing and classy.

Here I would like to present some brilliant ideas in front of you about kitchen decoration.

1. Buy attractive table clothes

Attractive table clothes can really impress your guests while they are dining. In the market these days you will get a large variety of table clothes of different fabrics and patterns that you can choose according to your kitchen decor. You can purchase different table clothes in bulk; this would help you to change them on special occasions like Christmas, birthdays, and special dinners and on thanksgiving holiday.

2. Use decorative lights to illuminate your kitchen area

A dark and dull kitchen creates bad vibes whereas a well illuminated kitchen can really improve the ambiance. Even if you have a small kitchen it can look impressive with some great lighting. Purchasing bright decorative lights would surely be a very profitable investment for you. You can either have track lighting or lighting at the focal point of your kitchen. You can even consider a good chandelier accompanied by dazzling trimmings or unique lamps which can be placed on all the focal points.

3. Accessorize your kitchen

Accessorizing your kitchen is a great decorating option. The kitchen area is an extension to your living space hence this area should be welcoming and cozy. Kitchen accessories include china, collectibles, antiques, photographs, alligator chandelier, silver utensils, modern appliances, wall paintings, flower vases, fruit bowls, lamps, small plants and unique decorative pieces. If your budget allow then you can also include a patio area just outside your kitchen where meals can be served to all your guests and friends.

These are some essential tips that you must surely follow while decorating your kitchen area.

Tips For Decorating Your Kitchen

Tips To Design A Mexican Style Garden

Mexican Designed Gardens combine character with elegance and like the Hispanic culture should include a space for socialising! In the same way as Mexico is vast the types of Mexican style gardens have variations also, there are Mexican Water Gardens but more commonly the garden can be a courtyard style with a water feature if room allows it.

A Mexican courtyard garden is designed around people with evidence of the varied Mexican landscapes such as lush tropical forests, desert and coast. So the aim is to focus on the people who will enjoy it and visit it, then building the props and plants with this in mind which should mirror the diverse beauty of Mexico.

Some Mexican courtyard gardens may focus on one favourite place or aspect of Mexico which also works very well, so if you have been to Mexico this is an option. It could be a loving tribute to the relaxing coasts of Mexico, the diverse mountain regions or the native feel of the northern deserts.

When you have your theme decided then immerse yourself in lots of photos online of the aspects of this style to help you further define what props and plants will fit in your garden well. Remember that the socialising area is central to the plan, and this will ideally include some form of outdoor cooking facility as well as the area to relax, eat, drink and be merry! The end result should give a feel of native and colonial design with colours, plants, terrracotta and practical plants like herbs and vegetables are very much part of it.

Once you have set aside the entertaining area the next step is to put in the roots of this courtyward style which means choosing tiles which should have earthy tones, like terracottas, reds or browns, can include nature designs such as cacti or the sun and traditionally would have been handmade ceramic tiles.

Having chosen the socialising area your aim is to make this welcoming, cheery and functional so a good choice is a hand made brick oven or barbeque. The dining and relaxing furniture is typically rustic wood and/or wrought iron tables, benches, chairs. Look forward to the great evenings you will have there and feature wrought-iron candelabras for lighting.

If you have space for a water feature it can be a small fish pond or a small water feature made from old terracotta pots, it doesn't need to be big to have the desired effect. Of course if you do have the space for a larger feature then go for it, watch out for the pink flamingoes though!

You'll notice that there has been mention of terracotta once or twice already, so to get it out of the way you can use used and broken terracotta earthenware in as many ways as you can think of in your Mexican garden. You can put little cacti in them or herbs just go for it.

Which leads us onto cacti and plants. Lots of cacti and tropical type plants, if possible cultivate lemon, orange, nut or banana trees if your climate allows. A small vegetable garden is a must also and if you haven't grown your own vegetables before it is a great experience and they taste heaps better than what we get in most supermarkets. Go for well kept flowerbeds alsoo and large arrangements of hanging baskets. Some plants to consider are aloe vera (great healing properties), flowering agave, fuchsia, golden trumpet, hosta, orchid, acacia, caladium, rex-begonia vine, hibiscus and rex-begonia vine.

Props to consider are bright wall frescos, wrought iron gateways, pottery and ceramics painted with traditional designs, as well as Aztec style cushions and tablecloths if you wish. To make the evenings more pleasant you can put of a straw type roof on the entertaining area. This is best done using scaffold towers for your safety or that of any workers. When it is all finished sit down and enjoy a well deserved drink in your new garden.

Tips To Design A Mexican Style Garden

Cheap Garden Decorating Ideas

You don't have to break your budget to spruce up your outdoor garden. Adding unusual decorations found around your home and surrounding landscape can help to bring in an element of surprise to your garden, but without the high price tag. For added pops of color, contrast the decorative elements with the existing colors found around the space. You now have a budget-friendly and unexpected addition to the garden.

Bottle Fence

Create a cheap garden fence or border using recycled glass bottles. Available in green, blue and clear, create a mosaic of color using old bottles, while helping to define the garden. To create the fence, turn the bottles upside down and press the bottleneck into the soil so it stands upright. Insert the bottles side-by-side or every one to two feet, depending upon your design preference and how many bottles you obtain. Work your way down around the garden space adding the bottles into the soil. Alternatively, you could bury the bottles so the bottom is flush with the surrounding soil, creating a low-built accent and border to the space. Another garden decorating ideas is to use old bottles to create a bottle tree. Use any tree which has dead or dried-out limbs and insert the bottle over the limbs and branches. Repeat this by adding bottles all over the tree to create your own interesting garden design and one that becomes a focal point and unexpected touch to the landscape.

Homeade Luminaries

Use old jam and jelly jars, and other masonry jars to create cheap holders for tea lights. Clean out the container and set the tea light inside for a warm and inviting glow to the garden. Use them on an outdoor patio or nestled under a pergola for added sparkle during evening dinners or entertaining friends. Line a garden walkway or front path with candle filled jars for an enchanted evening walk. Brown paper lunch bags can also be used to create an affordable outdoor luminary. These homemade luminaries are not only cheap but can be placed all over the garden for a warm glow. Place a small candle within and watch the lights flicker and glow inside.

Seating

Seating is essential in your garden space but does not have to break your budget. You can use surrounding material found in your landscape like a downed log or tree stump as the perfect seating area to enjoy your morning cup of coffee. Turn a set of old cinder blocks into an inviting bench within the garden. Paint the blocks with an all weather paint for a long-lasting design. Don't forget to add a set of pillows to make the bench soft and cozy as well as a very cheap seating option to your garden space.

Source tkceramics.com