http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for decorative gravel Copyright 2008 Fri, 05 Dec 2008 03:03:10 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/decorative+gravel http://www.artwoo.com/article/vote-for-mike-gravel-in-2008 http://www.artwoo.com/article/vote-for-mike-gravel-in-2008#comments Tue, 19 Jun 2007 12:29:56 +0000 mike gravelbarack obamaprohibition of alcoholincome taxrudy giulianiwar on drugsirs http://www.artwoo.com/article/vote-for-mike-gravel-in-2008 Mike Gravel is running for President in 2008. If you are a progressive person who is looking for real change in 2008 then I believe that you must look past the front runners such as Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, and Barack Obama and look towards Mike Gravel.

While Clinton, Edwards, and Obama will all make much better presidents than George W. Bush (or John McCain or Rudy Giuliani for that matter) they will also offer "politics as usual" and they are unlikely to make any major changes when it comes to our unjust tax system or our unjust drug laws. They are also unlikely to completely remove all soldiers from Iraq. This is where Mike Gravel differs greatly.

Mike Gravel wants to completely change our tax system. Our current tax system involves so many loopholes (fought for by lobbyists) that people with the right know how can easily game the system and thus the very rich often pay a much lower percentage of taxes than they are supposed to. If you look into the history of the income tax then you will see that it has been corrupt from the beginning. It is time to do away with the income tax and the IRS altogether. Mike Gravel wants to replace the income tax with a national sales tax. This system of taxation will be much more simple without any loopholes so it cannot be gamed by anyone. Millions of dollars will be saved by this simplified tax code. Sound impossible? It's not. Things change if we really want them to. The income tax has not been around forever. There was no income tax for the first 127 years of this country's life. Gravel estimates that we can replace our current tax system with the new Fair Tax in less than one year.

Mike Gravel wants to decriminalize drugs and end "The War on Drugs." Prohibition of alcohol didn't work in the 1920s and prohibition of drugs does not work now. In what is supposed to be a free society there should be no law against what one puts into their own body. It is unjust. Furthermore it's a waste of government time and money. The money wasted on the "War on Drugs" could be spent on education and health care.

Mike Gravel was against the Iraq war from the start. Gravel came out against the Iraq war in 2002 and stated then what everyone knows now. George W Bush was lying about WMD. This a man who can see through the lies. This is a man that can tell the truth. This is a man who as president would never take our country into a war unless it was absolutely necessary. How many innocent people must die? Mike Gravel has a plan to end the Iraq war immediately. And unlike others who say they will end the war, Gravel wants to remove all of our soldiers from Iraq. We should not have a permanent residency in Iraq.

It's time for a real change. It is time for Mike Gravel. James Randall Twist is a contributer to http://www.WeirdBiz.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/get-the-right-filler-for-your-childrens-play-area http://www.artwoo.com/article/get-the-right-filler-for-your-childrens-play-area#comments Sat, 08 Jul 2006 20:27:08 +0000 pea gravelgrass carpetpeople findweed growthartificial grassdefinitelymulch http://www.artwoo.com/article/get-the-right-filler-for-your-childrens-play-area
Play Bark

Many people avoid play bark because it as seen as being quite expensive. However there are many advantages to this product. It is 100% natural, it does not easily blow away and packs down well to make a kind of carpet effect. Just make sure that it is regularly raked to get rid of any unwanted foreign objects.

Recycled Coloured Woodchip

Recycled coloured woodchip is a great play area filler. Again may people find it on the pricey side but really it is value for money as its low moisture content means that it last 5 times longer than play bark product. A two inch layer of coloured woodchip is sufficient to block out sunlight and eradicate weed growth.

Pea Gravel

Pea Gravel is often used in playgrounds. It is definitely a cheaper alternative to woodchip or play bark. Furthermore pea gravel looks very nice and decorative. Consider using edging to keep the pea gravel contained.

Recycled Mulch

Grass and tree clippings can be ground up finely and turned into mulch. This recycled mulch is then used within children's play areas. This option is good for limiting weed growth as the trees naturally have an in-built weed deterrent.

Artificial Grass Carpet

You could also consider using an artificial grass carpet. It dries quickly which means that the children will be able to play on it when the rest of the garden is still too wet. You can also remove it and place it elsewhere and clean it if need be. Turfandstuff is a national supplier of bulky garden products for home and School delivery. Visit their website on http://www.turfandstuff.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-guide-to-using-decorative-window-film http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-guide-to-using-decorative-window-film#comments Mon, 29 May 2006 15:32:05 +0000 window filmetched glass windowsappreciateaestheticallyprivacyaesthetic valueair bubbles http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-guide-to-using-decorative-window-film window film can be an economical way to add both privacy and style to your home. Whether you apply it yourself or have a professional do it you'll appreciate the beauty and functionality of the product.

Many people choose decorative window film not for the privacy aspect but because of the aesthetic value. There are many different designs available and they can be used to complement the décor in every room.

If you are considering replacing windows in your home than you can inquire about having the window film applied before the new windows are delivered. Ask the representative from the window company if they do handle the application of decorative window film. If they do they will show you samples of the available types of decorative window film they sell.

Having many windows in a home can help filter in the warmth and brightness of the sun all year long. Some of those windows may face a busy street or look onto a neighbor's home stealing your privacy.

Decorative window film that resembles etched glass is a very popular choice. It is an economical solution to a family that wants the look of etched glass windows without having the burden of the price.

If you are applying decorative window film to one or two small windows than you might want to save the money you'd pay in labor and try it yourself. You'll just need a few simple tools and patience to get the job done.

One way to correct this problem without having to cover the window with a blind or a shade is decorative window film. Decorative window film comes in many different designs and once applied to the window it makes it almost impossible for anyone to see inside.

Another approach is to purchase a roll of decorative window film and apply it yourself. This can be a tedious task as the film needs to be applied without any air bubbles beneath it. It also has to be completely straight so that it is aesthetically pleasing when you look at it from both inside and outside of the home.

Glass shower stalls are another spot in your home where you can utilize decorative window film. Many people want more privacy while they are taking a shower and applying window film affords that. It also can add a beautiful accent to your bathroom.

Applying decorative window film can be done in several ways. One is to hire a contractor who has experience in applying decorative window film. Once you have chosen the decorative window film that you want, they will come to your home and apply it for you. Try using decorative window film to filter out the sunlight. http://decorativewindowfilm.info/ ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/which-aquarium-filter-is-best-for-you http://www.artwoo.com/article/which-aquarium-filter-is-best-for-you#comments Mon, 08 Jan 2007 20:27:07 +0000 aquarium filtershome aquariumaquarium filteraquarium plantsgravel filtertropical fishfish waste http://www.artwoo.com/article/which-aquarium-filter-is-best-for-you aquarium filter is vital for the health of your tropical fish and to have a crystal-clear tank that you enjoy looking at. Without filtration, your fish would quickly die as the water would build up with ammonia from their waste and uneaten food. This ammonia becomes toxic to your fish so you need to provide them with a healthy clean environment and ammonia free water which has been filtered properly.

There are basically three types of filters that one uses in a home aquarium, power filters, under gravel filters and canister filters. Some people even use more than one kind in a single aquarium. the type of filter that is best for you depends on the size of aquarium you have and whether it is saltwater or freshwater.

Under gravel aquarium filters are a great choice for tanks that are 40 gallons and under. These filters are nothing more than a plastic slotted piece that goes in the very bottom of your tank underneath the gravel or substrate and tubes that run up the side. The under gravel filter is a biological filter that pulls the water through the gravel and then returns it at the top of the tank. the problem with these is that the fish waste also tends to get sucked down into the gravel and you really need to vacuum it pretty frequently. They also can get clogged (although I had one for many years and it never did) and they are not recommended If you want to have aquarium plants. On the other hand, they are quite low-maintenance as they do not have any filters or cartridges to change and unless you have a problem they pretty much run unattended.

Power filters are the most common home aquarium filters and most people will recognize these as the ones that hang off the back of the tank. They are a great choice for mechanical filtration and tanks that are under 55 gallons. these filters usually hang on outside of the tank and have it to him that runs down into the water and a pump that sucks the water up into the unit filtering it through some kind of a cartridge. Most of them also have either a carbon cartridge to provide chemical filtration, or some kind of a by a wheel or sponge that provides biological filtration. Many aquarists combine the power filter with the under gravel filter to get the best of both worlds and crystal-clear aquarium water.

Canister filters are recommended for tanks over 55 gallons and tanks that are going to be saltwater or marine aquariums. These types of filters will provide you with both mechanical, biological and chemical filtration and will also allow you to adjust how much of each you get. These units can be hidden underneath in the aquarium stand so are a bit more aesthetically pleasing than the power filters. They have tubes that run into them and the water is pushed from the tank through the tubes into the filtering material and then back into the tank once it is filtered.

It's important to get aquarium filter that works right for your size and type of tank otherwise you'll just be unsuccessful in your fish keeping efforts. Having the proper filtration will make sure that your water quality is near-perfect in your fish are happy and healthy in you're aquarium crystal clear. Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.fish-tank-guide.com we you can learn more about choosing, setting up, and maintaining your aquarium as well as find out about certain accessories like the aquarium filter. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/decorative-concrete http://www.artwoo.com/article/decorative-concrete#comments Sun, 02 Sep 2007 11:30:00 +0000 concrete countertopsdecorative concreteseashellsdifferent colorsiron oxidesconcrete concretestars in hollywood http://www.artwoo.com/article/decorative-concrete decorative concrete brings out a whole new use for concrete.

Concrete can be used as a decoration such as in walls, lawn accessories, floors, countertops, and more.

Embedding Personal or Decorative Items =96

With decorative concrete you can have a countertop completely personalized by having your personal affects embedded in the concrete such as keepsakes that have a special sentimental value for you. You could also use your favorite items such as seashells from your favorite beach, or even from childhood, embedded in your concrete countertops.

Colorful, Decorative Concrete =96

We often think of concrete as being gray in color. However, when using concrete as a decorative material iron oxides can be mixed into the concrete to create colors such as yellow, black and red. Of course, the specific hue of those colors (yellow, black and red) can be different depending on how dark or how bright you want them to be.

Decorative Concrete Stamps =96

Hey, the stars in Hollywood do it, so why not you? When the concrete is still wet you can have certain designs stamped into the concrete to create a variety of different styles. You could also use stamping to create a stone or brick style to your concrete.

Decorative concrete can have so many different uses, and concrete is a wonderful choice for your home because it is so strong, easy to care for, and will last probably longer than your home itself. You can even change anything you want with the decorative concrete you already have in your home by making different colors, adding slabs to create something new and different. Nothing you do with decorative concrete has to stay there forever. You can change it at a later time if you decide that you want to do that.

You can change the color of your existing concrete by using acid staining, which creates a chemical reaction that changes the color of the concrete, or you can use concrete dyes. However, many people are turning to acid staining their concrete because of the fading effects concrete dyes can have. It was found that sunlight made the colors fade with concrete dyes if the concrete was left outside, or if sunlight were to hit a portion of your concrete wall or floor.

This is a versatile and semi permanent way to decorate your home. Decorative concrete walls, countertops, lawn accessories, and floors can be a great choice for you and your home. Learn more and get a free newsletter at http://myhomeimprovementtips.com and for more tips and resources, head to http://www.tipsonconcrete.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/fish-tank-cleaning-supplies-you-may-need http://www.artwoo.com/article/fish-tank-cleaning-supplies-you-may-need#comments Tue, 31 Jul 2007 06:15:02 +0000 fish tankfish tankssaltwater fishtropical fishfreshwater fishglass fishtank magnets http://www.artwoo.com/article/fish-tank-cleaning-supplies-you-may-need fish tank? If so, there will come a time when you will need to clean your fish tank. When that time comes, and there is no doubt that it will, do you know how you can go about properly cleaning your fish tank? If not, you are urged to familiarize yourself with common fish tank cleaning supplies, many of which you may find helpful.

When it comes to familiarizing yourself with fish tank cleaning supplies, there are a number of important factors that you will want to take into consideration. Two of those factors are extremely important. First, you will want to make sure that you examine the type of fish tank that you have. Secondly, you will want to make sure that you examine the type of fish that you have; for instance, do you have saltwater fish, tropical fish, or freshwater fish? While there are a number of universal cleaning supplies that can be used, for all different fish tanks, you will want to verify before using any particular cleaning product or piece of equipment, as you do not want to jeopardize your fish tank and its contents.

Although there are some instances where you may need certain fish tank cleaning products or equipment, there are many cleaning supplies that are sometimes considered universal. One of those products is floating magnets. Floating magnets are known as a safe, convenient, and easy way to remove fish tank debris, like algae, from the walls of your fish tank. While floating magnets can be used on a wide variety of different fish tanks, you are urged to keep the type of fish tank that you have in mind. When it comes to buying floating fish tank magnets, you will see that there are magnets which are designed solely for glass fish tanks and others that are designed solely for acrylic fish tanks.

Scrapers are another piece of cleaning equipment that you may need to purchase or want to think about purchasing. Scrapers, like floating magnets, are used to remove algae from the sides of a fish tank. Scrapers can get the hard to reach algae or the algae that didn't make its way to the magnets. For larger fish tanks, you should be able to purchase scrapers with extendable handles. Scrapers, as with fish tank magnets, are designed for both acrylic fish tanks and glass fish tanks. If and when you decide to purchase a fish tank scraper, it is important that you examine the scraper in question. While a large number of scrapers are designed for both glass and acrylic fish tanks, there are some scrapers that are only safe to use with glass aquariums. To protect your acrylic aquarium, you need to carefully examine what you are purchasing.

If the fish tank that you recently purchased was an acrylic fish tank, you may need to purchase an acrylic fish tank scratch repair kit. While you might not necessarily associate repairs with cleaning, you should, particularly when it comes to acrylic fish tanks. A scratch on an acrylic fish tank, even just a small one, may change the way that you feel about your aquarium. That is why it advised that you look into have an acrylic fish tank scratch repair kit to have on hand, just incase. Should you accidentally scratch your acrylic fish tank when cleaning it, having an on hand acrylic fish tank supply scratch kit could fix that scratch and have your aquarium back to looking new in no time at all.

Gravel vacuums are another fish tank cleaning product that you may want to examine closer. Fish tank gravel vacuums are ideal for all fish tanks that have gravel bottoms and since most do, this piece of cleaning equipment may be perfect for you and your new fish tank. With a fish tank gravel vacuum, you can clean your fish tank and the gravel, without having to separate all of the contents. A gravel vacuum can distinguish fish tank gravel from other fish tank debris. Owning a fish tank gravel vacuum is fish tank cleaning at is best; it saves time and it tends to eliminate some of the many hassles associated with cleaning a fish tank. Most fish tank gravel vacuums are safe to use with glass fish tanks and acrylic fish tanks.

The above mentioned fish tank cleaning supplies and equipment pieces are just a few of the many that you may need to purchase for your new fish tank. For a more accurate list of supplies that you may want to look into purchasing, as well as a large selection of fish tank cleaning supplies available for sale, you are urged to examine FishTanksDirect.com. We sell a full line of http://www.fishtanksdirect.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATSandCategory=8 and http://www.fishtanksdirect.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATSandCategory=3= 2 factory direct. Save hundreds on your next order with us. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-use-decorative-mirrors http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-use-decorative-mirrors#comments Sun, 27 Jan 2008 06:29:56 +0000 decorative mirrornatural brightnesslight wavesimaginary spaceglass panetrue sidebeautiful moment http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-use-decorative-mirrors light waves coming from that thing falls on that plane. Typically, it is a glass pane that is layered with the silver or aluminum coat at its back that results in the formation of image. Mirrors like cameras captures and reflects the beautiful moment and beautiful things of your life. Decorative mirrors are a very good source of decorating your house and making imaginary space in your house. A good quality decorative mirror can make your house or office look classier than it actually is.

You use decorative mirrors in any corner at your place, be it a tabletop or above the fireplace or at the entry, it will definitely give a distinguished look to that place making a strong appeal of space. Decorative mirrors are also one among the well designed decorators that are beautiful as well as reasonable in terms of price. Decorative mirrors are known for depicting the true side of the person as well as the thing that is in its frame of view.

Enclosed in furnished wood, bamboo, metal and stained glass sometimes embroidered with artificial leaves and flowers, marble bits, jewels and colorful glasses, the decorative mirrors can be used anywhere from bathroom to bedroom and from gym to bar.

The various things that you should keep in mind while decorating your house or office with mirrors are given below:

=95 Put the decorative mirrors on an adjoining wall to a beautiful artifact such that it imitates its image. This will give a more spacious look to your room.

=95 Paint one of the walls in your room darker than other walls and put the decorative mirror on the dark wall possibly near the window. This will generate more natural brightness in the room and give depth to your room.

=95 You can also place decorative mirrors designed with flowers at the entryway to increase its charm and beauty.

=95 Hang a cluster of decorative mirrors having different size and shape to make a wall exhibit striking and eye-catching.

=95 Adding a decorative mirror to countertop's backsplash is very easy to manage and increase the brightness in the kitchen.

=95 Traditional decorative mirror can be placed on the furniture that is not very good looking. It will increase the beauty of that furniture.

=95 Decorative mirrors can also be added behind the book cases to make them attractive and adding a virtual space for them.

=95 Put a decorative mirror in a place where it imitates something very interesting like fireplace. This adds to the charm of your room.

Before placing the decorative mirrors firstly analyze the place where you are going to place it. You can bend the decorative mirror to reflect the image of something very beautiful rather than allowing it to reflect an empty space of wall.

So, it is clear that decorative mirrors add to the beauty of your place. If you want to buy decorative mirrors you can get them from retail stores, flea markets and interior decoration stores at a reasonable price that will suit to your budget. Jessica Ackerman is the featured author at http://www.walldecorandhomeaccents.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/decorative-lamps-and-lighting http://www.artwoo.com/article/decorative-lamps-and-lighting#comments Fri, 08 Jun 2007 22:34:55 +0000 decorative lightingtiffany styletiffany glasstiffany table lampfloor lampstable lampsbejeweled http://www.artwoo.com/article/decorative-lamps-and-lighting
Lighting can be fun, and decorative lighting more so. Just look at Christmas tree lights and how much fun is to be had decorating the tree, with all its tinsel and lights.

The thing about using lighting for decorative purposes, is that in itself, lighting is a magical thing. Not only does it look beautiful but the light it emanates is a gorgeous thing to behold.

That is why we all marvel at Christmas trees when the lights are switched on for the first time. Decorative lighting adds an almost magical touch to the objects it illuminates.

There are many ways you can use lighting to add that decorative touch to your home or surroundings. For starters, many table lamps and floor lamps come in a variety of styles and designs. It is possible to buy beautifully crafted decorative table lamps, perhaps adorned with hanging dew drop beads that catch the light and dazzle with reflected color.

Take the traditional chandelier with all its facets and beautiful glass surfaces that glisten and sparkle so vibrantly. Chandeliers are a truly beautiful lighting fixture designed to look even better once the light source is switched on.

Decorative lighting needs to be functional, to a degree, as well as being purely for ornamental purposes, otherwise it can seem a bit pointless to have.

Stained tiffany glass shades are a great example of a light fixture that is both decorative and functional. A Tiffany light fitting, whether it is a Tiffany style floor lamp, decorative tiffany table lamp or tiffany hanging pendant light, is fit for a purpose. It goes beyond merely being a light source because Tiffany style light fittings are an object of beauty and are much admired for their iridescent glass coloring for one, and their infamous, bejeweled designs, whether it is the dragonfly, peacock feather or wisteria.

Even with the light turned off, a Tiffany light fitting can simply serve as a purely ornamental object too.

Spotlights are another form of indoor light fitting that can serve double purposes as functional lighting and decorative lighting.

They can be used to illuminate specific areas of a room and yet can be deployed to cast light on an object as well. By illuminating the object from above there is no glare and the object itself is lit up by bright light.

Old-fashioned antique lamps made from fabric and edged with hanging beads and supported by a fancy, adorned lamp base are another example of decorative lighting that also serves as a light source by night. The added bonus of antique style lighting fixtures is that they add a touch of glamor and grandeur, reminiscent of a bygone era, to your surroundings. Lauren Tyler is a writer for http://LampLightWorld.com. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/installing-your-decorative-window-film http://www.artwoo.com/article/installing-your-decorative-window-film#comments Sat, 04 Oct 2008 11:22:23 +0000 decorative window filmdirt and grimemild detergentrazor knifeugly windowair bubbleswindow films http://www.artwoo.com/article/installing-your-decorative-window-film ugly window into something that is worth a second glance; the answer is to install a decorative window film. It is an affordable way to brighten up your place and simply make it look better.

Decorative window films are available in different styles, it is a cheap way to make your place look attractive and give it some beauty and design. There are a variety of decorative window films, and the most common are those which mimic the glass. Decorative window films that mimic stained glass and etched glass are the most popular. Whatever you choose, installing a decorative window film is fast and easy. The tools you would need are a tape measure, razor knife, scissors, Plastic Card Squeegee, spray bottle, paper towel and a ruler.

• First, use the spray bottle and squeegee to clean the areas of the glass where you would place the decorative window film. Make sure all the dirt and grime are removed.

• Next, measure the glass surface with the tape measure. The amount of film you will use should oversize the surface by on each side. Cut the film.

• Next, fill the spray bottle with water; this should be about 38oz. Add about eight drops of mild detergent into the bottle. Do not use any acidic based detergent or any other detergent with chemicals that can harm or damage your window and the film.

• Lay the film on a flat surface. Carefully remove the cover of the film, exposing the adhesive side. Once exposed, use the solution in the spray bottle and spray on this side. Then, apply some of the same solution to the glass surface. This would prevent the film from attaching immediately therefore giving you more time to adjust the film.

• Place the film on the glass. Once you are happy with the position, use the squeegee from the centre of the film to the side to eliminate any and all air bubbles. Make sure there are no air bubbles left. If there are any air bubbles left, just use the squeegee to remove them.

• Now, use the ruler and razor knife to cut the excess film at both sides. Then use some more of the paper towel to dry the film and take out any solution left from earlier. There you have it. It would take a few days to completely dry.

• Some reminders, take extra time and care in cleaning the glass before putting on the film, this can give you trouble in applying the decorative window film. Also, while removing the cover from the film as it may roll onto itself, spray it with the solution while removing it.

A decorative window film will definitely give your space some colour and aesthetic. With minimal effort, you can change the way your place looks like and enhance the all around feel of your place.Richard Dinae is an architect, providing information and directories about home improvement, please visit Decorative Window Film]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/decorative-mailboxes-for-style http://www.artwoo.com/article/decorative-mailboxes-for-style#comments Tue, 01 Aug 2006 14:27:50 +0000 decorative mailboxesmailboxmaildecoratingsmiley facehobbystress reliever http://www.artwoo.com/article/decorative-mailboxes-for-style decorating your mailbox" rel="tag">mailbox that should be fun. You can have the trendiest mailbox on the block. The greatest thing about decorative mailboxes is the fact that you have the ability to express what type of person you are and your feelings in the way that you decorate yours.

Most people like to decorate their decorative mailboxes according to the season but why stop there. If you are someone who is happy all the time smiley face your mailbox. If you are Greek put the Greek gods all over your mailbox. Something that you see on most peoples decorative mailboxes is their family's last name in regular old boring colors and letters so the mailman does not accidentally deliver your neighbors mail to you. You can be that special person on the block that puts your family's last name on the mailbox with the lime green and shocking bright pink letters. It will make your mailbox stick out like an infected sore thumb, but will guarantee that everyone who passes by it will stop to look at it!

There are many people who will come home from work and be cranky but they can take out all of that in drawing, coloring and decorating. This can just be hobby to some, but for others it is a stress reliever and can get everything off of their mind. See how great decorative mailboxes can be?

Many stores sell the materials you will need to use for decorative mailboxes, but you can use any old materials that you may have lying around in your house. You can use cotton balls and color them with a marker or paint then glue them on your mailbox. This is a very easy idea to use.

Some people are so dedicated to the hobby of creating decorative mailboxes that they have even started groups that will just decorate mailboxes. A group in Kansas City was started three years ago called the andquot;Decorating Grannies.andquot; Yes, it is what it sounds like, a group of old ladies that lived in the retirement home decided to put ads in the newspaper and hang up flyers letting people know that for a very small fee they can have their mailboxes completely re-decorated by the coolest group of grannies ever. The money that they raised was donated straight to the retirement home to sponsor more activities that the oldies want.

If this story inspired you and you like decorative mailboxes then maybe you should try doing what these grannies did. You could be known as the hero of your community if you donate the money you need to maybe build a new playground for the kids or even buy new plants to grow around the area. The whole entire neighborhood will appreciate what you did and you will feel good about yourself and all of your friends will too. Mailboxes HQ http://mailboxes-hq.com/ contains information about mailboxes from designer mailboxes through how to keep your mail safe from criminals. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/adding-style-to-your-room-with-a-decorative http://www.artwoo.com/article/adding-style-to-your-room-with-a-decorative#comments Fri, 09 Jun 2006 03:32:04 +0000 chess setchess tablechess boarddecoratinggamehobbynice http://www.artwoo.com/article/adding-style-to-your-room-with-a-decorative chess set, chances are you think of an old wooden board with plain pieces that those strange guys in college played with into the wee hours of the morning. And while there can be no argument that chess is certainly a great way to pass the time, there is a use for chess that you may not have thought of - decorating.

But why would you want to decorate a room with a game? Well, chances are you won't be basing the entire room design around the set, but you should consider adding a decorative set to accent your current design. It's time to let go of the notion of chess being simply a game, and start thinking of it as a decorating tool.

Of course, you can't really justify decorating with an old musty board and cheap wooden pieces, can you? This is where you need to start thinking of a chess set as décor and not a hobby - a nice chess board and pieces (and possibly table) are going to run you a good bit of cash, and thinking of it as a hobby or game is going to make it that much more difficult to buy. But, if you start to consider it as an ornamental piece, then it becomes much more justifiable. After all, how much will you spend on a custom framed picture, or an ornate coffee table? They both qualify as decorations, but consider that nearly everyone has these - how many times have you seen an intricately carved chess set in someone's house?

The benefits of having a chess set as a decoration are numerous. It can instantly add a touch of class and sophistication to your room. Most people think of intelligence and refinement when they think of a nice looking marble chess set. It also provides a great conversation starter, since most people won't be used to seeing a hand crafted chess table with carved pieces. And finally, consider passing on an antique chess set as an heirloom to your children - a well made set will last many, many years.

So the next time you redo a room, consider adding a decorative chess set and table as one of your pieces. You'll add an instant conversation piece, and your room will look more refined and classy no matter what your decorating scheme. Adrian is the webmaster of http://www.decorative-chess-sets.com, an online store with hundreds of decorative and unique chess sets, boards, pieces and tables. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-make-an-outdoor-fire-pit http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-make-an-outdoor-fire-pit#comments Thu, 09 Aug 2007 14:30:00 +0000 outdoor fire pitspray paintpaint linesmost cost effectivefire pitssakretedowel http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-make-an-outdoor-fire-pit Fire pits are very nice in the winter as well as the summer.

There are kits available that allow you to simply put one together and away you go. However, I find that learning how to make an outdoor fire pit is the most cost effective way to go.

The first thing you want to do is consider what you want the fire pit to look like. Think about color, height, width, location and material needed.

You want to be away from any structures or things that could catch fire for obvious reasons, so location is the first thing to decide on. For material, most rock or do-it-yourself cement should suffice.

As these things go, always check with your local authorities for ordinances and regulations regarding fire pits in your area concerning where they can be placed and how big they can be. You want to be within the law with this. If you need building permits or neighbor's permission, get it so you are in line and legal so you don't run into problems later on.

With that out of the way, you can map out your location and begin. Here is an idea for a basic, in-ground fire pit that is approximately 24" inside diameter and 10" deep.

What You Need

You will need 2 or 3 bags of quick drying cement like Sakrete or the like, enough firebrick or stone to line it with, some quick mortar, a trowel, a 2x4 piece of lumber, a small piece of dowel wood, a can of spray paint (any color will do), some regular gravel and some string.

1) First, find the center of your fire pit's location and mark it with the dowel wood. Now attach a 12" piece of string to the dowel with a can of spray paint at the end. Using the string as a guide, paint a 24" circle. Then do the same thing with a piece of string 24" long.

2) Dig out between the paint lines 10" deep and you have a trench that is 48" in diameter at the largest point with a trench that measures 12" wide by 10" deep all around. This is your base.

3) Now add the gravel to the trench and tamp it down so it's firm. Then mix your cement and fill the trench to the top all the way around. Level this off with the 2x4 and smooth out with the trowel. Allow to set for at least two days, possibly up to a week so it has cured properly.

4) You will dig out the inside of the pit to so it is 2 to 3" higher than the sides, which will 7 or 8" and lay some more gravel in the bottom.

5) Then mix up your mortar and lay the firebrick so the bottom is completely covered. You may want to lay a second layer of brick. That's up to you entirely.

6) Allow the mortar to dry for a couple of days and you have an in-ground fire pit ready to go.

This is only one style among many, so look around and see what you want and go for it!

For more information about fire pits, visit: http://www.tipsonfirepits.com For more info and a free newsletter visit: http://myhomeimprovementtips.com and for more information about fire pits, visit: http://www.tipsonfirepits.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/adding-footing-to-a-horse-arena http://www.artwoo.com/article/adding-footing-to-a-horse-arena#comments Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:08:26 +0000 drainage trenchesoutdoor arenascoarse gravelindoor arenasadequate drainageshredded rubberwet area http://www.artwoo.com/article/adding-footing-to-a-horse-arena
First of all, outdoor arenas are more expensive to add footing to than indoor arenas. This is because to have a quality outdoor arena that does not harbor puddles after the rain, you need to build adequate drainage.

Drainage is created by building a foundation of coarse gravel. This gravel whisks the water away and out of your arena. Ideally, you should dig down past the topsoil and build your foundation from there. You will need to consider digging drainage trenches to encourage the water to flow out of your arena, especially if you are in a particularly wet area.

Once the ground is prepared, lay down a 4" layer of gravel. Be sure to spread the gravel evenly, as it is the foundation upon which the rest of your ring will be built. If the foundation is uneven, it will be difficult to make your ring level.

Next you will need to add a 4-6" layer of stone screenings. This is suitable both for indoor arenas and outdoor arenas. The stone screenings form a solid layer upon which the footing itself can be laid. It will improve the drainage, and allow you to lay a thinner layer of footing that you might have done without the screenings to seal the ground.

Ideally, once the screenings are down, the arena should be allowed a season to settle. This will pack in the ground so that the footing will not get mixed into the screenings. Screenings are a bit hard for jumping or other high impact riding, but that do make a reasonable surface for basic riding. By using the arena, you will pack the screenings down, making a more solid base.

Once the screenings have settled, you will need to add your footing. There are lots of types of footings out there, from basic sand, to fancy shredded rubber. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. Stay away from footings that are biodegradable like shavings. Your arena will quickly become damaged and the footing will need to be replaced.

If you choose to use sand, consider that the best sand for arenas is coarse, angular sand. If the sand is too fine it will blow away in the wind. Smooth grained sand, such as beach sand, can be slippery and will not offer as much grip for the horses.

Whatever footing you choose, add it in small increments. It is far easier to add more footing than to have to take it out again. Start out by adding 2" of footing. Give it some time to settle, and work your horses in it until you are sure whether you need more. Add new footing in increments of 1-2" at a time. Most arenas are best with 4-5" of footing, but it depends on your discipline.

Be sure to invest in the best footing you can. It will save you money in the long run. Replacing footing is very expensive, especially if you wind up needing to remove the old footing before adding the new. A well built arena will last for years with minimal maintenance. You will be glad that you made the effort to do it right the first time.Lydia K Kelly is a writer for HorseClicks, classifieds of horses for sale Mississippi, horses for sale Missouri, horses for sale Montana and other states. Lydia is also a featured author at www.ArticleKing.com]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-choose-perfect-arts-for-your-interior-decoration http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-choose-perfect-arts-for-your-interior-decoration#comments Tue, 29 Jan 2008 11:15:00 +0000 circle shapesquare shapebasic elementsvalue of moneyhome decorationsimportant factorsart design http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-choose-perfect-arts-for-your-interior-decoration Art design and items for decoration is somehow important to you home or any other residential are. As you can see that some people see the value of the artifacts and have invested a lot of money buying many of them to decorate their house/office. In fact, it is not just selecting the item that you like to decorate the house, but there are also important factors that have to be taken into account. Thje following article tells you about basic elements that you have to consider to buy arts design and items for home decorations. This is because, as you already know , that many type of art works are so expensive so you have to be sure that you get the best value of money.

Lets consider about what you currently have in the room. The most important thing is that you have to see which type of furniture that you have in the room, how about the shape of the room or which style of other existing decorations. Just take one example for clearer picture, imagine if you want to decorate your living room with some kind of contemporary art design items. Firstly you have to consider the shape of the living room or shape of the space. If the space is a circle shape, then you may try to look for the art items that has square shape to make a contrast. Also, if the existing furniture or other decorations are already in contemporary style, then it is much easier for you to choose additional decorative items. However, if you are considering to decorate other room like kitchen or bedroom, you then can apply the same practice and adapt to each type of room that you have.

Colours are really matter. It is quite hard to believe that colour still very important upon choosing art decorative items. Even though you have very small ones or very large size decorative items. It is really important to choose the colour to match each type of room. However, it does not always have to be like this. You may find that having art decorative items that have very much different in colour of the theme of the room generates very new and exciting environment. As when many people trying to find the decorative items that has colour match to the colour of the room, why don't you try something different and to be unique among all of those people?

Also, it is about the space. Of course that you have to be careful about the size of the room against the size of artifacts. Having too big or too small decorative items is obviously effect to the look and feel of the room and overall environment. Too large size will make you and your visitors feel very uncomfortable meanwhile too small items may be have only little impact and you may not get the best value of money. However, it is also really depends on the preference of individual, someone may like differently from other one, so basically just have what you want and use this just for basic guide before you consider. http://www.yourdesignart.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/decorative-glass-doors http://www.artwoo.com/article/decorative-glass-doors#comments Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:36:33 +0000 frosted glass doorsgloomy atmosphereroom doorswooden doorswood doorsshower curtainsshapes sizes http://www.artwoo.com/article/decorative-glass-doors
However, have you ever considered what you might want for the doors? Sure, there are the classic light, white wooden doors, or the very heavy carved medieval-looking wood doors; however, heavily carved old-fashioned doors tend to be stained in darker colors, and create a rather gloomy atmosphere in your home.

For a more modern, contemporary design, you might want to consider decorative glass doors instead.

Why use decorative glass doors? Well, there are plenty of reasons for that! One major advantage that a decorative glass door ahs over a dark, old, medieval wooden door is the ability to allow light from room to room.

The transfer of so much daylight throughout the house will create an overall lighter atmosphere, allowing more daylight into your home and creating a warmer effect.

Recently, studies have shown that exposure to plenty of daylight inside the home is good for your health because it wards off depression and also increases your productivity.

Decorative glass doors come in many shapes, sizes, and designs. For a more contemporary look, you may just simply want to consider an elegant glass door with gold or silver metallic touches on the edges; clear glass will allow the door to let in the most light.

These can be effective for the door leading to your patio or deck, so that you get a nice, clear view of the backyard. A decorative glass door also may be used for office and room doors.

However, when you are considering doors for the bathroom, you may want to use a frosted glass door, because frosted glass doors are more translucent and provide much more privacy than a clear glass door.

This same idea goes for the shower; while shower curtains might suffice, having a glass door for your shower will allow more light in so that you no longer have to stand in the dark shower--you can enjoy the warm water in the light!

Frosted glass can come in many different variations. There is frosted textured glass that isn't quite transparent but not that translucent either, and simply has wavy designs all over the glass so that it's difficult to see the clear image on the other side.

There's also sandblasted frosted glass, which creates sort of a grayish, almost plastic-like sheen over the glass to create translucency.

Another type of decorative glass door is the stained glass door. Stained glass doors can be used as front doors because they tend to be a bit fancier, though I would not recommend you use bright contrasting colors on your stained glass door, as that may seem a bit over-bright and difficult to match to your exterior house design.

Many homeowners have also used stained decorative glass doors as their cabinet doors, and these create beautiful effects for your kitchen area, as it allows light to travel into and light up all your cabinets--and thus, your entire room.Specialty doors offers many types of doors including interior doors and decorative glass doors for homes, lofts, condos, or apartments.]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/bamboo-fountains-creating-your-own-tropical-paradise http://www.artwoo.com/article/bamboo-fountains-creating-your-own-tropical-paradise#comments Sun, 13 Jan 2008 19:15:01 +0000 wire mesh screenterra cotta containersbamboo fountainsdrainage holeshome improvement retailerwater spoutsdecorative gravel http://www.artwoo.com/article/bamboo-fountains-creating-your-own-tropical-paradise bamboo fountains may seem a bit challenging, doing so is surprisingly simple, and can requires only a few items available at any home improvement retailer like Home Depot or Lowe's. In no time, you can build strikingly attractive bamboo fountains to grace your home's interior for years.

Parts For Your Bamboo Fountains

Bamboo fountains can be built from parts easily obtained wither online or from a home garden or hardware supplier. The most important components of bamboo fountains, or any fountains, for that matter, are the fountain pumps. Look for the fountain pumps' gph, or gallon-per-hour-ratings on their boxes, and select one with a lower rating if you prefer a soothing flow of water to a more energetic one.

You should next look for half-inch tubing with which to connect the pumps for your bamboo fountains. Because tubing is so inexpensive, you should go ahead and buy twice what you think you will actually use, to be on the safe side.

Then find a waterproof container. You can get an inexpensive flower pot made of waterproof terra cotta, but try to find ones with no drainage holes; otherwise you will have to seal them. Terra cotta containers come in several sizes, so you will have plenty to work with.

Finally, choose your bamboo which is also available in several sizes. You should cet at least tow different sizes; three-quarter and two inch widths would be a good choice but whatever sizes you choose should be large enough to cover the water spouts on the pumps for your bamboo fountains. Get pieces of bamboo which are about three feet long, and make sure you have a hand saw to trim them as needed. You'll also need raffia, decorative gravel or rocks, and wire mesh screen.

Assembling Your Bamboo Fountains

To assemble your bamboo fountains, begin by sealing any drainage holes in your containers with cork covered with a waterproof adhesive. While that dries, trim your bamboo canes to lengths of about fifteen inches, and drill a hole into some of the canes so that they will hold the nozzles of your bamboo fountains' pumps. Next, use raffia to lash enough pieces of bamboo together so that they will completely conceal the pumps.

Then place pieces of your wire mesh over the bases of your pumps, by cutting it in circles the diameter of the bases of your containers. Place the pumps into the pots, covering them with the gravel or rocks, and inserting the nozzle of the pumps into the bamboo canes which you have drilled. By tipping that bamboo cane into another one, you will cause the water to cascade and produce a waterfall. Pour your water in, and as your bamboo fountains come to life, you'll get the first glimpse of the lasting beauty they will add to your home!

Bamboo garden fountains are equally suited to interior or exterior d=E9cor, and are particularly popular among practitioners of the discipline of feng shui. Although the use of bamboo garden fountains originated in Asia, their grace and beauty have led to wide their wide adoption by homeowners and decorators all over the globe. There are bamboo garden fountains perfect for any decorating theme. You can also find more info on http://www.topfountains.com on fountains and http://www.topfountains.com/category/bamboo-garden-fountains on bamboo garden http://fountains.Topfountains.com/ is a comprehensive resource to know more about fountains. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/setting-up-a-saltwater-aquarium http://www.artwoo.com/article/setting-up-a-saltwater-aquarium#comments Wed, 30 Apr 2008 06:18:16 +0000 setting up a saltwater aquariumaquarium gravelaquarium hobbyistsmarine inhabitantssaltwater aquariumssaltwater tankbiological media http://www.artwoo.com/article/setting-up-a-saltwater-aquarium Aquarium hobbyists do find setting up a saltwater aquarium as quite a challenge, and an interesting one at that. Saltwater fish are much more colorful than freshwater ones, and in a saltwater aquarium, you have many more options with corals, sponges, anemones and several other marine inhabitants. But, saltwater aquariums will also require greater maintenance, and that is the reason it is not easy to set up a saltwater aquarium for beginners.

Here are few steps to start out with a saltwater aquarium and to ensure that your aquarium becomes a successful life support system for its inhabitants:

1. Select the right tank.

Your first decision will definitely be to select the right kind of tank to house your saltwater inhabitants. It is always good to have a large tank with saltwater occupants, because of their big-size requirements. Keep at least a ten-gallon tank at the outset.

2. Set up the tank in the right place.

Saltwater fish and other occupants do not like direct sunlight, unless they are continental shelf inhabitants by nature. However, you must make sure not to place your tank in direct sunlight. There should be adequate light where the tank is placed, but no direct sunrays.

3. Set up the aquarium bed.

When you set up the saltwater aquarium bed, you have to make sure that the bed contains live matter. If you buy aquarium gravel then this problem is solved. Aquarium gravel contains biological media such as bacteria that will help to maintain the necessary cycles in the tank for the proper health of the fish living in it. You will also need to clean out this biological media if the water gets too cloudy. Other things you will need on the bed are a live rock, which is much the same in function as aquarium gravel, but is shaped like a rock, and air stones that will help to circulate bubbles of air within your saltwater tank.

4. Check out the requirements of lighting.

A basic rule is to have 4 watts of lighting per gallon of water in your tank. There are different kinds of lights available, like the metal halide lights and the fluorescent lights. When you are starting out, the fluorescent lights are better because they will be able to spread light out into the aquarium in a much better way.

If you have corals in your tank, then your lighting requirements will increase. Corals are light sensitive, and they grow healthier if light falls on them. Hence, you will have to take good quality lighting for your tank. The same applies if you have plants in your tank. But, for beginners, a planted aquarium could be quite tough to maintain. A better way is to begin with a tank that has only fish in it, and then graduate on to keeping plants and corals in the tank when they get enough practice with keeping fish in it.

5. Choosing the fish.

Yes, choosing the fish is the last step when building up a saltwater aquarium and not the first. You will have to select fish that are non aggressive with each other. One good idea is to select one fish first, let it live alone for about a week and then get another. When you do this, you allow the biological system to set in inside the tank before the second occupant is introduced. This also helps the biological media to get adjusted better. Salty Supply is your premier store for saltwater aquarium supplies. Visit us at http://www.saltysupply.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/accessorizing-your-kitchen-with-decorative-cookware http://www.artwoo.com/article/accessorizing-your-kitchen-with-decorative-cookware#comments Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:57:29 +0000 kitchen decorating ideasinternet search enginestender morselsbudget dollarsinternet outletscook foodsfamily budget http://www.artwoo.com/article/accessorizing-your-kitchen-with-decorative-cookware internet outlets, a homemaker is sure to find several retail locations that specialize in a certain type of kitchen cook top appliance that might give a homemaker more opportunities to decorate the home with decorative cookware that costs less.

Some of the decorative pieces of cookware might show a homemaker how to cook healthier meals that the entire family will think are delicious. The cookware selections discovered through internet search engines might show new cooks how to prepare foods without removing vitamins and nutrients during the cooking process due to the fact that the decorative cookware choices cook foods without an excessive amount of water. A homemaker will have full reign on selecting which styles of waterless cookware pieces fit in with the family lifestyle and because the pieces are sold separately and in sets, the decorative cookware chosen will be very affordable.

Decorative cookware can help keep the family budget in line because homemakers can select less-choice cuts of beef, pork, or chicken to serve at every family meal. Some new cooks will rely on the decorative cookware attributes to prepare meals that taste divine and are capable of producing tender morsels every time. A homemaker can select decorative cookware for use on countertops to simmer meals for hours, which will tenderize any substandard cuts of meat and stretch the budget dollars at the same time. The color selections offered in counter top cookware are marvelous and will fit in nicely with any kitchen decor.

Many homemakers select decorative cookware brands that tie in well with the major appliances placed throughout the kitchen. Some kitchen decorating ideas might suggest to a homemaker to keep cast iron fry pans on the cooking range at all times to give the kitchen a rustic look that never gets boring. The dark metals in the cast iron cookware choices will blend in well with home appliances fashioned with brushed stainless steel. Some cooks will blend these primary colors with the granite colors chosen for the kitchen counter top area.

A homemaker has many decorating options at their disposal when using decorative cookware to color coordinate a kitchen decor. Many homemakers will enhance the visual pleasure of cooking at home due to the styles of cookware used for everyday cooking needs. Decorative cookware handles can be used as art forms in the kitchen when the handles curve upward into an ergonomic design that is quite stylish and comfortable to use at the same time. The gleam of stainless steel cookware choices will have a decorative effect on kitchen counter tops because the homemaker chooses to hang these pots and pans instead of storing them in a cabinet.James Brown writes about KitchenEtc.com online coupons, Kitchen Collection online coupons and CHEF's online coupons]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/gold-mining-how-do-we-get-gold-out-of-the-ground http://www.artwoo.com/article/gold-mining-how-do-we-get-gold-out-of-the-ground#comments Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:15:26 +0000 california gold rushgold mining methodsgold rush of 1849gravel bankssluice boxcalifornia gold rush of 1849forty niners http://www.artwoo.com/article/gold-mining-how-do-we-get-gold-out-of-the-ground
There are two main gold mining methods, one is called "placer" and the other is "vein" mining. And another type of mining is when gold is collected as a by-product in the mining of other metals.

Placer Mining

Placer mining is practiced when the metal is found in unconsolidated deposits of sand and gravel from which the gold can be easily separated because of its high density. The sand and gravel suspended in moving water. Much heavier metal sinks to bottom and is separated by hand.

The simplest method of placer mining is panning. Here the miner swirls the mixture in a pan rapidly enough to carry the water and most of the gravel and sand over the edge while the gold remains on bottom. This was the classic method used by the Forty-Niners during the California gold rush of 1849 and has been immortalized in story, art, and song.

A more efficient form of placer mining uses a sluice box, a U-shaped trough with a gentle slope and transverse bars firmly attached to the trough bottom.

The bars -- extending from side to side -- catch the heaviest particles and prevent them from washing down the slope.

Sand and gravel are placed in the high end, the gate to a water supply is opened, and the lighter material is washed through the sluice box and out the lower end. The materials are caught behind the bars and are gleaned to recover gold.

Another variation of placer mining is called hydraulic mining. A very strong stream of water is directed at natural sand and gravel banks washing away the lighter materials. The suspended materials treated as if they were in giant sluice box.

Currently the most important placer technique is dredging. A huge shovel of several cubic meters capacity lifts the unconsolidated sand and gravel from soil and mud and the placer process starts.

Vein Mining

Vein, or lode mining is the most important of gold recovery methods. Each ounce of gold recovered requires the processing of about 100,000 ounces of ore. Much gold is deposited in rock veins and this method accounts for more than half world's total gold production. Gold in veins may be of microscopic particle size, in nuggets or sheets, or in gold compounds. The ore requires extensive extraction and refining.

One-third of all gold is produced as a by-product of copper, lead, and zinc production. Copper must be electrolytically refined to raise its purity from 99% to the more than 99.99% that is required for many industrial purposes.

In the refining process an anode of impure copper is electrolyzed in a bath in which the cathode is a very thin sheet of highly refined copper. This process

creates anode sludge which contains gold in quantities sufficient to make its recovery profitable. One-third of all gold is obtained from such by-products.

Silver and platinum are also recovered from the copper anode sludge in quantities large enough to more than pay for the total refining process.

Extraction, Refining and Uses of Gold

Ore from the gold mine is first crushed in rod or ball mills. This process reduces the ore to a powdery substance. The gold is then extracted by amalgamation with mercury or by placer procedures. Approx. 70% is recovered at this point.

The remainder is then dissolved in dilute solutions of sodium cyanide or calcium cyanide. The addition of metallic zinc to these solutions causes metallic gold to precipitate. This precipitate is refined by smelting and the purification is completed by electrolysis. The sludge produced in this process will also contain commercial quantities of silver, platinum, osmium, and other rare-earth metals.

Gold is one of the first two or three metals, along with copper and silver that was used by humans in these metals' elemental states. Because of its poor chemical reactivity it was found uncombined and required no knowledge of refining. Gold was used in decorative arts before 9000 BC. And civilizations prized gold for its beauty.

A principal use of gold today is as a currency reserve. For centuries gold was used directly as currency along with silver. During the 19th century, gold assumed the role as the sole basis of the currencies of most nations. Paper money was directly convertible into gold.

World War I, however, disrupted the "gold-standard" system. The original gold standard was gradually abandoned. The United States stopped minting gold coinage in 1934 and the dollar eventually emerged as the principal unit of international monetary transactions.

Since the 1970s, gold has been bought and sold on the world market, with widely fluctuating prices. Today gold reserves maintain only a very indirect relationship with currency values. However, as gold has declined as a currency reserve, its use in industrial processes has risen. On top of this, its beauty and workability continue to give gold an important role in the world's jewelry industry.Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. Pandora bracelets, Pandora charms and Pandora beads are only a part of the collection. For more information, Lewis Jewelers, 2000 West Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48103, 877-88-LEWIS or visit the website.]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/build-your-own-fire-pit http://www.artwoo.com/article/build-your-own-fire-pit#comments Sun, 24 Dec 2006 00:27:16 +0000 fire pitspray paintmortargravelmanholetrowelbuild your own fire http://www.artwoo.com/article/build-your-own-fire-pit fire pit in your background, there are several ways to accomplish this task. Below you will find one set of step-by-step instructions to approaching this fun and exciting do-it-yourself home improvement project.

1. Identify where you would like to make your fire pit and insert a wooden rod into the center of this location. To the rod, attach a 10 1/2 --inch string with a can of spray paint at the end. While holding the string tight, spray-paint a circle. Next, connect a 22 1/2-inch string to the same spray can and draw another circle. Using these guidelines, dig a trench that measures 10 inches deep and 12 inches wide.

2. Next, place 2 inches of gravel about the trench to create a lining. Tamp the gravel, making it firm to the touch. The gravel will then be covered with concrete that reaches ground level. Using a shovel can eliminate air pockets. Level this area with a piece of 2x4, followed by trowel smoothing. Allow the concrete to harden and then cover it with plastic. This should set for a couple of days with an additional week of open-air curing.

3. Once the concrete has cured, use water to create a mist and smooth out the mortar. Next, press a manhole block measuring 6 inches into the mortar, followed by another piece lying flush against the first. Scrap pieces of 2 x 4 can be used to keep the tops of the blocks in an even pattern. Leaving three equidistant 3/4-inch gaps creates air vents within your fire pit.

4. Continuing to build your own fire pit, you will dry-lay a second layer of 6-inch manhole blocks over the first. Mortar is not used during this step. The blocks should be positioned so that they are flush with one another. Internal edges of this second layer should line up with the bottom layer. A slight lip will begin to form on the outer edge.

5. To continue making your own fire pit, you should mist the blocks of both layers, adding surface-bonding cement to the outside of your creation. Use a wet trowel to smooth out the surface. The top edge of the cement should be clear, so that the wall will accept the cap. The air vents should also be avoided during this process.

6. The last steps to building your own fire pit include cutting fireproof brick capstones into wedges. This can be accomplished with the use of a circular saw. An abrasive masonry blade should be chosen. You will also need a chisel for this step. Make sure that you are wearing your safety goggles during this step! Having a fire pit for this winter is a good idea, not only will this serve you in the cool winter days, it is perfect and more suitable for the next summer, get your own fire pit and get you Fire Pit Design Tips at http://firepit.zupatips.com ]]>