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Friday, March 13, 2009
 Why go through the planning, effort, and expense of making your home or office look fabulous…and then put plastic switchplates on your walls? Decorative switchplates are a unique and artistic alternative to the same old boring light switch covers that you see everywhere. THE ADVANTAGES OF DECORATIVE SWITCHPLATES Decorative switchplates transform boring functional objects that are on your walls throughout your home into fantastic works of art. Decorative switchplates are often available in a wide variety of sizes and configurations. Sizes can range from “standard” to “mid-sized” to “oversized.” Oversized plates are very useful if your electrician has created an opening that cannot be covered by standard sized switchplates. As an example, a single toggle standard plate is 2.75 inches wide and 4.5 inches high while the oversize version is 3.5 inches wide and 5.25 inches tall. Decorative switchplates are an economical way to introduce art into every room of your home. Some decorative switchplate manufacturers can custom design switchplates for you based upon your unique specifications (color palette, configuration, design, etc). This saves you significant time searching for just the right switchplate. WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN DECORATIVE SWITCHPLATES * Stainless steel switchplate bases are preferable because of their durability. Plastic plates can crack if screwed too tight. * The varnish used is critical to the longevity of your decorative switchplates. Purchase switchplates with durable varnish that creates a UV, water, and stain resistant surface. Well varnished switchplates should be able to be wiped off with a wet sponge or rag. * Switchplate screws should be provided…and painted to match the design of your switchplate. * Buy from a company that guarantees your satisfaction and will refund or exchange your plates if needed. * Buy from a company that can create similar switchplates in a variety of sizes/configurations if you want to display several in one area. * If you have an extremely rare switchplate configuration in your home (this can be true in older houses), find a company willing to have you send your plate to them to work on. There are times when this is the only option. INSTALLING YOUR NEW SWITCHPLATE It’s as easy as unscrewing your old plate and screwing your new one on. It shouldn’t take more than a minute or so! WHAT ABOUT THE PLASTIC TOGGLE THAT COMES THROUGH ONCE YOU INSTALL YOUR DECORATIVE SWITCHPLATE? Some people are bothered by this. It’s true that a fabulous decorative switchplate can look wonderful off the wall, but can lose some of its appeal once installed because of the white plastic toggle or switch that comes through. We suggest the following: 1. Remove your switchplate and tape newspaper around the electrical opening to protect your walls 2. Spray the plastic toggle with a plastic spray primer that can be found at hardware stores. Let dry. 3. Spray paint the plastic toggle with a color that compliments your switchplate. We suggest several light coats. Let dry. 4. Apply a few coats of spray varnish. Let dry. 5. Now install your switchplate and admire the new look! Decorative Switchplates: An Affordable Way to Introduce Art Into Every Room of Your Home - Brielle Designs Decorative Switchplates http://www.brielledesigns.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Busteed by: ArtByTR Links to this post  
Saturday, September 27, 2008
 There are many different themes that bedrooms can take, and there are switchplates to match them all. There are switchplate covers that coordinate or contrast with the color of the walls or base boards. There are also themes for hobbies, collectibles and popular decorative images. Consumers can find everything from ladybug switchplates to guitar switchplates for a child’s, teenager’s or adult’s bedroom. Switchplates do serve a purely functional purpose of hiding unattractive and electrically dangerous wires and light switches from the outside world. These decorative switchplates can also be one of the finishing touches for a complete bedroom design overhaul. Little boys and girls might enjoy ladybug switchplates that remind them of their favorite children’s books. Teenage musicians, on the other hand, might think guitar switchplates are a little bit cooler. For adults, though, there are many classic and modern switchplate covers that provide new style to the room. Anyone who wants to spice up their bedroom will find that decorative switchplates are a great option. The choice of switchplate covers can reflect one’s individuality and taste, while accenting any theme or helping to brighten up an otherwise dull part of the house. Some people even collect switchplates from different eras, and modern manufacturers make great reproductions of these as well. They’re just one more way to brighten up the bedroom without spending a lot of time or money. About the Author: Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/decorative-switchplates-spice-up-the-bedroom-189611.html by: ArtByTR Links to this post
Sunday, May 11, 2008
 If you are trying to finish your room, with the right touches, such as throw pillows, flowers, vases, trinkets, then don't forget the switch plates! Have you ever been into a newly decorated house, where they had spent thousands, new carpet or tiles, new furniture, and the first thing you noticed was the gaudy switch plates on the walls! How embarrassing is that? A lot of people will spend the money on top of the line products, and paint the walls their designer colors and then just stick the same old beat up switch plate covers back on the walls. As the homeowner, you are used to them, you know they fit right, and in reality, didn't think much about them. They are for function only, and therefore they have to be there so what can you do about it? Well, times have changed and you can get so many beautiful and unique decorative switch plates online now. No longer do you have to go to your local hardware store and pick between white, black, brown or ivory. You know the ones I mean, with the shrink wrap and the tiny screws floating around in the package? We have so many electronic gadgets now, that the electrical outlets and light switches are inevitable, so why make them stand out just because they are functional. With a little imagination, functional can also be beautiful in a house, so take the time, and allow some money in your budget to finish off your walls with the right touches, and shop for some really unique and stunning switch plates. You can follow a theme, and I bet you will find just what you are looking for. Some of these sites have over 200,000 switch plates to pick from. I am sure you can find something better than those plain hardware store ones. At my-pampered-kitchen.com there are over 200,000 unique and beautiful switchplates online. You can match a theme to any room, make your walls stunning with the finishing touches. Article and website by Diane Palmer Article Source: Diane Palmer by: ArtByTR Links to this post
Sunday, April 6, 2008
 Here are the three top decorating mistakes, with switch plates. by: ArtByTR Links to this post
Saturday, March 8, 2008
 The artist Tina Robinson of ArtByTR.com has created her interpretation of the gorgeous daylily flower on copper and silver light switch plates. She embosses her designs in tooling foil which is then secured to a standard switch plate. Her decorative switch plates adorn homes across the country. Here is an article I found with information about the daylily that I
Whether you need an orange flower, or maybe a red one, or even a yellow one. And if you want petals that are double or peony-like, maybe even ruffled with wavy edges and with a different color on the edges of the flower too. You need look no further than to that beauty for a day...the daylily. That is correct. Variety in size, color and form...the daylily has it all. These beauties come as small as miniatures with flowers that are less than 3 inches in diameter up to an astonishing 7-1/2 inch diameter of the Orchid Corsage daylily. When it comes to height, there are the dwarf daylilies with scapes to only about 12 inches tall or if you prefer, the Autumn King will grow to well over 5 feet. Daylilies are available in solid colors of near white to yellow, orange, red, purple, and pink. From bi-colors with petals (inner segments) and sepals (outer segments) being different colors like the Frans Hals to bi-tones with lighter sepals and darker petals and reverse bi-tones with darker sepals and lighter petals. If you would prefer, you could choose an unusual blend like the Late Adagio which intermingles two or more colors or an overlay which occurs in a flower with another color overlaying the basic color. If you are looking for something rather unique in flower coloring, be sure to check out some of the daylilies with eyezones: Siloam Tee Tiny, Court Magician, Lavender Eyes or Two Part Harmony. Or look for some of these beauties that have a picotee edging...where the edge is a different color than the base color of the flower. A beautiful picotee example is the Ana Marie Margetts daylily. When it comes to the actual flower forms, you can find daylilies as doubles, Siloam Olin Frazier, being peony-like or ruffled with edges that are crimped or wavy. You will also find daylilies with flowers that appear star shaped with spaces between the petal segments and spider-types like Open Hearth where petal ratios are 4:1, length-to-width. You will also be able to find those daylilies which resemble a true lily, the trumpet forms, where the petals rise upward with a gentle flare. These versatile flowers may tend to break your heart though as, generally, the beauty of the daylily bud is in bloom for a single day before it begins to wither. All is not lost, however, as multiple buds on each daylily scape will provide plenty of beautiful blooms over several weeks during each bloom season. Whatever color, size or form of flower you are looking for you will want to be sure to check out what that beauty for a day, the daylily, has to offer. About The Author Robin, a gardening enthusiast, published and manages a website for people wanting to get their flower garden set up quickly 'n easily. You can see her site at http://www.Gardening-Quick-n-Easy.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_Monarch by: ArtByTR Links to this post
 "When pigs fly" is a way of saying that something will never happen. A symbol of an impossible event coming to pass. The popular saying "it will happen when pigs fly" or when pigs have wings, is traditionally used to mean that the specified event will never occur. I can remember as a child asking my father for one thing or another only to hear him answer, "when pigs fly". Much to my dismay, I learned quickly that I was never going to receive what I had asked for. The flying pig can also be a wonderful symbol for achieving the impossible. A celebration of sorts, that you were able to create a positive change to your current situation. I will lose that weight, or change my attitude when "pigs fly". Well now you have and you can stand proud and display your "flying pig" as a symbol of your accomplishments. Our little "flying pig" ornaments and plant stakes can also put a smile on the faces of your friends and family, young or old. Now isn't that smile worth a thousand words? Article by Kathy Campbell Web master for ArtByTR.com by: ArtByTR Links to this post
Monday, February 11, 2008
 I wanted to share with you some history of the Fleur De Lis and I ran across this great article. The author discusses decorating with bookends, but if you have a room where you use this symbol in your decor, why not add a few unique switchplates with the Fleur De Lis design. Our switchplates can be made to compliment any decor. Whether your home would look better with copper, brass or silver, let ArtByTr decorate your walls. Fleur De Lis Bookends Emblematic of History The Fleur de lis is symbolic for many reasons. Most often translated as flower of the lily, this historic symbol has been associated with European royalty, in particular the French monarchies. Throughout history, the fleur de lis has become almost ubiquitous in its use as a symbol representing royalty, religion and military significance. It is no wonder that bookends and other elements of interior design have made use of this historic emblem.Though there is a great deal of historic disagreement, the fleur de lis is believed to have originated during medieval times. Representations of the symbol have been throughout Europe. Relics from as far east as Mesopotamia, what is now modern day Iraq, featured some derivation of the fleur de lis. From Celtic coins to Asian clothing, the symbol has developed a worldwide significance. The symbol can be found in relics of several Middle Eastern works of art. Heraldic and royal significance aside, the fleur de lis developed various other meanings. The Christian religions saw the symbol as representative of several things. Not the least of these was as a symbol of the cross and crucifixion. Another significant Christian interpretation involved the Holy Trinity. The prominent petals of the flower were said to be representative of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Chivalry, faith and wisdom were some of the more secular characteristics associated with this historic symbol. The reinvention of medieval symbols by the growing Christian religions was not limited to the fleur de li. The well known Celtic cross or Cross of Iona predates Christianity by hundreds of years, yet Christians immediately appropriated the symbol as their own. As with the fleur de li, the Celtic cross was seen as symbol of the Latin cross or Crux immisa. The Holy Trinity and symbols of the crucifixion play an important role in what was to become the Roman Catholic Church. Gothic symbols included the quatrefoil, a symmetrical four sided figure. The four sides of the quatrefoil were thought to have several meanings tied to the Matthew, Mark Luke and John other known as the four evangelists. The fleur de li is yet another example of three and four sided figures appropriated by the Catholic Church. The flower of the lily has been interpreted to stand for female virtues such as purity and chastity. These same virtues have always been closely associated with the Virgin Mary, another very important icon of the Catholic faith. King Louis VII was thought to be the first French monarch to adopt the fleur de li, though this remains a matter of great debate among some historians. Though the symbol was never officially adopted by France, it has endured as being closely associated with the French. English kings, most notably King Edward, adopted the symbol in the thirteen hundreds. Scottish King James I included the fleur de li in his coat of arms. Early Spanish and Italian royalty made of the symbol as well including the Spanish House of Bourbon. Modern use of the symbol includes use in many logos, artwork and as a military designation. Many state flags in the United States feature some form of the fleur de li. The provincial flag of Quebec, Canada, the Fleurdelise, makes prominent use of the symbol. Bookends that feature the fleur de li are very popular. The enormously historic significance of the simple has been replaced by an admiration for its simplicity of design. Fleur de li bookends can be found in a wide variety of materials, from stone, marble and clay. Bronze, pewter and similar metals are widely used to create bookends that, though unknown to many people, have a deep and rich history. About the Author Mitch Endick is a short article writer for the popular decorative bookend site. He provides interesting information buying and collecting decorative bookends. Article Source by: ArtByTR Links to this post
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