Collectible items such as bronze bookends are once a staple to most of the old homes, since the advert of computers, books were the favorite past times in the early years. Our grand parents love to read and read when ever they find time to relax. It’s the reason that in their time you can see a lot of book ends. Today these stuffs especially the bronze bookends are part of collectibles, though there are some stores that sell this old stuff but it is hard to find one that is really made of pure bronze.

Bronze bookends come in two purpose, one and first uses is it hold the books and second it also serve as decorative piece. There are many factors to consider about the true value of bronze bookends. Age is one of the common factors to consider. Naturally those bronze bookends from 1800′s are more valuable compared to those bronze bookends made in the earlier times. The materials are also one good reason to consider. Is it really made of pure bronze or just bronze coated?

The brand is one thing that affects the value of bronze bookends, the designs are also well noted and the ancient designs are still pricey among other designs no matter how beautiful the design is. Though there are replicas of the ancient things but the shortage of ones item can be more valuable than those that have been replicated many times.

Collectors know that the value of once item is known by the way a collector is willing to pay for it. Often times when the item is truly unique, genuine and is not replicated, the collector is willing to pay higher price.

Collecting bookends today comes in different aspects. Some finds it valuable to get bronze bookends for display and some finds it valuable for their hobbies. Bronze bookends are important but it is more important to know which bronze bookends are made of pure bronze and which one is not.

It is always obvious that bookends are made of metals, marble, brass and bronze. The reason for this is that, they hold the books securely even if you place a long line of books between the book ends. Bronze bookends have been a decorative piece because of its appearance, shiny and more resembles like gold when hit by a ray of light.

Today there are only few people who collect books, blame it to the new technologies such as computers and the use of bookends are not that popular anymore. Bronze bookends are still sought today for decorative piece and of course for holding books in libraries.

To make a bookend you require a polyester brush, ruler, pencil, scissors, cloth, scroll or band saw. Also one piece 4’*6’*1’ of wood , 9 1 ½ long finishing nails, 2 pieces of ¼’ cork, wood glue, wood filler, clear urethane varnish, one sheet of coarse sandpaper, and fine sandpaper.

Steps to make the bookend:

1. First you need to print off the base, back and the center piece patterns and cut it out.
2. Then trace the base pattern measuring 5’*5’ onto the wood twice and cut the pieces out with the scroll or band saw.
3. Trace the back pattern measuring 8 ½ ’* 5’ onto the wood twice and cut the pieces out with the scroll or band saw.
4. Next trace the center piece measuring 6’ *3’ once and again cut the piece with scroll or band saw. Cut this piece into half to make the center pieces each measuring 3’ * 3’.
5. Sand all the pieces until they become smooth first with the coarse sandpaper and then fine sandpaper.
6. Now wipe the wood with a cloth to remove the dust from sanding.
7. Glue the back to the base and then wipe off the entire excess flue with a damp cloth.
8. Allow this glue to dry.
9. Now glue the center to the back and the base and wipe off the excess glue with a damp cloth before it dries.
10. Allow this glue to dry.
11. Next secure the back, base and center with the finishing nails for extra strength, 3 on the bottom under the cork where the center piece attaches to the bottom, 3 up the back to hold the center piece in place and 3 along the back where the bottom attaches to it.
12. Fill the nail holes with wood filler where they could be countersunk. Let it dry and then sand it lightly with sandpaper.
13. When the glue and nail filler is thoroughly dry, varnish with small polyester brush and consult the container of varnish for proper instructions. If necessary, sand it lightly before varnishing again. Varnish again in 24 hours.
14. Trace the base pattern twice onto the cork and glue the cork to the underside of the base of each bookend to prevent scratching furniture and prevent slipping.

But while you make this bookend always keep in mind that these tools are dangerous so you should always look for the safety measures.

For further information, visit craft-books.net

By: OliviaAndrews

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Olivia Andrews, writer of www.craft-books.net is a freelance journalist and has written many reviews on subjects such as finance, education, health, entertainment, music, gifts, crafts, travel, apparels and mobile phones.

Factors like functionality, utility, and decorative aspects are to be kept in mind while choosing a particular one. Let us look into the different categories of decorative Bookends, from which you can make a choice:

Educational Bookends:

There is no hard and fast rule that learning should be limited to schools only. Educational bookends are a perfect addition to your home that helps stimulating imaginative skills of your child. Parents can reinforce joys of studying among children this way. Educational bookends feature unforgettable symbols that particularly attract attention of children.

Themed Bookends for Office:

There are themed bookends available mainly for office and home use. Medical caduceus bookends are appropriate for a doctor, while justice bookends for the lawyers. Brass computer bookends fit perfectly in any office space. Such bookends keep workers motivated in work and offer a professional and polished look. This certainly helps in attracting attention of prospective clients as well.

Nautical Themed Bookends:

Your love for nautical things gets expressed through these kinds of bookends. Whale and sea bass bookends are ideal for those who are passionate about marine life. Admirers of sea adventures love pirates bookends, ship captain or angler, seashells, lighthouses, sailboats among different other fun bookends. Such decorative bookends give you the feeling, as if you are enjoying a day out on the beach.

Modern Bookends:

Bookends of modern designs can be kept in offices and homes. This is one of the best ways to express individuality of yours and decorate your house interestingly. White marble, white rose, or black rose are some popular contemporary designs that offer innovative twist to some commonly known bookends. These bookends are conversation starters that are sure to make you the centre of attraction among your friends and acquaintances. If you are looking for a combination of traditional brass materials and contemporary designs, fleur de liss or heart-designed bookends are a good option.

Flower and Leaves Bookends:

Nature lovers will definitely love the soft looking delicate bookends that accentuates with the surrounding around. There are detailed imprints of flower, leaf on bookends to capture your imagination. Those who appreciate outdoor activities will also love to keep such decorative bookends in house. Some of the options in this category include oak leaf, maple leaf, pinecone, and dogwood flower.

Children’s Bookends:

Attractive bookends for children, such as teddy bear bookends, funny clowns, are eye catching and also help the child develop his/her thinking ability.

While making a choice, you can consider these options in bookends. You can look through the sites online for available options, before making a choice. A comparative analysis online will help you to look into the different types of bookends and price charged by different manufacturers. You can also avail of attractive discounts while booking bookends online.

The King Among Animal Bookends

The fact that practically the entire animal kingdom has been recreated by bookend manufacturers is no secret at all. Animal lovers can feast their eyes on a dizzying assortment of animal bookends – bear, bird, bunny, cat, deer, elephant, frog, horse, monkey, rabbit and turtle bookends can put any episode of Nat Geo Wild to shame.

But dog bookends are a class apart – they are the perfect tribute to the loving, loyal nature of man’s best friend. Most antique collectible canine bookends date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. They were created with passion and precision by renowned manufacturers like Bradley and Hubbard Jennings Brothers, Hubley and Juddin in several materials like bronze, brass, cast iron, copper, marble, wood, granite, alabaster, porcelain and pottery.

And just like the most trusted animal on the planet, dog inspired bookends too serve many purposes. While for large swathes of population, these bookends impress with their singularity of purpose – holding books in place and preventing them from tumbling off book shelves, for those with the creative streak, canine bookends of all varieties have made the effortless transition from generic book-stoppers to distinctly decorative showstoppers.

For some, they are the most treasured collectibles, and many collectors are known to scour markets for bookends of their favourite breed. For many more, collecting canine bookends of a particular era or even a specific material has a very distinct nostalgic echo.

Every Dog Has Its Day

This adage certainly rings true, particularly when you take a look at the eye-popping range of dog-inspired bookends. Chocolate Labrador, Greyhound, Cartoon Puppy, Harley the Dog, Perky Pug, Baron Scottie, Smoking Dog, Afghan Hounds, Resin Bulldog, Westie Dog and Saint Bernard are just a few of the collectible dog bookends in Gothic, classical, art deco, regency and Victorian styles that feature fascinating aspects of canine life, from the amusing and whimsical to more a serious and sober character. A pair of Chinese Guardian Lions, known as Foo Dogs, crafted in cold cast resin, finished in shimmering bronze enamel and embellished with intricate detailing is sure to impress lovers of Asian art. So go ahead, just get collectible dog bookends and watch the dog lover in you come alive.

The Bookend Store is an online retailer of dog bookends. Visit our store today to buy a variety of dog bookends, cat, horse, bear, and other types of bookends.

Here are some ideas for using designer home accents to create your truly magnificent and inviting living space.

Collectible Music Boxes

The warmth of the rare woods and flower inlays of collectible music boxes can bring a sense of romance into your home. Create a musical theme by strategically placing smaller inlaid music boxes on the tables throughout your living room, family room and study.

Replace the side table next to your armchair with a large wooden music box on a stand and set a music box on the dresser in every bedroom. As you walk through your home, seeing your collection of music boxes displayed, you will be constantly reminded of their charm and appeal.

Himalayan Area Rugs

The warm, muted, natural tones of Himalayan area rugs are easily integrated into your color scheme and can provide an atmosphere that is relaxing and inviting. With Himalayan area rugs, your options range from an understated elegance, to intricate and dramatic contrasts in vibrant colors.

Set a welcoming tone for guests by covering the floor of your foyer with a plush Himalayan area rug. Use one of these area rugs to define a conversational area in your living room by grouping a sofa and pair of chairs around it, or lay one of these magnificent rugs beneath a glass dining room table set.

Far East Motifs

Bring a sense of culture and history into your home with ancient mystical motifs from the Far East. These accent pieces come in various forms of wall art and statues, and can add unique appeal to any room. The pieces are typically formed from bronze and antique stone and will work perfectly in a formal living room.

Nestle a large Buddha statue in your living room corner, or even in the entryway to your house. Create an arrangement of Hindu wall plaques along hallway walls, or along the walls of your stairwell.

Brighten up the bookcase in your office by placing one or two colorful, hand-painted statues on each shelf and complementing them with a larger statue or wall plaque placed on the opposite side of the room.

Decorative Bookends

If a room in your home already has a coordinated theme and you are looking for more ideas to accent it, try unique bookends. Decorative bookends come in a variety of designs ranging from nature, political, nautical and educational themes.

There are options for materials as well, including brass, pewter, wood and marble. In your office with a nautical theme, set larger books on a credenza with brass anchor bookends.

Use three or four different sets of child-inspired brass bookends to decorate a child’s room by grouping storybooks on the windowsill, bookcase and desk. Add a touch of elegance to your kitchen by storing three or four cookbooks on your kitchen island using a set of marble bookends.

These are only a few ideas for decorating your home with unusual accent pieces. Review your living space and determine which areas could use a touch of elegance.

he value in using these pieces comes from selecting those which have meaning to you, and creating a collection of items that is a reflection of your own personal style.

By: Carol Cook

Article Directory

For unique home decor selections, please visit us at www.The-Home-Furnishing-Store.com and email Maryann with any questions.

Apart from performing the function of stopping a door from banging, door stops also create a style statement with their beautiful craftsmanship. They also add class and elegance to your interior decorating. Many fancy decorative door stops are available in the market that you are sure to fall in love with.

Decorative Door Stops and Door Holders

Door stops and door holders, both mean the same. They are useful as they not only prevent our walls from getting ruined due to the banging of the door, but also prevent our fingers from getting caught in between doors and the door hinges. Traditional door stops were made of wood and rock, but now we have contemporary decorative door stops and door holders, made from wood, marble, glass and cast iron, and are either embossed or hand painted. These are available in various shapes and designs.

Decorative door stops are available in animal designs like cat, dog, rabbit, chicken and bear. You can also have your door stops in other designs like whale, duck and farm animals. The Jack Russell door stop is one of the most popular and favorite door stoppers. Decorative door stops also work as bookends which keep your books in an upright position in the shelves. You can buy these animal door stops to use against the door of your kid’s room.

Kids may also love door stops with the designs of their favorite superhero or cartoon character. Animal door stops can also be made from glossy and soft cloth giving it the look of a soft toy. You can make these door stops at home too. Different decorative door stops are made from waxed cotton, leather and multi-colored cloth in various shapes like fruits, toys, books, fairy tale characters, soldiers and trees.

Be it a simple home in the country side or a classy home in the urban area, cast iron door stops complement both. Cast iron decorative door stops are made of cast iron with brushed nickel or copper finish. They are heavy but have exquisite craftsmanship. As they are decorative and come in various designs, these door stops can also be used as garden ornaments.

These are available in a variety of animal designs like cat, dog, rooster, sea horse and a number of other common and uncommon animals. A specialty of cast iron is that it does not fade. Cast iron has become very popular with people as it is sturdy, durable and never goes out of fashion. There are plenty of online shopping sites that sell cast iron decorative door stops.

You can also opt for brass door wedges. These wedges are slipped between the door and the floor and stop the door from moving. Brass door wedges also come in various designs like animals, characters from movies, flowers, globe, etc.

Whimsical decorative door stops give a very classy look to your bedroom decorating. These door stops have a variety of designs like the sphinx, troll monkey fist, bar of gold and the like. You can also choose door stops with designs of various symbols or motifs that match with your home decorating. Antique door stops look very elegant if you have decorated your living room with antique furnitures. These door stops have a class of their own.

Make Decorative Door Stops at Home

There are a number of unused objects at home, which you sometimes purchase out of impulse, and later don’t know what to do with them. You cannot throw them because you have paid good money to buy them. Make use of such objects to make your own decorative door stops at almost no extra cost. Following are some ideas for making door stops at home.

• Paint an old metal ornament in acrylic colors that match with your furniture.
• With left over cloth and sand or pebbles, you can make a stylish cloth door stop. Cut out the cloth and stitch it in any design like cat, dog, pillow, bag, etc. Remember to add a handle for picking it up and also a zip on the underside of the design. Backstitch your doorstep firmly. Fill up a bag with sand or gravel and put this bag inside the door stop and zip it up. The quantity of sand required will depend on how heavy your door is.
• Fill up a discarded medium-sized box with sand, and color it with attractive colors that match with your wall paint.
• Take a leather pouch and fill it up with marbles or sand. Sew a handle to it for easy handling. Wrap this pouch with colorful paper or some colorful cloth.

So, select any one of the above decorative door stops or make one for your room to complement your unique home decor. Apart from performing the task of not allowing the door to shut or spoil your walls and furniture behind it, these door stops are good ornate ornamental pieces.

By Deeptee A

Where we most get hung up is in being able to influence others. Let me share with you one technique that puts the wand of influence into your merry hands quickly and easily: Bookends.

When I think of bookends I could think about the lovely carved wooden ones that hold my leadership books, or the two stone link golden retrievers that keep my business books from battling it out, but what instantly comes to mind is the technique I share with my clients that lends itself to more effective communication.

Wouldn’t you agree that it is hard to influence others without a tool bag of good communication skills? Think of bookends as your best all in one screwdriver.

When we start a conversation, we usually like to get to the heart of the matter. We make observations, share requests, give feedback or simply complain or whine. Sometimes you get what you want from the other person; on average, you get some compliance. If you took a moment to provide a bookend, both at the start and at the end of your conversation, you will greatly improve your ability to influence and engage the other person.

So what is a bookend and how do you use it?

A bookend is 17 seconds of positive regard. Psychological studies indicate that if you can engage with positive interaction for 17 seconds, the rest of your conversation, irregardless of subject matter will fly by easily. Start by book ending your conversation with something positive about the other person, commenting on their work, their fortitude, their presence, their dedication, whatever suits the situation.

Then dig into your conversation (and do not start with a “BUT”). Once you have shared your request, observation or feedback, simply book end it again with another positive regard. This ending technique puts the bow on effective communication. “Joe, I am confident you can meet that deadline. It was great conversing with you; I always learn something when I am with you. I am glad that you are part of my team, I know we can get this done.”

Try a bookend or two today, let me know how it goes!

By Debora McLaughlin

“Debora McLaughlin is an ICF certified Executive & Business Coach, Consultant and Mentor. Known as the Personal Power of Influence Coach Debora works with executives, business owners and their managers to optimize profits, people and performance, creating influential leaders worldwide.

She is a popular Speaker and well-known author of “”Blueprint for Success with Stephen R. Covey and Ken Blanchard, Roadmap for Career Success, Blueprint to Business Success Program, and forthcoming Personal Power of Influence. http://www.opendoorcoaching.com offers a free report from http://www.RealWorldLeaderReport.com

EzineArticles.com

The best and among the most popular are the bull bear bookends. These accessories are designed for any Wall Street office. They match upscale interiors and have a stock market theme.

Most bull bear bookends include brass or gold plated bull and bear emblems. These are mounted onto a variety of surfaces including marble, brass, or another type of stone or metal. They are durable, fit onto a shelf and last forever. They will always be a reminder that you have thought about your broker.

Since most brokers have financial or related books in their office, they are also a useful accessory. Nearly all offices could use a pair, and as an original gift item, it is almost a certainty that your adviser or broker will put them right to work in their office. That is why these are such popular stock broker gifts.

If you are looking to buy a set of bull and bear bookends look no further than photoframesplus.com. With such a large selection of high quality items that relate to the stock market, it is the ideal place to start your search.

You will find bull bear bookends in several styles include green marble and black marble. The high quality Gold plated emblems have a high polish or an antique finish. Either one has its strong points. Antique is classic, while a polished shine lends a powerful statement to the office.

Take a look at these fine items today and decide which one your stock broker would appreciate the most. For Christmas, the holidays or a special milestone even they are an exceptional gift for stock brokers.

Source: articlesbase.com

The best thing about these items is that they are fun. Since they are made for children, they can be found in such a great variety of colors and themes. When choosing one of them, you will need to take the decor of the childs room into consideration. Make sure it matches the theme of the items that you choose.

These friendly and colorful items bring life into a child’s room. They are made to be appealing to children but they are also able to keep their books in order. If you are like many parents, your child’s room is probably filled with books and you might need to find a way to keep them neat and tidy. This is a great option because your child’s books can be kept almost anywhere, as long as they have these items to hold them in place.
Ads by Google

As your child gets older, you can simply change one item for another. You have the choice of picking items for very young children as well as those for older ones. The variety allows you to keep the theme of the room in order by simply choosing those items that match the current tastes and moods of your child.

Girls and boys can enjoy the benefits of these items. While certain ones are made specifically for boys and others are made especially for girls, there are those that can be mixed and matched. The type of item you purchase should be in line with the tastes on your child. You should pick something that they will love for many years to come.

Wooden items last longer than plastic ones and so, an item such as this can be cherished for a very long time. Since wood is a natural material, you will also be assured that your childs health will not be compromised. This is something that every parent should seriously consider.

There is something very appealing and magical about the decorations in a childs room. Great ones allow children to dream and they also provide hours of fun for the little ones. This is a great way to make sure that your childs room is filled with imagination and fun. This is one of the most important aspects of childhood because it allows them the freedom to believe in their dreams and to dream the impossible. This is what childhood is all about.

When the child grows up, these are items that you can store away for them. Because they tend to last longer than plastic items, they will still be in good condition years from now, as long as you take proper care of them. They are also small enough to be stores without causing you any inconvenience.

Read more: articlesbase.com

But choosing books for others can be a painful process, the writing can be too taut, the plot too complex – it is a difficult game to play! A better way to reach a reader’s heart then is to go straight to his or her bookshelf.

On the end of these you may notice a gap, a space waiting to be filled with more books – or something else. What is needed in this vacant area is a touch of class, a bookend – but not any old bookend. For here are the treasures of the house and it deserves no more and no less the best bookcase that money can buy.

Animal Bookends give you just that touch of class. They are elegant without being too intrusive and the variety of bookends match the variety of genres in the best of bookshops.

Take the bookends featuring an eagle, dolphin and horse sculptures. These are made from the highest quality materials like cast bronze and marble. Each sculpture captures an essence you cannot find anywhere else and will cast an antiquated shadow on any bookshelf, bringing out the best of any book, old or new!

Source: articlesbase.com