Many art appraisals can be done on your own if you're utilizing auctions on eBay, for a small piece worth a few hundred dollars. Other times, you may want to consult a professional who will help you get the most out of your investment. An art appraisal is important for determining "market value" for sales [...]

If you ever wondered where all those beautiful quilting designs came from on a quilt, many were designed by hand. Many others, however are the result of using a pattern. Before the days of patterns all quilting designs originated in someone’s mind as they visualized what they wanted the final project to look like. With [...]

It is often considered a labor love when someone spends time hand quilting, sewing every pattern by hand and then connected all the blocks together by hand. While the finished quilt looks and feels so much better than machine made quilts, it is a lot of work. Remember that when sewing the quilt together the [...]

Ever since Walter Benjamin published his essay "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction," scholars have debated whether mechanically reproduced art can have "aura" as Benjamin discussed this concept. The debate has now included digital art and cybernetic systems, but the question has remained the same. Can a work of art not [...]

The modern phenomenon that is Canvas Art has developed into a major international fashion movement in the avant garde sphere of the 'noughties', the term adopted to refer to the Millennium decade.In the 60's all fashionistas were obsessed with the bright aesthetics of Pop Art, whilst the 70's saw the rise of the 'Flower Power' [...]

Machine quilting is the right way to quilt for neater and more beautiful quilts. For those of you who have hand quilted, you should try use a machine. You can use your regular sewing machine or you can use ones designed for only quilting. Machine quilting is very versatile when it comes to using many [...]

Recently there's been a huge rise in the field of tattooing. With popular TV shows like Miami Heat in LA Inc. being broadcast on national TV more and more people are getting tattoos. Of particular fascination to many are Chinese tattoo symbols and designs. The art of tattooing in China actually dates [...]

The early history of erotic photography is a fascinating glimpse into an age of strict morality, when a woman's naked form sent men into a frenzy and gave their wives a touch of the vapours!Pictures of nude women prior to 1835 generally consisted of paintings and drawings which were displayed in all respectability on the [...]

While many people will participate in a retreat to escape their everyday lives, quilting retreats are designed to allow quilters to escape all the distractions that may be keeping them from working on their favorite project. These quilting retreats also allow quilters from all over to gather in one place to share tips, tricks and [...]

Long arm quilting machines offer you a time saving option to quilting your finest pieces. There are many out there to choose from. Where do you go to find that right long arm quilting machine for you? Each machine has certain different features. They are also priced differently. Do not be swayed by price though. [...]