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The period of time of the nineteen sixties was a turbulent time around the world in lots of ways. While many of us think of this time in terms of the political and cultural revolutions that swept the world, the impact of the music and cultural views of the time had a huge impact on design, fashion and even interior decorating. The time frame became so well known and stylized by the flamboyance of the counterculture and the constant experimentation that the music revolutions were setting off that if you looked at a movie from that time frame, the furniture, carpets, wall hangings and even curtains were so distinctive that they give away their time frame completely.

It was in this setting that one of the true innovators of furniture innovation started his career. That innovator is, of course, Rodney Kinsman. But unlike many creative people of that time, Kinsman did not remain stuck in that period but continued to develop his design approach, eventually developing a design philosophy that he called The Logical Art of Furniture, a title which was used in the biography of Rodney Kinsman by Josy Manser.

The history of how Kinsman grew in his art follows the times closely. Born in 1943 in London, Rodney showed his flair for the arts attending the Central School of Art until 1965. It was then that Kinsmen joined with Jurek Olejnik and Bryan Morrison to form OMK (for Olejnik, Morrison and Kinsmen) Design so they could work together on innovative furniture designs.

OMK Designs produced chairs that very much reflected the times and their first significant model was called the F Range Chair. In step with the styles of the late sixties, the F Range Chair was made of a block of foam covered with brightly colored vinyl, usually red. This was a perfect fit for the times and it may be regarded at Kinsman’s more flamboyant designs in that his design approach continued to evolve and become more sophisticated as he continued his craft past the turbulence of the sixties time frame.

One of the reasons that Rodney Kinsman has continued to be a success from one decade to the next is he has found a balance between the artistic vision he wishes to express with each new chair design and an ethic to make the chair appealing across long time frames. This was in direct response to seeing the F Range Chair’s popularity become a casualty of the changes in style and tastes in the nineteen seventies. The result was the next big design innovation from OMK Design which was the Omstack Chair.

Kinsman’s effort to reach a broader audience and to produce a chair that would stand the test of time was a huge success and the Omstack Chair proved that by becoming OMK’s most successful offering. The design of the chair reflected the artistic vision of Kinsman but it was also tremendously functional and adaptable to many practical installation situations. The outcome was that the Omstack and subsequent chair designs enjoyed widespread sales in high volume installation settings such as the Gatwick Airport and numerous other public buildings.

The outcome of achieving such widespread popularity as a furniture designer was that Kinsman’s design vision has become very well known throughout the UK and for the many visitors Britain in the nineteen seventies and beyond. This, of course, meant even more sales for OMK Designs but it also meant that Kinsman’s design ideas achieved a universal appeal and became influential if not outright copied by others who wanted to capitalize on the combination of a strong sense of style and a first grasp on function and durability not only in the quality of the chair but in the universality of the appeal of the chair design.

The emphasis on designing chairs that did not fade in popularity with the changes in culture does not mean that Kinsman did not continue to allow his artistic influences to be reflected in his designs. Meanwhile OMK Designs underwent continued changes as an organization until by the late nineteen eighties, Kinsman was virtually running the company single handedly. As the primarily point of leadership for OMK, Kinsmen showed strong business sense by focusing the company on the niche market that he knew well and were they had had such great success in the last.

A design characteristic that became the signature of many of Rodney Kinsman’s designs was the use of the curved tubular pipe as part of chair design. Not only did this design fit nicely with various movements in chair design throughout the later half of the twentieth century, it was also a good fit to Kinsman’s strong business ethic as the materials were plentiful and affordable but durable and easy to design new furniture designs around. These curved tubular designs has a strong connection to artistic movements outside of furniture design including the ideas of Michael Thonet and the philosophical and artistic movement so popular in Europe during this time frame known as Bauhaus.

The distinctive artistic influences found in the designs of Rodney Kinsman simultaneously reflect his ability personally to merge the spirit of an artist with the sensible approach to furniture production and sales of an outstanding businessman. As such, it was an ongoing ethic of OMK that all of the Kinsman chairs would be mass produced and have a strong availability and affordability. Not only did this help to guarantee strong sales and long term heath for the OMK Design company as a corporate entity, it also helped to get the unique Kinsman design out there into the community where by sheer force of repetition, it became well known and popular.

That phrase that so beautifully summarizes the work of Rodney Kinsman is The Logical Art of Furniture. On first impression, you would think that the very idea of logical art just doesn’t make sense. But the success of Kinsman’s ideas and his business sense have shown that the two ideas fit together perfectly. That is because in the hands of the right man with the right vision and the right business sense, a chair can demonstrate a strong sense of artistic expression and it can be a solid piece of furniture that makes sense for the business as a long term vehicle for profitability. And that right man for his times and for the success of the OMK Design company was and is Rodney Kinsman.

Tony has written several books on cafe chairs and cafe furniture. He also enjoys to write about hotel furniture and gardening.

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Not only was Alvar Aalto a well-known designer of furniture but he was also an architect and accomplished working with glassware and textiles. Among Scandinavian artisans he is often referred to as the “Father of Modernism.” His furniture, textiles, and glassware creations, much like his architecture, offer a modern appeal that was well ahead of his time and remains attractive and appealing today.

In 1924 Alvar Aalto married Aino (Marsio) Aalto who began working for him that same year. While her role on his work is not widely known or understood it is believed that she concentrated more on interior designs and architecture rather than exterior architectural design. She is believed to have collaborated with Alvar Aalto on the design of the Savoy Vase in addition to being rather famous in her own right for her glass designs.

Alvar Aalto’s Glasswork

The glasswork of Alvar Aalto was famous for its design elements, which allowed the users to determine what it was. Some might see a vase while others might see a bowl. Of course it is the Aalto vase that has become legendary and received worldwide acclaim, no matter what function it is ultimately used for.

Perhaps the most famous glasswork crafted by Alvar Aalto is the Savoy vase. The shape of this vase has become synonymous with Finnish design and the ultimate in sophistication. Around the world these vases are recognized and associated with Alvar Aalto and his glasswork. He has also created bowls, trays, and candleholders in styles that closely resemble the Savoy Vase.

There has been and remains to this day a great deal of speculation as to Alvar Aalto’s inspiration behind the Savoy Vase. Common speculation leans toward an abstract representation of Finland’s landscape while others believe it is based on a sketch entitled “The Eskimo Woman’s Leather Breeches.” Regardless of its origins, the Savoy Vase has made a lasting impression on the world at large and has become an icon of Finnish design.

Alvar Aalto Furniture

Moving from fire and glass to the world of wood, Alvar Aalto sought to learn all about wood and the fabric of the wood. As such, wood plays an integral role in the furniture that he created. Together with his wife, he formed Artek to create furniture according to his designs. Even today Artek remains loyal to the designs and values that Aalto prized so highly when he created the company in 1935.

The mainstay of furniture creations by Alvar Aalto were chairs, stools, and barstools. Simplicity was the rule rather than the exception with Alvar Aalto furniture designs, which greatly contrasted to the glasswork that he was so famous for. Where his architecture and glasswork offered twists and turns his furniture offered sleek lines and soft curves that are often associated with modern pieces.

While it is next to impossible to put your hands on Alvar Aalto original furniture pieces it is quite simple to order pieces created by Artek in the image of his design style. The furniture that is created today by Artek is loyal to the vision created by Aalto and offers some beautiful wood pieces that would be an excellent addition to almost any home whether the general style of decorating is modern or conventional.

The wood used in furniture designed by Alvar Aalto provides a little bit of a softer approach to modern design than the pieces by other modern designers. Many modern designers place a heavy emphasis on metals and other manufactured materials instead of wood for their furniture creations. The quality of Aalto’s furniture is exceptional and the price, when you consider the fact that much of his furniture is hand crafted is surprisingly low for the quality and craftsmanship you receive.

Furniture that Aalto is most widely recognized for creating include: the Paimio Chair, the 3 Leg Stool 60, and the 3 Leg Stool X600. Of course these aren’t the only items he created during his legendary career in the world of furniture design. There were other pieces including lighting features and other seating options that exemplified refined taste, elegance, style, and functionality.

Alvar Aalto Architecture

Not only was the design great a talented creator of inspiring furniture but also of amazing architecture. His impact on modern architecture around the world was profound. Not only did he change the way people viewed building and design but also managed to create architecture that captured the imagination.

More importantly he was able to help define the style that Finland, at the time a newly independent country, would be able to call its own. His style was closely matched by his ego, which it would seem today was well deserved. He was an architect and designer that had an amazing eye for detail and an almost limitless capacity to identify the trends that were to come.

Some of his most significant architectural achievements were the Bell Tower of Kauhajarvi Church, the Municipal Library in Viipuri, Finland, the Paimio Sanatorium in Paiimio, Finland, The Alto-Theater Opera House in Essen, Germany, the Helsinki University of Technology in Espoo, Finland, the Experimental House in Muuratsalo, Finland, and the Essen Opera House in Essen Germany. This is only a small sampling of the major accomplishments of his career in architecture.

Whether your interests in Alvar Aalto lie in his furniture creations, his architecture, or his glasswork, there is plenty to appreciate in his art forms. One thing that can be said about his career and life as an architect and designer: it was brilliant. Alvar Aalto represented his home of Finland quite well not only by local standards but on a worldwide stage as Finland was just beginning to be viewed as a sovereign nation.

His work continues to be the standard by which Finland is recognized. Even today you can find pieces of his furniture in museums around the world and imitations of his furniture in furniture stores around the world. His furniture and his architectural presence are accomplishments that have lived lifetimes far beyond the man who created them and are likely to be seen and enjoyed for several lifetimes to come.

Mr.Nibbinsworth has been writing for Laytrad Contracts about cafe furniture and cafe chairs for several years off-line and has recently started to write online. Get a 5 year quality guarantee on all contract furniture including hotel furniture at http://www.laytrad.co.uk/

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Everybody wants “the force,” right? Since the movies emerged onto the big screen, every little girl wanted to be Princess Leia or Queen Amidala and every little boy wanted to be Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, a storm trooper and the dreaded Darth Vader. Adult Star Wars costumes are much like child Star Wars costumes, just the scale is different. So, whether you are looking for a Star Wars costume for you little tyke, or a Darth Vader costume for you, you can find the costume that suits you perfectly.

Adult Star Wars Costume

There are many Star Wars costumes for adults. With such a huge selection, it can be difficult to decide. The storm trooper costume is always a hit, as is Chewbacca, the Wookie and the other fun characters. Darth Maul is another popular adult Star Wars costume, mainly due to his cool face makeup.

Child Star Wars Costume

Children also have a lot of selection for their Star Wars costumes. Yoda is a popular look for small children, as are ewoks. Of course, the main characters always capture a child’s imagination and Star Wars certainly offers a wealth of characters to intrigue a child. Quite often, when a child gets a costume, he or she does not confine wearing it only during Halloween. Quite often, it becomes a play outfit for dress up and fantasy play. You definitely get your money’s worth there!

Wigs and Helmets

Now, you can’t be princess Leia without that distinctive hairdo and you just wouldn’t be a convincing Luke Skywalker without the X wing helmet. A wig or helmet will really top off a costume and make it more realistic. Plus, it’s just a lot more fun to don the headgear or wig and immerse yourself into your character. Kids love it too; they can step farther into their imaginations.

Yoda

You can’t talk about Star Wars without talking about the wise Yoda. Yoda is a popular kids’ costume, mainly because Yoda is a little guy. However, even bigger kids are getting in on the game and slipping into a Yoda costume. Also, even though it is a typical child Star Wars costume, there are some available in adult sizes.

R2D2 and C3PO

Who could forget the adorable robots, R2D2 and C3PO? These are very popular costumes for all ages, not only because they look great, but the characters themselves are so endearing. There are some adorable R2D2 costumes for little kids and toddlers that are just adorable.

Darth Vader Costume

Darth Vader, the dark force in Star Wars, is a popular character, figure and costume. This is a popular adult Star Wars costume because of the menace and drama that it creates. However, kids love Vader too. He is impressive, intimidating and downright scary!

Costumes for both kids and adults are typically worn at Halloween or when going to masquerades. Many people love to dress up and Halloween gives everyone a really good excuse to put on a costume and have a ball. The cool thing about costumes, particularly Star Wars costumes, is that you can be as simple or as complex as you wish. While a Darth Vader costume may be quite involved with many pieces, an Obi Wan Kenobi costume is much simpler. It is up to you to determine how far you want to go with the complexity of your costume.

Susan writes about star wars Costumes and offers advice for kids star wars Costumes & Halloween costumes.

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Winemaking in California has never been an unsupervised industry. The first vines were brought to the Pacific shores by Cortez. When the ruthless conqueror of Mexico failed to find gold he decided to develop the country as an enormous vineyard. He commanded every landowner to plant, every year for five years, 1,000 vines for every 100 Indians living on his land. Years later Spain sent her high priests of civilization into the barren wilderness of Baja, California, with the understood provision that wines would be made for sacramental purposes at their mission outposts.

In 1769 Padre Junipero Serra, the beloved Franciscan, established his first mission in Alta California—Mission San Diego de Alcala. He brought vine cuttings with him, vines which originally came from Spain. They were set out around the new mission and as they flourished, more cuttings were planted in San Gabriel where sun and soil proved even more fruitful for the vines. The gnarled, twisted trunk of the first vine planted at San Gabriel still bears its annual harvest of Mission grapes. This single species planted along El Camino Real by the Franciscan priests, by its abundant yield, established California as a vine land.

The first commercial vineyard was established in Los Angeles in 1824 by one John Chapman who set out 4,000 vines. He was followed seven years later by an even more enterprising pioneer from France, Louis Vignes. His vineyard, on the site of the present Union Station in Los Angeles, was a profitable venture, providing wines and brandies not only for the young City of Angels but for the northern ports of Santa Barbara, Monterey, and San Francisco.

The big excitement, one hundred years ago when gold was discovered in California, created such a fantastic period of American history that the grape rush never received much publicity. It followed the gold rush, and quite logically. Every boom town was a market for wine and grapes. Prices were fabulous. If, many thought, good grapes could be grown in Southern California where the wines were coming from; they would probably do as well elsewhere in the State. New species, such as Chenin Blanc, were imported and they flourished equally well.

Like a thunderbolt sensational news arrived from Europe. The vineyards of France were dying of an unknown disease. California would become the vineyard of the world. Every ship sailing into the Golden Gate confirmed the tragic and wonderful news. By 1855 the boom was on. Landowners all over the State caught the wine fever. By planting a few thousand vines they could become rich, with a world market waiting. Vineyards sprang up all over California. In 1858, bearing vineyards in Los Angeles were selling for $1,000 per acre.

Boom—and then bust!

A poor crop in 1859 was followed by an equally poor harvest in 1860. The State Agricultural Society, formed in 1854, recognized that something must be done to save the young industry. Each year the Society had sent several of its members, by stagecoach and horseback, to widespread areas of vine plantings to report back on economic and agricultural conditions. The most successful vintner was a Sonoma vineyardist, Colonel Agoston Haraszthy. His success with foreign grape varieties, such as Carignane, had sent land values in the vicinity of his Buena Vista vineyard from $6 to $135 per acre.

Col. Haraszthy’s achievement was by no means accidental; his entire lifetime had been spent in seeking the right place in America to make fine wines. In 1847 he planted his first vineyard in Wisconsin shortly after he arrived in this country from Hungary. Undaunted by failure there he moved to San Diego, primarily for his health. He imported more than a hundred and sixty-five different species of grapes from Europe, including Zinfandel which has now become the most widely planted grape in California.

Dissatisfied with the quality of the wine he could make there he moved north to the present site of Crystal Springs Reservoir, just south of San Francisco. Here he discovered he was too near the sea; his vines suffered from strong winds, fog, and lack of sunshine.

He made a fourth attempt, in Sonoma, after seeing the flourishing vineyards of General Vallejo in that county. With renewed inspiration he transplanted his imported cuttings and set out the Buena Vista Vineyards in Sonoma in 1856.

Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in the history of wine, winetasting, fine wine varietals, and particularly enjoys a fine glass of Chenin Blanc. For an amazing selection of wines, please visit http://www.wineaccess.com.

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When many people think about baskets and basket weaving, the first people that come to mind are Native Americans or Africans. There is, however, a whole group of talented basket weavers that have also carried the tradition of this art form through the generations that are located in the Carolinas. These are the sweet grass basket weavers.

The weaving traditions of these people began on the African west coastal areas in places such as Senegal and Mozambique. Rice was the staple agricultural products and the natives weaved baskets from sea grass that were specially constructed to hold and carry the small grains of rice. Other baskets were also created to sift the rice as well as store it.

With the advent of the slave trade, many of these natives were forcibly transplanted to the southern United States, bringing their knowledge and traditions with them. In the colonial Carolinas, the planters were just beginning to grow rice, and many did not know how to cultivate or harvest it. Thanks to these slaves that were brought from rice-growing communities, the Carolina’s rice production flourished. As these slaves were sent into the fields, they began to weave baskets much like the ones that they had used at home to harvest, sift, and store this cash crop.

Since their native materials were no longer available, these weavers discovered that the sweet grass that grew wild in the area was a satisfactory substitute. This grass is found in along the coastline and in marshes and the slaves could easily find large patches of it within walking distance of their homes.

As in the case of other basket-weaving cultures, the techniques and the knowledge of materials that were needed to make these durable baskets were handed down from generation to generation. Today, the descendants of these African slaves has turned this art form into a lucrative business, making baskets in much the same way as their ancestors did and selling their crafts to tourists and collectors.

The technique of making these baskets is amazing to observe. Unlike other forms of basket weaving, the sweet grass baskets are a coiled design, which involves sewing and stitching as well as traditional weaving. The sweet grass is knotted into coils and strips of palm leaves are used to sew and stitch the coils together. Sweet grass must be continually added during this stitching process to ensure uniformity in the finished product. Other materials such as needle grass may be added to strengthen the basket and pine needles can be utilized to add a touch of color (as sweet grass is plain yellow).

Like many other modern basket weavers, the sweet grass weavers of the Carolinas are facing the same difficulties in finding their working materials in an environment that has drastically changed over the years. Due to the development of the coastal areas for upper-class housing and the booming tourist trade along the beaches, the sweet grass is becoming almost impossible to find. Many of these weavers have to travel into Georgia and Florida to find the materials that they need.

Unlike many of the other weavers, the Carolina weavers have the support of their local governments who are attempting to preserve areas of sweet grass for their use as well as attempting to open up new areas that are currently off-limits. The people of the Carolinas understand the value of these weavers and the importance of them being able to cling to their ancient traditions. It is a belief that many other communities could learn a lesson from.

We have baby gift baskets that are cute and practical. Perfect for the newborn and new moms. For more information, visit this article on baby gift baskets.

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