And now we know why I am not a "blogger"! lol

It came to mind this morning, as I was trying to set up a new image for my front page, that I should extend my gratitude to a couple of very talented people who included my work in their **very~well~designed*, interesting, and informative blogs...

Paula Grace Designs featured a few of my lighting pieces in her "Artists" category in September.
She found me at the Park Avenue Festival, and I am flattered that she included me!

There is a ton of design information here, along with very talented designers and artists.

Click here:
http://paulagracedesigns.blogspot.com/search/label/artists


Liana has a cool blog, Mixed Plate. I think she found my lights on Etsy and included them in September.

There is a holiday gift guide here ~ which, by the way, is filled with fun gifts, and all kinds of other interesting things!

Click here:
http://www.mixedplateblog.com/2009/09/page/4

I am honored to have been included in these wonderful blog sites. Why, I wonder, are they called "blogs"?!

Lighting Tips

Determining how much light

Here is the general rule to determine the amount of light you need for your room: Multiply the length times the width of the room. Then, multiply that number times 1.5. That gives you the amount of wattage you need to light the room properly for general illumination. For example, if your room is 12 ft. x 14 ft. (12 x 14 = 168), multiply 168 x 1.5 = 252 watts. That means a 6-light chandelier using 40-watt bulbs would give 240 watts, which is close to perfect!. Specific task lighting generally require stronger light, so multiply the area’s square footage by 2.5 rather than 1.5 to find the needed wattage. A kitchen work island or a desk area where schoolwork is done are examples of task areas in your home. These same rules apply to every room or area in your home.

Determining the size of the chandelier

The general rule here is to add together the length and width dimensions of the room. What you get is the proper diameter for most any chandelier you’ll need there. For example, if your room is 12 ft. x 14 ft. (12 + 14 = 26). So, you would want the diameter of the chandelier to be 26". Here are a couple of size guidelines: Room size is smaller than 10x10, use a 17" to 20" wide chandelier. Room size is 12x12, use a 22" to 27" wide chandelier. Room size is 14x14, use a 24" to 32" wide chandelier.


Determining the height of your chandelier

Always keep in mind that the bottom of the chandelier should be at least 7 feet from the floor. That may mean you need a flush mount (mounts directly against the ceiling), a semi-flush (also known as close-to-ceiling fixture, which hangs a few inches below the ceiling) or, if you have a tall ceiling, you may need a 2-tier or 3-tier chandelier. To hang your chandelier over a dining table, the general rule is that the bottom of the light fixture should hang between 30 and 34" off of the tabletop assuming you have an 8 foot ceiling. For each foot of additional ceiling height, add 3 inches to the suspension height.

Lighting for a dinette area

Normally, a decorative pendant (single light – since this is generally a smaller eating area) or a Chandelier with a downlight will do the job while providing plenty of light on the table surface. Use a dimmer to soften the light for mood dining when entertaining and to turn up higher for homework, hobbies, etc. when needed. Again, the bottom of the pendant or chandelier should be 30” ~ 34"above the table. Normally, 100 watts is sufficient for this area.

Lighting for the bath or powder room

To avoid shadows, and to fully surround your face with flattering light, install a fixture at least 24” wide over the mirror, plus two wall sconces (one on each side of the mirror) at least 28” apart and 60” above the floor. If you have a double sink vanity, use a light that is almost as wide as the mirror. The light should be mounted 78” from the floor, centered over the mirror. In addition to vanity/mirror lighting, a small chandelier could provide more light while adding a touch of decor to the room. A small chandelier over the tub adds a spa~like ambience!

PARK AVENUE FESTIVAL

I want to extend a big

T H A N K Y O U

to all of my friends ~ old and new ~ who visited me at the Park Avenue Festival this past weekend!

What a GREAT show! And I certainly enjoyed seeing everyone.

Hope to see you at Letchworth in October!

Garden of Inspiration

Nothing gives me greater pleasure than smelling the delightful, heady fragrances of sumptuous, sun~kissed roses in the summer garden! And what glorious colors! They simply take my breath away...

and being that they are truly my best flower friends, they inspire me...

Love, Love, LOVE these roses! The way the sun washed over these cottage roses, I could envision the rose with a hint of mocha ~ so stunning!

How can anyone not be in love with the most splendid of flower?
Such sizzling colors ~ they are eye candy!
I think I captured many of the colors in my little chandelier...

I find the pink and black combination so strikingly elegant!

Sheri's Crystal Designs

Sheri's Crystal Designs offers a beautiful selection of custom~designed and refurbished chandeliers, pendant lighting, lamps, and wind chimes created from antique~to~new crystal prisms and lighting components. Specializing in smaller~scale and accent lighting fixtures that add romance and dazzling sparkle for smaller areas where standard size lighting will not fit.