Entries by Kasey

Even though artisans come from all sorts of background and differ from one person to the next, they do have a few things in common. Artisans clearly are passionate about working with their hands and imagination; they all specialize in working with different types of material, which include, wood, aluminum, wicker and others. Many people believe that artisans are some of the hardest working people around.

This article depicts some experiences of a local artisan based in New York.

Meet self-taught local artisan Santiago; he’s a quiet and persuasive individual when getting his point across. He sometimes gets impatient when someone without experience in craftsmanship makes suggestions on how to approach or accomplish certain projects.

Prior to making wood furniture’s and patio furniture’s, Santiago used to work with a construction company on the Eastern part of Long Island during the nineties installing Formica counter tops. Even though
he made a great salary when he worked with this former employer, he doesn’t miss the hustle and bustle in getting up early 6 days a week to work.

Today, local artisan Santiago has his own successful part time business, where he design and make custom-made furniture’s from his garage. He has the ability and capability to produce masterpieces. Even though he operates his business part time, he acknowledges that he has enough work to make it a full time job. He’s has great talent and a zest for life; this artisan is considered a skilled craftsman by some of his peers.

His furniture’s are generally unique and different. He likes to combine different types of woods with certain projects, especially chairs. Some of his crafts take months to complete, due to his detailed work ethic. While most of his furniture’s are made to order, a few are built and put on display in his front yard on the weekends.

He often gets requests to remodel counter tops. After all, he stared out with counter-tops. Most of his clients are understanding and are patient; they know when he completes a project, it is breath taking. Unlike many other local artisans that work full-time, Santiago has no plans to work as a full time artisan any time soon; he’s comfortable with the position he’s in. He has been making in-door and patio furniture’s for more than 9 years and is very good at it.

Even though Santiago doesn’t consider him self an accomplished artisan, most of his satisfied customers do. Like many local artisans, Santiago doesn’t have his own website and has no plans to get one any time soon.

When asked about whom his target market was, he responded. “Target market?” Santiago explains that he doesn’t have to target
any specific market; “I already have enough satisfied customers and referrals.” However he mentioned that, “Most of my clients are the upper middle-class.” Being a part time local artisan, Santiago doesn’t believe he has to have a specific target market for his unique indoor and out door wood furniture’s. He’s satisfied with the jobs he gets from his repeat customers and their referrals.

Do you have a beautiful home with a large deck with the absence of good quality patio furniture? Today, there are many places that offer an assortment of quality patio furniture. However, finding the right patio furniture for your home involves more than looking through catalogs, browsing websites and talking to neighbors.
Consumers should always explore all their options when researching patio furniture. They should take their time and compare prices. In order to make the right choices, the consumer should decide what their budget are, the type of furniture they like and how it will compliment their home.
Will the patio furniture be placed in an area with shade? Does the area you’ve selected is exposed to lots of sun? For instance, some wicker patio furniture doesn’t hold up well when exposed to too much sun and moist.
If you’re looking for furniture that can withstand the winter storms, rainy days, the hot summer, you may want to consider PVC furniture. Unlike some wicker furniture that doesn’t hold up well when exposed to too much sun and moist, PVC generally out last other patio furniture.

Benefits of PVC furniture:
The benefits of PVC Furniture are over whelming. Studies have shown that PVC is considered one of the strongest materials used for out door furniture. They can withstand the worst kind of out door torture. You can leave your PVC patio furniture outside all year long without the fear of replacing them annually. These types of furniture don’t need painting, or staining. Simply put, it is low maintenance furniture. Cleaning your PVC furniture requires just soap and water.
Where to buy PVC furniture
Are you bold and like to be different? If so, you may want to check out the patio furniture offered by PVC Patio furniture. Patio.com offers a huge selection of patio furniture which includes chairs, loveseats, sofas, high-backs, gliders, spring chairs, tables, various sizes, and much more. There are three ways to contact this furniture manufacturer. Consumers interested in PVC Patio furniture may contact the company writing to the address below or visit their website by telephone.
1074 Bethlehem Pike, Montgomeryville, PA 18936.
Telephone 215-591-0500
Website: http://www.pvcpatio.com/page1.html

From the 19th century until the Second World War, porches were an integral part of the exterior of most American homes. They were often a place for families and friends to gather to relax and indulge in stimulating conversation, particularly after sharing a great meal. The focal point of many porches was a porch swing that added a touch of casualness to the immediate environment.

The proverbial porch swing was always a cherished a spot for lovers to cuddle, a refuge for self-reflection, a place to curled up next to grandpa, as he swayed back and forth telling that same story that sound as fresh as the first time you heard it.

In recent years, the porch has been making a come back and the porch swing is once again becoming a popular destination point for families who are spending more time at home and enjoying the comfort of their outdoor living spaces. Not only are porch swings appearing on covered porches, but different versions of the porch swing can be found suspended from a tree in the yard, or as a stand alone piece of furniture on the patio, deck or lawn.

Variations of Porch Swings:
At one time a porch swing was made from two types of material– wicker and wood. Wooden swings were composed of cedar, oak, pine, popular or teak. Today, you can buy a porch swing made of resin, aluminum, wrought iron, steel and poly-wood,

There is a porch swing to satisfy any taste or preference. Below are several variations:

• Classic Porch Swing - You can buy this porch swings in 4 to 5 foot lengths; the large curved seat, high back and large arms provides comfort and fits with any porch, patio, deck or yard.

• Yard Swing – This porch swing is naturally cooling, comfortable and is versatile enough to be enjoyed in your yard, garden, or even on the porch. Your comfort factor is greatly enhanced by adding a canopy that will protect you from the elements- sun, wind, and rain beating down on you.

Yard swings are typically a-frame construction and are composed of a variety of materials – wood, aluminum, and heavy-duty steel. For added comfort many people buy swings with cushioned seats. The spun polyester, and other outdoor friendly materials make them resistant to the elements and easy to maintain.
• Outdoor Glider - Outdoor gliders have a relaxing swaying motion much like a porch swing and are often used as an accent piece on the lawn, porch, patio, or in the garage. Gliders can be very comfortable and can be purchased in a variety of different styles. One of the main features of a glider that differentiates it from the typically porch swing is its mobility. Lightweight gliders can be moved around the yard to take advantage of the sun or shade at any given time.
Three Popular Porch Swing Styles:

• Adirondack – Adirondack porch swings incorporates the timeless New England style elements of an Adirondack chair with the relaxing motion of a full size porch swing to create an inviting and appealing piece of outdoor furniture for any porch, patio, or garden space.

• Mission – The simple, yet distinct lines and sharp look make this porch swing style an easy fit into just about any setting. With its distinct lines and sharp look, the mission style porch swing is perfect for almost any setting.

• Resin Wicker – This is a durable, sturdy and resilient material. Unlike wood and wicker, it can be left outdoor all year long and can withstand the most dreaded weather conditions. This porch swing is built to last.

As people have moved toward relaxing and entertaining more at home, many are rediscovering the calming influence of a porch swing. Even if you do not have a porch, you can purchase swings supported by their own frames or choose to install them on the deck. There is no reason why you and your family can’t enjoy the soothing rhythm of a porch swing.

Artisan patio furniture makers and other craft people are as endangered a species as the American bald eagle was at one time in this country. Before the Industrial revolution, it was the local artisans, sometimes with an apprentice or two and even family members, who were the dominant producers of goods. They used their hands, small tools and machinery to produced anything from clothing to fine furniture.

Today, times are different, big box stores have all but wiped out local artisans, local merchants who supplied every material need and desire of the average consumer. There is not one industry that has been spared, including the artisan patio furniture sector.

On the surface, the evidence might seem to support the theory that big box stores have a positive affect on the local economy and surrounding area, particularly from the viewpoint of the typical consumer. After all, who will argue with lower prices, a wide range of choices, one-stop shopping, longer store hours, and the perception of more jobs?

And, for local politicians ? who are looking to demonstrate to their constituents that they can attract businesses to the area, increase the amount of taxes flowing into the public coffers and provide jobs for the community ? these behemoths are often put forth as shining examples of their ability to “grow” the business base of their district, city or state.

However, studies are making it increasingly clear that the artisan patio furniture makers, small businesses and local economies in general have fallen prey to the likes of a Wal Mart, Target, or Lowes. Along with driving local artisans and small retailers out of business, there are other concerns, such as distorting local traffic patterns, low wages, little or no benefits, adverse environmental considerations and the dynamics of fitting into the culture of the community where they choose to locate.

Now that “super” retailers have saturated just about every community in the country, there is an ongoing debate about the wisdom of buying products such as artisan patio furniture and other goods from these giant stores or even inviting them into the community to start with. Following are just a few of the concerns:

• Most of the goods sold by these stores, including patio furniture, is purchased from foreign suppliers with lower labor cost that have saturated the U.S. market with products of varying quality and at lower prices.

• The employment impact that big box stores actually have on a community can actually have a negative effect on the local job market. A discussion paper presented by three researchers discovered that for every 1-retail job Wal Mart created, 1.4 jobs were loss because local retailers downsized or close their doors.

• A recent study conducted in the city of Grand Rapids and Kent County revealed that if residents were to redirect just 10 percent of the money they were currently spending in four industries ? pharmacy, grocery, restaurants and banks ?
to local merchants, the economic impact would equate to $140 million in new business, create 1,600 additional jobs, $53 million in new payroll and have an overall impact of $137 million on the local economy.

Although the examples are cited for other industries, similar effects are also felt in the artisan patio furniture business, and other areas as well. Then there is the issue of quality. Rich H, an artisan patio furniture entrepreneur and owner of Midwest Cedar Patio and Deck Furniture in Granite City, Illinois says people tend to go to stores like Home Depot, Sam’s Club or Costco because “they can get a piece at a cheaper price.”

He went on to explain, “ What they fail to realize is if they would spend a little more buying my furniture, it would last them for years to come, limiting the amount (of money) spent over time, along with the hassles associated with shopping.”

Whether you are consumer, an artisan patio furniture maker, a jewelry designer or are engaged in any other type of small business, the fact is that the pie is not big enough for big box and local merchants and artisans. Furthermore, independent studies have conclusively proven that local artisans and merchants do more to enrich communities economically.

How long can you continue to ignore the negative financial affects of big box stores?

This Season's Most Popular Styles of Patio Furniture

Two of the most popular styles of patio furniture in the western United States this year are resin wicker and tubular aluminum. Both are beautiful, durable and utilitarian. Oblivious to the weather, they are equally happy outside in the sun on your deck or patio or brought inside to furnish your porch or sunroom.

Resin wicker is an all-weather material, carefully hand-woven over powder-coated aluminum frames which are well-known for their durability. This new wicker won't snag your clothing, shed or fray and keeps looking nice for years to come. Some collections are very similar in style to the traditional natural wicker look of days gone by, featuring deep chairs and couches, swivel rockers and even ottomans, all with comfy, plush cushions, made of durable, easy-care, weatherproof fabrics in a wide array of rich colors and bold stripes.

The more contemporary, sleeker looking sling type patio furniture, created using the same great resin wicker as the cushion styles, makes wonderful dining chairs since they can easily slide up to a table. Available in regular height backs or ultra high backs in arm chairs, swivel rockers or gliders, and counter or bar-height swivel chairs, resin wicker slings are very versatile.

Another popular style of patio furniture is tubular or extruded aluminum, often accompanied by cast aluminum detailing for a modern look. As with the resin wicker, there are also cushioned styles, featuring velcro fasteners to keep the cushions in place and rounded arms for comfort as well as sling styles in a variety of designs and colors. Many offer a 15-year residential warranty.

Although there are many manufacturers who create these popular styles, one you might consider is Telescope Casual. You can see both of these popular styles in all their incarnations at www.telescopecasual.com or at the website of one of the premier dealers of patio furniture in southern California that sell Telescope Casual, www.universalpatiofurniture.com. Universal Furniture is located at 11055 Ventura Blvd., in Studio City, California. They can be reached by phone at 818-762-9088 or 800-373-8588 and they'll be most happy to help you decide on just the right furniture for your patio, porch or sunroom.