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Montauk Kitchen

2008-04-09T08:33:26Z

Montauk Kitchen

Posted on April 1, 2008 - Filed Under Kitchen | Leave a Comment

Montauk Kitchen - Contemporary Look

Objective:

Create an updated contemporary kitchenDesign Features:

Cherry cabinets with acid glass fronts

Stainless steel subway tile backsplash in geometric pattern

Stainless steel appliances and hardware

Granite Black Absolut flamed counter

Easier Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

Posted on March 25, 2008 - Filed Under Kitchen Cabinet Refacing, Kitchen Remodeling Ideas, Kitchen Cabinet Doors | Leave a Comment

Kitchen cabinet refacing is a home renovation project you can do yourself with much less cost, time, and effort than you might think. Instead of dismantling and removing everything from the walls and countertops, you can modernize more simply by replacing the kitchen cabinet doors.

Renovation projects can be expensive, time consuming and inconvenient. If you are looking for a new look without the high cost of time and money then the kitchen cabinet doors are a great place to start.

Creating a New Look with Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

A new look for your kitchen can be accomplished by changing color, style or finish. By far the easiest way to do this is with kitchen cabinet refacing. Replacing the kitchen cabinet door and hardware can instantly give your kitchen the new look you desire.

Changing the front surfaces of doors and drawers is the quickest and usually cheapest method. The outcome of this project hinges on your choice of kitchen cabinet door.

Choosing Your Kitchen Cabinet Door

The kitchen cabinet door you choose will depend on how much work and expense you plan to spend on your kitchen cabinet refacing. Broken down into three common options, you can use:

Rigid Thermal Foil Kitchen Cabinet Doors. This is probably the fastest and most economical kitchen cabinet refacing method. You paint the cabinet fronts to match the white plastic doors which require no painting and are easily maintained.

Medium Density Fiberboard Kitchen Cabinet Doors. Cheaper than solid wood, these doors come painted or �paint ready� and can come patterned or even hold glass inserts.

Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinet Doors. Solid wood can quickly add to the cost of your kitchen cabinet refacing but this is still less expensive than replacing the entire cabinet. Optional matching veneer can be applied to the front or outside surface of your cabinets. You can paint solid wood kitchen cabinet doors, use a clear coat, or apply a wood stain.

Source

http://www.china-kitchen-cabinets.comAbout the Author

Craig Friesen is a freelance writer living in rural Saskatchewan, Canada. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies from University of Manitoba and a Master of Divinity degree from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana.

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Kitchen Cabinets Pictures

2008-04-09T08:32:58Z

Kitchen Cabinets Pictures

Posted on March 25, 2008 - Filed Under Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Kitchen cabinets vary in style, size, and materials. When contemplating new cabinets for your kitchen, you�ll want to examine all the options closely. It can be hard to tell how a particular style of cabinetry will look in your home. That�s why we provide our exclusive Kitchen Cabinets Photo Gallery to you. Browse all the different types of cabinets, hanging cabinets or standing.

See how the different species of wood will match the rest of your kitchen�s decor. We have broken our gallery down into basic categories to group together similar styles and materials.

Wood Kitchen Cabinets

Wood kitchen cabinets are still the most popular choice among homeowners. They come in a variety of styles, finishes, and colors, with many different styles of cabinet door designs, and cabinet hardware materials and textures.

Click here for a free price estimate on wood kitchen cabinets!

Thermofoil (PVC) Kitchen Cabinets

Thermofoil (PVC) kitchen cabinets are a great choice for light and open kitchen layouts. These kitchen cabinets are treated with UV protection to keep their brightness throughout the years.

Click here for a free price estimate on Thermofoil kitchen cabinets!

Metal Cabinets

Metal cabinets in the kitchen are becoming more and more popular in modern kitchens. They last longer and require less maintenance, especially if you choose stainless steel.

Click here for a free price estimate on metal kitchen cabinets!

Glass Cabinets

Glass kitchen cabinets are a great way to add more dimension and style to your kitchen. There is a little more maintenance involved as they require frequent cleaning, but the payoff in visual style can be worth it.

Click here for a free price estimate on glass kitchen cabinets!

Looking For More Information About Kitchen Cabinets?

Kitchen cabinets are a great investment in your home. You�ll want to make sure you are choosing the right cabinets contractor for your new house and your budget. We offer Free Cabinet Price Quotes from local, prescreened contractors.

Antique Solid Wood Cabinet designer,wholesaler,manufacturer,exporter,supplier.

Antique Style Bathroom Vanities designer,wholesaler,manufacturer,exporter,supplier.

Solid Wood Bathroom Vanity designer,wholesaler,manufacturer,exporter,supplier.

Wood Bathroom Cabinet designer,wholesaler,manufacturer,exporter,supplier.

Oak Bathroom Vanity designer,wholesaler,manufacturer,exporter,supplier.

Wooden Bathroom Cabinet designer,wholesaler,manufacturer,exporter,supplier.

Birch Bathroom Cabinets designer,wholesaler,manufacturer,exporter,supplier.

Maple Bathroom Cabinet designer,wholesaler,manufacturer,exporter,supplier.

Cherry Bathroom Cabinet designer,wholesaler,manufacturer,exporter,supplier.

Pine Bathroom Cabinet designer,wholesaler,manufacturer,exporter,supplier.

Solid Wood Cabinets designer,wholesaler,manufacturer,exporter,supplier.

Solid Wood Series Bathroom Cabinet designer,wholesaler,manufacturer,exporter,supplier.

Wooden Cabinets designer,wholesaler,manufacturer,exporter,supplier.

Natural Wood Bathroom Cabinet designer,wholesaler,manufacturer,exporter,supplier.

Kitchen Cabinet Designs & Styles

2008-04-09T08:32:11Z

Kitchen Cabinet Designs & Styles

Posted on March 21, 2008 - Filed Under French Country Kitchen Design, Custom Kitchen Cabinet, Kitchen Cabinet Design, Kitchen Cabinets | Leave a Comment

Choosing a new kitchen design involves making many very important decisions �colors, flooring, cabinets, countertops, backsplashes, appliances, lights, accessories, fabrics and even furniture � that will coordinate and create a unified design.

Since your kitchen is an important gathering place for friends and family, it�s important that your choices harmonize for the total look and feel you have in mind. If your goal is comfort, style and efficiency, chances are DirectBuy has what you need � at incredible manufacturer-direct prices.

You can create the kitchen of your dreams � direct from the manufacturer and their authorized suppliers � at wholesale prices, plus shipping and handling, when applicable.

Find out how you can remodel and redesign your kitchen with beautiful kitchen cabinets available at DirectBuy at incredible prices!

DirectBuy has a large selection of kitchen designs and kitchen cabinet styles to fit beautifully into your new kitchen, whether you prefer casual country, formal country, English country, European, contemporary or another style. You can create the look and style that will provide you with many years of enjoyment.

Cabinets Are Instrumental In Your Kitchen Design

Choosing the right kitchen cabinets is one of the most important aspects of your overall kitchen design. Your cabinets help set the tone and design of your entire kitchen.

Regardless of the kitchen design style you choose, DirectBuy has finely crafted, high-quality kitchen cabinets that not only add to the beauty and atmosphere of your new kitchen design, but also provide maximum storage space and efficiency.

Find out how you can start saving with manufacturer-direct pricing at DirectBuy!

Explore beautiful kitchen designs and cabinet styles available at manufacturer-direct prices from DirectBuy:

Formal Country Kitchen Cabinets Kitchens designed in the formal country style use open cabinets painted in off-white or New England colors. The cabinets are often oak, maple or birch with very simple style. Glass doors cover portions of the kitchen cabinets, with curtains sometimes placed behind the glass for a beautiful country look.

Adding a wood cook stove can accentuate the antique look and feel of the formal country kitchen design, bringing back the feel of Grandma�s kitchen � comfortable, traditional, and inviting.Find out how you can purchase beautiful formal country kitchen cabinets at manufacturer-direct wholesale prices from DirectBuy.

Casual Country Kitchen Cabinets Kitchens designed in the casual country kitchen style also provide a comfortable feel. The kitchen cabinets are often distressed with the look of wear, raw wood and fading paint. You can achieve this look with many new glazes and layered finishes.

Kitchens designed with the Casual Country look also use open shelving. In addition, casual country kitchen designs use complementary colored pieces of furniture, as well as stenciled walls, braided rugs, dried flowers, hanging baskets, and cast-iron cookware.

Many times the kitchen countertops are made from butcher block or stone. Casual country kitchen designs are meant to give you the feel of an old-fashioned farmhouse kitchen, well-used and well-loved.Find out how you can purchase beautiful casual country kitchen cabinets at manufacturer-direct prices from DirectBuy.

English Country Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchens designed in the English country kitchen style include open china display racks to showcase beautiful plates and china. The kitchen cabinets include valances with wood cut-outs, also called a frieze. The cabinets are painted in unique finishes and styles and include end panels with beaded board. Glass doors or inset doors help top off the English country design.Find out how you can purchase beautiful English country kitchen cabinets at manufacturer-direct prices from DirectBuy.

European or Euro Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchens designed in the European or Euro kitchen design use full overlay doors, concealing most of the cabinet frame or box. Sometimes frameless box construction is used for the kitchen cabinets with concealed hinges.

The kitchen Euro cabinets include a higher toe kick area with a light valance molding placed below the cabinet doors to hide lighting. The cabinet doors themselves use wood cuts to show long vertical grains or unusual polyesters imported from Italy, Germany or France.Find out how you can purchase beautiful European country kitchen cabinets at manufacturer-direct wholesale prices from DirectBuy.

Contemporary Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchens designed in the contemporary or modern style use plastic laminates, special wood veneers, enamels, lacquers, or metal foil laminate for the kitchen cabinet facings. Textures such as horizontal ribbing are often incorporated in the surface of high-tech doors or drawer heads.

The cabinet doors use frameless construction with full overlay doors and no toe kick panel for a high-tech feel. Accessories such as knobs and range hoods are often made of polished stainless steel. The countertops are normally made from tile, Corian, stainless steel or polished stone.

Overall, contemporary kitchen designs are intended to portray a very modern, futuristic feeling with clean, sleek lines.Find out how you can purchase beautiful contemporary kitchen cabinets at manufacturer-direct prices from DirectBuy.

What�s the next step to gain access to DirectBuy�s savings?

Determine if you are in the area of one of the over 130 DirectBuy Showrooms and Design Centers throughout the US and Canada.

Request more information and a Free Visitor�s Pass to one of the DirectBuy Showroom and Design Centers.

Become a member of DirectBuy where you get brand-name products at manufacturer-direct wholesale prices.

Get started today finding high-quality kitchen cabinets at manufacturer-direct prices!

Consider The Possibilities! Kitchen Cabinets at Manufacturer-Direct Prices

2008-04-09T08:31:27Z

Consider The Possibilities! Kitchen Cabinets at Manufacturer-Direct Prices

Posted on March 21, 2008 - Filed Under Custom Kitchen Cabinet, Kitchen, Kitchen Cabinet Design | Leave a Comment

There�s no doubt that any remodeling project brings its challenges, but the rewards of choosing just the right look, style, and materials to fit into your �perfect kitchen� are worth the challenge. And once you shop the DirectBuy way, you�ll understand why DirectBuy members are so thrilled with their outcomes and their savings.

You�ll be amazed at the selection of beautiful, stylish cabinet options DirectBuy offers for your kitchen � in one convenient place! What could be easier? With manufacturer-direct wholesale prices, you can afford to choose what you really want to make your dream kitchen a reality.

Find out how you can remodel and redesign your kitchen with finely-crafted, manufacturer-direct kitchen cabinets at DirectBuy.

All of our top-quality, brand-name cabinetry is backed with the manufacturer�s warranty and available at wholesale pricing, plus shipping and handling, if applicable.

Extensive Selection of Kitchen Cabinets

Whether you�re building a new kitchen or upgrading your existing one, you�ll find a remarkable selection of kitchen cabinets, designs, finishes and related kitchen products � all at wholesale prices. Create the kitchen of your dreams with durable, finely crafted kitchen cabinets that will add elegance and style your family will enjoy for years to come.

Contact us for more information and your FREE Visitor�s Pass to the DirectBuy Showroom and Design Center nearest you.

Choose from an incredible selection of custom wholesale cabinets that will accentuate your personal style and taste:

Country cabinets

English cabinets

European cabinets

Italian cabinets

Modern cabinets

Outdoor cabinets

Custom cabinets

Custom Designed and Tailored To Fit Your Lifestyle

Our custom kitchen cabinets can be tailored to fit your personal style and taste. With the unique shopping experience at DirectBuy, you can choose from a wide range of options and finishes to coordinate with your design � in one place and at manufacturer-direct prices!�Select beautiful cabinet finishes such as:

Cherry cabinets

Hickory cabinets

Maple cabinets

Oak cabinets

Design the Perfect Kitchen with Our Custom Series

Our custom series has a door style to suit the most discriminating style and taste.�Our wide range of choices, solid construction and high-quality finishes allow you to design and create the perfect kitchen.

The beauty of DirectBuy shopping is experiencing both amazing selection and savings. The experts at DirectBuy can help you stretch your hard-earned dollars and stop paying marked-up prices.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, on average almost half of every dollar spent at home furnishing stores goes back to the retailer. It�s simple � you can shop with DirectBuy instead and save incredible amounts of money with manufacturer-direct wholesale prices.

If you want to buy your kitchen cabinets at wholesale prices, DirectBuy can help. You can get the�manufacturers� confidential�prices�from over 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US and over 500 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in Canada at one convenient place to help you get the most from your remodeling or building project.

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Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

2008-04-09T08:30:48Z

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

Posted on March 11, 2008 - Filed Under Kitchen Cabinet Refacing, Kitchen Remodeling Ideas, Kitchen Design | Leave a Comment

Good Kitchen Remodeling Ideas will increase the value of your home and you improve your quality of life

The kitchen serves as the nerve center of the home for most families. As the nerve center, your kitchen should be designed in such a way that maximizes your use of it and it should be designed around the way you use it. For instance, if a member of your family consistently finds themselves doing work in the kitchen, a built in computer desk is an excellent Kitchen Remodeling Idea. Kitchen Remodeling is also an extremely intelligent investment. Studies have shown that you can expect to get 133% of your investment back when you sell your home, even on a minor remodeling job. We�ve listed well respected Kitchen Redesign Companies below. Just click on the buttons for Kitchen Remodeling Ideas and complimentary information directly from any companies of interest.

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French Country Kitchen Design has proven to have enduring appeal

2008-04-09T08:30:09Z

French Country Kitchen Design has proven to have enduring appeal

The kitchen is one part of the home that home buyers are more style conscious of than any other. In addition, for many families the kitchen serves as the nerve center of the home. For that reason, money invested in kitchen design is more well reflected when you sell your home than money spent redesigning other rooms in your house. In fact, according to some studies, you can expect to see 133% return on the money that you invested in your kitchen when the time comes to sell your home. French Country Kitchen Designs are amongst the most popular and enduring kitchen styles. Thus, they make an ideal design choice when redesigning your kitchen. Choosing a French Country Kitchen Design means that your home will have a kitchen that will never go out of style. We�ve listed first rate, yet affordable, Kitchen Design Companies below. Just click on the buttons for more complimentary information directly from any Kitchen Companies of interest.

The Tag Heuer Company and its Watches

2008-04-09T08:29:30Z

The Tag Heuer Company and its Watches

Posted on April 2, 2008 - Filed Under Watches, Replica watches, TAG Heuer | Leave a Comment

Edouard Heuer founded the TAG Heuer Company in St-Imier, Switzerland in 1860. Since that moment, the company has been famous for the technological novelties of its accurate watches, including stopwatches and watertight timepieces. The company has gained the status of an advanced and reliable manufacturer applying revolutionary designs and innovative ideas.

Edouard Heuer�s hard work on sports watches and chronographs provided him with international respect. Tag Heuer watches are globally celebrated for their legibility, precision and groundbreaking watch design. TAG Heuer has given official timekeeping services for lots of sporting events including the Olympic Games since 1920s, FIA Formula 1 World Championship car racing since 1969 and the FIS Ski World Cup since 1992.

TAG Heuer has developed collaboration with the best ski resorts in the French, Italian, Austrian, and Swiss Alps, as well as Vail, Colorado.

For the last 141 years, Tag Heuer has attained a great attention and still innovates and modernizes the watch industry. The Tag Heuer Formula 1 series watch enjoys the sporty attractiveness whilst keeping commitment to the renowned classical and refined Tag Heuer style. Characteristic of the Formula 1 watches, the series features the binary direction rotating bezel and protecting bumpers on the case band and side for extra sturdiness. Tag Heuer Formula 1 watches are perfect for your dynamic lifestyle wherever you are. Euro-replica.com would like to offer you a whole line of inexpensive Japanese replica Tag Heuer watches: the Formula 1 series, 2000 series, Monaco, Kirium, Link, and Alter Ego watch series.

TAG Heuer launches Classic chronograph collection

TAG Heuer, an important Swiss watch industry giant manufacturing professional sport watches, introduced the Classic series as homage to the car-racing celebrities of the 20th Century.

Consisting of three cutting edge chronographs, the Classic series is fitted with highly accurate movements that keep time with paramount precision.

The new collection of high-workmanship chronographs has the Monza Caliber 36, produced in honor of the well-known racing track in Milano. The chronograph features time-keeping accuracy to tenths of a second, provided by a special movement, which is viewable through the transparent, sapphire back. Adding dimension to the face are the manually applied Arabic figures set on a guilloche background, presented in either silver or black.

In a complete revitalization of the wristwatch worn by the F1 world champion Juan-Manuel Fangio, the new Targa Florio series repeats its predecessorвЂ�s ultra-modern looks. The subtle, yet striking watch features an orderly black face, seconds and minute meters. The Targa Florio chronograph has either brown or a black leather wristlet for a sporty appearance or an alligator wristlet for modish individuals.

The Monaco chronograph is a mark of respect for forward-thinking watch lovers and symbolizes the factual spirit of luxurious watch manufacture. Having colors stimulating the senses, the Monaco is a collector�s thing with a metallic blue face, red chronograph hands and a blue alligator wristlet. For a more conservative, sophisticated look, the chronograph series also has either silver or a black face, and features a brown, black or calfskin wristlet.

The high-precision watches of the classic series are all watertight up to 10 meters. Each Tag Heuer watch of this collection is produced in search for excellence, and is consistent with the first-class Swiss watch-making tradition, a synonym to the TAG Heuer trademark.

TAG Heuer presents the Kirium Absolute Ti5 Chronograph in limited edition.TAG Heuer Watch Company, a leading Swiss watch industry giant producing professional sports timekeepers, has unveiled one of its most appealing limited edition watches.

With only 50 available pieces, the TAG Heuer Kirium Absolute Ti5 Chronograph is fated to be this year�s most wanted watch, a splendid pattern of artful artisanship and accurate timing.

This new and novel TAG Heuer timepiece features grade-five titanium and diamonds. Other original materials, preferred for their supreme strength and usefulness in maintaining the company�s traditions in Formula 1 and aeronautics, are also a great attribute of the Kirium Absolute.

It is obvious that the Kirium Absolute is not a usual chronograph. Thanks to the meticulousness of the TAG HeuerвЂ�s skilled jewelers, 40 beautiful diamonds, of VVS clearness and F/G color, making up over four karats, beautify the watch�s turning bezel, which is made of premium titanium, and features a triangular ruby at the 12 o�clock position.

All the 50 unique wristwatches are enclosed in a custom-made case, and presented in a beautiful box made of high-class Macassar ebony, aluminum and leather.

Everything about the TAG Heuer Kirium Absolute Ti5 Chronograph makes it an exclusive unequaled sport watch. The purity of the diamonds nicely contrasts with the practical and functional style of the timekeeper, a thing created for a special circle of watch aficionados longing for the complete distinction.

Our site would like to offer you a set of replica TAG Heuer watches at the most modest prices. Our replica watches are reliable timekeepers providing you with elegance and joy of wearing a high quality thing.

New Gucci Special-Edition Watches

2008-04-09T08:29:00Z

New Gucci Special-Edition Watches

Posted on April 2, 2008 - Filed Under Watches, Gucci | Leave a Comment

New Gucci Special-Edition Watches

Gucci has developed two special-edition timepieces to mark the brand�s largest store opening and the upcoming 2008 Olympics. The distinctively designed watches are called the New York Signoria watch with bone dial and the limited-edition 8-8-2008 I-Gucci.

The New York Signoria watch is a majestic yellow gold model featuring bone dial and sparkling with diamonds. It represents one of a few products designed by Frida Giannini, Gucci Creative Director, exclusively to commemorate the February opening of the brand�s largest store located at 725 Fifth Ave. in Manhattan.

The New York City Gucci store will be offering its customers a range of exclusive products of the brand, including the brand�s signature horsebit iconology, revealing cognac topaz and diamonds. The collection comprises a drop-cut cognac topaz and diamond cocktail ring, as well as nicely matching earrings and a necklace, fascinating the glance with a unique drop-cut cognac topaz offset by 156 diamonds, with total weight of 45.11 carats.

The 8-8-2008 I-Gucci collection presents eight sports-driven accessories created to honor the 2008 Olympics. The color red dominates in the design of all eight accessories entering the collection. Red has been selected for the collection as it is widely associated with the feeling of happiness and celebration, the emotions perfectly reflecting the excitement delivered by the international sports games. The color is also really trendy for 2008. Frida Giannini designed just eight pieces for this collection, hinting at the lucky number eight in Chinese culture.

The 8-8-2008 I-Gucci watch is destined to become the first digital timepiece developed by the company. The watch features a black dial, steel frame and a clean digital face decorated with a red and green logo. The year 2008 is commemorated on the case back.

The 8-8-2008 I-Gucci watch goes on a red rubber strap, with the exterior part engraved with the brand�s logo. The interior part of the strap has been engrossed with Gucci signature GG pattern. With the timepiece it is possible to select a dedicated Beijing time zone code on the display.

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Glashutte Original Senator Meissen - Wonder of Porcelain Dials

2008-04-09T08:28:23Z

Glashutte Original Senator Meissen - Wonder of Porcelain Dials

Posted on April 2, 2008 - Filed Under Dials, Watches | Leave a Comment

The Senator Meissen watch boast a remarkable history, with origins traced back to the towns of Meissen and Glashutte, located in Saxony, Germany, where the word �manufactory� bears a special meaning.

The towns are situated about 20 miles away from Dresden, the capital of Saxony, and their development have been significantly influenced by the state�s turbulent history. The Glashutte Original watch manufactory sources porcelain dials for its Senator Meissen watch from the state-owned Meissen Porcelain Manufactory.

Since 1710, the company has been producing porcelain products and exported them all over the world. The porcelain is famous worldwide as �Dresden china.� Porcelain pieces, both ornamental and functional, are handmade and feature the prominent Crossed Swords emblem. As though demonstrating its illustrious roots, the dial of the Glashutte Original Senator Meissen also reveals this famed logo.

The Senator Meissen watch movement reflects the well-maintained horological culture and tradition of the Glashutte Original manufactory. Ferdinand Adolph Lange was a master watchmaker who created exclusive timepieces for the Saxon court. The watchmaker founded the first watch manufactory in Glashutte in 1845, with an ambitious idea to develop an independent Saxon watch industry that would concentrate its attention on the production of precise watches in relatively small editions.

Many other renowned watchmakers in Germany would follow Ferdinand Adolph Lange�s call to found operations in Glashutte. Nowadays, you will find no other German town with such a high concentration of watch manufacturing firms.

To track the roots of the Glashutte Original Senator Meissen watch, it is necessary to find out more about the manufactory in Meissen.

The Meissen Porcelain Manufactory is housed in a magnificent building with broad stairways and high ceilings. Lutz Richter is the production director of the manufactory.

The production of porcelain is based on a mix of kaolin and feldspar. Talented artists paint different themes on porcelain pieces, everything from flowers to whole landscapes on porcelain trays.

Thomas Hannss is one of the versatile artists working at the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. He is the one who painted the dials for �Dresden 800′ collection of the brand. The artist created eight exquisite paintings that depicted well-known Dresden symbols, including the Semper Opera, the Zwinger�s Crown Gate and the renowned Canaletto view of the old city of Dresden.

Hannss is involved into painting the dials exclusively to meet the high demand among collectors and watch aficionados for the Glashutte Original Meissen watch model. Taking into consideration the numerous orders for the Senator Meissen watch, the artist will be hand-painting the model for at least another six months to follow - it takes him the whole day to paint one dial.

The painting is not the only task that requires meticulous work and takes a lot of time. It is much more difficult to make a dial disk from porcelain than to make it from commonly used materials.

During the first stage of the manufacturing process a pliable mass of porcelain is shaped into a disk, later fired at 1,400 degrees Celsius. The original size of the disk shrinks by 15 percent during the firing process. The specialists have to take this shrinkage into account to make sure there is enough material left to come up with the final disk measuring 33.5 mm in diameter.

The specialists of the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory face one more technical challenge - they have to obtain an absolutely flat wafer-thin disk of 0.8 mm, featuring the same thickness all over. It is important to mention that each disk is subjected to strict quality tests to guarantee that the finished dial fits perfectly within the watch. The disks that manage to stand all dimensional tests are passed to the hand-painting stage.

With help of pencil markings, Thomas Hannss makes sure that the numerals on the dial are positioned at the correct angles and are of the right height. The artist has to draw two diameters of 22.2 mm and 30.8 mm, respectively to guarantee that all the numerals are of the correct size. Finally, to paint the numerals, the artist uses the finest brushes.

Thomas Hannss and other artists apply the porcelain paints in two layers, and each layer is fired in the kiln at 900 Degrees Celsius to get the required depth of color. The Glashutte Original and Meissen Crossed Swords logos are also applied by hand and then fired for the last time.

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Vacheron Constantin and Nonmagnetic Watches

2008-04-09T08:27:44Z

Vacheron Constantin and Nonmagnetic Watches

Posted on April 2, 2008 - Filed Under Watches, Testimonials | Leave a Comment

Throughout the long history of this Swiss brand the Vacheron Constantin watchmakers have come up with many watch innovations and they were not afraid to introduce them. Although it is still not certain, whether Vacheron Constantin has or has not introduced the antimagnetic cases, they are sure to do it among the first ones.

Anti-magnetism in Watch Making

An antimagnetic watch is the one, which is able to withstand magnetic fields of various intensity. There are two known ways of assembling a nonmagnetic watch. The first way is to make the small parts using metals, which either cannot be magnetized or are resistant to it. For example the Elinvar or Nivarox hairsprings, which are used in conjunction with nickel, brass or beryllium, bronze balances. Some watchmakers use also antimagnetic metals to assemble the anchor, escape wheel and impulse roller. The second method is enclosing the entire movement into an antimagnetic case, made of a highly conductive alloy to prevent the forming of magnetic fields inside the watch.

The watchmakers agreed that a watch could be called antimagnetic, if it is able to resist a magnetic field of 4800 amperes per meter and it keeps on running with a maximal deviation of 30 seconds per day.

If you see that your watch runs slowly, it means it was magnetized. To cure it, you should visit the nearest watchmaker�s workshop, where the watch will be cured with the help of a chocking coil.

The Merits of Vacheron Constantin

As for Vacheron Constantin, it is worth mentioning that today each of the watches from the Overseas collection has such an antimagnetic �system�. Each version of this watch is enclosed into a three-part, soft iron antimagnetic screen. Thus Vacheron Constantin Overseas watches are protected against magnetic fields, which have become frequent event nowadays.

Actually, during the long history of these watches, the company always strove to protect its watches against such hazards and in 1846, it was the first to develop a watch immune to magnetic influence. Thanks to a balance spring, balance wheel and a lever made of a special bronze alloy this became possible. 16 years later, the Vacheron Constantin watchmakers tested the palladium balance springs and also this year (1862) it joined the Association for Research into Nonmagnetic Materials.

The results achieved were never enough for the Company. In 1885 appeared the first watch of this type with the name Vacheron Constantin on its dial. It was fully antimagnetic, i.e. it had the balance wheel, balance spring and the lever shaft made of palladium, whereas the lever arms were made of bronze, and the escape wheel � of gold.

Throughout the 20th century Vacheron Constantin didn�t stop its researches in this field. As a result, from 1954 to 1959 appeared a series of chronometers, which were so resistant to magnetism, that they became a must-have tool for the engineers, engaged in the field of electronics. Those chronometers featured a round case with a screwed-in back, which provided water resistance and a 13-line movement, with a frequency of 18800 vph. All these parts were protected by a soft-iron hood, giving maximum antimagnetic protection.

The contribution of Vacheron Constantin to developing such watches was certainly immense. However, other watch brands have also assembled their antimagnetic watches, thus having also a merit in this branch of watch making industry.

Other Contributions

The Bretiling Avenger Seawolf is equipped with an antimagnetic case too. A small innovation in this field was provided by Omega too, which produced the Railmaster. This watch had two cases: the inner case covered completely the movement, and the outer steel case protected the watch against the external influence. The technicians from IWC have also developed an antimagnetic watch in the middle of the last century, called Ingenieur. The watch didn�t have an outstanding look, though it became the new flagship watch of the company for a period of time. The Panerai Company uses another alloy to produce nonmagnetic watches - Glucydur. It is a non-magnetic, stainless alloy of copper and beryllium, which is used in making of internal parts.

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Here is the picture frame image

2008-04-09T08:27:17Z

Here is the picture frame image

Posted by admin

There are sites on the Internet that have free picture frame images (please check for any Copyright notices or restrictions). One such site is Creations By Dawn who kindly granted me permission to use one of her picture frame images for this lesson. Thank you Dawn.You will need three things to complete this lesson.

An image of a picture frame.

The photo you would like to set into the picture frame.

A �table� code to combine the two images together.

Here is the picture frame image we will be using for this lesson.

The size of this image is 303 (W) x 303 (H) pixels.� Here is the photo that we will use to set into the picture frame image.

The size of this image is 197 (W) x 197 (H) pixels. It is important that the image you are going to set into the picture frame be the correct size in order to completely fill the blank opening in the center of the picture frame. You can resize your image using a graphics program or adjust the width and height of the image code (this can distort the image sometimes, and is not recommended). What I did was set the photo into the picture frame image (using the table code that you will find below), then I adjusted the width and height of the photo until the photo fit just right into the picture frame. Now you will know what the exact width and height of your photo has to be if you choose to resize/crop your photo with a graphics program.Below you will see the finished picture frame image and photo combined using a �table� code.

Below is the �table� code used to combine the picture frame and the photo.

IWC Offers Support to Cousteau Society

2008-04-09T08:26:50Z

IWC Offers Support to Cousteau Society

Posted on April 2, 2008 - Filed Under IWC, Watches | Leave a Comment

The partnership between the IWC Company and The Cousteau Society started back in 2004. Today the partners are united by close friendship. In fact, the IWC- Cousteau cooperation was initiated in 2003 when IWC offered support to the anniversary expedition undertaken by the members of the Cousteau Society to the coral reefs found in the Red Sea.

The expedition marked 50 years that passed since the famous voyage of Jacques-Yves Cousteau into these natural sea wonders. Cousteau was sailing aboard his research vessel beautifully named Calypso. The Cousteau Society�s divers made direct comparisons and proved that the submarine biotopes were still in a quite good state and required urgent conservation measures.

To commemorate the unusual 50th anniversary, the Cousteau Society also made a new film devoted to the mysterious and irresistibly beautiful �Silent World�. The ecological project initiated by The Cousteau Society may be best described as the Commander himself put it : �People protect what they love�. From the point of view of ecology protection, the tropical coral reefs may be compared to the rain forests of the oceans.

The creation of the IWC Aquatimer Chronograph �Cousteau Divers� highlighted one more important stage in the cooperation between the partners. IWC decided to support the active marine conservationists and Cousteau�s heirs through donating part of the proceeds received from the IWC diver�s watch sales. The Special Edition of the IWC Aquatimer Chronograph was developed in a limited number of 2,500 pieces. The diver�s watch is driven by a mechanical movement and provided with chronograph and automatic winding system. It is pressure-resistant to 120-meter depth.

Those watch connoisseur who became the owners of the IWC Aquatimer Chronograph �Cousteau Divers� offered indirect support to The Cousteau Society, presently managed by Francine Cousteau, the Commander�s widow.

The IWC watch-makers decided to commemorate the ideas of the famous Frenchman in the most unconventional way - every model of the Aquatimer Special Edition incorporates a tiny piece of the legendary Calypso vessel, from which Cousteau together with his crew dived on the oceans of the world. The watch-makers inlaid a sliver of timber from the converted minesweeper in the steel case back of the IWC watch and secured it behind the sapphire glass. The minesweeper was presented to the researcher by Noel Guinness, a brewer from Ireland.

The Cousteau Society, established in 1974, is a non-profit organization under the patronage of UNESCO. The IWC watch-making company became the first cooperation partner from the business world accepted by the society.

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In real life, the frame matters

2008-04-09T08:26:10Z

In real life, the frame matters

Posted by admin

It is somewhat rare to show framed pictures on the internet. Perhaps this is because the internet is something of a frame in itself. We are here following Hanneke van Oosterhout�s still-life painting, from the drawing to (hopefully) the gallery-sold work; in real life her work benefits from the real type of frame.

Choosing a good frame is difficult. Compared to painting the painting, choosing the frame is highly constrained by one factor in particular: cost. The ideal frame can raise the market value of a painting, but before an exhibition, one does not know what will sell. Investing in the frame is therefore a sort of speculation. For the painting above, Hanneke felt she made a satisfactory choice. The physical texture of the frame complements that painted in the shells. The frame is made from pre-fabricated profile stock and was not inordinately expensive. In the photo it looks pretty good. But in real life the frame screams, �second rate quality!� The reason for this is simple. The physical texture of the profile stock, prefabricated rather than hand crafted for this frame, does not �mesh� at the corners where the profile was cut and joined together. This subtle aspect is important in real life. It undercuts the value of the frame (and the painting) for the discerning collector. I suppose the really discerning collector would buy the painting and invest in a new frame.

In the work above, the frame is hand-crafted. That is to say, someone did some work decorating the frame after the corners were joined. In the photo, this is not obvious, but in real life, it makes a big difference in the feeling of the frame, its feeling of worth. Of course, this type of frame is somewhat more expensive. But if a painting is good, a certain quality (and expense) of frame is called for, otherwise the frame drags the painting down. A good frame helps, but better no frame than the wrong frame.

The frame depicted above (sorry about the quality of the photo) is made from pre-fabricated stock, the type of frame you can buy at a normal frame-making shop. Although not �hand finished� it does not have a �cheap� feel to it. The reason is clear: the profile �meshes� at the corners, because of its simple form. A handcrafted frame of a similar profile would appear more sophisticated, but the frame above does quite well. Or does it? You comments, as always, are appreciated.

Comments (0)

Frame Matters,

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To Frame or Not to Frame?

2008-04-09T08:25:37Z

To Frame or Not to Frame?

Posted by admin

On the question of how to frame pictures for exhibition, Angela Ferreira commented:

I think the best way to exhibit any painting to appeal to a wide variety of buyers is to display it with a very simple effective frame, or leave the canvas unframed. Framing can be distracting and might not appeal to some � most people like buying a painting and then framing it to their own house style.

Of course, a painting only has to appeal to one buyer � the one who takes it home. In this way, a painting is different from a book or a song. Most people know how challenging it is to frame a picture. If the artist does a good job in choosing a frame, this can save the buyer a lot of effort and decision-making.

The right frame can enhance the value of a painting. But the artist takes a risk in framing, as Angela implies. The time and money invested on the frames may not be well spent.

Should artists consider the frame as an integral part of their work and strive to get it right, whatever the risk or complexity? Or is it better to leave framing to the buyer?

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Picture Frames - Metal Frames, Series 1

2008-04-09T08:25:03Z

Picture Frames - Metal Frames, Series 1

Posted by admin

Metal Picture Frames - Metal I Series

An inexpensive, �Custom Framed� look! Frames are quality metal complete with hangers and cardboard backing. These backloaded frames accommodate posters, prints, diplomas and photos. A high quality frame available in colors of:� Shiny Black, Gold, Silver, Red, White, Blue,

Frame sizes smaller than 12 x16 include glass. Sizes 4�6, 4�7, 4�12, 5�5, 5�7, 8�10, and 8�12 come with easel backs. Sizes 5�7, 8�10, 8.5�11 Combo Frame, 11�14, and 16�20 come with a cream beveled mat.

4�6 inches through 27�41 inches

METAL I -� SERIES FRAMES

Size & Color Price Chart

Enter the quantity in the quantity boxes - for any (or all) � items you wish to order, then click the �Submit� button at the end of the column. You will see all the items in your shopping cart. At that time you can increase or decrease your order - or you may cancel any part of the order.

Qty. to Order Metal I Shiny Black -4 x 6- $7.90

Size 8 1/2 x 11 items listed below are COMBO Frames.

Frame is 8 1/2 x 11″. Inside the frame is an Antique White mat which has an opening which fits an 8 x 10 certificate. Use frame for 8 x 10 certificate or without mat to hold an 8 1/2 x 11 picture.

Qty. to Order

Metal I Shiny Black -8.5 x 11 COMBO- $13.40

Metal I Gold -8.5 x 11 COMBO- $13.40

Metal I Silver -8.5 x 11 COMBO- $13.40

Metal I Red -8.5 x 11 COMBO- $13.40

Metal I White -8.5 x 11 COMBO- $13.40

Metal I Blue -8.5 x 11 COMBO- $13.40

Metal I Shiny Black -8 x 12- $12.50

Metal I Gold -8 x 12- $12.50

Metal I Silver -8 x 12- $12.50

Metal I Red -8 x 12- $12.50

Metal I White -8 x 12- $12.50

Metal I Blue -8 x 12- $12.50

Metal I Shiny Black -9 x 12- $12.90

Metal I Gold -9 x 12- $12.90

Metal I Silver -9 x 12- $12.90

Metal I Red -9 x 12- $12.90

Metal I White -9 x 12- $12.90

Metal I Blue -9 x 12- $12.90

Metal I Shiny Black -10 x 13- $13.90

Metal I Gold -10 x 13- $13.90

Metal I Silver -10 x 13- $13.90

Metal I Red -10 x 13- $13.90

Metal I White -10 x 13- $13.90

Metal I Blue -10 x 13- $13.90

Metal I Shiny Black -10 x 20- $18.50

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