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How To Protect Your Infant, Toddler and Child with an Easy Home Safety Checklist

admin — Thu, 28 May 2009 03:42:51 +0000

Sadly, the passing of Mike Tyson’s young daughter has brought to the forefront home safety issues. Home can be one of the most dangerous places for a small child or infant and it is of major concern to safety and health officials. By following a few simple steps you can help to eliminate commonly overlooked areas in your home and increase your comfort and your family’s safety.

USED BABY FURNITURE - It is not just a sales gimmick crafted by the baby furniture industry to part you with your money. Used baby furniture may save you money but cost you injuries or even a baby’s life. A good rule is no furniture later than 1978.

1. The first step in insuring the safety of your infant is to check with the manufacturer or online to be certain that the item has not been recalled.

2. Obtain current guidelines for measurement such as distance between side rail bars. Currently they are 2 3/8 inches apart, with no large cut-outs on head and foot boards.

3. Is the paint loose or chipping and most of all child safe and lead free?

4. Cedar chests or toy chests should have hinge support to prevent the lid from slamming down on little fingers or heads.

Choosing solid wood handcrafted furniture protects your investment and your child. Solid hardwoods withstand generations of children and their teething episodes.

KITCHEN -

1. Kitchen chairs and stools should be positioned far enough away from stoves that if a toddler mounted them they could not reach hot burners or pots.

2. Have you put child locks on your pantries and custom made cupboards or cabinets?

3. Move all knives and sharp objects farther back in the drawers and cabinets.

LIVINGROOM -

1. Move all glass objects to the back of your Amish built tables. A heavy vase, object d’art or picture frame can be a deadly weapon when it’s pulled down on to a curious child’s head.

2. Cable all window shades cords and electrical cords up and away.

3. Be sure your big plasma or HDTV television is securely mounted to your custom built television stand or entertainment center. Home injuries to children have increased by a record 41% because of oversized televisions.

4. Are your bookcases secured? Solid wood bookcases are well built and steady but on carpet or uneven flooring an accident can happen. Simple wall brackets can secure any cabinet or book case.

5. Have you applied protective padding or rubber corners to your solid wood living room tables? The corners are sharp and can cause injury to a small child.

6. Have you protected your child from entering your fireplace area? Whether electric, wood or gas it is an obvious area that should never given easy access to.

BATHROOMS -

1. Amish crafted corner cabinets and bookcases make beautiful and functional bathroom furnishings to store prescriptions and toiletries in. Be sure to secure these items to prevent ingestion by a child. This includes prescriptions, mouthwashes, hair sprays, perfumes, etc.

HOME OFFICE -

1. Check for cords, whether from electrical or telephones. It is wise to unplug when not in use and wind up those cords. Dangling cords attract and easily go from playful toy to noose.

OUTDOOR FURNITURE-

1. Check for splinters that may have occurred with use and changes in the wood. While Amish outdoor furniture is finished by hand regular care and maintenance will prevent accidents.

GUN CABINETS -

1. Amish craftsmen build handsome gun cabinets complete with locking features. Remember -KEEP THE KEY HIDDEN AND AMMUNITION STORED SEPERATELY

Basic Decorating Tips For Your Custom Solid Wood Bookcases or Shelves

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 03:14:08 +0000

You have wisely invested in custom made and finished solid wood bookcases or shelves from Amish designers and craftsman – now what? You have items you love and that need homes, but how best to display them to not only showcase the collection but to not detract from your beautiful heirloom furniture.

First, realize what you love best. Your home should reflect you, your interests and hobbies. A warm home is always reflective of you and your everyday life. Your kids’ framed artwork, your favorite books, even your baseball cards or other collections. The biggest mistake a home owner can make is to decorate for others. Your home should look like you and that can begin with the display on your book case.

Whether you opted for open or bookcases with glass front doors there are many ways to accessorize shelves properly. Don’t sweat the arrangement or choice of accessories since decorating a shelf can and should be changed easily and regularly. Remember, you can try something new, and if it doesn’t suit you or the season, try something else.

Create unity by grouping like items with like items. By grouping items by theme, color, shape, texture or material you get the biggest visual bang. You can create the illusion of hiring a curator who has organized your shelves to feel like treasures. You can create a visual pop by grouping like colors, such as white pottery, together. Placed against the dark wood of your custom stained shelving these items stand out. Grouping boxes, spheres, etc. create instant emphasis that cannot be duplicated when spread apart.
Instead of placing a few smaller knick-knacks on the shelf try to choose big, bold accessories. Select items that you can see it from across the room. Smaller items achieve more visual presence when you gather them containers. An old jar filled with vintage marbles, seashells collected at the beach or even a basket of loose family photos create interest.
Go for asymmetrical arrangements of three, five or seven objects. Also remember not to center them but place them off-center. Odd numbers are visually most interesting in interior design. Balance is good but if not done right can be boring. Use combinations of short, medium and tall objects to make the eye fall at various levels.
A very powerful statement can be created when there is nothing but art or photos on display. Try leaning your collection or overlapping edges. Mix up frame sizes, shapes and styles.
Shiny items add interest, too. Add glass, crystal and silver objects to make shelf arrangements literally twinkle. A mirror placed at the back or bottom of a shelf will also impact the visual effect of the objects placed in front or on it.
In modern or contemporary settings always keep it simple. A more streamlined approach is the best fit for contemporary and modern spaces. Minimalism does not mean any decorations of collections, just well thought out ones. Modern contemporary is based on form following function and it is best to go with shelves decorated in an uncluttered look.
A little light on the subject is good. Illuminate your shelves by spotlighting the arrangements. If you did not opt for pre-installed lighting with your custom solid wood Amish bookcases or shelves, then add track lighting in the ceiling. A professional touch can be gained by discreetly tucking tiny up-lights behind a vase or other items, creating a backlight to the arrangement.

The Best Christmas Stories, Books and Poems To Read On Christmas Eve

admin — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 07:11:33 +0000

Christmas Eve family and friends are gathered together inside of your well appointed home; filled with warm and welcoming Amish custom built furnishings. The fireplace is burning a with an amber glow, friends are cozy on your sofa, delicious holiday treats are spread out in a buffet on your solid wood dining room set and you are nestled in your leather Morris chair while all the children play at your feet. Now what? Why not share some of the world’s favorite Christmas stories? Whether you have them in a handsome leather bound edition displayed on your custom built Amish bookcase or you are an ultra-contemporary who has turned your laptop into a digital reader, reading aloud classic Christmas stories and poems builds lasting traditions that are remembered, shared and passed on for generations.

TOP CHRISTMAS TALES TO SHARE THIS CHRISTMAS EVE:

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Legend has it that author Charles Dickens’ story, “A Christmas Carol” may have saved Christmas. In 18^th century England, Christmas celebrating was fading from tradition. Dickens wrote the story of stingy, unlovable and very angry, Ebenezer Scrooge, to teach readers that Christmas was a time of joy, respect for their fellow man, and also a time when everything that seemed wrong all year now seems all right. Supposedly he rekindled the season, along with the traditional tree and gift giving. (All ages will benefit but younger children may be frightened of tales of ghosts)

The Gift of The Magi by O. Henry

Through this unselfish tale, O. Henry tries to teach us about gifting. He believes the young couple in the story has each sacrificed their most valuable possessions for the person they loved. They, like the Magi – the wise men who brought presents for Jesus Christ at his birth – represent giving your best to those you love even at a loss to yourself. This type of gifting was the original idea behind Christians giving presents on Christmas Day, representing the Magi’s gifts to Jesus. (This is a very good story for young adults and couples)

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

This story was not just a movie by Ron Howard but a book by Dr. Seuss. This story shows that you can take away the presents and the trees and still have the Christmas spirit. (Great for all ages, but especially for those who may be feeling a bit out of the spirit.)

The Night Before Christmas (A Visit from Saint Nicholas) by Clement Clarke Moore

Clement Clark Moore is responsible for Santa Claus as we know him. Graphic artist Thomas Nast’s wife would read him Moore’s poem while he designed the covers for Harper’s Weekly that came to depict the jolly old elf as Moore described him. (While adults may recite it from memory, children adore this poem.)

Excerpt from “The Holy Bible” Book of Luke Chapter 2

When you are looking for a reason for the season you are celebrating there is no better source than the original author and book. Here Luke lays out the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem the town of David. (This story is perfect for all ages.)

Olive the Orphan Reindeer by Michael Christie

Now, of course, everyone knows Olive the other reindeer and thanks to this contemporary tale of an orphaned reindeer you can find out who “Olive” is. (Especially good for younger audiences.)

The Three Kings by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

This poem is a classic view of the trek of the three Magi, that legend has named Melchior and Gaspar and Baltasar, looking for the Messiah they had seen foretold in the stars. (This is an American classic poem and great for any audience.)

Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus by Editorial Page, New York Sun, 1897

A real letter from an eight-year old girl was generated to the editor of the New York Sun that resulted in one of the most eloquent editorial replies in history. (This is appropriate for all audiences.)

Enjoy your Christmas Eve by sharing yourself, your home and a great story. As wonderful an heirloom as your Amish custom furniture will be, there is nothing that can improve upon the heirloom memories your Christmas reading will create.

Tips On Setting Up Your Fireplace Hearth for Winter: From Wood to Fireplace Tools

admin — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 18:47:44 +0000

Winter is officially here. This year’s wintry weather has spread in full force in to parts of the country that have not seen snow…well, ever. When the warm sunshine of summertime is a distant memory one big consolation is that you can finally crank up the fireplace. After insuring that your fireplace and chimney have been cleaned and safety checked by an expert, it is time to set up your equipment for a season of crackling fireside evenings. Not only can you make your hearth more efficient but handsome and welcoming with a few simple ideas:

WOOD: Use only dry hardwoods like oak, hickory, ash, birch, or maple. A clear radial crack along the cross section of the log is a good sign your log is dry enough to burn. Although plentiful, and the first wood you see “free” signs on in people’s yards, avoid burning softwoods like pine or spruce. These soft woods burn too quickly, and because of high sap content, require more frequently chimney cleaning. Find a dry and cool place to store your wood to insure logs are ready when you need them. Fruitwoods are a fragrant alternative.

TINDER: No big blaze started without some tiny tinder. Collect and store in attractive baskets, jars or vases some small twigs or pine branches. Various sizes of coordinating pottery or planters on the hearth are great storage choices that add interest to your fireplace area. Tie the splinters up in attractive bundles for storage. You can fill a large jar with pine needles layered with small pinecones for a display that is useful and themed.

KINDLE: Collect bigger pieces of tinder, from finger to wrist sized thickness, known as kindling. Some tightly twisted newspapers also work here. These newspaper “logs” work great and make a wonderful family project. To make rolling easier first wet the newspaper a section at a time. Then spread out each section on a flat surface protected by a plastic sheet or a garbage bag. Now tightly roll the paper into a log, securing the ends with twine. Let it dry overnight.

Pinecones, especially dipped in wax, along with dried herbs like sage, rosemary, and cinnamon sticks make fragrant kindling. These kindling kits make thoughtful and cost saving gifts. Simply bundle dried herbs and small pinecones inside a sheet of newspaper, then secure the ends with raffia ribbon or cotton twine. Now, nestle the herb bundle under the logs, leaving a “fuse” end sticking out. As your creation burns the herbs inside will ignite and not only help start the logs burning but fragrantly scent the room.

TOOLS: Basic fireplace utensils are usually sold in sets and come in very attractive designs that can fit in to any décor. A good set should include a poker, a set of tongs, a shovel, a whisk broom and a dustpan for ash removal. For safety’s sake and decorative covering, always buy a fireplace screen. Safety should be your first thought.

MATCHES: Wooden matches burn much slower than paper matches and gives you more time to ignite tinder and kindling. While any wooden kitchen match will work, the long fireplace matches are best.

FIREWOOD CARRIER: Always use a firewood tote to bring wood inside. It saves your sweaters, your steps, and can save your back from stress and your hands from splinters. An old pillowcase or towel with straps or handles from fabric, an old belt or old purse straps sewn on makes a very compact and inexpensive tote that can be folded and tucked in a basket.

IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO HAVE A WOOD BURNING FIREPLACE YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE WITHOUT THE EFFECTS OF A RELAXING AND THERAPEUTIC HEARTH. AMISH BUILDERS CREATE CUSTOM ELITE FIREPLACES IN NATIVE HARDWOODS AND A WIDE ARRAY OF STYLES AND STAINS. THESE FIREPLACES ARE ELECTRIC AND EFFICIENT ON FUEL AND THE ECOLOGY.

A Brief History of Santa Claus As a Christmas Collectible

admin — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 04:58:28 +0000

Many a finely crafted Amish bookcases, corner cabinets and hutches holds the glittering gatherings of an avid Christmas and Santa Claus decoration collector. Although the image of Santa Claus has varied greatly throughout the centuries today we have Christmas decoration connoisseurs who are fastidious collectors of the old and new Santa Claus and Christmas themed decorations. Some are so ardently in love with the grand old elf and the entire Christmas festivities that they decorate a room or more in their home, year round, in the Christmas theme.

Many liberties have been taken in the portrayal of 300 A.D., real-life Bishop Nicholas, aka Saint Nicholas, aka Santa Claus. Originally described as a giver of gifts to good children and a corporal punisher to the not so good kiddies, thanks to Clement Clarke Moore’s 1822 poetic portrait called “The Night Before Christmas”, we now envision him as a jolly old omnipresent elf that sneaks in and out of every house in the world on Christmas Eve.

Santa’s wardrobe has varied as much as his disciplinary techniques. The 1862 Christmas season edition of Harper’s Weekly gave birth to an icon for collectors and children alike. Robed in almost every color of the rainbow it was not until German-American illustrator Thomas Nast depicted him in the now famous red suit that the contemporary idea of Santa Claus was permanently stamped into our mind as the ideal image of St. Nick. Nast’s wife would read the artist the Night Before Christmas poem and Nast created Santa as we know by sketching the images he felt were portrayed in the words. Nast also used Santa Claus as a sort of political tool during the Civil War since many believe some of his scenes included anti-Confederate sentiments.

Nast can also be thanked for relocating Santa’s home to the far away and rather chilly North Pole because he felt Santa needed a home not controlled by any country. Note that Nast, a die-hard Unionist, did not pick the South Pole! The finishing touches on the now rosy cheeked and very well fed Claus was added by the 1930’s Coca-Cola commercial illustrator Haddon Sundblom. Coke, in an effort to increase winter-time sales became forever associated with the red and white clad Santa drinking and gifting a Coke, a smile and a wink.

Today’s collectors still seek after Santa Claus figures from the early years, especially ones clad in mohair or fur. The more unusual the color of his garments the better. A nodder Santa crafted in papier-mâché and sprouting wool hair can run in the thousands of dollars. This year you too may start a family tradition of Christmas decorating collecting by adding a vintage piece or two into your collection. Showcase your vintage Christmas Santa Claus ornament collection inside an artisan crafted Amish display piece and you too may be tempted to leave them out all year long.

Fuel Efficient Fireplaces and the Frugal Shakers & Amish

admin — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 06:15:26 +0000

With modern day fuel prices raising to record heights it is hard to believe that fuel conservancy ever affected communities like the Shakers and the Amish. Even a group of people who never relied on modern vehicles were and are concerned about the cost and waste of fuels for heating and running machinery. With a potential energy crisis looming as certain as winter everyone is concerned about heating costs. Clean burning and warming fireplaces like the ones available through the Amish are now being sought after as reliable alternative heat sources.

The Shakers were a thrifty group who did not even waste a dropped needle. Ecologically green before it became in vogue and always prudent with resources the Shakers were grateful and good stewards of what they believed God gave them. In the 1800’s wood was their primary fuel and although plentiful and renewable they were not prone to wasting it. Every shaving from the carpenter’s floor in the furniture workshops were gathered and turned into valuable kindling. Not even a scrap went to waste with the frugal Shakers. Even the machinery they created to help with daily tasks had to be fuel efficient. From wood burning barrel stave machines to steam powered washing machines fuel had to be inexpensive and renewable for the resourceful Shakers.

The Amish have traditionally heated their home with wood also, although some have converted to gas. Central heating is viewed by the Amish as a very wasteful luxury. Since the stoves are usually in the living room quite often the bedrooms, located upstairs and away from the stoves, get fairly cold in winter. The ever famous Amish quilt certainly comes in handy on those cold mornings.

Mission, Shaker, Arts and Crafts, Rustic or Modern Contemporary decors can all benefit from a beautiful fireplace designed with energy efficient electrical flames and heating units by Dimplex and brought to you by the Amish. The beautiful hypnotic electronic flames please the eye and feed the senses while warming the environment and saving money by heating the room you are in instead of the whole house. These beautifully encased fireplaces are not only energy efficient 4,600 BTU heaters but are visually good for the soul. These fireplaces are available for your winter relaxation in beautifully crafted oak or cherry. Never clean up a messy wood burning fireplace again and enjoy a convenient remote control from the seating on your solid wood framed Mission sofa from the Amish.