Art By Al Pisano Blog

Wood carving can be both relaxing and fun, as well as a great hobby for many. Whether the art of wood carving is enjoyed by another member of your family or circle of friends, or if you are the first to dive into this exciting craft, you have to start from somewhere and build your skill and confidence along the way.

If you are starting off wood carving for the very first time, follow the steps below as you begin your first wood carved masterpiece:

1.Decide what you want to carve. Either choose a pattern or draw your own sketch.
2.Different woods vary in color and textures. A soft pine or maple is better suited for beginners.
3.Trace your pattern or drawing onto the wood with a stylus or carbon paper.
4.Using your simple tool, a utility knife, trace around the outline of the pattern or drawing.
5.With your knife at a shallow angle, cut the wood around the outline.
6.Repeat steps 4 & 5 until all lines of the outline are cut.
7.Begin rounding edges, adding dimensions with different depth cuts to add detail.
8.Use a sheet of fine sand paper to smooth over your cut marks.
9.Choose to stain your wood carving to add depth and bring out the textures.
10.Apply varnish and a sealer for added protection.

Trying out wood carving for the first time can be very inexpensive. With the use of a utility knife and a small wood surface, you can test out your skills and move on to more advanced designs and other wood carving tools.

With Thanksgiving just on the horizon and many people itching for the holiday shopping season, it’s no wonder that so many are looking to use this time to start their preparations for the Christmas rush – and in many cases, the first place they start is in their home. Decorating for Christmas is more than just a ritual. It’s a time-honored and beloved tradition that brings people together and infuses festivity and cheer into each and every day.

So this week, as you worry about the dressing the turkey, also start thinking about how you’re going to dress your home for the holiday season. At PiazzaPisano.com. we’ll be waiting for you to stop by so that you can take advantage of our great deals on Christmas Decorations and other home accent pieces that are sure to bring some holiday cheer. Remember, Christmas will be here faster than you think. You and your home both need to be prepared!

Winter will be here before you know it and although the sun is closer to the Earth during this time, it doesn’t mean that there’s a ton of sunny days in store. As the weather turns frightful, remember that you can still make your home look and feel fantastic, even on winter’s darkest day. How can you do it? The answer is with lighting.

Interior lighting is an important part of any space, especially to set the mood and tone of your home. Want to make your dark space look homey on a wintry evening? Then look to warm toned light bulbs and fixtures to cast a soft, inviting glow on your favorite space. Sometimes a different color bulb is all it takes to make a room go from ordinary to extraordinary. Also, during the dark days of winter, think about adding an extra lamp or using candles to illuminate your space while helping it to look warm and inviting.

And don’t worry – there will be some some nice days too. When that sun comes out, use it to your advantage. If you’re looking to update your favorite room this fall and winter, remember one thing: let the light in. Chilly days want to just make you curl up, draw the shades, and snuggle up with a hot cup of tea – but when it comes to your favorite space, winter light can actually help you energize a room that would be otherwise dull and drab. Instead of drawing the shades and heading to the couch, open up the curtains and let some light in. You’ll love the crisp clean light that will come into your home, energizing each and every room.

If you’re planning on cooking up a Thanksgiving feast, you should at least have something special to show off your accomplishments. If this is your first Thanksgiving dinner you’ve made for your family, or if it’s just another great holiday, your menu deserves to be celebrated. Make sure that you can make your Thanksgiving even more special by displaying your impressive culinary creations on a menu board made specially by the artisans at PiazzaPisano.com.

At PiazzaPisano.com, we provide homes just like you with the best in carved home décor. Made to be one of a kind quality and designed to make an impression in any space, the home décor pieces from PiazzaPisano.com are must-haves for the stylish family – especially if you want to make sure that your friends and relatives really notice your home this season.

In addition to the wall plaques, accent furniture, and other decorative must-haves that we offer, PiazzaPisano.com also has menu boards that are perfect for completing your kitchen or dining room – just in time for Thanksgiving. Your courses will look spectacular when displayed on our boards – trust us, no one will be expecting this special touch along with a delicious meal!

Make your Thanksgiving even more special with a menu board from PiazzaPisano.com.