The Clay’s the Thing
Clayworks Studio/Gallery has been practicing the art and craft of architectural ceramics in Austin, Texas, for over 30 years. Established by John and Chris Gray in 1978, the studio is known for custom architectural work, including historic tile restoration and large-scale seals and murals. Everything is made and fired on the premises, beginning with the task of clay mixing. Sconces are shaped by hand, tiles are individually cut and stamped, and plaques are inscribed by hand. Artisans apply Clayworks’ unique glazes and fire all of the products in gas kilns. Sconces are available in many styles and glaze colors and coordinate with the company’s house numbers and decorative tiles. (We’ve shown just a few of the styles and patterns here.) Ceramic sconces come wired and ready to mount, and are intended for indoor or protected outdoor locations.
www.clayworks.net
Kitchen Elegance
The design of Premier Copper Products 33-inch Hammered Copper Kitchen Barrel Strap Apron Sink was inspired by the oak wine barrels used to age and flavor wine. The hand-made sink is lead-free, 100% recyclable copper and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. This sink will complement your logs and add a touch of artistry to your kitchen. Premier manufactures a wide range of copper sinks, bathtubs, vanities, and light fixtures.
www.premiercopperproducts.com
The Art of Concrete
Building on nearly 20 years of using concrete as an artistic medium, JM Lifestyles of Randolph, New Jersey, has pushed the limits of this natural material. The company works expertly in various media, including metal, glass, wood, light, and water, and is at the forefront of the decorative concrete industry. This 48 by 48 inch fire pit is constructed of concrete but its finish makes it glow like the fire itself. The interior pit, which measures 24 by 24 inches, is filled with fireglass, adding to the emitted light. Each concrete piece is sealed against moisture; you can select one of the standard finishes or JM Lifestyles will create one just for your project. Visit the website for inspiration and to view other completed concrete projects, including the unique WoodformTM Concrete.
www.jmlifestyles.com
The Sound of Music
Music, no matter the genre, is a big part of most people’s lives, but high-tech devices don’t always blend well with a log home. Salvage Audio has solved that issue with the Elder Speaker, a powerful sound system that is faced with reclaimed wood. The redwood shown here is from a California fence originally constructed in 1972; a walnut front is also available. You can control the speaker wirelessly from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. You can also connect your iPod, or plug in anything with a headphone jack via the provided cable. The Elder Speaker can handle any size living space, filling it with robust, full music, while still being sensitive enough to reproduce your favorite vinyl at intimate volumes, while you relax and warm yourself by a crackling fire. Also check out Salvage Audio’s SoundBar Home Theater System.
http://salvageaudio.com
Celebrating America’s
National Parks
In 1935, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the WPA as part of his New Deal program to put millions of unemployed Americans back to work, he believed art could be a part of the daily lives of all Americans, not just the elite. Between 1936 and 1943, the WPA funded the creation of a series of silkscreen posters to promote America’s National Parks which have since become collector’s items. These 17 x 23 reproductions are printed on 80-pound heavy stock paper using a nonreflective matte finish for a look and feel of the original silk-screened posters. These are just a few examples of the many posters created. They are available from sources in the U.S. but we think these are the best quality. Look for a park near your log home!
www.artsandcraftsliving.co.uk
Bathing Beauty
If white porcelain doesn’t seem to fit in with the warmth and rustic beauty of your log home, consider a show-stopping oak tub for your bathroom. Alfi’s Model AB1148 comes with a padded head rest, pop-up chrome drain, polished chrome tub filler, and hand-held shower head. The oak tub is reinforced with three electroplated iron bands painted with gold and black for a rustic look. Its exterior measures 59 inches long, 23 inches wide, and 191/2 inches high. Cleaning and maintenance are easy. Imagine relaxing in a nice, deep tub whose wood helps to retain the heat!
http://alfitrade.com/alfibrand