New Ways For Store Owners To Draw Customers

DM Production and Sales

Bringing The Past To The Present Since 1988

Looking For Hand Crafted Products?

Visit The Hand Made Product Directory

It has been a few days since we have posted anything in our blog. The reason for this is a simple one. We have been undergoing some very significant growth lately in our overall business and needed to consolidate our efforts.

For those who don’t know, DM Production and Sales is a division of New Creations Consulting, LLC. We are a rather unusual business in that instead of turning crafting into a business, we incorporated crafting into our existing business.

Our business has several aspects. We initially started as a consulting business for Historical Property restorations but because of the number of requests we were receiving from our customers and their interior designers, we decided that we needed to branch out into creating Hand Crafted Country Rustic & Primitive Home Decor items. This was really a no-brainer for us since almost everyone in our office and shop was already heavily into woodworking or some other form of producing handmade and hand crafted items.

As a result of the requests from our customers and interior decorators who would ask us about where to get specific types hand crafted items that we didn't create, we started The Hand Made Directory which is an online Directory of people and stores that produce and sell Handmade & Hand Crafted products.

The purpose of the directory is two fold. First to help other producers and sellers of handmade and hand crafted products pull traffic to their online store, and second to help our customers from the other aspects of our business find products that they are looking for but products that we don’t produce. Our overall goal is to make the directory the largest directory of it’s type on line.

For those who have never been to The Hand Made Product Directory, you will find it different than most other directories you will find on line. The biggest difference is that the directory is completely human controlled. All submissions for a listing in the directory are reviewed by a real live human. You will not find automated listing submission forms either. Those requesting a Free listing submit their information by email. Why, you ask. Simple. Automated systems result in abuse and as a result a directory with a great deal of unrelated and irrelevant material in it.

One other difference is that the user isn’t manipulated into seeing only certain stores chosen by those controlling the directory. In no way will we manipulate the view to show them what we feel they should see. Unlike many other search engines and directories, we don’t think people are too stupid to know what they want. We feel this is not only fair to those who are doing the seeking but to those stores listed in the directory.

Every store listed in any given category has an equal opportunity to be visited by that potential customer. Even our search feature is simple. If you search for something, that search is going to show the searcher every page in the entire directory that contains the search words or term the searcher used. For those who want to have someone else make their decisions for them shouldn’t bother using The Hand Made Product Directory. We believe people who use our directory are very capable of making their own decisions.

I’ve pointed out some of the advantages of using The Hand Made Product Directory from a potential customers side, now let me tell you store owners who produce and sell handmade or hand crafted products why you should be listed in the directory. First, it’s FREE. Free is always good. I’ve listed the top 4 reasons below.

The Hand Made Directory has many Free ways to help a store draw customers to your store.

1 - They can obtain a Free Link to their store in the directory. There is even the ability to upgrade a listing for those who want to.

2 - If a store is having a sale, there is a section in the directory where they can place a Free Sales Ad. There are also many Free Sales Banners they can choose from to use in your Sale Announcement. Potential Customers who come to the directory are encouraged on every page of the directory to visit the "Now On Sale" page to see what sales are running in what stores.

3 – Store owners can have their Blog listed for Free on the Store Owners Blog page.

4 - There is a Store Owners Resource page with links to other helpful sites for promoting and maintaining your store.

We also have plans to add more features for both potential customers and store owners.

Visit Any Of Our Stores Today For Fantastic Savings On Country Rustic & Primitive Home Décor

http://www.dmpmc.net
http://dmproductionandsales.etsy.com
http://www.auctionquests.com/stores/dmpmc
http://www.ioffer.com/shops/dmpmc

Copyright © 1988-2008, New Creations Consulting, LLC / DM Production and Sales

All rights reserved

Sales@dmpmc.net www.dmpmc.net

New Features In The Hand Made Product Directory

DM Production and Sales

Bringing The Past To The Present Since 1988
Looking For Hand Crafted Products?

Visit The Hand Made Product Directory

For those who follow this blog and also make and produce hand crafted items, we wanted to let you know that the The Hand Made Product Directory has been growing at a phenomenal rate. Because of this, we have made significant changes, improvements and enhancements for both the shopper and those who are listed on the site. If you are looking for Hand Crafted Products, this is the place to look.

We would also like to bring to the readers attention another shopping directory primarily for those who are seeking Primitive Hand Crafted items. The place I am referring to is

The Primitive Handmade Directory

http://www.theprimitivehandmadedirectory.com/index.html

From americana, dolls, candles, scents and soaps to quilt bears and everything in between.

*************************************************

Our Etsy Store Is Our Flag Ship Store For Many Of Our New Products
Visit Any Of Our Stores Today For Fantastic Savings On Country Rustic & Primitive Home Décor

http://www.dmpmc.net
http://dmproductionandsales.etsy.com
http://www.auctionquests.com/stores/dmpmc
http://www.ioffer.com/shops/dmpmc

VISIT OUR ETSY STORE FOR FANTASTIC SAVINGS

Copyright © 1988-2008, New Creations Consulting, LLC / DM Production and Sales

All rights reserved

Sales@dmpmc.net www.dmpmc.net

DM Production and Sales

Bringing The Past To The Present Since 1988

As I mentioned in our last post, we are participating in the Etsy Interior Design Team Easter Sale and would like all our readers to take advantage of all the great sale items available at this time. The reader can learn more about the sale by going to our Team Home Page http://interiordesignetsy.ning.com/

As some readers may already know, DM Production and Sales also hosts and maintains The Hand Made Product Directory. Although relatively new, the Directory is growing rapidly and receiving considerable activity. If you produce Hand Crafted products and are not already listed in the Directory, you may want to consider obtaining your Free Link in the Directory. To do so just follow this link http://www.dmpmc.net/handmade.html Or http://www.dmpmc.net/dirsubmission.html

Our Etsy Store Is Our Flag Ship Store For Many Of Our New Products
Visit Any Of Our Stores Today For Fantastic Savings On Country Rustic & Primitive Home Décor

http://www.dmpmc.net
http://dmproductionandsales.etsy.com
http://www.auctionquests.com/stores/dmpmc
http://www.ioffer.com/shops/dmpmc

VISIT OUR ETSY STORE FOR FANTASTIC SAVINGS

Copyright © 1988-2008, New Creations Consulting, LLC / DM Production and Sales

All rights reserved

Sales@dmpmc.net www.dmpmc.net

New Site Changes & Look Plus A Big Sale

DM Production and Sales

Bringing The Past To The Present Since 1988

We have been very busy the last couple of weeks. We have done a complete reworking and update to our company web site http://www.dmpmc.net as well as The Hand Made Directory http://www.dmpmc.net/handmade.html . This is a directory of web sites and stores that produce Hand Crafted products.

To top all this off, we are preparing to make some changes to our product lines. With the pressure everyone is feeling because of the economy these days, we are going to be listing in our on line stores more products that are not only decorative but which also have more actual functionality to them. Some of these new products will be sold in a kit format. 99% of these kits will only require a Phillips Screwdriver and about 5 minutes to assemble. This will significantly help reduce shipping costs and actual production costs. These savings will be passed along to our customers in the form of lower prices. We will be listing many more Wall Shelving types and styles as well as other functional decorative wall oriented products at fantastic savings.

For most of our existence, a large portion of our business has been of a custom nature. We produce a large number of custom items for a variety of customers, both private and business oriented and anyone who is seeking custom work is encouraged to contact us. Our custom work charges are very reasonable and our turn-a-round time is exceptional in most instances.

With Easter almost upon us and as a member of the Etsy Interior Design Team, we are participating in the Team's EASTER SALE. All our wood products in our Etsy Shop http://dmproductionandsales.etsy.com are currently 25% OFF the shown listed price. All our Picture & Drawing Prints are also just $5.00 each during this sale.

Stop by our Etsy Store Today and take advantage of these great savings.

Our Etsy Store Is Our Flag Ship Store For Many Of Our New Products
Visit Any Of Our Stores Today For Fantastic Savings On Country Rustic & Primitive Home Décor

http://www.dmpmc.net
http://dmproductionandsales.etsy.com
http://www.auctionquests.com/stores/dmpmc
http://www.ioffer.com/shops/dmpmc

VISIT OUR ETSY STORE FOR FANTASTIC SAVINGS

Copyright © 1988-2008, New Creations Consulting, LLC / DM Production and Sales

All rights reserved

Sales@dmpmc.net www.dmpmc.net

SPRING CLEANING SALE 30% TO 50% OFF

DM Production and Sales
Bringing The Past To The Present Since 1988

DM Production and Sales has been in business since 1988 providing quality products and services to our customers. We are having a

SPRING CLEANING SALE IN OUR ETSY STORE
ALL WOOD ITEMS 30% TO 50% OFF THE LISTED PRICE

Buy Today And Save

Quantities Limited On Many Items

Our Etsy Store Is Our Flag Ship Store For Many Of Our New Products
Visit Any Of Our Stores Today For Fantastic Savings On Country Rustic & Primitive Home Décor

http://www.dmpmc.net
http://dmproductionandsales.etsy.com
http://www.auctionquests.com/stores/dmpmc
http://www.ioffer.com/shops/dmpmc

VISIT OUR ETSY STORE FOR FANTASTIC SAVINGS

Copyright © 1988-2008, New Creations Consulting, LLC / DM Production and Sales

All rights reserved

Sales@dmpmc.net www.dmpmc.net

Using Different Wood Grains, Shades and Colors In Country Decorating

DM Production and Sales

Bringing The Past To The Present Since 1988

Does your decorating approach have to be all the same wood grains, shades and colors? It’s a simple question and it may seem like a ridiculous question but it does get asked from time to time. The answer however is far from simple. So much depends on what you are trying to accomplish.

If you’re looking to create a more formal look, you might want to keep your color scheme more closely related. If on the other hand you are looking for a more natural and authentic appearance, this isn’t going to be critical. I’ve been in many a real working Country Ranch and Farm house over the years and the one thing that just didn’t seem to be all that important was matching everything up. In decades and centuries past, being able to worry about such things wasn’t practical. Many if not most items were hand made and the type of wood or the items color was determined mostly by what material was available at the time. One just didn’t run down to your neighborhood lumber and hardware store like is done today. You used what you had in many instances and were thankful you had the material available. No matter what it happened to be.

When I was a youngster and growing up on the farm, we were fortunate to have a huge number of black walnut trees in one far corner of the farm. Because of this we had a great deal of walnut lumber for my folks to work with. Our neighbor on the other hand has easy access to oak and yet another to elm. We traded with each other but for the most part, we used what we had quickly available. Most household items were build or created when you couldn’t work outside for one reason or another so you built things pretty quickly. Functionality was usually more important than looks were to a great degree. Today we are lucky. We have the ability and availability of products to do almost anything we like when we are decorating.

One of the greatest advantages of decorating in a Country fashion, and particularly if you are striving for an authentic look, is that it is pretty difficult to really mess it up. The fact that so much of the Country style is directly connected to the persons own likes, dislikes and personality, who is to say what is right or wrong. As long as it works for you, that’s the key.

Another advantage of decorating in a Country style is that the normal process of accumulating more decorations and other items doesn’t normally create the problem of “Will this look right in this or that room?”. If the piece is of a Country, Rustic or Primitive nature, most likely it will fit right in without much difficulty. All three styles generally blend very well together.

*************************************************

Our Etsy Store Is Our Flag Ship Store For Many Of Our New Products
Visit Any Of Our Stores Today For Fantastic Savings On Country Rustic & Primitive Home Décor

http://www.dmpmc.net
http://dmproductionandsales.etsy.com
http://www.auctionquests.com/stores/dmpmc
http://www.ioffer.com/shops/dmpmc

VISIT OUR ETSY STORE FOR FANTASTIC SAVINGS

Copyright © 1988-2008, New Creations Consulting, LLC / DM Production and Sales

All rights reserved

Sales@dmpmc.net www.dmpmc.net

Where To Find Hand Crafted Products On The Net

DM Production and Sales
Bringing The Past To The Present Since 1988

Instead of our normal Monday’s Crafters Spotlight section this week, I thought that instead of focusing in on a single crafter I would tell the reader about a resource for finding crafters of all types. In times past, if you wanted something that had been Hand Crafted, you either had to know someone who produced that item or you could figure on spending hours searching the internet to find someone who did. This isn’t the case today. For the real discriminating buyer, the largest group of crafters of all kinds can be found at a place called Etsy (http://www.etsy.com). Almost anything that can be Hand Crafted can be found there. There are thousands of crafters and their companies and hundreds of thousands of Hand Crafted products to be found there, including ourselves (some of our products are show below). Some who have shops on Etsy are selling their work as a part time endeavor while others are full time crafters and derive their living from their work. The best way to look at Etsy is to consider it like a very large shopping mall. A mall the size of the whole earth since you will find crafters on Etsy from around the world. Want something custom made? Don’t worry, many shop owners do custom work and do it very reasonably.

It is important to understand that Etsy is not an Auction web site. It isn’t anything like most Auction web sites. There is no bidding on a product. If you want to buy it, you simply pay for the item and it is yours. Just like you would in any large quality department store. The real difference is that you don’t have to walk around this mall and what you are buying will most likely be “One of a Kind” and of course, the item will be shipped to you. Let me also add that to the majority of shop owners, Customer Service is extremely important to them and they really treat their customers exceptionally well.

For Hand Crafted on line store owners here is a place you can gain some additional exposure at no cost. The Hand Made Directory The instructions for adding your store are at the bottom of the front page.

Our Etsy Store Is Our Flag Ship Store For Many Of Our New Products
Visit Any Of Our Stores Today For Fantastic Savings On Country Rustic & Primitive Home Décor

http://www.dmpmc.net
http://dmproductionandsales.etsy.com
http://www.auctionquests.com/stores/dmpmc
http://www.ioffer.com/shops/dmpmc

VISIT OUR ETSY STORE FOR FANTASTIC SAVINGS

Copyright © 1988-2008, New Creations Consulting, LLC / DM Production and Sales

All rights reserved

Sales@dmpmc.net www.dmpmc.net

New Product Display Equipment Line Being Introduced

DM Production and Sales

Bringing The Past To The Present Since 1988

I wanted to take today and introduce a new product line we have created. It is designed to help other crafters market and merchandise their products. Merchandising displays and equipment can be very expensive. What we have done is develop some high quality items at very reasonable and affordable prices. The first items we are introducing are for those who deal in jewelry.

For those crafters and/or sellers who specialize in jewelry, we have started to add a product line to help you display your products at shows or in stores. Today we listed in our Etsy store a number of items. We will be adding more over the next few days. If you have a specific need for displaying your products, let us know. If it is a wooden type of display you are looking for, we can help. We do custom work upon request and at very reasonable prices.

If you have an idea for a type of merchandise display you would like to see us create, please contact us. We are always looking for new items to create for our valued customers. It doesn’t have to be jewelry oriented either. We can and do make display and merchandising products for a number of product types.

Our Etsy Store Is Our Flag Ship Store For Many Of Our New ProductsVisit Any Of Our Stores Today For Fantastic Savings On Country Rustic & Primitive Home Décor

http://www.dmpmc.net
http://dmproductionandsales.etsy.com
http://www.auctionquests.com/stores/dmpmc
http://www.ioffer.com/shops/dmpmc

VISIT OUR ETSY STORE FOR FANTASTIC SAVINGS

Copyright © 1988-2008, New Creations Consulting, LLC / DM Production and Sales

All rights reserved

Sales@dmpmc.net www.dmpmc.net

We Are Having A Sale In Our Etsy Store

DM Production and Sales
Bringing The Past To The Present Since 1988

SALE - SALE - SALE

We Are Having A Sale In Our Etsy Store Today And Tomorrow

Feb 28th & 29th Only

All Our Products Are 25% OFF These Two Days Only

http://dmproductionandsales.etsy.com

Our Etsy Store Is Our Flag Ship Store For Many Of Our New Products
Visit Any Of Our Stores Today For Fantastic Savings On Country Rustic & Primitive Home Décor

http://www.dmpmc.net
http://dmproductionandsales.etsy.com
http://www.auctionquests.com/stores/dmpmc
http://www.ioffer.com/shops/dmpmc

VISIT OUR ETSY STORE FOR FANTASTIC SAVINGS

Copyright © 1988-2008, New Creations Consulting, LLC / DM Production and Sales

All rights reserved

Sales@dmpmc.net www.dmpmc.net

How We Produce Our Products - The Process

DM Production and Sales
Bringing The Past To The Present Since 1988

We get numerous emails asking us how we make our products. I thought I would put a post in our blog that might help to answer that question. There isn’t any way one could even begin to explain in detail every aspect involved, but hopefully this will provide the reader with some insight into the process.

Many of our customers are surprised about the amount of detail to authenticity our products exhibit. We include this insert with our products to provide the customer with some details about how their piece was created and hopefully answer some questions they may have as to why their particular piece looks the way it does.

As you are aware, DM Production and Sales specializes in creating Home Décor pieces that are reproductions of those originally made and produced centuries past. Creating a piece to look like it originally looked when it was first built isn’t difficult. Making it look like an authentic piece would actually look today is where the skill and craftsmanship comes in. It is much harder to accomplish this than most people think.

Besides the obvious research that must be done about any given piece produced, great care needs to be taken when selecting the wood one uses, the types of stains and finishes used, the glues and hardware used and many other factors. Care must be given to give the piece being produced the correct amount and type of simulated wear and use effect so it truly looks as old and used as it should look.

We start any project with research which tells us not only how the piece we are reproducing was originally made and the elements involved in its production. Then research must be done to determine how this items would actually look after 50, 100, 200 years of daily use. Once this is completed, we start with wood that is as close as possible in age to the original time period we are going to reproduce. We obtain much of our wood and lumber from historical preservation and restoration projects. This allows us the advantage of starting a project off on the right foot so to speak.

Once the actual physical construction of a piece is completed comes the difficult part. It’s not good enough to just slap some stain or other finish on the piece and call it good. We make many of our own stains and finishes. Often using century old formulas. This gives us an additional advantage when we begin to Age and Distress the piece. Knowing what type of finish to use and how much finish to use is also important as well as knowing where and when to carefully remove some of that finish to give the piece the proper aged look are techniques that we have developed over many years of trial and error.

Anyone can put dents and dings in a piece of wood. This doesn’t make it resemble what it should really resemble. This just makes it look banged up. Knowing where to place wear marks is important. They need to be in places that would have normally received more wear than other parts of the piece under normal daily use.

Another element that is often forgotten is the element of the weather. Pieces that would normally be used or located outside will have different and additional types of wear and weathering that wouldn’t normally be found on pieces that were usually kept indoors. For example, pieces that have been exposed to many years of weathering and no matter how well they are protected by finishes, will have tell-tail indicators of exposure such as cracks, splits and checks in the wood itself. Knowing where to put these aging elements take years of experience. These types of pieces will often show areas on them that have been sun-bleached (lighter areas that have been exposed to sunlight more than others. Add to this the normal daily wear from water (rain, ect.) and wind, dry heat, and humidity all must be taken into consideration.

Taking all these factors into consideration when we produce a piece is what makes our products special and unique. Providing our customers with items that they will cherish for many years.

Remember, when you are looking for something that really looks and feels like the past, think of
DM Production and Sales first. Custom work available upon request.

Our Etsy Store Is Our Flag Ship Store For Many Of Our New Products
Visit Any Of Our Stores Today For Fantastic Savings On Country Rustic & Primitive Home Décor

http://www.dmpmc.net
http://dmproductionandsales.etsy.com
http://www.auctionquests.com/stores/dmpmc
http://www.ioffer.com/shops/dmpmc

VISIT OUR ETSY STORE FOR FANTASTIC SAVINGS

Copyright © 1988-2008, New Creations Consulting, LLC / DM Production and Sales

All rights reserved

Sales@dmpmc.net www.dmpmc.net

In This Weeks Handmade Product Spotlight

DM Production and Sales

Bringing The Past To The Present Since 1988

In This Weeks Handmade Product Spotlight

If you are not into the culture and lore of the Old West, you may have never heard of a “Dream Catcher”. They are one of the most fascinating traditions of Native American culture. The purpose of a dream catcher was to protect the sleeping individual from bad dreams, while letting the persons good dreams through. The good dreams would slip through the hole in the center of the dream catcher, and glide down the feathers to the sleeping person below. The bad dreams would get caught up in the web, and be destroyed with the first rays of the morning sun. Dream catcher have been a part of the Native American culture for untold generations. Another aspect of the Native American dream catcher has to do with the tradition of the hoop. It is said by some Native Americans of North America that the hoop is held in the highest esteem. Primarily because it symbolized strength and unity.

Thankfully many of these Native American traditions have not been lost and continue to be made by dedicated crafters though out the country. One such crafter and artisan is “Arizona Dreams” http://arizonadreams.etsy.com . Pam, who is the inspiration, crafter and contact at “Arizona Dreams” is perpetuating this great tradition and craft with skill and love. Pam has been making Dream Catchers for a number of years and as she puts it: “I began making dream catchers almost twenty years ago to trap nightmares my children were having. Soon, neighbors and friends were asking me to make them. I made around 50 and bought a spot at a craft mall and realized people were really liking my items. I have two handmade sites currently, and still love making dream catchers. My children are now adults and still have a dream catcher hanging in their room. There is more to the legend than the beauty of the dream catcher.”

The quality of these Dream Catches is very difficult to put into words. The pictures above show more than words can explain. When you are looking for that unique gift for someone or simply want something that will become a cherished item in your home, check out Pam’s work at “Arizona Dreams”.

Our Etsy Store Is Our Flag Ship Store For All Our New Products
Visit Any Of Our Stores Today For Fantastic Savings On Country Rustic & Primitive Home Décor

http://www.dmpmc.net
http://dmproductionandsales.etsy.com
http://dmproductionandsales.ecrater.com
http://www.auctionquests.com/stores/dmpmc
http://www.ioffer.com/shops/dmpmc

VISIT OUR ETSY STORE FOR FANTASTIC SAVINGS

Copyright © 1988-2008, New Creations Consulting, LLC / DM Production and Sales
All rights reserved
Sales@dmpmc.net www.dmpmc.net

Repairing Dents and Scratches In Wooden Country Rustic and Primitive Décor

DM Production and Sales

Bringing The Past To The Present Since 1988

Repairing Dents and Scratches In Wooden Country Rustic and Primitive Décor

When it comes to dents and scratches in your Country Rustic and Primitive Décor, the first thing you need to do is ask yourself, “do I really want to repair this”. A large portion of the charm and uniqueness of these types of decorative items is the “Used and Worn Look” that they have developed over the years. You really need to consider this prior to making any repairs.

There are instances where repairs just must be made however and that is what we will look at today. This isn’t so much a “How To” type of posting as it is some basic principles that can be used to repair a wide variety of wooden items. There are just too many variables involved to be “piece specific” in this post. There are many tricks of the trade but we will focus on those the average home owner would normally be willing to tackle.

The most common repair that the reader will probably want to make is dealing with scratches. Usually most scratches on wood are not deep. Usually scratches only happen in the outer Finish Layer of the piece. Let’s look at these types of scratches first. I’ll discuss how to handle deep scratches in a minute.

Minor surface scratches can usually be repaired very quickly and simply. First, you have to determine what type of Finish the piece is. If the Finish is a Natural Oil Finish, and the scratch isn’t real large and noticeable, the quickest way to deal with it is simply by using a matching Oil Finish to go over the scratch. Once this is dry, a coat of wax is usually all that is needed. If the scratch is really light, a product called an “Almond Stick” can be used to simply run over it and the scratch will disappear. These little pieces of magic are not always easy to find. They can sometimes be found in hardware stores. Occasionally better quality furniture stores carry them. If neither of these work, try a cabinet makers supply outlet. They come in a light and dark color. Simply use the appropriate shade.

It is not usual for Country Rustic and Primitive home décor pieces to have a heavy gloss or semi-gloss varnish finish. If your piece does appear to have this type of finish and it is a true antique, the finish is probably either a multi-layered and dried Linseed Oil finish, a varnish or a built up hard wax finish. Linseed Oil will dry quite hard and with multiple coats can provide a very durable finish. One of the main reasons it isn’t used much these days is that it takes weeks for each coat to dry properly (depending on the drying conditions). If you do have a scratch in a Linseed Oil finish that must be repaired, you should take it to an expert. If however it is a varnish finish, you can take a very small brush (similar to a small artists brush) and simply fill the scratch with a high quality varnish. You will need to build up in layers and wipe off any excess varnish that you get on surfaces around the scratch. Let each layer dry and repeat until the scratch is filled. If the scratch is in a wax finish, you can melt a small amount of quality paste furniture wax and use the same process as with varnish to fill the scratch.

Dents in wooden item require different approaches depending on the size and depth of the dent and the type of wood itself. If you have a really deep dent, I strongly suggest you have an expert deal with it. You could very easily damage the piece if you don’t have the expertise to deal with it yourself. Minor dents can often be lifted back out with a steam iron. Simply place a cloth over the dented wood area and place a hot (not too hot) steam iron on top for a minute or two. The actually time required depends a great deal on the type (hardness) of wood and the depth of the dent. The steam will cause the wood fibers to swell and basically fill in the dent. Caution is the key word when using this process and I recommend you experiment on a piece of scrap wood first before you attack you actual piece. A little practice can go a long way in preventing damage to the actual piece you are planning on repairing.

The other most often addressed repair that might be needed is Re-gluing. Simply squirting some glue into a crack of separated piece can crate further problems for you. Using the wrong type of glue can actually cause further damage to the piece. Small cracks can often be repaired simply by injecting (with a syringe) a small amount of good woodworkers wood glue into the crack and clamping the crack closed tightly. If the crack is large, take it to an expert if you don’t feel comfortable addressing it.

Actual joints in any piece can usually be re-glued relatively simply with a good wood glue and clamps. There are some instances, depending upon the type of joint, wood and condition of the joint that will require more work. Sometimes, the old glue will need to be removed in order to make a proper repair. Sometimes a special type of glue must be used because of the condition of the wood. If this appears to be the case, see an expert.

Most minor repairs can usually be addressed by the average home owner but always remember that if you don’t feel comfortable doing it, Don’t.

Our Etsy Store Is Our Flag Ship Store For All Our New Products
Visit Any Of Our Stores Today For Fantastic Savings On Country Rustic & Primitive Home Décor

http://www.dmpmc.net
http://dmproductionandsales.etsy.com
http://dmproductionandsales.ecrater.com
http://www.auctionquests.com/stores/dmpmc
http://www.ioffer.com/shops/dmpmc

VISIT OUR ETSY STORE FOR FANTASTIC SAVINGS

Copyright © 1988-2008, New Creations Consulting, LLC / DM Production and Sales

All rights reserved

Sales@dmpmc.net www.dmpmc.net

Taking Care Of Your Country Rustic & Primitive Home Décor Pieces

DM Production and Sales
Bringing The Past To The Present Since 1988

Taking Care Of Your Country Rustic & Primitive Home Décor Pieces

Keeping those unique pieces in your home in top condition doesn’t have to be a major project. In most cases, simply keeping them clean and polished is all that is necessary. If you’re using the right cleaners and the correct polishing material the whole job shouldn’t take you that long at all.

If you must use a type of soap cleaner on any item, the best thing to use is a mild mixture of dish soap and water. Stay away from cleaners that have ammonia and other harsh elements in them. Your normal window cleaner is terrible on most woods and can even damage certain pieces of pottery. Glass cleaners where made for glass, not wood. Most commercially available polishes are not the best items to use on wood products either.

Wood itself is a living breathing item. It has pours and as such these pours can become clogged with all kinds of dirt and other elements that can damage the piece. If you must use an oil on a wood piece to restore some of the natural oils that deteriorate over time, use a quality oil specifically made for this purpose. In most cases you will not find these better quality oils in your normal grocery store. You may even have difficulty finding them at places like Home Depot or Lowes. The best places to look for these better grade oils are in Wood Workers Supply Stores or high end Furniture Dealers. You might check with a local furniture repair shop for advise on locating a source. I deliberately haven’t mentioned any specific brand because there are a number of good ones available. The problem is that every part of the country is a little different and many of these products are specifically formulated for that specific region. That is why it is best to find out what the experts are using in your particular area and use it.

Most wood pieces will not be hurt by a light wax finish to help protect the original finish. Again, the same principles apply to the type of wax you use as do to the type or brand of wood oils. Do your homework and it will pay off in the long run. In most cases, a quality paste wax is best. These spray on waxes or polishes you find in most grocery stores will only damage your piece over time. What is nice about a good paste wax is that it lasts a long, long time. Several thin coats are much better than one heavy coat.

Even a good quality wax will create a buildup over time and needs to be partially removed. Again, there are specific products made for removing wax from wood pieces. Use a quality product that you can find in your specific area. In most instances you will not need to remove 100% of the wax finish. Usually only the first couple of layers will be sufficient to restore the luster and appearance of the piece.

In some things, buying lesser quality doesn’t matter. In this case however, by spending the money up front, you will save in the long run. Having pieces repaired by a professional is expensive. You will save money by treating those unique pieces properly from the very start.

Our Etsy Store Is Our Flag Ship Store For All Our New Products
Visit Any Of Our Stores Today For Fantastic Savings On Country Rustic & Primitive Home Décor

http://www.dmpmc.net
http://dmproductionandsales.etsy.com
http://dmproductionandsales.ecrater.com
http://www.auctionquests.com/stores/dmpmc
http://www.ioffer.com/shops/dmpmc

VISIT OUR ETSY STORE FOR FANTASTIC SAVINGS

Copyright © 1988-2008, New Creations Consulting, LLC / DM Production and Sales
All rights reserved
Sales@dmpmc.net www.dmpmc.net

n This Weeks Handmade Product Spotlight

DM Production and Sales

Bringing The Past To The Present Since 1988

In This Weeks Handmade Product Spotlight

In the process of researching stores for our weekly “Handmade Product Spotlight” post, we look a many artists, their work and their stores. What makes choosing a specific artist to feature difficult is the number of great artists we see. This week we want to bring you one artist and her work that we feel really stands out. Her name is Diana Feldman and her store (Diana's Stained Glass and Jewelry Creations) http://dianasstainedglass.etsy.com contains a number of fantastic creation of Stained Glass and Jewelry.

She creates traditional tiffany style stained glass boxes, lamps, panels, sun catchers, and does custom designed stained glass, one of a kind fine jewelry and custom jewelry. She uses the lost wax casting process. We ask those we Spotlight to tell us a little about themselves. Not only does Diana have a flare with stained glass, she knows how to express herself very nicely.

“I have been doing tiffany style stained glass for about 4 years now. I learned stained glass in a small group at my church. I always wanted to learn stained glass so when the opportunity arose, I jumped at the chance. I love every part of stained glass. The beauty of the glass as the sunlight hits it is just magical to me. It brings the piece of glass to life, like gemstones.
I love creating things with my hands. As a master jeweler for the past 22 years it's been with gold and gemstones and now lam able to bring my talents to the field of glass art. It's my passion to create beautiful things. In the coming months I will be making more creations in fused glass and leaded glass windows so keep checking back!”

As you can see from the examples above, Diana knows her craft and we look forward to seeing many additional great pieces appear in her store over the next weeks and months. We encourage you to visit her store (Diana's Stained Glass and Jewelry Creations) http://dianasstainedglass.etsy.com yourself and pick up several of her creations. Diana also has a blog (http://NorthChurchJewelry.blogspot.com) which we believe you will find very interesting.

*************************************************

Our Etsy Store Is Our Flag Ship Store For All Our New Products
Visit Any Of Our Stores Today For Fantastic Savings On Country Rustic & Primitive Home Décor

http://www.dmpmc.net
http://dmproductionandsales.etsy.com
http://dmproductionandsales.ecrater.com
http://www.auctionquests.com/stores/dmpmc
http://www.ioffer.com/shops/dmpmc

VISIT OUR ETSY STORE FOR FANTASTIC SAVINGS

Copyright © 1988-2008,
New Creations Consulting, LLC / DM Production and Sales
All rights reserved
Sales@dmpmc.net www.dmpmc.net

Making Use Of The Already Used In Country Decorating

DM Production and Sales

Bringing The Past To The Present Since 1988

Making Use Of The Already Used In Country Decorating

One of the biggest advantages of decorating in a Country Rustic & Primitive style is that it can be very Eco-Friendly. So many items that fit perfectly into a Country Theme can be made from recycled materials. In our case, almost all the materials we use in producing our products comes from re-claimed and recycled lumber and wood. Much of it coming from Historical Property Restoration Projects.

When you start off with materials that already have a historical age factor, it adds significant value to the piece you are creating. It also makes it much easier to achieve an authentic appearance in the piece. As I mentioned in my post yesterday, using re-claimed wood can not only save you money but can take a great deal of work out of your project. The frame for the picture seen here was made from re-claimed wood from and old fireplace mantle.

Wood however isn’t the only thing that you can use. You need to think out of the box when it comes to your decorating projects. Everything from fabrics to glass and everything in between is fair game. One thing that I have noticed about most people who decorate in a Country Theme is that they lean slightly towards being a bit of a packrat and a scrounger. This certainly is helpful when you are making many of your home décor pieces yourself. At least as long as you doesn’t get carried away with it. If you find that you have a 55 gallon barrel of bent nails, maybe it is time to cut back a little.

VISIT OUR ETSY STORE FOR FANTASTIC SAVINGS

DM Production and Sales produces and sells Hand Crafted Country Rustic and Primitive Home Decor. We have been in business since 1988 providing quality products and services to our customers. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us! Custom made products are available upon request. All our products are Made in the USA and are Eco-Friendly. Most of them are made from Reclaimed Lumber & Wood. Bringing the Past to the Present since 1988!

Our Etsy Store Is Our Flag Ship Store For All Our New Products

Visit Any Of Our Stores Today For Fantastic Savings On Country Rustic & Primitive Home Décor

http://www.dmpmc.net
http://dmproductionandsales.etsy.com
http://dmproductionandsales.ecrater.com
http://www.auctionquests.com/stores/dmpmc
http://www.ioffer.com/shops/dmpmc

Copyright © 1988-2008, New Creations Consulting, LLC / DM Production and Sales

All rights reserved

Sales@dmpmc.net www.dmpmc.net

Do you like building rustic furniture?

DM Production and Sales
Bringing The Past To The Present Since 1988

Do you like building rustic furniture?

If you like to build things, here is a tip that will save you a ton of money. One of the catch phrases often heard when the talk shifts to Country Rustic and Primitive Décor is “Barn Wood”. True “Barn Wood” should come from a barn, but lets face it, how many people do you know that have an old barn they will let you tear down? I’ll bet not many. “Barn Wood” is basically a wood that is old, weathered and pretty rough. That being the case, what would be the problem of using any wood that meets those requirements to give you the same effect?

There are many Lumber Re-claimers that will sell you real “Barn Wood” but it isn’t going to be cheap. Here is a tip for rustic furniture builders...old fence boards, good as barn wood in most cases...as long as it's dry and termite free,,,it's pre shrunk and pre dried and pre weathered from the sun and rain. If you live where there are no old barns these old fence boards make great tables and benches and they are FREEEEEEEE. Just keep your eyes open as you are driving around. I’ll bet you can find someone in your area that is tearing down an old fence and will be glad to give you what ever you need.

The Dead Snake Chili Cookbook

The Dead Snake Chili Cook Book or Very Old Recipes From The Very Old West. This cook book was developed primarily as a conversation piece or decorative item but with over 80 really old recipes in it, anyone with an interest in history or cooking will find this item of interest. A few examples of the over 80 recipes are: Apple Bread Pudding, Baby Porcupines, Beef Cakes, Beef-steak pie, Braised Tongue, Brown Fricasseed Chicken, Buckwheat Cakes, Cabbage and Bacon, the original Chicken Fried Steak recipe, Chicken-Barley Soup, Chuck Wagon Stew, Cinnamon Flop, Corn Fritters, Corn Meal Mush, Crackling Cornbread, Creamed Turnips, of course our recipe for Dead Snake Chili, Dressed Bass, Grandma’s Original WWI Donut Recipe, Hickory Pie, Molasses Stack Cake, Mule-skinner Chili, Old Fashioned Home Made Vinegar, Oxtail Stew, Poor Man's Pudding, Pop's Rattlesnake, Pumpkin Soup, Rabbit in Fruit Sauce, Sourdough Bread, Venison Stew, Vinegar Pie, Wagon Train Biscuits. This cook book is designed to look like it had just come off of a 1000 mile cattle drive.

Our Etsy Store Is Our Flag Ship Store For All Our New Products
Visit Any Of Our Stores Today For Fantastic Savings On Country Rustic & Primitive Home Décor

http://www.dmpmc.net
http://dmproductionandsales.etsy.com
http://dmproductionandsales.ecrater.com
http://www.auctionquests.com/stores/dmpmc

http://www.ioffer.com/shops/dmpmc

ITEMS IN OUR ETSY STORE

Copyright © 1988-2008, New Creations Consulting, LLC / DM Production and Sales

All rights reserved

Sales@dmpmc.net www.dmpmc.net

What Does It Mean To Live In A Home That Is Decorated In Country Rustic & Primitive Style?

DM Production and Sales

Bringing The Past To The Present Since 1988

What Does It Mean To Live In A Home That Is Decorated In Country Rustic & Primitive Style?

I thought I would do something a little different in today’s blog. Instead of focusing on the elements of Country Rustic & Primitive decorating themselves today, I would give the reader something to think about in regards to their own home’s current decorating style. Even if your home isn’t decorated in a Country Style, you may want to consider it as you read further.

There seems to be considerable interest in the Country Look when it comes to home decorating trends today. Actually, there has been for the past several years. I’ve always wondered just how the concept of decorating any home in a Country style can really be called a new trend. Particularly when you really think about it and considering the history of our country and how most people lived for most of our country’s history, that is a rural background. I would say that it is really a very old trend. Of course I don’t think my great grandparents or my grand parents or even my parents probably every thought their farm houses were decorated in any form of Trend or fashion.

Let me ask the reader, how is your home decorated? Does it fit in with today’s Trend? Maybe I should really be asking, “What is the Home Decorating Trend Today?”. To a great degree it depends on what part of the country you live in and of course what the so called experts say it is. Now, I really wonder, do you really care?

I see a lot of people that are so wrapped up in keeping their home decorated in “Today’s Trend” that they never really enjoy their home. What really seems more important to me is, “Do you like the way your home is decorated?”. Now, like I mentioned, I come from a rural background and what I like is just that. What I Like. It may not be the readers choice but that doesn’t matter. They don’t have to live in my house, I do.

One thing that seems to be very consistent in homes decorated in a Country Style is that they always seem to be very comfortable. You have the impression the minute you walk in that you are welcome and you can relax and enjoy yourself. You know real people live there and enjoy life. My final question for the reader is “Is that how your home feels?”.

Our Etsy Store Is Our Flag Ship Store For All Our New Products
Visit Any Of Our Stores Today For Fantastic Savings On Country Rustic & Primitive Home Décor

http://www.dmpmc.net
http://dmproductionandsales.etsy.com
http://dmproductionandsales.ecrater.com
http://www.auctionquests.com/stores/dmpmc

ITEMS IN OUR ETSY STORE

Copyright © 1988-2008, New Creations Consulting, LLC / DM Production and Sales

All rights reserved

Sales@dmpmc.net www.dmpmc.net

Where To Get Country Rustic & Primitive Home Decorating Ideas

DM Production and Sales

Bringing The Past To The Present Since 1988

Where To Get Country Rustic & Primitive Home Decorating Ideas

If you are just starting to think about doing some Country Rustic & Primitive decorating yourself in your home or already have Country Rustic & Primitive Décor and seeking new ideas, where do you look? There are numerous avenues one can take in obtaining ideas. You can of course start by looking at the homes of friends and family members who already have Country Rustic & Primitive Home Décor. There are also a host of magazines and books available on the subject you can use. Depending on where you live, your local Historical Society may have pictures you can look at and possibly members who can help. You can also visit Historical Homes in your community to pick up ideas. You can even go to local furniture stores and see what they have that you can reproduce. All these are possibilities but have you ever given any thought to the movies?

One of my favorite methods of obtaining new decorating ideas is to watch Historical Dramas and other period specific movies. Most movie production companies try to make their sets as accurate as possible. They spend a pretty good chunk of change hiring experts just for this purpose. I’ve picked up hundreds of ideas simply by watching these types of movies. It helps if you can watch the movies on your computer so you can take a Screen Shot of items and rooms you find interesting. B&W movies are alright, but color movies are really much better for this purpose. You have to stay focused while your watching the movie, otherwise you will miss many of the details. That’s why being able to take a Screen Shot or Pause the movie is so helpful. One last thing, don’t forget to have a pad and pencil handy for your notes.

While watching, try to keep in mind the overall room setting. How items are placed in conjunction to everything in the room. Look for the little items or pieces used. These are often the elements that add those special final touches that really make the difference. Even things like the curtains being used. Most well lived in Country homes have accumulated a real assortment of odd and unique items over the years. It is just these touches that give the room that warm, welcoming, lived in look.

Our Etsy Store Is Our Flag Ship Store For All Our New Products
Visit Any Of Our Stores Today For Fantastic Savings On Country Rustic & Primitive Home Décor

http://www.dmpmc.net
http://dmproductionandsales.etsy.com
http://dmproductionandsales.ecrater.com
http://www.auctionquests.com/stores/dmpmc

ITEMS IN OUR ETSY STORE

Copyright © 1988-2008, New Creations Consulting, LLC / DM Production and Sales

All rights reserved

Sales@dmpmc.net www.dmpmc.net

This Weeks Handmade Products Spotlight

DM Production and Sales

Bringing The Past To The Present Since 1988

In these days of mass produced products, it’s easy to forget that long before the days of mass production, things were made by hand. Some may think these skills have been forgotten but that is far from the truth. Each week we will be featuring a fellow crafter and their work in our blog. Our goal is to acquaint the reader with some of the thousands of skilled and talented crafters who produce handmade products that are special and fantastic values.

This Weeks Handmade Products Spotlight

The art of pottery making is a craft with a very long history. At one time, most pottery created was more of a utilitarian necessity than any thing else. When you are just scrapping out a living on a day to day basis, eating and storage vessels are more important than decorating your stick or mud hut. As skills and techniques developed so did the complexity and diversity of the types and styles of pottery develop. Today, these skills and techniques are seen in today’s pottery makers.

One of our favorite pottery crafters is Judy Nevius. Her shop on Etsy JNPottery (http://jnpottery.etsy.com) is a great example of functionality and style. I asked her to tell us a little bit about herself and her work. “I've been making things from clay for 7 years, and I can't stop! I make pieces that are functional, and I hope also decorative. I am extremely pleased when someone tells me that they use my pottery on a regular basis. Isn't that what it's all about? Except for raku, all of the glazes are food safe. Pieces are oven and dishwasher safe and most can be put into a microwave. I sell pottery on Etsy and at local craft venues. I love making these pieces, but I get even greater joy from people using and enjoying them.”

Some other samples of her many pieces

If you like really great pottery that is not only useful but great looking, we encourage you to check out Judy’s shop on Etsy.

Our Etsy Store Is Our Flag Ship Store For All Our New Products
Visit Any Of Our Stores Today For Fantastic Savings On Country Rustic & Primitive Home Décor

http://www.dmpmc.net
http://dmproductionandsales.etsy.com
http://dmproductionandsales.ecrater.com
http://www.auctionquests.com/stores/dmpmc

ITEMS IN OUR ETSY STORE

Copyright © 1988-2008, New Creations Consulting, LLC / DM Production and Sales

All rights reserved

Sales@dmpmc.net www.dmpmc.net