Inspiration: {Le Salon Haute Couture de Dior}

{...dear readers, it pleases me to inform that I have finally finished four months of French language training, an experience which I will always remember... although enriching, being a full-time adult learner was extremely draining... I look forward to returning to my familiar routine,... but first a well-deserved vacation and an virtual escape into the world of Dior..., xo}

* the Cherry Blossom Girl discovered via the lovely Sarah Klassen's Haute Design.



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Tips for Color Washing Furniture

We recently visited a creative arts studio. The room was filled with an air of creativity all around, what impressed us was the furniture that was a part of the interiors. A rusty and country look dominated every piece of furniture, it was simply stunning. It was not a fancy layout with the most expensive finishes, but a simple yet creative idea. The technique of color washing furniture is creating superb finishes and the out come is a special make over to old furniture. It is one of the most popular techniques among the different furniture painting ideas.



Furniture makes up most of the interiors and color washing furniture is just the right and inexpensive way to revamp even the smallest piece of it. Color washing rules a washed and rusty look, however, you can choose different color washing techniques, contrasts and colors that can give you a variety of looks as per your tastes and style. It will change the complete look of the furniture. Not only is it used for coloring walls but also for making creative items, for furniture, and more. It is an easy process that can be mastered. If you thought making furniture look pretty was just a task for skilled hands, you might just want to try color washing furniture. The only skills required here are creativity, creativity and creativity. For beginners and the not so beginners, here are some tips on color washing furniture that will make color washing an easy and fun experience.



How to Color Wash Furniture

Color washing is done by coating a surface base color with translucent latex paint and glaze mixed with another color. This is done in layers, and the effect is a great combination of luster and texture. Most commonly color washing is done using a paint brush, however, you can use many other things like a sponge, or hard cloth, etc. Below mentioned is a detailed way to color wash furniture.

• The pattern should be decided first. When you color wash, it will give you a specific texture and effect. You may want to try this on a small part of the furniture first, or even a small piece of cardboard. For beginners too, it is advised to first try it on another surface, before the final hand on the furniture.
• Now the materials you will need are: painters tape, rough cloth, paint brushes, paint colors that you wish to color wash the furniture, and sand paper.
• Furniture that can be painted can be anything like old chairs, tables and even cabinets. Whatever the texture of the furniture, a color wash can be easily applied.
• Cover any flooring or other area properly with cloth, to avoid spoiling and coloring unwanted places and things. Next if there is one part of the furniture that you do not want the color wash in, cover it with painters tape. Or if you want a different color or texture in a certain part, cover that part with tape.
• Take sand paper, and smoothen out the surface of the furniture, you can use a 200 grit sand paper. But do so very lightly, if you want some texture of the wood to be seen. Once finished wipe the piece of furniture with a rough cloth. Paint the furniture with a base color and leave it to dry, at least for an hour.
• After it is dry, use glaze mixed with the desired color, and coat the surface of the furniture. The proportion can be in the ratio of 4:1. That means 4 parts of glaze for every 1 part of paint. You can use a hard brush, or sponge or cloth for this. It depends on what kind of texture or finished surface you want. A soft cloth will give you a very subtle color wash, while a sponge can be used for moderate texture, a brush will give you fine lines.
• You can either give crisscross strokes, horizontal or vertical strokes, or you can even give a circular finish. Use your creativity here. A sponge can be used in a circular motion for a color wash, while a brush is best used for lining and crisscrossing. You can also stipple the surface of the color wash with a hard brush.
• When this coat is semi dry, you can dab a cloth or use a soft brush to soften the look further. You can also use one or more coats of glaze, depending on the final output that you want.
• During this process, the base color is also seen. You can also see the wash of glaze and other contrasting color on the top coat in the color wash. You can create stunning contrasts, texture, depth and designs when color washing. Experiment on a small card board first to check what will look best. You can also coat with transparent latex varnish.

The color wash style and combination will also depend on the type of furniture. The place or area that it will be kept. For an open porch, lawns and gardens, used earthy and rustic colors with textures, crisscross or simple fine lines. The dining areas can have more warm colors. The living room can have fun colors, while the bedroom can be a little subtle by using sponge or a cloth used for color washing.



Color washing is a simple yet unique way to redesign your furniture and create a different and new look. It can be used just on any surface and anything like on walls, artifacts, ceramics and more. It can also help you retain old furniture with a new look, which is good for the environment too. So thinking of refurbishing? Think of color wash. Simple. Stunning. Creative.

Federal Reserve to Keep Interest Rates Low for Next Two Years

The Federal Reserve board met yesterday to come up with a plan for stemming the overwhelmingly negative economic tide that has overcome the country in the wake of a very public battle over the federal debt and a downgrading of the nation’s credit. The result was a bit shocking, as the Fed determined that it would keep interest rates low – almost at zero for the official inter-bank Fed Funds rate – for at least the next two years. For a board that rarely comments publicly on the direction of rates for more than a few months at a time, the long-term commitment to keeping money cheap was surprising.



Also interesting is that there were three dissenters among the board, the largest number of members disagreeing with an official action since 1992. The move propped up the equities markets, which had been obliterated over the course of the past several days, and also drove down the rate on short-term Treasuries. In addition to the move to keep rates so low, the Fed has also hinted that it will take further steps if necessary.



That is very thinly-veiled language that indicates that QE3 may be coming, a process by which the Fed would purchase Treasury securities or, in essence, print more money. Said Alberto Bernal, the head of emerging markets fixed-income research at Bulltick Capital Markets, "If they have to act they will. They didn’t act today because they didn’t want to send a specific message of panic." Still, the Fed did note that the growth of the U.S. economy was expected to be very slow and that unemployment, currently at 9.1% nationwide, would improve slowly as well.

Advantages of Information Technology

Information Technology or IT mainly deals with computer applications. The common work environment today is totally dependent on computers. This has led to the need to develop and consistently upgrade dedicated computer software like project management software, for a number of related requirements. These include storage and protection of content, processing and transmitting of dedicated information and the secured retrieval of information, when and as required. IT promotes computing technology, covering everything from installing applications to developing databases.

The advantages of information technology are many. True globalization has come about only via this automated system. The creation of one interdependent system helps us to share information and end linguistic barriers across the continents. The collapse of geographic boundaries has made the world a 'global village'. The technology has not only made communication cheaper, but also possible much quicker and 24x7. The wonders of text messages, email and auto-response, backed by computer security applications, have opened up scope for direct communication.



Computerized, internet business processes have made many businesses turn to the Internet for increased productivity, greater profitability, clutter free working conditions and global clientèle. It is mainly due to the IT industry that people from diverse cultures are able to personally communicate and exchange valuable ideas. This has greatly reduced prejudice and increased sensitivity. Businesses are able to operate 24x7, even from remote locations.



Information technology has rippled on in the form of a Communication Revolution. Specialists in this field like programmers, analyzers and developers are able to further the applications and improve business processes simultaneously. The management infrastructure thus generated defies all boundaries. Among the many advantages of the industry are technical support post-implementation, network and individual desktop management, dedicated business applications and strategic planning for enhanced profitability and effective project management.



IT provides a number of low-cost business options to tap higher productivity with dedicated small business CRM and a special category for the larger operations. Regular upgrades have enabled many businessmen to increase productivity and identify a market niche that would never have been possible without the connectivity. With every subsequent increase in the ROI or Return On Investment, businesses are able to remain buoyant even amidst the economic recession. Not only do people connect faster with the help of information technology, but they are also able to identify like-minded individuals and extend help, while strengthening ties.



This segment revolves around automated processes that require little or no human intervention at all. This in turn has minimized job stress levels at the work place and eliminated repetition of tasks, loss due to human error, risks involved due to negligence of timely upgrades and extensive paper-intensive business applications that result in the accumulation of unnecessary bulk. The sophistication of the modern work stations and general working conditions is possible only due to the development of Information Technology.

Impact of Information Technology on Business

Information technology is a wide field, and has enabled organizations across the world to work in an efficient manner. It plays a very important role in effective management and running of a business. The use of information technology in organizations is inevitable, be it any type of company like manufacturing or medicinal sector. It has contributed largely to the process advancements in organizations. The exact impact of information technology on business administration can be determined by the elements mentioned below.



Basic Elements of Information Technology



Software and Applications

Software is an important part of information technology which relates to computer applications that enable a company to generate, store, program, and retrieve data as and when needed. There are many softwares developed for different purposes. All operations in the business sector are carried out by software that are assigned for executing specific tasks. Without these computer applications the businesses wouldn't have been able to carry out their functions in a proper and efficient manner. Operating systems, ERPs, special purpose applications, and web browsers are some examples of different softwares.



There are some softwares which are exclusively built to contribute to the proper collaborative working of all sections of the businesses, which are known as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). These are complex applications which enable people to efficiently manage all functions and operations of all processes in the businesses.



Hardware Devices

These are various computer equipments that house the softwares. Devices like microcomputers, mid-size servers, and huge mainframe systems are some examples of hardware. Businesses have to maintain a huge collection of important data. For this purpose, they employ these devices which are responsible for storing confidential company data and retrieving it back when required. Other hardware devices include network devices that are used for providing Internet access to the businesses to work and communicate expeditiously. There are even devices which enable manufacturing tools and equipments to work accurately in the industrial sector.



Running Businesses with Information Technology



Small scale businesses need to buy software packages that would cater to their specific management, operational, and functional needs. For this purpose, they need to approach firms and IT manufacturers who deal in such software applications. Other IT services include Internet marketing and email marketing, web hosting and promotions, and maintaining client networks. Larger businesses on the other hand have their own operational and functional employees who develop software applications and work on several IT needs of the businesses. They usually purchase ERP softwares to coordinate different processes and functions into a single application, which is actually more convenient.



Manufacturing businesses may make use of servers and databases to store their vast data regarding inventory, B2B, B2C, FMCG (in the retail business sector), etc. Automobile manufacturers use computers to guide manufacturing and designing tools to function in a precise manner, ruling out the possibilities of any human error. Businesses all around the globe have to take the aid of information technology in some way or the other to keep themselves in sync with the market and the world. There are several departments in business organizations such as HR and recruitment, finance and payroll, administration, and security. All these departments utilize IT to carry out their respective operations in a productive manner and efficient manner.



The information technology role in business sector certainly is of a great importance, which enables businesses to effectively and successfully plan, manage, execute strategies which lead to profit. Moreover, the impact of information technology on business is on the rise, as several advancements are focused on to be implemented in various business processes.

Importance of Information Technology

Information Technology is related to studying, designing and developing the information related to computers. This field is growing at a very fast pace over the last few years and according to successful and well known people in the Information Technology sector, this growth is expected to remain stable. Due to the robust growth, millions of jobs have been created in this field. However, it is very essential for us to understand what is the importance of information technology. More on careers in information technology. Given below is the importance of information technology in business.



Why is Information Technology Important in Business?



There are many businesses which are in need of the software packages for satisfying their operational as well as functional needs. For fulfilling this requirement, these companies sign deals with the software manufacturing companies. Information technology is useful in ensuring the smooth functioning of all the departments in a company such as the human resource department, finance department, manufacturing department and also in security related purposes. With the help of information technology, the companies in the automobile manufacturing sector are able to get rid of any sort of errors or mistakes in the proper functioning of the tools used for designing and manufacturing purposes. Due to the development of the information technology sector, the companies are being able to keep themselves aware of the changes in the global markets. Read more on IT jobs.



The software applications and the hardware devices are known to be the main elements of the use of information technology. The web browsers, the operating systems, ERP's and special purpose applications are the softwares which are used in information technology. Information technology plays an important role in easily solving the mathematical problems and also in the project management system. Information technology has a great use in the automated production of sensitive information, automated upgradation of the important business processes and the automated streamlining of the various business processes. It has also played an important role in the areas of communication and automated administration of entire systems.



Importance of Information Technology in Education



Importance of information technology in educational sector is well known. Information technology helps the students as well as the teachers in studying the course material easily because of fast access. Studying the subjects with the help of online libraries and dictionaries has made grasping and increasing the knowledge easy for the students. The inclusion of information technology in the syllabus in schools, colleges and universities has helped them in grasping the subject well and getting their basics cleared. Since, many educational centers have the online grading system, it has been a boon for the parents of the children to keep a tab on their performances. Parents can also get the details of the attendance record of their child in schools.



Importance of information technology in management is quite significant. It helps the managers in adapting to the new business processes and also to predict the possible impact of new technologies. The managers can benefit from the efficiently prepared computer packages and the electronically stored confidential information. With just a single click of the mouse, they can have the relevant information in front of their screen. However, in order to be able to handle these software packages in a better way, the managers should have undergone quality training in information technology. Taking this need into consideration, many corporate companies are seen taking special efforts for the development of these soft skills by training programs prepared by experienceed software professionals. Hopefully, by now, you must have understood why is information technology important. More on:

• What is Information Technology
• Impact of Information Technology on Business
• Advantages of Information Technology

The I.T. Sector is growing at a fast pace and is creating ample opportunities for deserving candidates with great pay packages. Now, are you ready for the challenges in this sector?

Fat Over Lean Oil Painting Technique

The discovery of oil painting is a boon for artists and fine art lovers. Before the advent of oil paintings, a pigment called tempera, was used in oil paintings. Tempera is produced by using glutinous substances such as egg yolk and size, which are water soluble. Linseed oil, which is made from the seed of flax, was mixed with tempera, and thus oil painting was created. Turpentine is used to dilute the paint and mediums used in the oil paintings. It is a traditional liquid that emits a kind of noxious smell. Solvents such as gamsol or turpenoid are added with turpentine to suppress its strong odor. Brushes are frequently cleaned using these solvents too.



How to Use Fat Over Lean Technique?

• The basic thing about fat over lean technique is, paint coatings are done layer by layer. The lower layer should have a thinner coating than the upper layer.
• Instead, if the upper layer is made thinner than the lower layer, the upper one will dry up faster and cause cracks in the painting. This is called alligatoring.
• Gain sufficient knowledge about the proportion of solvent and medium, which you need to maintain for your paintings, because, these factors decide the drying time of the paints that you use.
• If a lean layer is made over a fatty layer, it will cause a whitish haze on the painting surface after some days. This is called as blooming and this effect cannot be removed.
• The first layer of your painting should be a mixture of paint and a solvent (lean mixture). Mixture of solvent and linseed oil should be the next layer and the last layer should have more linseed oil content mixed with the paint solution.
• Use a good quality oil to avoid yellowing or darkening of your paintings, and also avoid too much oil in your painting, so as to prevent wrinkles after the painting gets dried up.
• The final thing is, protective coating should be given, so as to give a final colorful look to your painting.

Drying Speed of Paints

• Quick Driers: Flake white, raw umber, burnt umber, cobalt green, cobalt blue, cobalt violet, manganese blue, Prussian blue, Naples yellow, aureolin yellow, Indian red, Venetian red, etc.
• Average Driers: Raw Sienna, mars colors, chromium oxide, zinc yellow, strontium yellow, viridian green, quinacridone red, quinacridone violet, ultramarine violet, etc.
• Slow Driers: Earth colors, cadmium colors, cerulean blue, vermilion, ultramarine blue, hansa yellow, zinc white, titanium, ocher, permanent green, alizarin crimson, etc.
• Very Slow Driers: Ivory, lamp, Vandyke brown, emerald, etc.

Oils Used in the Paintings

• Linseed oil is used in two forms. They are sun-thickened linseed oil (oil exposed to air) and refined linseed oil (slow drier).
• Stand oil, which is a polymerized form of linseed oil, is of better quality than the normal linseed oil.
• Walnut oil delays yellowing, but it turns rancid if not used fresh.

Mediums Used in Fat Over Lean Technique



The medium is the oil, that is mixed with the paint, to make it transparent or matte. The medium decides the drying time of the paint too. There are various types of mediums that decide the look of your paintings.

• Standard Medium consists of linseed oil, resin and turpentine. Addition of standard mediums to the paints give different qualities, such as dryness, durability or flexibility.
• Glazing Medium is used in the process of glazing, which is done by diluting a transparent color with the paints. The property of transparency allows you to view two different colors at the same time.
• Drying Medium influences the drying time when mixed with the paint. Synthetic resins which are known as alkyds are used to speed up the process of drying. These driers should be used carefully, as they can spoil the painting by causing cracks or crazes.

Making an oil painting is not just a work, but an art. Art should never be compromised, otherwise, the effort made or value of the art will not be recognized. Using fat over lean technique in oil painting makes the painting more beautiful, lively and durable. Employing this technique is surely not a very easy task, and it requires a good artistic talent and adequate practice of using the paints.