Archive for April, 2009

Some Vital Notes on Mineral Makeup Application Technique

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009

If you are trying to find out the best mineral makeup application technique, you can start your quest by finding out the suitable brand that will fit your skin type. Not because this is the fad these days, you will hastily buy the newest products on the shelves that claim to have natural ingredients. When it comes to your skin, you cannot go with the flow and buy whatever you think is in. You have to test various brands and ask the experts if you will benefit from the products or not.

There are many cosmetics available and continue to be developed as time passes by. There are many reasons for such occurrence. And one vital fact that cannot be ignored is that people want to look pretty and made up for whatever purposes they have in mind. But even though makeup helps in achieving this state, you must be very careful with what you put on your face. You may have to go through a trial and error process with such advent. Or you can also consult a skin expert depending on the type of skin you have. This way, you will be sure that you will retain a vibrant skin even without makeup.

How to Apply the Makeup

Is there a difference with the way you apply the regular ones from the kinds of makeup that claim to contain minerals? You do not have to be skeptic about the topic because the answer is there really is. Unlike the regular ones wherein you have to apply thick coating and various layers of makeup to achieve a desired result, this is not the case with mineral makeup. With the latter, you only need to apply a thin layer on your skin. That will be enough to hide the blemishes and other imperfections that you are maybe bothered with.

If your Mineral Makeup facts are out-of-date, how will that affect your actions and decisions? Make certain you don’t let important Mineral Makeup information slip by you.

Less is more is the principle that is being implemented with this kind of makeup. It may cost much more than the regular types of cosmetics. But because you don’t need to apply a lot on the course of your routine, you will be able to save up the makeup as well as the money you have spent on it in the long run.

Here are some techniques that you can follow, especially if you are only trying it out. Through this, there will be lesser chances for you to waste the cosmetics while utilizing them on yourself the best you can.

1. You must first start with the application of your foundation. For makeup that contains minerals, you have to buy a specific kind of brush to be able to apply it on your face. The brush is usually large and has rounded edge. This will suffice for usual applications. If the problem area that has to be concealed is major, you better rely on a sponge for such purpose.

If you have dry skin, you can use a moisturizer to even out your makeup. Whereas if you have oily skin, you can use some finishing powder after you have applied your makeup.

2. After the foundation, the second thing that you have to take note regarding the mineral makeup application technique is to apply a blush-on for a more defined and natural look. You must use a brush with more narrow edges for this purpose. Apply the blush with an upward stroke and create a letter C on your cheekbones.

If you’ve picked some pointers about Mineral Makeup that you can put into action, then by all means, do so. You won’t really be able to gain any benefits from your new knowledge if you don’t use it.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, the Cheap Web Hosting Guy!

5 Tips to Protect Yourself From the Spam in Your Inbox

Monday, April 27th, 2009

You will inevitably receive some spam in your inbox – there is no getting around that fact of life. How you handle this unwanted junk mail will go a long way toward reducing or increasing the amount of spam you will receive in the future. It may also protect you from viruses, credit card fraud, identity theft and other forms of cyber-crime. Next time you log into your inbox, keep these 5 tips in mind to stop the spammers dead in their tracks.

Do not Preview

If you are able to preview your entire email messages in your inbox, you should disable the message preview pane. This is important because some spam email contains code that is specifically designed to compromise your computer and leave you vulnerable to viruses, Trojan horses or worse. Review the options offered in your email program and change the settings.

Do not Fall for the Phisher’s Hook

Many spam emails are cleverly designed hoaxes, which are intended to get you to unwittingly divulge private information. They claim to be from your credit card company, bank or other financial institution, and attempt to fool you into divulging personal information such as your social security number, bank account number, password or other private, identifiable information.

This fraudulent practice is called phishing. Responding to this form of spam would leave you vulnerable to identity theft, credit card fraud and other financial cyber-crime.

If you base what you do on inaccurate information, you might be unpleasantly surprised by the consequences. Make sure you get the whole Spam Protection story from informed sources.

Friend or Foe?

Just because an email has been sent to you by a friend, do not assume that it safe for you to open any attachment that comes with it. Contact your friend and verify that they did indeed send it.
Very often, spammers will attach a virus to their spam, which, if opened, will hijack your email program and mail itself out to every email address in your address book. This fraudulent email will appear to the recipients to have been sent by you. If they in turn, open this email attachment, the same malicious cycle is repeated.

Read your Email in Plain Text

Spammers often use Javascript to embed malicious code in their spam. It may, for example, be designed to infect your system with a virus that can install itself in your computer, and give a hacker or other scammer access to your private and financial information – without your ever knowing it. You can protect yourself against this by changing the settings to display the email messages in plain text. This effectively disables many harmful scripting features

Never Respond

Do not click on any banner advertising or send a reply to a spam message. Doing this lets the spammer that yours is a “real, live” address, which will only result in a deluge of even more spam. Unless you have specifically subscribed, do not click on any unsubscribe messages contained in junk mail. Most of these are only intended to fool you into confirming your address as valid. Also, do not forward any junk chain letters you may receive.

Above all else, common sense is the most important form of spam protection you can have. Be vigilant when you check your mail – even the most advanced anti-spam filter available today cannot keep 100% of all spam out of you inbox.

If you’ve picked some pointers about Spam Protection that you can put into action, then by all means, do so. You won’t really be able to gain any benefits from your new knowledge if you don’t use it.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, the Cheap Web Hosting Guy!

Fly Fishing Terms You Need to Know

Saturday, April 25th, 2009

In the world of fly fishing there are many words that are important to know. Many of these words are unusual or have a different meaning when used in reference to fly fishing. The following list includes some of the more unusual and double meaning words used by fly fishermen.

Action: a general term often used to try to describe the feel of the rod – such as sft, hard, slow, or fast

Attractor: usually a bright colored fly that is not usually tied so that it imitates a particular type of food

Belly: the sagging portion of a fly fishing line

Blank: a rod without a handle, reel seat, or guides

Blood Knot: the common name for a barrel knot

Chalk Stream: a stream, usually found in valleys, that is spring fed and slow moving with a lot of vegetation

Complex Hatch: the simultaneous hatching of several types of species of insects

Compound Hatch: the masking, or hiding, of a hatch of smaller insects by a hatch of larger insects that occurs on the same day

Cutthroat Trout: a true trout that is found mostly in the western part of the United States

Dapping: a fly fishing technique in which the fly is repeatedly bounced on and off of the surface of the water

Down Eye Hook: a hook that has the eye bent below the shaft

Dropper: the secondary fly that is attached to the leader in a cast of flies

Emerger: a term that is used to describe any insect that moves up towards the water’s surface preparing to hatch into the adult stage

Feeding Lie: where a trout goes in order to actively feed

Flat-butt Leader: a fly used in fly fishing where the butt section is formed into a ribbon shape

Truthfully, the only difference between you and Fly Fishing experts is time. If you’ll invest a little more time in reading, you’ll be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to Fly Fishing.

Freestone Streams: fast moving, tumbling streams with rock covered bottoms

French Snap: a small clamp, often used by a fly fisherman to attach his net to his vest

Holding Lie: where a trout generally remains when not actively feeding

Leisenring Lift: a technique used in nymph fly fishing where the line is lifted, causing the imitation fly to move upwards, right in front of the trout’s suspected lie

Midge Rod: a short, light weight rod

Natural – a living insect, as opposed to an artificial, or man-made, insect or fly

Nymphing: any oaf the various fishing techniques in which the fly fisherman presents an imitation of the underwater stage of an insect

Presentation: the method of placing a fly where the fish is most likely to see it; includes the manner in which the cast in completed and the method in which the fly is fished

Rise: the act of the fish taking an insect from the water’s surface

Run: a term used to describe a particular stretch of moving water

Shooting: a casting technique

Spate: high water

Stripping: quickly retrieving line or pulling line from the reel

Terrestrial: of or relating to an insect whose life cycle is completely spent on land or in plants

Waders staff: a sturdy rod about as high as the armpit of the person fly fishing used for support in heavy water

There are many words and terms that are unfamiliar to most people but not to those who enjoy fly fishing.

As your knowledge about Fly Fishing continues to grow, you will begin to see how Fly Fishing fits into the overall scheme of things. Knowing how something relates to the rest of the world is important too.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, the Cheap Web Hosting Guy!

Specialized Clothing for Fly Fishing

Friday, April 24th, 2009

Compared to outdoor clothing for camping or hunting, clothing designed for fly fishing is somewhat specialized. Fly fishermen spend time partly on land and partly in the water, making their clothing needs somewhat unique. The special items needed for fly-fishing includes waders, a fishing vest, rain gear, underwear, polarized sunglasses, gloves, and a hat.

For fly fishing, hip or chest waders are just about essential. Hip waders are good for fishing in small streams but have there limitations. Chest waders that go up above the waist are the best for almost all fly fishing situations. Chest waders come in two types. Boot-foot waders, in which the boot is an integral part of the wader, and stocking-foot waders, which require a separate pair of wading shoes. Many fly fishermen prefer to wear socking-foot chest wader made of neoprene.

A fly fishing vest with a lot of big pockets is a basic clothing need for the fly fisherman. The pockets are needed to hold all of the fly fishing paraphernalia that an angler needs to have with them. No one wants to have to leave the water every time they need something. A vest with Velcro fasteners is best because it provides quick and easy access to all your tools, but closes securely.

A good quality rain suit is very important. The best ones are made of materials that breathe, so that you do not get wet on the inside from perspiration. Make sure that the jacket closes securely at the wrists and around the neck. Having a hood on the rain jacket is also important.

See how much you can learn about Fly Fishing when you take a little time to read a well-researched article? Don’t miss out on the rest of this great information.

When fly fishing, full length underwear under your waders is a necessity. The underwear will stop heat loss from occurring, if for example, you are standing in a cold stream for several hours. The best choice of underwear is made of wool. Other good choices are Durofold, which is a combination of cotton and wool, and polypropylene. The same guidelines also go for socks.

Although it is not an actual piece of clothing, a good pair of polarized sunglasses are very important for fly fishing. Not only will they cut down on the glare from the sun, but they will also make it easier to read the water.
Wearing gloves for fly fishing presents a contradictory problem. Gloves keep the fingers and hands warm, however, while fly fishing it is necessary to have full, or almost full, sensitivity in your fingers. Fly fishing gloves leave the last joint of the fingers free allowing for the sensitivity that is needed.

To a fly fisherman, his hat is very important. It should be wide brimmed so it protects your face, ears, and the back of your neck. It protects not only from the weather, but also from hooks if a poor cast or a gust of wind carries the fly toward your head.

Wearing the correct clothing will not only keep you safer and drier, but it will add to your enjoyment of the sport of fly fishing.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, the Cheap Web Hosting Guy!

Penny Stocks: How Do You Trade in Penny Stocks?

Thursday, April 23rd, 2009

This article explains a few things about Penny Stocks, and if you’re interested, then this is worth reading, because you can never tell what you don’t know.

Many beginning investors hear that penny stocks are a good way to get started playing the stock market. But penny stocks are hard to find and trade infrequently. So, how do you trade in penny stocks when you’re interested in making an investment?

Penny stocks don’t trade on well-known stock exchanges such as NYSE, NASDAQ, and AMEX. Rather, penny stocks are traded ?over-the-counter,? and infrequently so. Some investors shy away from trading in penny stocks because of this infrequent trading, which makes it hard to sell penny stocks. Some investors fear being unable to unload stock that’s losing money, compromising capital, and losing their entire investment. This can happen with stock that trades infrequently, and this can happen with penny stocks. Penny stocks are considered a high-risk investment for just this reason.

But if you can’t find them on the open market, then how do you trade in penny stocks? It’s true that penny stocks sell for low prices, allowing investors to buy shares at minimum prices. When all goes well, the stocks make good profit for a small initial investment. This is the promise of penny stocks, and why some investors find them very compelling. Those who want to trade in penny stocks may have to look a little harder to find the stocks they want to invest in, but for many this is worth it. Finding information on trading penny stocks isn’t all that difficult.

Truthfully, the only difference between you and Penny Stocks experts is time. If you’ll invest a little more time in reading, you’ll be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to Penny Stocks.

If you work with a broker, your broker will have lots of information on different penny stocks. If you choose to work with a broker when investing in penny stocks, you’ll get monthly updates on the progress of your stock, and always know what the status of your investment is.

In order to trade in penny stocks, and to find out what penny stocks are available for you to invest in, check the OTCBB or Pink Sheets listings. This will help you find information not only on current penny stocks, but other over-the-counter investments that you might want to make. It’s a good idea to check your stock with both the OTCBB and Pink Sheets.

When trading is on, you may want to be prepared to act quickly. Trading in penny stocks can be tricky, so be sure you do your research. It may be a good idea to regularly check stock sheets and watch certain penny stocks before making any investments of your own. This will give you some idea of how certain stocks behave, and let you know what sort of activity you could see with your own investment. It’s always a good idea to thoroughly look into stock, and into any type of stock, before investing your money.

When you know how to trade in penny stocks, there’s nothing to stop you from making your own investment in the stock of your choice. If you’re interested in doing this type of trading, there’s no reason you shouldn’t give it a try. After all, in the end it’s your money, and you can do anything with it that you please.

Now that wasn’t hard at all, was it? And you’ve earned a wealth of knowledge, just from taking some time to study an expert’s word on Penny Stocks.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, the Cheap Web Hosting Guy!

Going to School to Become a Chiropractor

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009

When you think about Chiropractors, what do you think of first? Which aspects of Chiropractors are important, which are essential, and which ones can you take or leave? You be the judge.

Chiropractors also called chiropractic doctors treat your neck pain, lower back pain, muscle pain, sciatica and whiplash. If you have any health problem that is related to ligaments, joints, nerves and tendons of the body then it is necessary for you to visit a chiropractor. Chiropractors are health care professionals who specialize in the treatment and diagnosis of such problems. This profession does not use surgery or drugs to treat such kind of problems.

So you want to become a chiropractor. For that you have to take admission in a chiropractor school. If you are interested in becoming a chiropractor but don’t have any information about any of the chiropractor schools, you can always use the internet.

On the internet there are several websites that give a complete diary of chiropractor schools. You will get a comprehensive list of chiropractor schools on these websites. These websites will also tell you about the scope of chiropractic careers. They also tell the prerequisites to get admission in a chiropractor school.

Most Chiropractor schools teach you a variety of manipulative techniques that are designed to reduce pain and muscle spasm. These techniques will also improve the function of your joints. These schools provide quality chiropractic medicine training.
Chiropractor schools are more in developed countries such as Canada and United States.
These natural healing techniques are extremely useful in curing common joint problems and you can get knowledge about these techniques only in a chiropractor school.

When you visit these chiropractor schools they will give you information in detail about their various educational programs. While choosing a chiropractor school, you check out the programs that the school is offering in chiropractic. Make sure that you take admission in a reputed chiropractor school.

The more authentic information about Chiropractors you know, the more likely people are to consider you a Chiropractors expert. Read on for even more Chiropractors facts that you can share.

Chiropractic doctors are highly respected individuals. Hence it is necessary that you obtain this degree from a good chiropractor school. Most chiropractor schools in America and Canada provide excellent chiropractic courses. These courses take around 10 to 12 trimesters to complete.

In order to get admissions in these chiropractor schools, you should have a degree in sciences or arts that has a focus on human biology, chemistry and physiology. Each chiropractic school has its own pre requisites. That is why it is essential that you contact the concerned department of that college to ensure that you satisfy all requirements that are needed for enrollment.

Chiropractor schools believe that only physical body cannot be considered for achieving good health. They believe that mind, spirit and body are interconnected. Hence these schools also teach related treatments such as massage therapy and acupuncture during chiropractic session.

Chiropractor schools provide extensive training in chiropractic that will help you to become a successful chiropractic doctor. After getting some hands on experience you can start your own chiropractic clinic.

Chiropractor schools teach their students to diagnose skeletal and nervous problems. They also teach how to treat these problems without taking the help of drugs or surgery.

Techniques such as manipulation of extremities and spine are taught to cure these problems.

As your knowledge about Chiropractors continues to grow, you will begin to see how Chiropractors fits into the overall scheme of things. Knowing how something relates to the rest of the world is important too.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, the Cheap Web Hosting Guy!

Fly Fishing Around The World

Monday, April 20th, 2009

This interesting article addresses some of the key issues regarding Fly Fishing. A careful reading of this material could make a big difference in how you think about Fly Fishing.

Fly fishing is a popular sport around the world. With a history dating back nearly 2,000 years it should not be surprising that many of the world’s cultures have adopted various styles of fly fishing for their sport fishing activities.

Fly fishing is a sport where the basics can be learned in a few hours with a guide but where the advanced techniques of the masters will take years of dedicated effort. This combination of factors helps to keep people interested in fly fishing for many years.

Fly fishing is also diverse enough that it works well for quite a variety of fishing conditions. Fly fishing will serve you well whether casting a fly into a small, mountain trout stream in North America and Europe or whether casting for bonefish in the Caribbean. The sports flexibility has served to make it a popular sport option around the world.

The earliest records of fishing with artificial flies record that Macedonian fishermen used six-foot rods with six-foot lines to fish. These fly fishermen crafted artificial flies using a hook decorated with red wool and insect wings.

Interest in fly fishing increased in England and Scotland throughout the years though little was written until 1496 with the publication of The Treatyse On Fysshynge With An Angle. The 1653 publication of The Compleat Angler by Isaaak Walton contained several chapters on fly fishing. The publication of these books, along with the information they contain, demonstrates that fly fishing was an established fishing sport by the time of their publication. The development of fly fishing clubs throughout England in the 1800s served to further develop and popularize the sport.

I trust that what you’ve read so far has been informative. The following section should go a long way toward clearing up any uncertainty that may remain.

The chalk streams of Southern England were well suited to dry-fly fishing with their shallow waterways and weeds that grew in the water to just below the surface. Northern England and Scotland also saw the development of wet-fly fishing around the same time. However, anglers in Southern England strongly favored dry-fly fishing and tended to look down on wet-fly fishing as an inferior perversion of their sport. Fly fishing continues in England and the same chalk streams can still be fished today though most access is through privately owned and managed land.

American anglers in the Catskill Mountains area of New York began experimenting with dry-fly design in the late 1800s. These anglers began designing artificial flies to mimic the native insects that the trout naturally fed on. Like Isaac Walton, some of these anglers wrote about their adventures. These publications served to further interest in the sport. The American fly fishers were also more open than their English counterparts to experimenting with wet-fly fishing.

Fly fishing interest has continued and grown considerably in the United States and in Canada, The development of fiberglass manufactured fly rods following World War II, along with synthetic line and leaders, made the sport more affordable for many anglers. Inland fishing is frequently done with dry flies on streams and rivers. Coastal fishing often involves wet-fly fishing in bays or surf. Fly fishing has also been adapted by bass anglers.

Many Caribbean and southern-hemisphere locations are popular saltwater fly fishing destinations. Fly fishers travel great distances to fish for bonefish and tarpon. Other southern-hemisphere locations like Belize offer both freshwater and saltwater fly fishing

Fly fishing is a growing sport around the world. There has probably never been a better time to start fly fishing than today. The basic equipment to start fly fishing is more affordable than ever and the worldwide opportunities for fly fishing are just about limitless.

It never hurts to be well-informed with the latest on Fly Fishing. Compare what you’ve learned here to future articles so that you can stay alert to changes in the area of Fly Fishing.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, the Cheap Web Hosting Guy!

Painting Stained Glass – Not as Mysterious as it Seems

Sunday, April 19th, 2009

Have you ever wondered if what you know about Stained Glass is accurate? Consider the following paragraphs and compare what you know to the latest info on Stained Glass.

You may have mastered stained glass construction, but stained glass painting seems like a mystery and looks difficult. Most stained glass crafters know little about the process and the materials needed for painting stained glass; but it should be just another step in the whole process of creating beautiful stained glass windows.

Some people have a misconception that stained glass is clear glass that has been painted to a desired color. Actually, stained glass is colored while it is still in its molten form by adding metal oxides. Painted stained glass is already colored and has had a design painted on it.

Painting on stained glass is done to add humanistic details of the face, hands, feet, or shading of the body and hair. Painting reduces the amount of cutting and leading of many tiny pieces of stained glass. Painting enhances the beauty, textures, and color that are already in the stained glass.

You don’t have to be a talented “artist” in order to paint on stained glass windows; although, a little drawing experience and some knowledge of perspective and the human anatomy can be helpful. If you can find classes on stained glass painting, it always helps to learn from someone who has already learned what works and doesn’t work. If you cannot find classes, look for information online, on related online forums and in instructional books at craft stores, stained glass shops, or in your local library.

You can spend as little or as much as you want on stained glass painting tools and supplies. You can get started for as little as $20 to $100. You can save money by making some of your own stained glass painting equipment. Suppliers for stained glass paints and tools can be found by searching on the internet and at craft and supply stores. Be careful of the paints you choose because the paints for stained glass painting are specific.

Truthfully, the only difference between you and Stained Glass experts is time. If you’ll invest a little more time in reading, you’ll be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to Stained Glass.

Stained glass paint is a high-fired permanent paint which actually has glass (called the vehicle) in it. Stained glass paint also contains lead and has coloring agents like sand, alumina, clay, red or white lead oxide, boric acid, potassium and sodium. The lead in the stained glass paint refracts light. The matt (paint) can be applied, taken out in the tracing, fired, and then applied again, depending on the lighting, detail, and textures you want to achieve in your stained glass painting.

A few good brushes, spatulas, a small easel with a thick-plated glass surface, a light box and an inexpensive small, electric kiln would be a good start on supplies needed to do stained glass painting. In order to save money, you could build your own easel and light box and purchase a used kiln from ads in stained glass magazines or online. You can also make your own mahl sticks and bridges which are wooden supports for your hand and arm for helping with paint stroke technique.

Your work area does not have to be large. It could be an area set aside in your stained glass workshop with a good source of natural light from a window. You need plenty of storage including a palette box for storing the color palettes you make.

You will need squares and rectangles of scrap clear glass, ground and rounded on the edges to prevent cutting yourself. These scraps will be for practicing your stained glass painting and tracing technique.

Armed with the knowledge you gain from sources and practice, you will find that there really is no mystery to stained glass painting.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson (Click on the link to learn more about me)

The Importance of Setting the Hook When Fly Fishing

Sunday, April 19th, 2009

The sport of fly fishing consists of many specialized skills that come together in a delicate balance of rhythm and precision. Setting the hook is one of those specialized skills. Many times the techniques for setting the hook are neglected by fly fishermen who spend many hours practicing and reading about casting and fly tying skills. Unlike many of the skills of fly fishing, it is almost impossible to practice setting the hook without a live fish on the end of your fly line.

The first step in a successful hook actually begins when you tie your fly, either at home or on the river bank. It is very important to make sure that your hooks are razor-sharp. A dull hook doesn’t have a good chance of finding its mark in the mouth of the trout.

In most fly fishing techniques it is important to set the hook as quickly as possible. If the water is fast, the trout usually strikes the fly very quickly and with a lot of force. It won’t take long for the trout to realize that he has an artificial fly in his mouth, and he can, and will spit it out in a split second.

Fly fishing in slow moving water is the one exception to setting the hook as quickly as possible. When the water is slow trout feed in a more leisurely fashion. They may require a second or two in order to take the fly. If you set the hook too soon, you’ll most likely pull the fly away from the trout. However, if you set the hook too late the trout may have already spit it out. There again is the delicate balance so often seen in fly fishing.

How can you put a limit on learning more? The next section may contain that one little bit of wisdom that changes everything.

Sometimes while fly fishing the fishermen becomes so excited when he hooks a trout that he sets the hook with too much force. This usually results in broken tippits. Setting the hook quickly, doesn’t mean pulling on it with great force. One way to avoid broken tippits is to use a slip strike which cushions the tippit.

If you are fly fishing using an upstream presentation, strip in the line with your line hand at the moment that you set the hook. This will remove most of the slack in the line and improve your chances for a good hook set.

When setting the hook using surface techniques of fly fishing, it is very important that you are able to see your fly in order to get a good hook set. If you are fly fishing using an underwater technique, it is essential that you can see your indicator when setting the hook. In both instances timing is very important.

Many experienced fly fishermen spend a lot of time imagining the strike and thinking about how they will move when they set the hook. They do this because they know that in fly fishing, the more imaginary trout you hook and land in your mind, the better your chances of taking an actual fish.

That’s how things stand right now. Keep in mind that any subject can change over time, so be sure you keep up with the latest news.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson (Click on the link to learn more about me)

A Brief History of Stained Glass

Saturday, April 18th, 2009

Do you ever feel like you know just enough about Stained Glass to be dangerous? Let’s see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from Stained Glass experts.

Accounts vary on the earliest use of stained glass mainly because it was invented before recorded history. Some historians claim it was first used as a domestic luxury in the homes of wealthy Romans in the first century. Stained glass eventually gained recognition as an art form sometime in the fourth century as Christians began to worship openly and built elaborate churches to celebrate their religion. Other historians point to evidence in ancient ruins that implicate the use of stained glass in pagan traditions and decor. While we may never know the exact origin of the medium of stained glass it is clear that the spread of Christianity is directly related to the expansion of stained glass across the globe.

The twelfth century began what is known as the Gothic Era and stained glass windows took center stage in elaborate and monumental cathedral designs. Beginning with the innovative designs on the St. Denis, stained glass windows were used to bring light, both literally and metaphorically, into cathedrals to enhance the worship experience. Most of the stained glass from the St. Denis Cathedral was destroyed during the French Revolution but a few select fragments and even some entire windows can be found on display in varying locations throughout Europe.

The bold lines and strong figures of Gothic style stained glass were eventually phased out as Renaissance artisans leaned toward greater detail, more delicate coloring and increased realism. Stained glass windows evolved into something more like a painting on glass than an architectural element and some of the notable elements such as lead lines disappeared. Although there were numerous pieces created and even some masterpieces, due to the difficulties in expressing the great detail of requisite to the Renaissance era, true stained glass became somewhat of a lost art.

It’s really a good idea to probe a little deeper into the subject of Stained Glass. What you learn may give you the confidence you need to venture into new areas.

Stained glass had been primarily used by the Catholic Church and much of the precious art form was destroyed during the 1600′s by order of King Henry VIII after his break with the Church. Not only were cherished stained glass windows recklessly destroyed, but many of the glass making facilities were ruined as well. Religious unrest was not the only factor in the decline of stained glass. During the Baroque period the fashion leaned toward more intricately detailed interiors and elaborate wall painting which necessitated the use of clear glass in the architecture. Many of the remaining stained glass windows were left unmaintained and allowed to decay during this period and very few new stained glass windows were created.

During the late seventeenth century the hearts and imaginations of the people returned once again to the Gothic style of architecture. This revival was apparently motivated by the need to escape the harsh realities of “modern” life including the daily grind of factories. With the return of Gothic architecture emerged a newfound interest in stained glass. Artists initially continued to use the technique of painting on glass, but eventually realized the superiority of the old pot metal glasses used in medieval times. Since the old techniques had not been used for such a long time, the technique used for making the lead lines had been lost and the artisans of the period floundered when trying to recreate the dynamics of the Gothic stained glass. This coupled with a reluctance to give up the newer more detailed “modern” depictions of scenes and figures lead to windows with an interesting design with the old architecture and an unusual blend of the old and new stained glass styles.

During the nineteenth century, artisans La Farge and Tiffany created new variations of opalescent stained glass. La Farge tended towards architecture and window designs with a small private studio, while Tiffany boasted a larger studio that branched out into other areas, like the Tiffany Lamp which has become a household name. Today’s stained glass artists are bound by no particular style or religious themes. Much of the work they do involves restoration, but can also be seen in both small and large decorative touches in homes of people from almost any economic background. New and innovative techniques are constantly being discovered and stained glass continues to add interest to our lives.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson (Click on the link to learn more about me)


Search