Giclee Printing - A True Fine Art Print Process? By Steve Feasey

The association of giclee printing with its conceptual cousin - inkjet printing - has led some people to question the validity of this printing medium as a true fine art system. To address this, I think that it is first important to look at the history of fine art printmaking and see if giclee printing fulfil the parameters set out therein. Fine art printmaking has traditionally been based on the concept of creating a master plate - known as the matrix - from the original and using this to reproduce a predetermined number of 'editions' of the original artwork. Historically, the matrix was then destroyed by the artist, producing a set of truly limited edition prints. The more traditional printing techniques such as etching, lithography and linocut have evolved into art forms themselves and required a huge degree of expertise to reproduce the original to the artist’s precise demands. Nowadays, the production of a printing matrix is no longer necessary as the high quality scanning techniques employed by printing companies results in a perfect facsimile of the original painting or photograph. Giclee printing offers incredibly high degrees of fidelity and richness of colour when compared to other 'traditional' printing methods and because no screen or other mechanical device is used, there is no visible dot pattern. The expertise that is employed involves the careful monitoring of the colour system through the use of colour profiling techniques and the understanding of the colourspace that the machine operates within. The print-on-demand nature of the printing process enables photographers and artists to maintain full control over the artistic integrity of their work which, coupled with the proven archival permanence of giclee prints (when coupled with specifically designed output media and inks) ensures that the artist's work will be enjoyed for decades. Naturally, the understanding between the artist and their customers that the edition is truly limited must be maintained. The matrix is no longer destroyed, but the original scanned file must be deleted or removed from circulation upon reaching the defined number of released editions, but this has always been the case and the advent of giclee printing has no impact on this mutual understanding. Giclee printing is indeed a fine art printing technique and one that is truly liberating for photographers and artists wishing to share their work with the widest possible audience whilst achieving a quality that was hitherto unobtainable without huge expense.
About the Author: Steve Feasey is a co-director at Iconic Imaging Ltd, a company specialising in canvas prints and fine art printing for artists and photographers. For more information on the giclee print services they provide, visit http://www.iconicimaging.co.ukSource: www.isnare.com

Rock and Mineral Dictionary

You will find an extensive Rock and Mineral dictionary here, http://www.enchantedlearning.com/geology/rocks/glossary/index.shtml. This site is loaded with info about all kinds of things. I just discovered it today.

The Budget Fashionista's Top Ten Budget Shopping Tips

The Budget Fashionista's Top Ten Budget Shopping Tips by Kathryn Finney
Lots of people ask me for my top budget tips. Here are a few from my Budget Shopping Arsenal...

1. Know what looks good on you. This is the essence of a true fashionista. Just because it looks great in a magazine doesn’t mean it will look great on you. Be honest with yourself about your body. It will save you time and money.
2. Get to know the names of sales associates. Sales associates are a great source for information on upcoming sales. They might even let you use their employee discount - as happened to me once at The Gap.
3. Pay for everything with cash. This way, the satisfaction of the purchase will last longer than your next credit-card bill.
4. Head to the Outlets. Shopping at the outlets of your favorite stores and designers can save you a bundle. Some of my favorites are Off Fifth, the Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet; the St. John Knit Outlet; the Donna Karan Outlet; and the Last Call Neiman Marcus Outlet.
5. The 70/30 rule. Fashionistas with limited budgets should follow the 70/30 rule: 70 percent classic pieces, 30 percent trendy pieces. And go cheap on trendy items.You can purchase such pieces at stores like H&M, Target , Zara, Bluefly, Urban Outfitters, etc. Go designer on classic pieces like black suits (Tahari), coats (Burberry, Max Mara), evening (Armani) and purses (Coach, Longchamp).6. Recycle fashion. Pay a visit to your mother and/or grandmother. While you’re there, offer to “help” clean out their closets. You’ll be amazed at the goodies you’ll find. While visiting my grandma in Milwaukee, I discovered a vintage Coach saddle bag, dating from around 1960, in mint condition amid a box of old magazines. If you are unable to visit a relative’s closet, try having a clothing swap party with your friends. Ask everyone to bring unwanted, high-quality clothing to exchange for similar items from other party-goers.
7. Learn where and when to buy. July/August and late January/February are the best times to hit the stores for deals. Write down the names of your favorite stores, go to their Web sites, and register to receive coupons, special invitations and notifications of new products. Outlet stores are also great sources of designer goods.
8. Write a List. Making a shopping list will help you stay focused on the task at hand.
9. Locate the nearest thrift store. Thrift stores are great for quality inexpensive coats.
10. Sign up for our newsletter at http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com/bf/newsletter.php. Get free fashion advice and up-to-date notification of the hottest sales around the U.S. and Canada.
About the AuthorKathryn “The Budget Fashionista” Finney is the founder and Chief Shopping Officer of TheBudgetFashionista.com (http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com), a popular website that provides realistic fashion advice, shopping tips and sale event information to budget conscious consumers.

Maid to Perfection: Favorite Tips for Managing Your Beautifully Bewitching Bridesmaid

Maid to Perfection: Favorite Tips for Managing Your Beautifully Bewitching Bridesmaids
By Terrie Needham

As a highly evolved, yet completely realistic, woman, I'll be the first to admit that when you place 10 females in a room, you'll wind up with 25 different opinions.

That's the dilemma each of us faces when we plan our weddings. As we peruse bridesmaids' gowns, jewelry and accessories, each 'maid will not be shy about sharing her own favorite colors, personal preferences and style agenda. In addition to a wedding gown, you may want to invest in a striped referee's shirt! After all, you're the umpire-but how can you stay in charge, while also keeping the peace as you prep for the most important day of your life?

Here are some of my favorite tips for managing your beautifully bewitching bridesmaids.

Don't Worry, Be Happy

Bridesmaids will often complain that they're spending a lot of money to be in your wedding party, so they believe they're entitled to a say in all fashion decisions. Your best bet? Listen politely and respectfully. Thank them for their input. Tell them you'll be taking everyone's suggestions into consideration-and then seize the reins.

Remember: Each pretty 'maid in the row agreed to be in your wedding. If you do your job with finesse and provide sufficient compliments, they'll be delighted to wear what you've picked out. This includes dresses, jewelry and accessories.

Some brides provide jewelry sets as a gift to their 'maids during their bachelorette bash or bridal shower. This is a great way to thank your bridesmaids for participating in your wedding, as well as to exercise control over what they'll wear-especially if you want each girl to have that "Supremes" look: same theme, slightly different jewelry. You can choose the same lustrous pearls or dazzling cubic zirconia. Slight variations in style are fine, as long as the look is relatively consistent.

Be sure to verify who has pierced ears. You'll need to purchase pierced earrings for the majority, but clip earrings are required for the few 'maids with virgin earlobes.

Practice Good Coordination

Be sure to match bridesmaids' accessories to the color of their gowns. Whether you're thinking a necklace or a choker, there are several dozen pearl and cubic zirconia shades available. Regardless of dress color, you're sure to find a complementary hue.

Also pay close attention to gown details. If bridesmaids' dresses are adorned with crystals, beading or pearls, you'll need to select jewelry with similar accents. Don't mix and match like a wild woman! Keep it simple and elegant.

If you've asked your 'maids to wear similar hairstyles, make sure earrings complement their 'dos. Updos like topknots, chignons and French twists call for drop earrings to accentuate facial features and add just the right amount of sparkle. If hair will be worn curled and loose, chandelier earrings fit the bill. For 'maids with short hair, all is not lost: Pixie cuts and short bobs are best accentuated with studs and button earrings. You can still achieve a consistent look by asking everyone-regardless of hair length, texture or style-to wear the same type of jewels, be it pearls or cubic zirconia.

To avoid bloodshed, never ask a bridesmaid to color or chop inches off her hair. That's an extreme makeover, so don't go crazy with Bridezilla power!

About the Author

Terrie Needham owns Anna Bellagio, a leader in the bridesmaids jewelry and accessories industry for 17 years. She loves attending fashion shows and checking out new designers so she can offer sensational, yet affordable, selections to her ever-growing customer base.

http://www.annabellagio.com

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com

Gains on the reservations

Gains on the reservations
By Brad Knickerbocker Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor ASHLAND, ORE. – American Indians are better off today than they were a decade ago. Per capita income is up, poverty and unemployment rates have dropped, overcrowding in housing has decreased, education levels have risen.
Some of this is tied to casino income. But Harvard researchers, analyzing the most recent census data, find that the economic and social improvements on reservations and other Indian-owned land have occurred in tribes without gambling revenues as well.
continued at http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0215/p01s03-ussc.html

Navajo Nation's governing council has voted to outlaw methamphetamine

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. The Navajo Nation's governing council has voted to outlaw methamphetamine.The addictive stimulant has become a scourge for tribal police and health officials on the sprawling reservation -- which covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.
The tribe's drug laws ban most other substances that are illegal in the rest of the U-S, but made no specific mention of methamphetamine.
The legislation now goes to Navajo President Joe Shirley Junior for consideration.
He's said previously that he would support codes to stop drug and alcohol use in the Navajo Nation, which is home to roughly 200-thousand people.
Violators could face up to a year in jail and be fined five-thousand dollars if the the bill is enacted.
http://www.eyewitnessnewstv.com/Global/story.asp?S=2937096

Turquoise: A Piece Of The Sky By Marv Baskin

Turquoise: A Piece Of The SkyBy Marv Baskin, ProprietorAs published in The Desert Advocate
"Well, now hold on there, Marv,” I hear ya’ll saying. “How in tarnation can turquoise be a piece of the sky?” Well, sit a spell I’ll tell ya all ‘bout it.
Turquoise has long been one of the most pop’lar stones here in Arizona and the Great Southwest. It’s been a big part of lots o’ cultures, not just here in our Americas but all over our planet! The word Turquoise has French origins and comes from traders over yonder in Venice, Italy, who themselves bought it from the great bazaars in Turkey. But the Turks brought it from great mines in Persia (now Iran). It was one of the most important stones in Pre-Columbian America, Egypt and Persia. Quite the hot commodity.
These days, its popularity is global and is one of the most widely used in jewelry and its now among the most valuable of the non-translucent minerals. Turquoise is the birthstone for December and the anniversary stone for the 11th year of marriage. Europeans give turquoise jewelry as forget-me-nots or as a pledge of adoration. In The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare uses this symbolism (ya’ll didn’t think I knew ‘bout such things, did ya?) when Leah gives a turquoise ring to Shylock to win him over.
Turquoise is found all over the world, includin’ Afghanistan. American turquoise is generally greener than specimens from around the world and has white or brown veins. The famed Arizona turquoise comes from the Kingman, Morenci and Bisbee copper mines.
If ya own some of this purty stuff, ya ought to be knowin’ how to care fer it. The most common dangers to turquoise are scratches, sharp blows, hot water, and household chemicals. ‘Cause it’s a hydrous stone – meaning it contains water – light or water can change its color, and its relative softness can make it vulnerable to scratches. The pores of the stone will easily absorb body oils or other oils, causin’ it to yellow over time. And I ‘specially want you to hear me on this: never use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner on turquoise and chlorine (includin’ pool water) should be avoided.
Like I sez, the American culture’s not the first to be all giddy ‘bout turquoise. Navajos utilize turquoise in rain ceremonies, which requires tossin’ the stone into a river. They say that a piece of turquoise is actually a piece of the sky that has fallen to Earth. And I cain’t say’s I doubt it. Others have said turquoise has the ability to connect the Earth and the Sky, the symbols o’ spirit and body. The Apache believe turquoise combines the powers of the sky and sea to help hunters and warriors aim accurately. And the Zuni say turquoise can protect ‘em from demons! Other cultures say turquoise is important in ensurin’ the fortunes of warriors, hunters, and all tribal members.
But no matter what ya might believe ‘bout turquoise, one thing’s fer sure: it’s as beautiful as an Arizona sky!
Marv & Stephanie Baskin are the proprietors of Gold Mountain Mining Company at the Outlets At Anthem. Their store offers “the biggest darned bonanza of silver and gold jewelry – and western gifts – this side of the Superstitions!” Please send any jewelry or old west related questions to Marv@GoldMountainMining.com or call 800-474-9111.
Click here http://www.goldmountainmining.com/turquoise.html

How do I determine my ring size?

Q. How do I determine my ring size?
A. For ring size information, visit our Ring Size Chart

How do I clean my jewelry

Q. How do I clean my jewelry?

A. Caring and Cleaning Sterling Silver JewelryNever dip any silver jewelry in any kind of commercial cleaning solutions even though it may say that it is for silver jewelry. This is definitely not recommended for any stones. We do not recommend cleaning your jewelry with toothpaste and a toothbrush as you will be scratching the silver although dish liquid soap and a soft cloth are okay to use. The best way to clean your jewelry is with a professional jewelry polishing cloth. The cloth is treated with cleaning chemicals and not only will the cloth last a long time. Simply rub the part gently with the cloth and you will really be amazed how effective these cloths are!You can buy the clothes at Wal-Mart, Target, drugstores, jewelry stores, etc. It is best to keep your jewelry in a fabric-lined case or a box that has individual compartments. If you cannot do this, keep it in a dry place (bathroom not recommended). Moisture causes silver to tarnish quicker.

The Origin and Occurrence of Turquoise

The Origin and Occurrence of Turquoise
An article by Lee Anderson
http://www.americana.net/jewelry_turquoise_origin_article.html
Turquoise consists of the chemical elements copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), phosphorus (PO4), and water (H2O). It is described as a “hydrous basic aluminum phosphate of copper” or a “hydrous aluminum phosphate colored by copper salts.” Its chemical formula is:

CuAl6 (PO44)8 4H2O,

although this varies widely. This molecular structure permits the inclusion of other elements, principally iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), silicon (Si), and zinc (Zn). These additional elements, when incorporated in the molecular structure of turquoise, influence its color and hardness.

Turquoise is formed when the proper minerals, present in the proper proportions, are subjected to certain physical and chemical processes. These minerals are broken down, or “weathered,” from nearby “source” rocks and then dissolved, transported, and deposited in cracks, openings, and hollows in “host” rocks that lie beneath the surface. This mineral “solution” must remain in these host rocks for millions of years, at just the right pressures and temperatures, to form turquoise. (Keep in mind that over these enormous periods of time, mountains rise and wear away, and seas advance and recede.) It’s remarkable that a specific grouping of minerals could be subjected to the forces of pressure and temperature for such long periods, eventually forming something as beautiful as turquoise!

Chi-Nah-Bah

A synergistic combination of creativity, culture, and workmanship characterize the cutting edge Navajo Style of Ron Henry. The Tucson artist artfully blends the Navajo tradition and culture of his youth with bold and vigorous contemporary workmanship. He currently creates what many experts and customers believe to be the most exquisite and beautifully crafted Native American art in the Southwest.

Henry grew up in Coyote Canyon, New Mexico on the Navajo Reservation. He followed in the footsteps of his mother, Louise Henry, renowned for her excellence in both rug weaving and custom jewelry design. Later, Henry's brother, Ernie, taught Ron to design and make traditional style jewelry. In 1975, the Henry family moved to Rochester, Minnesota to both make and market their artwork. Their sales outlet, Chi-Nah-Bah, gained world wide acclaim. There, Ron flourished as a Native American craftsman and designer. He designed much of the art sold from the family business.

Henry moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1981. Although only twenty-one years of age, Ron began to operate independently. Since then, Henry's business has flourished, maturing yearly to reflect the artist's growing skill and creative talent. Ron Henry remains in Tucson where he lives with his wife and children.

Ron, the musician

"Try To
Forget"  by Ron Henry
of Tribe Azure

Brand
New Cadillac written by Unknown Author

"Same Thrill"

"Hero's Bye"

"Synthesized
Dreams"

"Pretty Cracked Jar"

NAVAJO HISTORY AND CULTURE

NAVAJO HISTORY AND CULTURE
Long before the theory of the 'land bridge from Asia to Norht America across the Bering Strait', Navajo elders told their own story about their own origin. The Navajo (DINE') creation is the story of their origin through a series of emergences through a series of different colored worlds.Accounts vary as to the exact number and colors of the worlds, for example, black, then blue, then yellow, then glittering, all of which lead up to their final emergence in the present world.The traditional Navajo lifestyle is characterized by:
Home.........Hogan (8 sided log home with mud chinking & roof)
Food...........Mutton stew and fry bread
Religion.....Traditional Medicine man and various ceremonies
Language..Navajo
Clothing.....Turquoise and silver jewlry for men and women Velveteen shirt, white pants, & mocasins for men Gingham dress and mocasins for women
Clans..........Originally 4, now over 75 distinct clans exist
Info provided by http://bird.kchs.k12.nm.us/nhs/nh00005.htm

Christmas orders

TAJ is now accepting Christmas orders. It is best to order as soon as possible. Ron creates all of his jewelry by hand. :)

New Pieces

Be sure to check men's rings and animal jewelry to see the new pieces we have added!

Thunderbird for Irene Kelley, Country Recording Artist

Ron Henry recently finished a design for Irene Kelley, country recording artist and singer/songwriter.

July Specials!

With the purchase of any piece of jewelry valued over 400.00, you will receive a Sterling Silver cross or bracelet valued at 80.00.