The history of playing cards spans over a millennium, evolving from simple paper amusements in ancient Asia to the standardized decks that define modern games worldwide. What began as a cultural curiosity tied to printing technology and gambling has become a global phenomenon, blending art, mathematics, and social pastime.
Just about fifteen years ago trading card games hit the world and ever since it has remained on top with many of the younger generation people in this world. Since their invention, trading card games have swept across the world, creating fans at every turn. The diversity of the games is the biggest draw, bringing in throngs of people to their ranks every year. Clubs and tournaments have sprung up and draw thousands through the doors with the promise of a long and grueling match.
Continue reading →The terms Arts and Crafts and Mission Style are often used synonymously today. They refer to a style of home design and furnishings emphasizing natural materials, especially wood, and showcasing a pronounced geometry in the design. Their tremendous revival in popularity stems largely from their association with hand-crafted elements (though many knock-offs are manufactured by machine), a rarity in this technologically advanced age. The pieces offer an heirloom quality and a patina that deepens with age. Arts and Crafts furnishings and interiors are also typically very durable and classic with a timeless appeal. They suit today?s desire to simplify and get back to basics. Arts and Crafts interiors are an ideal marriage of function and aesthetic; spaces are designed to work for those living there. To create your own Arts and Crafts interior, there are several elements to consider, both in materials and design.
Continue reading →For centuries images have been projected onto surfaces. The camera obscura and the camera lucida were used by artists to trace scenes as early as the 16th century. These early cameras did not fix an image in time; they only projected what passed through an opening in the wall of a darkened room onto a surface. In effect, the entire room was turned into a large pinhole camera. Indeed, the phrase camera obscura literally means “darkened room,” and it is after these darkened rooms that all modern cameras have been named.
Continue reading →The art of quilting is not something new to this world, it has been around for centuries, but still there is no confirmation about the exact origin. According to the historians is that the history of quilting, piecing and applique was widely used for clothing and decorating stuff at home in ancient times. There is a common belief that quilting originated in China and Egypt at the same time. The oldest quilted garment found till now dates back to somewhere around 3400 BC.
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