INSIDE & OUT : TIMEPIECES
Time as art is the premise behind the glass enameled clocks made by Shell Weinberg of Laguna Hills.
Weinberg, whose clocks have a modern, geometric feel, developed his knack for enameling after taking a class in the technique at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo. He then experimented with different designs and colors, seeking a unique product.
Enameling is the process of applying powdered colored glass to a piece of prepared metal that is fired until the glass melts and fuses to the metal.
“Not only do you get a nice clock, but something that is nice to look at, too,” said Weinberg, who was a printing salesman and graphic designer before semi-retiring a couple of years ago.
Weinberg can customize timepieces to complement any wallpaper, drapery or upholstery material, dinnerware or logo.
Weinberg’s clocks, which start at $25, come in several sizes and shapes (5-inch to 8-inch circles, rectangles and squares).
They can be purchased at Country Life, Design Center South in Laguna Niguel, Laguna Gander in Laguna Beach or by calling Weinberg at (714) 581-8481.
HOG WILD
After headin’ out on the highway, bring the spirit of Harley-Davidson inside with Dakotah’s latest collection, featuring some of the motorcycle company’s most famous machines.
The Legend Comes Home collection includes a faux leather duvet, complete with studs and fringe. The only thing missing is the wind at your back.
The duvet, made of a synthetic fabric introduced to the market within the past year, is available in king (about $450) and full/queen (about $320).
“The fabric looks, feels and breathes like leather,” said George Whyte, chairman and chief executive officer of Dakotah, which is based in Webster, S.D.
“At the (buyers’ mart), no one knew the difference between the faux leather and the real leather that was used for the fringe.”
Easy riders can complete their look with accessories such as saddlebag shams, toss pillows, footstools and triple-thick, Jacquard-weave throws, ranging from about $15 to $1,000, with some limited editions.
The collection can be purchased in Orange County at Harley-Davidson dealerships, specialty shops and some department stores.
FLOOR SHOW
A little artistry can make a difference, even in carpet, says sculptor/carver Victoria Carkey.
Using specialized tools, Carkey, 32, can create most anything--a logo, floral arrangement, even a Mercedes-Benz from a poster--in carpet.
“Virtually anything drawn on paper can be carved into carpet,” she said.
Her techniques, popular in Europe, were introduced to the United States about five years ago by Volker Bauerle, owner of the Carpet Sculpture Gallery in Brea.
Bauerle, who was born in Germany, not only trained Carkey, but also developed the tools that Carkey uses for sculpting.
Using only the plushest of piles, Carkey says she spends about 40 hours on an average-size rug, about 10 hours on a small one.
The techniques are hand carving and bas relief, which involves lowering or removing entire areas of the carpet to create highlights, shadows and a three-dimensional effect.
Sculpting is “like working with a pattern,” Carkey said. “I usually make a template, then begin carving the design.”
Prices vary from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the size and intricacy of the work.
For information, call Carkey in San Diego County at (619) 660-1318, or the Carpet Sculpture Gallery, 510A W. Central Ave., Brea, (714) 671-7712.
