Saturday, June 02, 2007
My alternative flooring ideas
Reviews
Ethnic Ambience And The Moroccan Berber Carpet
Despite what the masses may have in mind, when it comes to an authentic Moroccan Berber carpet, a soul can all but forget about the looped, coarse pile that they recognize and have become accustomed to. In fact, many probably could not recognize the real thing from the other. What many identify as Berber is nowhere near the true beauty of the unique handmade Moroccan artistry.
The Berber tribe of Morocco, the first peoples to inhabit the northern area of Africa, has been hand-knotting their world famous wool carpets for ages; but it was not until the 12th century that the trade became a viable source of income for Berber tribes. Colorful and expertly weaved, the rugs with a whitish background were often a showpiece of scrolls, inscriptions or geometric design in earthy colors. They achieved their mark in being both decorative and functional.
The draw to such an item as a Moroccan Berber carpet is in its authenticity. Nothing speaks volumes about quality than something that is handmade. In this respect, even rugs with the same design or pattern will never be exactly alike. It is an art form that is, for the most part, the foundation of an entire people. There is no element of mass production in this case.
Skilled artisans, masters of their trade, use a number of techniques and also put their own distinct touch into every carpet they make. Hand-knotted wool in a spectrum of colors means there is an entire range and possibility to what each carpet will look like. While some carpets will have a tall wool pile, this is not always the case.
It will be a matter of taste when choosing a Moroccan Berber carpet with a certain design. Seeing that this is somewhat of a tribal art with a long history, whether the pattern is more geometric or flowing, each motif will have a level of meaning behind it. This is yet another thing that makes these carpets so valuable.
The carpets, as mentioned, are meant to be decorative as well as functional. While some see fit to use the carpets as such, many enjoy the affect they have as a wall hanging. Others like them draped over a chair or laying across the foot of a bed. Whatever the choice, using the carpets in conjunction with other corresponding ethnic items will automatically give a unique decorative touch to any room in the house.
As they are masterfully created by hand from all natural components, there is an innate ability of these carpets to give a room or area of a house that down to earth, natural feel that so many look for. The vibrant reds and other earthy colors blend perfectly in lines that merge together or run distinctively in the pattern. Centuries of expertise can be witnessed in every single detail.
The quality of such pieces cannot be beat and will add an air of class to a home, something an imitation will never be able to do. Time and effort go into each piece and this will definitely show wherever the carpet is displayed. There is a great level of pride taken in workmanship as opposed to unfeeling machines that dole out copy after copy.
In the search for one-of-a-kind items for the home, a Moroccan Berber carpet definitely falls into the category of precious housewares. It is an item that is the glorious offspring of centuries of artistry. Pleasing to the eye as well as useful, this item is ideal for those who have a taste for quality items, expressing a character that is unique and timeless.
About the Author:
Nine Seas D?cor is quickly becoming one of the largest importers of Moroccan Berber Carpet into the US market. Please visit http://www.nineseasdecor.com/Home-Decor-Catalog/Rugs-Flooring-Wool-Carpets .
Easy Clean Steps for Carpet Spots and Spills
8 STEPS TO USE FOR ALL CARPET SPOTS & STAINS
1. Treat spills and stains immediately. The longer the spot remains in the carpet, the more difficult it will be to remove. Remove spots before they dry.
2. Blot up as much of the spot a possible using a clean absorbent white towel or paper towel. If the spot is solid or semi-solid, scrape up with a spatula or rounded spoon. Be careful not to damage the carpet fibers. If the stain is solid, vacuum away as much as possible.
3. Next pretest any spot removal agent in an inconspicuous area of the carpet to make certain it will not damage the carpet fibers or dye.
4. To remove the spot, apply a small amount of cleaning solution to the stain or to a white absorbent towel and gently blot away the spot. Do not use a very soapy solution as it will be difficult to completely remove and the residue left in the carpet will re-soil more rapidly. Keep applying solution to a fresh area of the towel and continue to blot until the stain is completely removed. Work from the outside of the spot toward the center, being careful not to spread the stain around.
5. Do not brush or scrub the spot as this may cause carpet fiber damage.
6. Repeat step 4 as long as there is a transfer of the stain to the towel. You may have to use another spot removal agent if the spot is not completely removed by the first agent.
7. After you have removed the spot as much as possible, rinse area with water and blot dry. Next, apply about a 1/2 inch layer of paper towels over the spot and weight down with a book or other heavy flat object. Change the paper towels when they become saturated and allow spot to dry overnight. Remove towels and gently brush the carpet pile with your fingertips to raise the pile. The idea here is that any remaining spot should absorb into the paper towels and vanish from the carpet. This procedure is also good for a spot that reappears after you have removed it. Sometimes it might take two or three applications.
8. The keys to remember: act quickly, do not let the spot dry if possible, use small amounts of cleaning solution ? do not over-wet, always blot, do not rub or brush, work from the outside in toward the middle of the spot, and be patient. Some stains respond very slowly, and some stains cannot be removed due to the fibers and dyes. Professional help may be needed. But take heart ? most spots can be removed if cleaned immediately.
Jack Antonius is a recognized authority on the subject of carpet cleaning and stain and spill removal with 30+ years of experience. www.AntoniusBros.com provides a treasure trove of information ? including how to make a Basic Spotting Kit to keep on hand.
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