http://app.sympozeum.com Mike Dennis, publicist for Natural Area Rugs, posts about the inner workings of Natural Area Rugs, a national leader in natural area flooring. Topics include business strategies, new products, and information on natural rug materials including sisal, seagrass, jute, bamboo, and wool. en-us Copyright 2006 Natural Area Rugs http://app.sympozeum.com/ Thu, 05 Oct 2006 10:22:42 CST Looking for a nice, soft natural rug? A jute natural area rug may well be the answer. Jute is noted for being one of the finest and softest natural floor covering mateirals available. It's also considered to be one of the most attractive of natural rug fiber materials. The natural color of jute is a soft, shiny tan. The coloring allows it to blend in with almost any decor. Grown in Asia, jute is well suited to creating beautiful, but durable, area rugs. Jute is such a popular fiber, you may already own it and not even realize it. It is most popularly used in making sacks and bags. It's also frequently woven into curtains, burlap and chair coverings. And while jute comes in a natural tan state, it's durable enough that it can bleached, creating a pale cream color. Some people even dye it, giving even more options to coloration. In fact, jute is such a popular choice as a natural fiber material, the production of jute fiber is second only to that of cotton worldwide. Because it is a long, soft fiber, it is easily spun into the strong threads that are needed in making sturdy fabrics such as area rugs. Natural Area Rugs currently has our jute rugs on sale, so it's the perfect time for you to look into purchasing a jute area rug.     http://www.NaturalAreaRugs.com/blogs/post/Jute_One_of_the_Finest_and_Softest_Natural_Floor_Coverings.php http://www.NaturalAreaRugs.com/blogs/post/Jute_One_of_the_Finest_and_Softest_Natural_Floor_Coverings.php support@zunch.com (Mike Dennis) Thu, 05 Oct 2006 09:59:00 CST Jute (part 2 of 2) Woven rugs on the other hand are fabricated from weaving looms and are sewn on different kinds of backing material. Patterns are created through the placement of various color yarns in each weave. While there can be subtle imperfections in certain weaves of natural fibers rugs, these slight flaws in no way affect the durability of woven rugs. More often than not, they actually even add to the beauty of materials such as sisal, seagrass and wool rugs.   Handmade rugs are created through knots. The use of natural dyes is what gives handmade rugs is what makes them less susceptible to fading. While handmade rugs are generally more expensive, their inherent durability is indeed commensurate to their cost.    Handtufted rugs are made with the use of a tool call a tufting gun to push materials such as wool or yarn into its backing. While tufted products like wool rugs require less time to make then handmade rugs, they do warrant a high level of craftsmanship. This is particularly true with handtufted rugs that reveal elaborate patterns and designs. Like its handmade or handwoven counterparts, handtufted rugs are more durable than machine made rugs.   The above-listed information assists novice buyers in assessing which rug material would be more appropriate for their particular requirements. Of course certain needs can be more complicated to address and may require attention from experts. For additional information, feel free to visit www.NaturalArearugs.com. http://www.NaturalAreaRugs.com/blogs/post/Helpful_Information_on_the_Intricacies_of_RugMaking.php http://www.NaturalAreaRugs.com/blogs/post/Helpful_Information_on_the_Intricacies_of_RugMaking.php info@naturalhomerugs.com (Mike Dennis) Tue, 03 Oct 2006 15:01:00 CST Uncatgorized (part 1 of 2)   When shopping for rugs, whether synthetic or natural fibers, the most common criteria from which consumers usually base their decisions are color and texture. The vast majority of customers apparently select a particular rug solely on its aesthetic value or feel. While this method might work for some, more serious clients know that there are a lot more factors they need to contend with. One piece of information that can definitely help you assess rug suitability is a background on the rug-making process.  We’re not suggesting that you need to be a rug expert to buy a rug. In most cases, basic information would suffice. Whether they’re searching for sisal, seagrass, mt. grass or jute, the following paragraphs briefly discuss the various rug making procedures which could be useful in helping customers gauge which rug would be appropriate for their needs.   There are two basic types of rugs: machine made and man made. Machine made rugs are mass produced products that are usually available in a larger range of colors and patterns. Such rugs are usually more popular because of availability and cost effectiveness. A downside to synthetic rugs is their durability. Machine made rugs do not go through the painstaking procedures which skilled craftsmen devote to reinforce the durability of natural fibers rugs.    Machine made rugs offer you flexibility of variety. Manufacturers normally replicate designs from other companies which they produce in various sizes or colors. Synthetic rugs offer a quick fix to floor areas that need to be covered in a hurry. http://www.NaturalAreaRugs.com/blogs/post/Helpful_Information_on_the_Intricacies_of_RugMaking.php http://www.NaturalAreaRugs.com/blogs/post/Helpful_Information_on_the_Intricacies_of_RugMaking.php info@naturalhomerugs.com (Mike Dennis) Tue, 03 Oct 2006 14:56:00 CST Uncatgorized Natural Fiber Rugs have always been recommended strictly for indoor use. While, natural rug products such as seagrass, sisal, and bamboo rugs have caught significant attention because of their beauty, the inherent characteristics of these materials have made them suitable only for covered and dry locations To satisfy the discriminate tastes of today’s customers, Natural Area Rugs has introduced its new line of versatile bamboo rugs recommended for both indoor and outdoor use. Bound with anti UV polypropylene, and backed by non slip vinyl rug pads, indoor/outdoor bamboo rugs are designed to resist moisture, mold and mildew. Customers can now enjoy the benefits of beautiful bamboo rugs in their patios, screened porches, and other outdoor locations. Visit http://www.naturalarearugs.com/bamboo.php and be captivated by these new exciting bamboo rug designs. http://www.NaturalAreaRugs.com/blogs/post/Natural_Area_Rugs__Bringing_the_Beauty_of_Natural_Fiber_Rugs_Outdoors.php http://www.NaturalAreaRugs.com/blogs/post/Natural_Area_Rugs__Bringing_the_Beauty_of_Natural_Fiber_Rugs_Outdoors.php info@naturalhomerugs.com (Mike Dennis) Mon, 02 Oct 2006 10:13:00 CST Bamboo Have you seen our line of bamboo rugs? If not, check them out now. Bamboo is considered to be a very cool look these days, and we agree. Bamboo carpets are a very popular choice with our cusotmers, especially when you want that "cool" look with a touch of durability. Bamboo has been used as flooring for centuries, especially in Asia where it can easily be found in many locates. It's an environmentally friendly plant that's fast growing, which means that overharvesting is rarely a concern. Plus, it grows so fast, that a plant is usually ready to harvest again within two years. So, bamboo is cool in appearance and environmentally cool, but my favorite part is, it's also "cool" to the touch. After a long day on my feet, I love to take my shoes and socks off and step onto a bamboo rug. It's very cool, relaxing and soothing to the touch. Who'd have guessed that there is a little therapy that comes with every bamboo rug? Stop by our website today and check out our selection of bamboo rugs. http://www.NaturalAreaRugs.com/blogs/post/Bamboo_Rugs_Cool_in_More_Ways_Than_You_Think.php http://www.NaturalAreaRugs.com/blogs/post/Bamboo_Rugs_Cool_in_More_Ways_Than_You_Think.php support@zunch.com (Mike Dennis) Fri, 29 Sep 2006 11:02:00 CST Bamboo You've decided to shop for new carpet. You're looking for just the right color and just the right look and feel. But are you also considering problems like off-gassing, dust-retention and toxins used in manufacturing? If not, you should. Both the government and the carpet industry have been taking a closer look at the environmental effects of carpeting. As a result, we now know that "green" carpet products, like natural fiber rugs and wool, are the best choices if you want a healthy home. Synthetic carpets contain dozens of chemicals and gasses, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxins. VOCs and other toxins in synthetic rugs can cause indoor air-quality problems, triggering reactions in many people, especially when carpets "off-gas" following installation. Heavy offgassing occurs when a synthetic carpet is unrolled in your home. It releases VOCS and other potential toxins into the air almost immediately, and for as long as 72 hours. Then offgassing can continue for months as VOCs and toxins slowly release from the carpet. Particularly if you have chldren in your home, you want to avoid this potential hazard. And you easily can by making your next rug purchase a natural fiber rud purchase. You've got a wealth of natural alternativbes to choose from, wool, seagrass, sisal and bamboo among them, that are beautiful, "green" alternatives to traditional synthetic rugs. Check out our selection today by visting our website.     http://www.NaturalAreaRugs.com/blogs/post/Get_the_Benefits_of_Green_Carpeting_in_Your_Choice_of_Colors.php http://www.NaturalAreaRugs.com/blogs/post/Get_the_Benefits_of_Green_Carpeting_in_Your_Choice_of_Colors.php support@zunch.com (Mike Dennis) Wed, 27 Sep 2006 12:39:00 CST Why Buy from NaturalAreaRugs.com Although our store is located in Beverly Hills, we literally serve customers worldwide. Our great prices just naturally make us a "must-check-before-buying-anywhere-else" site. And because we want our customers, wherever they may be located, to buy with confidence, we offer a service that you won't find with many other rug stores. We'lll send you a FREE SAMPLE so that you can see what you are buying before ordering. Actually, I should say, FREE SAMPLES. Why? Because we know you may be trying to choose from more than one style, so we're more than happy to send you two rug swatches and two binding swatches, abolutely free. And if you want to compare even more samples, we'll gladly ship you additional samples for only $2.50 each. At Natural Area Rugs, we want you to buy with confidence, so we do everything we can to make your online shopping experience a pleasure. Take a look at our natural fiber rug offerings right now and ask us to send you sample swatches of your favorites. http://www.NaturalAreaRugs.com/blogs/post/One_of_the_Manyt_Reasons_you_Can_Shop_Confidently_With_Us.php http://www.NaturalAreaRugs.com/blogs/post/One_of_the_Manyt_Reasons_you_Can_Shop_Confidently_With_Us.php support@zunch.com (Mike Dennis) Fri, 22 Sep 2006 13:33:00 CST Why Buy from NaturalAreaRugs.com Decorating a nursery for a newborn that's on the way? Or the baby's already arrived and you're wanting to redecorate? When doing so, keep your child's health in mind. Some experts claim that nurseries are the "sickest" room in the house, because parents think more about how a room will look rather than about what's best for the child's health. Unknowlingly, parents buy what they think will look cute, rather than what's safe and healthy. Everything in a baby's room, from the paint on the walls to the carpet on the floor, can emit harmful volatile organic chemicals (VOC), which can cause breathing problems. And lung disease and breathing problems, which are frequently associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), are the number one cause of death in infants less than a year old, according to the American Lung Association. What can you do to prevent potential health problems for your child? Here are a few suggestions-- Use eco-friendly paints Avoid vinyl wallpaper which can trap moisture and help mold grow. The plasticizers in the vinyl can also emit VOCs. Furnish the room with solid wood furniture and avoid particleboard, which emits VOCs. Select a mattress that does not contain vinyl. Use natural fiber rugs   By using natural fiber rugs, such as sisal, seagrass, mountain grass, jute, bamboo or wool, you are using materials that do not emit harmful toxins into the air. In fact, many natural fiber rugs absorb dust and toxins that might otherwise be released into the air in a room. Bernadette Upton, who has created a nursery in the American Lung Association's Designer Showhouse in West Palm Beach, Florida, to illustrate that a beautiful room can be healthy and breathable, says, "People don't realize they could be compromising the baby's health." Using the wrong materials "could be the trigger of asthma and lifelong illness." So, if you've got a newborn in the house, or one on the way, you've got the most important reason in the world to use natural fiber rugs in your home. And Natural Area Rugs is your source for the largest selection and best prices on natural area rugs.  http://www.NaturalAreaRugs.com/blogs/post/Decorating_a_Nursery_Keep_Babys_Health_in_Mind_and_Use_Natural_Fiber_Rugs.php http://www.NaturalAreaRugs.com/blogs/post/Decorating_a_Nursery_Keep_Babys_Health_in_Mind_and_Use_Natural_Fiber_Rugs.php support@zunch.com (Mike Dennis) Tue, 19 Sep 2006 13:24:00 CST Why Buy from NaturalAreaRugs.com We are pleased to announce that our new shipment of Sisal and Seagrass Rugs has just arrived. As promised, popular items such as Classic Seagrass and Classic Boucle are now available in all standard sizes.  Over the past few months, the sharp increase in demand for these popular items has depleted our stock. The shortage of raw materials overseas has also hampered our efforts to quickly replenish our inventory. These challenges however, have not deterred us from fulfilling our commitment to meet our customers’ growing demands.  Your favorite Seagrass and Sisal Rugs are back; so visit www.naturalarearugs.com, the trusted name in natural floor covering. http://www.NaturalAreaRugs.com/blogs/post/Your_Favorite_Seagrass_and_Sisal_Rugs_are_Back.php http://www.NaturalAreaRugs.com/blogs/post/Your_Favorite_Seagrass_and_Sisal_Rugs_are_Back.php info@naturalhomerugs.com (Mike Dennis) Mon, 18 Sep 2006 13:17:00 CST New Arrivals I recently wrote about using rugs as wall hangings. A few customers have asked about the best way to hang a rug on a wall. Actually, it isn't all that difficult to do. Start by choosing one of our natural area rugs. Next, you'll need the following materials: A piece of unfinished plywood (the same dimensions as your rug) Two pieces of Velcro (the same length as your rug) Picture Hangers, Picture Hanging Wire, and Screw Eyes Glue   Start with the piece of unfinished plywood. Along the length of each side of the plywood, glue a piece of Velcro. If you'd prefer to use something besides Velcro, you can also use brads, carpet tacks or drapery fasteners. Glue or sew the remaining strips of Velcro to the back of the rug, making certain they will match up with the Velcro on the plywood. Attach two screw eyes to the back of the wood near the top. Attach the picture hanging wire to the screw eyes. Choose where you want your rug to hang. Stretch the picture wire and hold th ewood against the wall. Draw the wire upwards until you have found the horizontal center of your rug. Markt his spot with a pencil. This is where the picture hanger hook will be set. Place your picture hanger against the wall. Nail it into place so that the hook hangs at your mark. You may want to use an anchor and screw if the wall is thin or you have concerns that the picture hanger might come out of the wall. Attach the rug to the plywood and hang. Now you've got your rug wall hanging.   http://www.NaturalAreaRugs.com/blogs/post/A_Guide_to_Making_Your_Rug_a_Wallhanging.php http://www.NaturalAreaRugs.com/blogs/post/A_Guide_to_Making_Your_Rug_a_Wallhanging.php support@zunch.com (Mike Dennis) Fri, 15 Sep 2006 14:52:00 CST Uncatgorized