Glass Galore - Centrepiece, Serving platter, side dish, wall flower and more

A poorer and less glamorous cousin of crystal, hand-made and mouth-blown glass is no less charming. Creative craftsmen can transform simple glass into works of arts. It's an ancient skill that collectors and modest admirers never get tired of. 

Swedish : Kosta Boda - stunning and heavy weight

Italian floral platter and bowl

 

Villeroy and Boch mosaic colours

Maltese art glass is expensive but exudes an exquisite aura

 

Japanese inspired local artwork?

An American artist's masterpiece

Seriously, is it safe to shop for glass online? I suppose insurance will cover breakage and loss. But it's difficult to argue against imperfections of handmade products. You'd want to buy something you have scrutinized, felt and held in your hands. 

Shopping for Fabrics - Spring Interiors Makeover

Discard the dark sombre colours this spring? Some winter textiles on sale are suitable for spring, summer and autumn. Women shoppers tend to grab more than they need. Men are indifferent. Anything that is practical, not ugly and time-saving. 

The exotica - get ready to party! 

Paisley is classic

 The cottage garden - complementary contrasts

 

Crafty gifts for Christmas - make something for friends

Sometimes, it may be more meaningful to make something for friends than to splurge your share of the stimulus package on expensive gifts. The same gifts sold at the stores could cost two or three times more. So why not let your creativity blossom during the festive season.

Time your purchses of quilting cotton material when they are on special price. Most ladies would love the pretty floral and geometric prints on cloth imported from Japan, Korea, Pakistan and USA.

Try to avoid panels as they are not as versatile. You could sew eye pillow, computer mouse wrist rest or heat pack. Leave a gap after sewing the seams of the desired size. Fill with flax seed and oat husk. Infuse some fragrance with dried flowers (do not use lavender for heat pack as they burn easily) or strongly scented tea bags. When it is almost half filled, seal up the gap. Fold and tie a ribbon around it and gift wrap with tissue or glossy paper. Now, you're ready to send your special Christmas present.

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