Beauty and The Beads

Just in time for Christmas, the Harare Fire Brigade in Zimbabwe will receive a large gift: two Volvo fire trucks outfitted with GPS-equipped iPads, courtesy of an American travel agent.

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Courtesy of the Grasso family

The Grasso family went on safari in June and  visited a Masai women’s bead work cooperative in Zimbabwe.

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Diane Ebzery Lobel, whose safari-focused agency African Portfolio sends tourists to 15 countries in Africa, said nearly one-quarter of the trips she booked included a stop in Zimbabwe.

Earlier this year, Ms. Ebzery Lobel, made a donation of boats to the national parks and wildlife office to help stop poaching. While fire trucks and patrol boats are the largest contributions she has made so far in Africa, she is like many of her clients who have been inspired to give substantial gifts.

“One client is helping his safari guide set up a cattle farm,” Ms. Ebzery Lobel said. “Another client has donated eye equipment to a local eye clinic, and another donated supplies to the local Masai school.”

Eileen and Patrick Grasso, clients of African Portfolio, went on safari with their three sons in June but added to their itinerary tours of an orphanage in the Rift Valley and a Masai women’s beading cooperative. Both sites made a lasting impression, Ms. Grasso said, prompting her to buy shoes for the residents of the orphanage and decorative Masai beadwork for friends and family back home. When she returned to America she sent checks to these organizations and others.

“There is something incredible about having the experience face to face, putting a human face on the stuff we read” in the newspaper, she said. “When you experience it firsthand it has a profound impact on you.”

This attitude is not uncommon, according to George Mavroudis, who has been a guide in Tanzania for 20 years.

There is something about being on safari that encourages it, Mr. Mavroudis said. Earlier this year, he guided Swiss visitors who brought two laptops to donate to a school. Another family purchased a solar-operated pump, tank and plumbing for villagers.

Mr. Mavroudis estimates that 70 percent of the people he guides donate something to a person they have met or to a place they have seen.

“They come to understand and feel a love for the land and its people, and they want to do something that can help after they’ve gone,” Mr. Mavroudis said.

In addition to donations for infrastructure projects, Mr. Mavroudis has had guests sponsor a child’s education or underwrite loans for new businesses. He and others specializing in African tourism see this as a better way to boost the economy than distributing pencils and T-shirts to children on the streets.

Ms. Ebzery Lobel says that in the past travelers to Africa would ask her about bringing these sorts of things, but that is starting to change. “We have come to recognize that this type of gift can perpetuate the idea that charity is about a handout,” she said. “We are trying to change the mind-set so that travelers instead think about providing items that are used to create something, facilitate an opportunity or support an existing effort to help themselves.”

Her fire truck donation is just that. After a summer in which a number of fires took the lives of Harare residents including Solomon Mujuru, husband of the vice president and a political rival to Zimbabwe’s leader, Robert Mugabe, Ms. Ebzery Lobel said she went to the fire department to look around. “This is crazy,” she said when she saw the state of disrepair of the department’s fire trucks.

“We have a commitment to uplifting the people of Zimbabwe and one of the ways is through providing better services,” she said.

But she is also practical. As a businesswoman whose livelihood depends on this country, her beneficence will come right back to her if it helps maintain a tourist-friendly Zimbabwe.

Sheer For Day Or Night? Emily Blunt Does It Right

I’ll Have What She’s Having: Work wonders in a sheer amp; maxi combination

Actress Emily Blunt looked radiant in a decadent art-deco inspired beaded Gucci dress at a recent LACMA event in Los Angeles while donning an ingenious combination of a sheer panel paired with a dramatic maxi length.  And while heavy beading, a fitted shape and a sheer panel below the knee reads as too many ideas for one dress on paper, her Gucci number works thanks to a simple, non-revealing tank cut top half and tonal black bead work.

But Blunt looking va-va-voom in a dress on the red carpet is not the only thing we’d like to point out here since it also brings light to making a maxi length work for you by finding pieces that have clever sheer paneled sections for a play on proportions.

So, how do you wear a maxi dress that won’t make you appear shorter? Easy- find a piece that utilizes the visual effects of sheer fabrications.

Richard Nicoll’s Layered Maxi Skirt from FarFetch.com could get the job done and works as terrific example of a closet staple with universal appeal.

Like Blunt, look for maxi skirts and dresses that are simple in silhouette and decoration while avoiding prints since the eye will most likely keep its attention on the juxtaposition of a sheer hem. As you can see, it makes Blunt appear taller while keeping her red carpet ready in a generous full length. And the idea of a sheer paneled piece isn’t only for evening

Take Richard Nicoll’s layered maxi skirt above, while it does radiate an ultra-deluxe elegance, its sheer panel is destined to make one look taller while keeping covered(somewhat). Think of the skirt as a considerate alternative to leggings and Blunt’s dress as a youthful take on gala dressing.

From a day skirt that keeps you looking fresh while standing out from the crowd to a statement making evening dress, a sheer paneled hem is certain to work wonders on almost any body type while adding a fresh perspective on floor-sweeping lengths day into night. Keep accessories to a minimum, like Emily’s Sutra ring,  and let the sheerness be the focal point. -Naveed Hussain

Emily Blunt with John Krasinski, above, at LACMA’s Art + Film Gala honoring Clint Eastwood amp; John Baldessari at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Discover a trove of edited sheer options chosen by us:

On the first Friday of each month, Juneau galleries, museums and shops open their doors for show and exhibit openings, artist meet-and-greets and more. Following is information about events available as of press time. All events and openings listed are on Friday, Nov, 4 unless otherwise noted.

To have your event listed here next month, send details to editor@capweek.com no later than one week prior.

Alaska Litho

Inspire photo contest

228 Seward St.

Reception: 4:30-7 pm

Stop by Alaska Lithos downtown office to see the Inspire photo contest exhibit and vote for your favorite 12 entries. The winners of the popular vote will be featured in the 2012 Alaska Litho desk calendar and win a cash prize.

Author Alexander Dolitsky will also be present signing 7 of his books, the topics of which range from fairy tales and legends to anthropology, history, archaeology and ethnography.

Juneau Arts Culture Center

Back from War and Wooden Enticements, paintings and turned woods by Mostapha Beya and Dean Graber in the JAHC Gallery, plus beaded images by Laura Rorem in the Lobby Shop

Reception: 4:30-7 pm

Mostapha Beyas paintings reflect his recent travels and experiences while working with the US Army as a combat translator in Europe, Africa and Asia. His experiences of war changed him, and he found that through painting he is able to express his emotions about war, life, religion, and cultures.

Showing alongside Beyas paintings will be Dean Grabers turned woods. Graber finds inspiration in the ability of wood to be shaped, cut, sanded, carved and colored. More often than not, he mounts a chunk of wood on the lathe, starts to turn and lets the wood tell him what it will be as he follows the figure, color or natural flaws in the piece. Dean says, the touch, shape, fit and finish entice all the senses.

Laura Rorem will be present in the Lobby Shop during First Friday displaying her unique collection of beaded images.

Rorem began beading after her award winning artist teenager, Angela, made her learn to bead, the Athabaskan way. She first used size 11 glass seed beads and simple patterns drawn on felt. Soon, she began to experiment with detailing using various shades and colors of beads. She then switched to extremely small sized glass beads, which enabled her to create details not typically found in bead work.

She discovered the challenges and creativity of beading without a pattern, and soon began drawing with the beads.

Rorem writes that beading is a tension reliever for her, and for others when she accidentally spills them. People, when on their hands and knees, harmonize around the common goal of finding teeny tiny beads of various colors blended into the maze of multi-colored carpet.

Rorem has given the majority of her bead work away to friends, family, or donated pieces to raise money for people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, mental illness and autism. Her bead art is scattered across the 50 states, Canada and Norway.

Annie Kaills

Barbara Lavallee and Alice Tersteeg

244 Front St.

Reception: 4:30-7 pm

Novembers First Friday event will feature Barbara Lavallee and Alice Tersteeg.

Lavallee is one of Alaskas most famous artists, known for her stylized depictions of Alaska Native children and Alaska scenes. She is also an award-winning illustrator whose childrens books, including Mama Do You Love Me? have sold millions of copies. Lavallee will be displaying her original paintings as well as signing books and prints.

Alice Tersteeg is a well-known Juneau artist and a fixture in the Juneau arts scene. She has painted in many mediums and is the former chair of the University of Alaska Southeast art department. She will be displaying a collection of her latest original artwork.

Franklin Street Gallery, Baranof Hotel

Studio Explorations by Barbara Craver

127 N. Franklin St.

Reception: 4:30-6:30 pm

The Franklin Street Gallery will feature artist Barbara Craver during the month of November.

Barbara Craver is a Juneau painter most known for her pastel landscapes. Studio Explorations features her newest landscape paintings in acrylic. She recently began renting a studio and working on landscapes in acrylic paint. The process from the initial work outdoors to the studio is explored in the work.

Alaska State Museum

A Klondike Tale by Averyl Veliz; new work by Constance Baltuck; Versatile Birch: Objects from the ASM Collection and Boreal Birch: Art and Science in the Northern Forest

395 Whittier St.

Reception: 4:30-7 pm

Four brand-new shows are opening this day: a solo exhibition by graphic artist Averyl Veliz entitled A Klondike Tale; a solo exhibition by landscape painter Constance Baltuck; Versatile Birch: Objects from the ASM Collection, featuring baskets, dolls, canoe models, and other traditional artifacts from the Museums collection; and Boreal Birch: Art and Science in the Northern Forest, featuring birch-based work by noted Alaskan artists Margo Klass, Kesler Woodward, and the late Barry McWayne, in conjunction with University of Alaska Fairbanks scientist Kimberly Maher. All shows run through January 14, 2012, except Versatile Birch, which runs through February 18, 2012.

The solo art shows – both part of Alaska State Museums 2011 Solo Artist Series – portray two very different representations of the Last Frontier. A Klondike Tale marks Averyl Veliz first major show while the birch exhibits juxtapose historical artifacts against contemporary pieces – all made from the bark, wood, and roots of Alaskan birch trees. Veliz, Baltuck, Kesler Woodward and Barry McWaynes wife, Dorli, will attend the event.

Baltuck and Veliz will lead workshops as part of the youth activity series Exploring Arts and Culture at the Alaska State Museum, sponsored by the Friends of the Alaska State Museum and funded in part by the citizens of the City and Borough of Juneau through sales tax revenue. The workshops are: Baltuck, Power Steering the Color Wheel, on November 12 and Veliz, Designing Heroes and Villains! on December 3. Call 465-2901 to pre-register or for more information.

Hours at the museum are 10 am to 4 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Discounted winter admission is $3. Visitors 18 and under are admitted free of charge. An annual pass that allows unlimited visits to the Alaska State Museum and the Sheldon Jackson Museum in Sitka is available for $15. Assistance is available for visitors with special needs. Please contact Visitor Services at 465-2901 before the visit.

Juneau-Douglas City Museum

Recent Acquisitions 11, Gift Shop Attic Sale

Fourth and Main streets

Reception: 4:30-7:30 pm

Recent Acquisitions 11 is a small cross-section of objects, photographs and ephemera that have been donated to the Museum, or purchased for the permanent collection in the last three years. The exhibit features paintings, photographs, and carvings by well-known Alaska artists both past and present including: Jim Willie Marks, Frances Davis, Dale DeArmond, Sharon Lobaugh, Rie Munoz, Jack Hermle, Winter Pond and Trevor Davis. The exhibit runs through April 2012.

The Juneau-Douglas City Museum Gift Shop is cleaning out its gift shop inventory for November First Friday.

Framed vintage prints, ads and photographs will be on sale as well as issues of Alaska Magazine and Alaska Sportsman from the 1960s and 1970s. Antique toys, games and ephemera including pick up sticks and vintage political buttons will also be featured during the event. All items have been donated to the Museum Gift Shop for resale purposes.

Refreshments for this event will be provided by the Friends of the Juneau-Douglas City Museum.

The Museum is open to the public Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm Admission is free during the month of November thanks to Don and Alma Harris.

Aunt Claudias Dolls

114 S. Franklin Street Suites 102, 103 105 (above Hearthside Books)

Reception: 2-7 pm

Aunt Claudias Dolls, a museum, will be displaying the large collection of Claudia Kelseys dolls and miniatures. In addition to this permanent collection, in the revolving display area features figures from an extensive holding of Alaskan Native dolls and friends from Siberia, Canada, Lapland and Iceland.

Mary Ellen Franks doll making studio is located with the museum and is open for view also. The Kelsey collection owner, Bea Shepard will host the event.

Wilderness Peaks Gallery

159 S. Franklin St.

Featured artist: Daniel Buckscott

Come see over 75 photographs of the Alaska and Canadian wilderness by Daniel Buckscott in Wilderness Peaks Gallerys new location.

Ravensong Gallery

127 N. Franklin Street

Open hours: Until 8 pm

Ravensong, one of Juneaus newest galleries, will be open on First Friday to show its selection of Alaska Native art.

The Alaskan Brewing Depot

219 S. Franklin St.

Beer tasting: 4:30-7 pm

An Alaskan Smoked Porter vertical tasting will be held during First Friday, including the newly released 2011 vintage and a special Smoked Porter treat.

Guests must be 21 years of age to sample.

Ceramics printed with ethnic African scenery, natural textiles featuring vibrant Zulu prints and animal trophies crafted with wire mesh from Cape Town are a huge draw at the annual India International Trade Fair(IITF) here.

So excited is the South African delegation that traders within two days of the fair have already started predicting a repeat of their 2008 sales when almost every stall sold its merchandise completely in the first week itself. The fair closes Nov 27. Meet Bishop Tarambawamwe, a Cape Town-based businessman dealing in handicrafts including wire and bead work, which is beautifully embroidered in wall hangings of all types like animal trophies. This is my second experience here. Last time, I completely sold out in the first three days only. Looking at the excitement among people who are visiting our stall, I expect the same this year around as well, Tarambawamwe told IANS.

The artist-cum-businessman said that participating in the fair at the sprawling Pragati Maidan exposition grounds not only provides a great platform to sell but also to forge business relationship that accounts for huge numbers of after-orders. The sales are always good here. But I am more interested in meeting business people. I still have two business contacts here whom I met in 2008. They still place orders with me for their markets here and in the Middle East, Tarambawamwe said.

Cape Town-based businessman Patrick Sathorar, shares his fellow city-mates views, and says it is to develop a regular market for his merchandise that he comes here. We have have bought just limited products. The real business starts after contacts are made. Others in the South African trade contingent like African Art Centre from Kwazulu Natal and Zifunge Trading from Eastern Cape were banking on the similar cultural and customer preferences that South African art shares with India to boost sales.

There are vast similarities between our cultures. South Africa like India is also rich in culture. I think young Indian customers would prefer the ethnic design and prints, said Ydiswe Sodwee Sodwele. The South African contingent is the biggest from the continent and includes goods like textile, beaded jewellery, hand-made ceramics, wood sculptures, leather goods, painting and an assortment of traditional wall hangings from all the regions of the country.

The excitement in the African delegation can also be measured by the fact that it is led by Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Elizabeth Thabethe who is also slated to hold talks with her Indian counterpart Jyotiraditya Scindia. We have brought 19 South African businessmen also from the field of art and craft. This is to promote trade relations with India. Similar activities are also set to take place with Brazil, said a delegation official.

There has been a lot of excitement in South Africa about this fair. India is a very big market, an economic power. We also share good relations though IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa) forum.

Published:
October
26, 2011
In photos:
Dozens attend Highbridge U3As Open Day

Dozens
of residents flocked to Highbridge Community Centre
on Tuesday (October 25th) when the towns U3A held its annual
open day.

Visitors were able to try their hand at numerous U3A activities
during the successful five-hour event.

We were delighted to see so many visitors, who were able
to see demonstrations of crochet, flower arranging, mosaic making,
painting, quilting and patchwork making, bead work and card making,
a spokeswoman told Burnham-On-Sea.com.

Alongside displays and demonstrations, there was also a cake
stall, tombola and light refreshments.

Published:
October
25, 2011
Highbridge
U3A holding Open Day at Community Centre today

Highbridges
community centre is holding an open day today (Tuesday, October
25th) when visitors will be able to try some of the activities
that take place there.

Highbridge U3A is running the free event from 10am-3pm at the
centre in Market Street.

Visitors will be able to try their hand at crochet, flower
arranging, mosaic making, painting, quilting and patchwork making,
bead work and card making, a spokeswoman told Burnham-On-Sea.com.

Alongside displays and demonstrations, there will also be a cake
stall, tombola and light refreshments throughout the day.

10/05/2011

SPOTLIGHT

Macy?s, America?s Department Store and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) will once again join forces to draw attention, raise awareness and generate funds in the fight against breast cancer. Macy?s stores across the country will offer exclusive ?hot? pink fashions, cosmetic and home merchandise. From hoodies to t-shirts, find the deals and ways to donate at Macy?s or www.macys.com/pink during the month of October.

Macy?s, America?s Department Store y The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), una vez más se unen para llamar la atención, crear conciencia y generar fondos en la lucha contra el cáncer de mama. Las tiendas Macy?s de todo el país ofrecen exclusivas ?calientes? moda de color rosa, cosméticos y mercancías del hogar. Desde camisetas hasta sudaderas con capucha, encontrarás ofertas y formas de donar en Macy?s o
www.macys.com/pink durante el mes de Octubre.

COMMUNITY

The Denver Rescue Mission (DRM) is pleased to announce the 2nd annual Evening of Exploration, held on Thursday, Oct. 13 at The Wildlife Experience in Parker. Guests will discover the reality of homelessness and the DRM?s crucial role in changing lives. The Mission has invited Mike Yankoski, author of ?Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America,? to share personal accounts on this issue in facing the community. BJ Swenson, a graduate of DRM?s New Life Program, will also share his testimony. Register today and provide 20 men shelter at Mission?s Lawrence Street Shelter. For more information visit www.DenverRescueMission.org.

NEWSED presents ?Key Strategies for Business Success? a small business development training course. These comprehensive two-day training sessions are offered free of charge to assist a small business owner with the tools, resources and knowledge to take their concept to the next level. Sessions are offered from 6 to 9 pm on Monday, Oct. 10 and Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 901 W 10th Ave. Ste 2 A Denver, CO. 80204. For more information and to reserve your seat call Cheryl Lola Lucero at 720-229-5268.

Drive Against Prostate Cancer free testing event, presented by CBS4 Denver, The Urology Center of Colorado and CBS HealthWatch, will take place from 4-8 pm On Wednesday, Oct. 5 at Sports Authority Park Meadows,
7848 E. County Line Rd. Lone Tree.

EXHIBITS

Museo de las Americas in collaboration with the Consulate General of Mexico and the Mexican Cultural Center present the fall exhibition, ?Wixaritari.? This exhibit provides the viewer with an opportunity to experience one of the most important and unique cultures in Mexico today. Detached and elusive, the Huichol people have managed to preserve their way of life and maintain a spiritual relationship with the universe through complex ceremonies. A public reception will be held from 7-9 pm on Thursday, Oct. 13; members? preview 6-7 pm Free Workshops: 6:30-8 pm on Friday, Oct. 14. Yarn/Bee Wax Prayers 1-3 pm on Saturday, Oct. 15. Bead Work Exhibit runs through Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012.

Studio 12 Gallery invites the public to enjoy the spectacular imagery and icons related to the Día de los Muertos celebration at its 3rd Annual Day of the Dead show. The exhibit features invited artists as well as a selection of pieces submitted to a call for entries and chosen by guest curator Carlos Fresquez. It runs Friday, Oct. 7?Friday, Nov. 11 at 209 Kalamath St. #12 in the Bolt Factory Building. The Sugar Skull making workshop is also back this year by popular demand. Artwork is available to view and purchase during regular business hours Monday-Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday 11 am -4 pm and during the follow special events: First Friday, Oct. 7?Opening Reception: 4-9 pm; Sugar Skull Workshop: 6-8 pm. First Friday, Nov. 4 ?Meet the Artists: 4-9 pm; Sugar Skull Workshop: 6-8 pm For more information on Studio 12 Gallery, visit www.studio12gallery.com.

Museo de las Americas presents ?Conversación Contacto.? Join us for a presentation on the symbolism and magic behind Huichol yarn paintings. Create your own to take home and enjoy from 6:30-8 pm on Friday, Oct. 14. Contact workshops@museo.org for more information.

Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) Lecture Series presents Human Impacts on the Landscapes of Ancient Oaxaca, Mexico Presented by Dr. Arthur. A. Joyce, UCB at 7 pm Wednesday, Oct. 5 at Paleontology Hall at University Colorado Museum of Natural History. For more information visit cumuseum.colorado.edu.

PERFORMANCES

The 73rd Avenue Theatre presents Richard O?Brien?s ?The Rocky Horror Show? Friday and Saturday evenings at 11 pm from Friday, Oct. 14 ? Saturday, Oct. 29 with a special performance at 7 pm on Sunday, Oct. 30. Tickets are available by calling 720-276-6936. The theater is located at 7287 Lowell Blvd, Westminster.

It?s official ? fall is here. The leaves are turning gold, the air is crisp and the 9th Annual Harvest Farm Fall Festival is open on weekends now through Sunday, Oct. 30. Located in Wellington, the fall festival includes attractions such as a petting zoo, 10-acre corn maze, hay rides, barrel train rides and much more. All proceeds benefit the Denver Rescue Mission?s Harvest Farm. Visit HarvestFarm.net for more information on pricing, directions and hours for the fall festival.

Live music, stage performances and an abundance of hands-on activities promise to yield a harvest of fun at the 16th Annual Fall Fest hosted by Original Aurora Renewal in historic northeast Aurora. Joining the activities this year is a Safety Fair hosted by the Aurora Police from 11 am- 4 pm on Saturday, Oct. 15 For more information call 303-739-7929.

SPECIAL EVENTS

The University of Colorado Museum of Natural History and CU Facilities Management?Outdoor Services groups are teaming up to host a free tour of Boulder?s unique and historic campus ?forest,? on Wednesday, Oct. 5. The tours will meet at the south entrance of the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History at 15th and Broadway. For more information, visit CUmuseum.colorado.edu or call 303-492-6892.

The Immigrant Advisory Committee to the City Manager announced the first annual Celebration of Immigrant Heritage. The event will be held from 4:30 to 6 pm on Wednesday, Oct. 5, at the Sister Cities Plaza located on the east end of the Municipal Building, 1777 Broadway. The celebration will include a youth mariachi group from Bryant Webster Dual Language ECE-8 School in Denver and a presentation by Mayor Susan Osborne of a Declaration formalizing the first week of October as the Annual Celebration of Immigrant Heritage. For more information contact Carmen Atilano at 303-441-3141.

Even a crafting novice can turn out beautiful things.

Thats the point of The Complete Book of Home Crafts: Projects for Adventurous Beginners. The book, written by a team of artisans and edited by Carine Tracanelli, contains close to 100 projects for the home that are attainable for people who have more enthusiasm than ability.

The projects employ decoupage, tiling, picture framing, bead work, stencilling, batik and various painting techniques.

Each chapter includes information on materials and instruction on techniques.

The Complete Book of Home Crafts is published by Skyhorse Publishing and sells for $24.95 in hardcover.

Gracious living is a hallmark of the South, and its the look celebrated in Southern Living Style.

The book introduces readers to dozens of rooms that embody Southern sensibilities and helps them achieve a similar feeling in their own homes. Included are designer tips, fresh ideas and analyses of what makes the rooms work.

One section is devoted to furniture facelifts, showing stylish possibilities for those hand-me-downs and flea market finds.

Southern Living Style is published by Oxmoor House and sells for $29.95 in hardcover.

BOOK MAKES BEGINNER CRAFTS BEAUTIFUL

Even a crafting novice can turn out beautiful things.

Thats the point of The Complete Book of Home Crafts: Projects for Adventurous Beginners. The book, written by a team of artisans and edited by Carine Tracanelli, contains close to 100 projects for the home that are attainable for people who have more enthusiasm than ability.

The projects employ decoupage, tiling, picture framing, bead work, stenciling, batik and various painting techniques.

Each chapter includes information on materials and instruction on techniques, so you can build your skills the right way.

The Complete Book of Home Crafts is published by Skyhorse Publishing and sells for $24.95 in hardcover.

FLOORING IS EASY WITH MODULARITY TILES

Changing flooring requires little more than a whim with Modularity Tiles.

The vinyl tiles can be installed with a residue-free, double-sided tape. They can be repositioned, and individual tiles can be replaced if they get damaged.

The real fun comes in the design. The tiles come solid or with die-cut openings where you can insert shapes. You can mix and match designs and colours for a one-of-a-kind look. The tiles are sold at www.modularitytiles.com. Solid-colour, 12-inch tiles cost $2.05 each; tile frames, $1.73 each; and inserts, $1.72 each. Shipping is extra.

BAGWELL HOLDS STORAGE BAG OPEN

The Bagwell gives you extra hands in the kitchen.

The device is a small rack that holds a gallon-size plastic storage bag open, making it easier to fill. Its also useful for holding a bag upside down to dry after youve washed it.

Its dishwasher safe and folds flat for storage.

The Bagwell sells for $9.99 plus shipping and handling at 866-962-7335 or www.thebagwell.com.