These decorative glass plates are called "pigskin glass" because the backing was originally made from pigskin leather.

Manuel Silva and Robert Ornelas are the artists that created these plates. The pigskin glass is environmentally friendly and is made with recycled window glass, water based paint, foil and screen mesh. It is made by first placing the backing material in a mold, decorative material is applied to the backing and glass is placed on top. The glass is then heated in a kiln where the heat causes the colors to mix and "slumps" the glass to seal the piece.

A grouping of pigskin glass is bold and beautiful. Individual pieces can be displayed on a table or in a plate stand or hung on a wall.

If mid winter has you itching to re-arrange furniture try looking at things from a feng shui perspective.

The command position is fundamental to black sect feng shui. Originating centuries ago, it concerns positioning yourself so the enemy can never approach undetected. For instance, in a restaurant you want to choose a table with a good view of the door and then seat yourself with your back to the wall and the widest view.

You can apply the same principle at home. In the bedroom place the bed on a wall opposite the doorway rather than on the same wall so you can see the bedroom door. If this isn't possible you can position a mirror on the wall opposite your bed to give you a view of the door.

In the living room place the chairs or sofa used regularly by you and other family members so that you can see the front entrance and hall and have the best perspective on what is going on. Other chairs or sofas used by guests can have their backs to the hall or front entrance.

Think about the command position when you next re- arrange. You'll be more relaxed and get a better sleep.

by Ken Catalino

Hardy and Symphony laughed at this cartoon so I thought you all might like it.