Tim Garvin creates a line of handcrafted porcelain jewelry. The porcelain pieces are created using an ancient technique known variously as millefiori, neriage, and nerikome. The extreme detail and intense color in his ceramic work results from the use of over 500 different colors of clay to create carefully designed clay loaves. Next, cross-sections are sliced from the loaves, and these sections are shaped and finished into individual pieces, then glazed and fired- three times. Often, 23+ karat platinum edging is applied, and the piece receives its final fire.

Millefiori, literally Italian for "thousand flowers," is a ancient technique of combining colored glass rods to make canes of color. Cross-sections were (and still are by artists throughout the world) sliced, combined, and used to create beads, paperweights, vases, etc. This technique was brought to high distinction on Murano, an island in the lagoon of Venice, in the middle ages but was used far earlier by the Romans and Egyptians, with some archeologists dating its inception as far back as the first millennium B.C. The use of colored clays in the same way, called neriage or nerikome in Japan, is a ceramic application of the technique.

Though it feels like November in the valley this week, I am confidant that spring is coming. During the next 6 months most of us include the outdoors as part of our living space. There are a few things to keep in mind when creating an outdoor living area that is inviting and comfortable.

The space needs to function well and be accessible. In other words if you are going to eat outside, place the table so that it is not a lot of extra work to bring things from the kitchen. If you are cooking outside, organize the space around the barbecue so you can prepare food and serve it easily. Create conversation areas that are comfortable.

A visual connection between your house and the outside helps make a natural transition from inside to outside. Choose a few colors from your house that you want use outside. Include these colors in the annuals you plant either in the garden or in planters. You can also use these colors in place mats, napkins, candles and other items that will be in the outdoor space. Try repeating similar textures and styles to ensure that the spaces flow easily from inside to outside.

Mom was getting swamped with calls from strangers. The reason? A medical billing service had launched an 800 number that was identical to hers.

When she called to complain, they told her to get a new number. "I've had mine for twenty years," she pleaded. "Couldn't you change yours?" They refused.

So Mom said, "Fine. From now on I'm going to tell everyone who calls that their bill is paid in full." The company got a new number the next day.