mrs.micki, I personally use a med to fine grade sandpaper. All you really need to do is scuff the surface. I use Kilz primer on almost anything I paint as it helps to hold the paint a lot better and keeps any imperfections from bleeding through, such as the knots on your desk. I also use a roller to paint as I like the texture it leaves. My hubby prefers to use a brush as he likes a more smooth finish. So it depends on what look you're after... and who is painting! Paint is very forgiving. If you don't like it, you can re-paint it. I have an old dresser that has been painted every color of the rainbow. The latest color is white. Good luck, and be sure to take a picture to show everyone. Debbie in Florida

So I started playing with the Lucite a bit after getting it separated in shapes. I've had this bowl for years, and never knew what to do with it. It measures 22 inches across, and is 1/2 thick. Start of what looks like a moth or butterfly of some sort. Thank you all for your ideas, and comments.

Great find Noto! It's a pity that these variegated crassulas tend to have these brown marked leaves, mine are too, and everyone else that posts about them seems to mention it. Why is it a feature of them, anyone know? Nice colour on the Hummels also. Gill

Lovely. I've seen them in Cornwall and on the Isle of Wight. I have a pressed specimen dated from the 70s in my old faithful Wild Flowers of Britain and Northern Europe. Nowadays I wouldn't pick one, of course.