I just use regular craft paint in the little bottles, available at Michael's or Hobby Lobby... but most large stores carry that stuff in their tiny craft sections. I'm sure if you look, there is a specific type of paint that is made for painting on porous surfaces that might be moist at times... I'm not incredibly interested in how long the paint lasts on the pots, so it doesn't matter to me. I'm sure you could find sealer, as well. Michael's and Hobby Lobby both carry a nice selection of stencils, too. I've used pieces of a sponge to dab the paint on, using a stencil. The English Ivy pattern is one of my favorites, as are other types of vines or country type motifs. I don't have a photo of the pot set I did... I never thought to take one. Most of the pots I have currently are either plain, or they're so ratty looking, a picture wouldn't be worth taking! But I'm sure you get the ideas... You could also use a clear/transparent bathroom silicone and glue little pieces of tiles or mirror around the rim... or colored glass pieces, or whatever... a mosaic! Take a look around your local craft store... you just never know what sort of ideas might be waiting! Think "pot rim"... and let your imagination go wild!

I assume you mean they were honeybees, even though you stated you don't usually see any honeybees at your location. The behavior you describe of so few bees is peculiar and I think you'll find most of us as clueless as yourself. Maybe you have a cell phone transmission tower close by? (sorry....insider beekeeper CDC joke) My best guess has to do with scout bees from a nearby swarm trying to locate a new, permanent nesting site. But if you haven't seen them since, I would say your home's location lost out in the swarm's voting process (lucky you!). You'll probably never know exactly what was going on.

Wow! Tropical, that is amazing. I wish I had that patience & talent to do something like that! Kathi~ I agree, thanks for letting me know not to use that! Ruc~ Thanks for that idea... I do like that, but I have a sunflower motif in my kitchen & that would kind of clash, but it's a great idea. I have been thinking about using peel & stick floor tile then finding some trim that matched. Does anyone have a reason that this wouldn't work? I would think it would be durable & clean easily. I've linked to the patterns that I like. Also, Windy~ The kitchen actually isn't as small as some SW's. It's approx. 13'x13'... I've seen smaller in stick built homes. But, I wasn't going to do anything really "splashy", that's just not my style. I considered using mirrored plexi-glass that I found on Ebay, but thought that would probably show dirt & fingerprints, etc. extremely well. My walls are now a "Hazelnut Cream" color... I think these colors would look OK. Thanks again for all the suggestions & tips. Keep 'em comin'! :) This is the one I'm leaning towards: http://cgi.ebay.com/Mosaic-Beige-Vinyl-Floor-Tiles-30-Pcs-Self-Adhesive_W0QQitemZ250197192626QQihZ015QQcategoryZ20604QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem Here is a link that might be useful: 2nd choice tile

Try BM Mount Saint Anne.