Hi Jen, I didn't know you wanted to grow slipper gloxes. I have had them on and off for years. The best way to get them is to grow them from seed. That was how I started with gloxinias back in the early 70's. My mom got a packet of Tigrida strain gloxinias as the free packet with an order from Parks. She grew them and had about 70 pots (these weren't slipper types though). So, after the summer, she boxed up the tubers from Chicago and mailed them to me in Berkeley. At the time I had greenhouse access at the university, so I, quite the neophyte, potted them up and put them on the benches to sell. They sprouted from the tubers and also grew very well from broken leaves or crowns. So, I did sell a few, driving around to a few plant stores, but mostly I grew them and eventually took them home. I don't have any of those originals now, though I think I might have some plants that still have some tigrida in them. Anyway, the slipper form is the orginal species form of speciosa. Sometime in the late 19th century, the peloric form was discovered and hybrids have emphasized this form ever since. But, all along, there were slipper gloxinias still being grown. They just sort of died out in the trade. AGGS does have quite a few different strains of Florist Gloxinias or natural collections of Sinningia speciosa that are slipper form. All of the natural forms of speciosa are slipper types and then there are the ones Komi mentioned. Plus the 'California Mini's' are a dwarf strain that contains both slippers, semi-pelorics and peloric small growing gloxinias. One of the parents of this strain is a very nice mini slipper with very dark purple flowers, called 'Elvira', which I still have. In fact I just found the plant outside on Friday. It is quite small, having survived outdoors all winter. But, I will put down leaves pronto! I have been doing a poor job with my speciosas for a long time. But, I will look around and see what's still alive and get cuttings down for you. From seed, you can have blooming plants in as little as six months. All parts of the plant will propagate from cuttings very easily, and seed is very easy to set. They are propagating fools. Jon

Hi Wasamkins, Welcome to the forum. I'm not the greatest painter compared to some on this forum but I do have fun with it. It gives me peace and relaxation. I'd like to contribute to the sites for free project by giving you this site "quickandeasypainting.com" They are a monthly mag in the stores and always have a different monthly free pattern. Have fun painting and please post some pics of your projects when done. As for buying painting books, do you have a Michael's or Joann's craft stores near you? Michael's has coupons in the Sunday newspaper here and at Joann's you can sign up for their bi-weekly flyer and get 40% off coupons so a $10 painting book is only $6, good deal. You can use the coupons for paint and other supplies too. As for other freebie painting sites or even wood cutouts, just type that in your web browser line and I'm sure you'll come up with a ton of sites to look at. Again, welcome to the forum, sure glad you joined. Sal

I'm working on a web site now and putting together samples of many cabinet styles and butcher block tops. I won't put up the web site until those are finished. The piece pictured above is an older piece I had sitting around. The newer version has slightly different proportions. The top is thicker, as are the slats and bottom rails. Also, the finish is different. There are many different configurations: closed cabinets; open pot racks on one end or both; cantilevered top for seating, etc., in many different finishes and styles. You can basically get anything you want. My email is johndisanto@earthlink.net. I'll answer your questions from there.

Hi, I don't see this exact pattern, but here is Saltillo import tile store in Toronto Canada that has all kinds of encaustic tile. Maybe you'll find something you like in this collection, or contact them to see if they can get the pattern you are looking for. Cement encaustic tile. Some of those patterns are really lovely and classic. Some I worry would start to date your kitchen very quickly. Anyway, good luck with your search.