Simply Red

Oliver von Boch’s latest bold strokes on fused glass put the accent on color and line.

Von Boch’s pieces are the latest in his Art Glass collection for Villeroy & Boch. High-intensity color and an Art Deco attitude are hallmarks of von Boch’s works, which are made using recycled and scrap glass that is melted down into sheets of colors. The look of the glass is often likened to lollipops because of the glistening colors and embedded details.

Harlequin, for instance, has a playful checkered motif on a bowl in a handkerchief shape. It also is available in green, cobalt and black, and comes in three sizes--15 inches ($150), 9 inches ($95) and 5 inches ($35).

Chinoiserie has serpentine segments that unfurl and swirl, giving the bowl a cutout and pieced-together look. Because of the workmanship involved with this pattern, only 500 will be produced. The 15-inch bowl--a platter also will be available--is $375.

Von Boch, 28, is the ninth generation descendant to join the family business, which was founded 250 years ago.

In Orange County, Villeroy & Boch is at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, (714) 540-6511.

No Little Bit

Bosch’s new cordless drill can take on the big jobs.

The drill combines 14.4 volts of power with a half-inch single sleeve chuck for special applications.

The drill (about $219) can handle large shank bits as well as those for hole saws. The handle is balanced ergonomically for control. The drill comes with two batteries, a one-hour charger, a carrying case and a screwdriver bit.

It is available in home centers and hardware stores throughout the county.

Treasure Chest

Hope chests aren’t just for brides-to-be anymore.

This special keepsake, designed by artist P. Buckley Moss for the Lane Co., brings a little hope to homeless mothers and children.

Forty-four percent of the purchase price of the mini-chest designed by Moss, who suffered from undiagnosed learning disabilities as a child, will benefit the Better Homes Fund.

The Better Homes Fund is the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping homeless families. The money provides assistance finding permanent housing, health care, job training and counseling to the families.

The mini-chest (about $30 plus $4.95 shipping and handling) has a lock and key and is 9 inches long, 4 1/2 inches wide and 3 1/2 inches tall.

To order, call (800) 841-5147. Overnight delivery is available for an extra charge if you want it in time for Mother’s Day.