The wood placemat carries a message for all those would-be artists. Don’t be afraid to begin. Hold the paint brush aloft and let it swim across the canvas. The result may well be an explosion of delicate colors as in this pleasing round placemat where the reds, yellows and greens seem to compete for prominence.

Color surrounds our lives – in our homes, place of work and the world outside. Our choices of food, clothing, gifts, tableware – everything connected with our lives - is predominantly affected by color considerations.