INSIDE & OUT : Cutting Edge

Cookie cutters by the Boston Mountain Copper Co. carve out more than angels, stars and gingerbread men. The company’s more than 200 designs include such unexpected shapes as a lighthouse, a tooth and a dolphin.

The company will also produce custom shapes for clients who provide an outline. Among custom pieces have been an eight-inch gingerbread man, a grandchild’s hand and a saxophone. The saxophone cutter was presented in 1993 to President Clinton by Yvonda Tilley, owner of Boston Mountain, which is based in Russellville, Ark.

The cutters are made of heavy-gauge copper, built to last and to look good on display. “My mom said they’re so heavy-duty they’ll be tomorrow’s antiques and probably be in your estate sale,” Tilley said.

Tilley started the company 11 years ago with 16 designs; newer additions include the dolphin, a rhino and a cactus.

Custom work runs between $30 and $50, depending on the intricacy of the design. The cost includes the design work and the first cookie cutter. Additional cutters are $6 to $8. For information on custom work or to receive a catalogue, call (800) 524-6127.

Boston Mountain designs also are available at Accouterments by Liza in Fullerton, Angel for Everyone in Mission Viejo, the gift shop at the Countryside Inn in Costa Mesa, Francoli Gourmet in Newport Beach, Harvest Mercantile in Tustin and the Pottery Shack in Laguna Beach.

Lace Work

A little lace goes a long way in softening a room or bringing a romantic touch to it. Levolor’s Softlight pleated shades, manufactured in Westminster, are meant to bring that soft touch to windows.

The shades, part of the company’s Del Mar Coverings collection, are available in five lace patterns and two colors--white and ecru. They can be used alone or layered on top of another shade fabric that mixes or matches a room’s decor.

“Layering the lace with fabric can bring color into your room, in addition to a little fashion and texture,” said Susan Nesbit, product manager. “The shades can be used as an undertreatment, which is a nice alternative to traditional coverings.”

Among the patterns are delicate laces and an eyelet, which is lighter and less dramatic.

Softlight shades are available in standard sizes at home centers and wall and window specialty stores throughout the county.

For information, call (800) 345-3900.

Playful Love

Traditional wedding gifts such as sterling silver, bone china and towels aren’t for everyone. For folks who prefer items with a loopy tilt, Warner Bros. has put together the Wedded Bliss collection.

From engraved toasting flutes ($12 per set) to cake toppers ($18) to teapots ($35) and salt and pepper sets ($18), the collection caters to those whose tastes lean toward Porky and Petunia Pig, Pepe and Penelope LePew, Bugs and Honey Bunny and Mr. and Mrs. Taz.

And that’s not all, folks. Included in the line are picture frames ($12), musical figurines ($25) and photo albums (two styles, $8 each).

The items are available at the Warner Bros. studio store at South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa.