Sinking Their Hopes Into Colorful Glass Basins

“Shades of azure and lapis shimmer on a crystal field to create a collection of blues as luminescent as a rushing rapid in the afternoon sun. . . .” Does this sound like a bathroom sink? It does to Los Angeles manufacturer Steve Weinstock. He and partner Michael Murphy are unveiling Watercolors, a line of brilliantly colored glass sinks that will, they predict, “number the days of plain old white porcelain.”

“It’s an exciting time for bathroom fixtures,” said Weinstock. The partners, who created their Alchemy line of glass lighting fixtures and tabletop accessories at their Culver City factory seven years ago, added handmade fused-glass sinks in 1997. “The response has been nice,” said Weinstock, “but since Alchemy sinks are one of a kind, and priced up to $4,000, we decided to add a line with wider appeal.”

Working with glass artists Philip and Ursula Vourvoulis, they developed a technique of applying color and baking it onto glass. “It isn’t just painted and it is very durable,” said Weinstock. They named the new company ColorWash Co. and will introduce the Watercolor line officially at the Chicago Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in April. The new basins cost $900.

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Designing Careers: Thinking about a career in interior design? Check out the UCLA Extension Interior Design Program’s free open house Dec. 9 for an overview of the career options and admission details. It will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at UCLA Extension at 1338 Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica.

“It’s a viable career,” said Nancy Levens, program manager for architecture and interior design programs. “With today’s economy there’s a big need for trained, professional interior designers.”

And although most students are first attracted to the idea of doing high-end residential work, she said, there are many other possible design specialties, including corporate, hotels, restaurants, and set and production design.

There are virtually no admission requirements for the UCLA program, which features a 38-course (classroom and studio) curriculum. Students take an average of four to five years to complete the work, said Levens.

The program’s flexibility makes it attractive for people who work full or part time or have family obligations, she said. “They can enroll in a course schedule that works with their outside commitments.” Information: (310) 393-4491

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Better Watch Out: The National Safe Kids Campaign reminds parents not tooverlook the potential hazards of holiday decorations. “Whether you’re putting up a Christmas tree, lighting the menorah or Kwanzaa candles, taking simple precautions can help make the holidays more joyful,” said spokeswoman Heather Paul.

Their safety tips: Use only UL (Underwriters’ Lab)-approved lights and cords, and don’t overload extensions. Secure the cords so toddlers can’t pull the tree over. Turn off tree lights any time the room is unattended. Don’t put candles near draperies or anything else combustible and never leave burning candles unattended. Test the batteries in your smoke alarms.

Connie Koenenn can be reached by e-mail at connie.koenenn@latimes.com.