Nature's Little Baubles - NYTimes.com Succulents, the popular plants that seem to thrive on air and abuse, are jewels in the hands of Andreea Avram Rusu, a Brooklyn architect and designer. Made of porcelain, they adorn her new Gia collection of glass lamps. Why succulents? "It's incredible, the shapes that you find," Ms. Avram Rusu said, adding that she cast her ornaments from live specimens and needed plants that were sturdy: "Things with delicate leaves don't work so well," she said. The handblown glass globes shade from solid to transparent in an ombré effect. Three shapes are available in a variety of colors, in pendant and table versions. Prices range from $1,800 to $2,400, and custom colors and finishes are available. Information: (718) 389-0350 or avramrusu.com.