I am passionate about gardening, designing and antiquing. My vintage china mosaic benches and garden stones are my way of combining these interests. Looking for my inspirational pieces, I visit a number of antique stores. These pieces of fine china- for example, Blue Willow china saucers in soft blue hues or the roses on an Aynsley tea cup-- dictate the theme, design and color of the garden bench or stone. Thus, each piece is a one of a kind creation.

Next, I sketch my original design on the top of the concrete bench or stone, which is my canvas. Using a rubber mallet, I break the china and butter each shard with cement and piece it together around my sketched design, as I would work a puzzle. When my china figures are complete, I fill in the background or field with stained glass or smalti. I am especially fond of the iridized glass that dramatically reflects the light in a garden and enhances the pieces of china comprising the main figures in my work. Afterward, I dremel any sharp edges, which leaves the piece smooth to the touch.

Lastly, I prime the piece, since it will be outdoors; then I antique it. After I rub the patina onto the surface, I seal it to further insure that it will properly weather. The French have a name for this artistic technique-Pique Assiette.