The Roses in my Garden™ collection of six children represents boys and girls of different ages and personalities. Titles of individual pieces signify universal attributes that we wish for all our children. Children can be grouped with other parent/child figures to create a unique family sculpture. Or individual children can be displayed in the Willow Tree Reliquary.

“Roses are a universal symbol of love. Like children, they require extra care, patience and hard work from the gardener. But when they bloom, their outstanding combination of intense fragrance, color and beautiful form is worth all the effort.”

The Roses in my Garden™ collection of six children represents boys and girls of different ages and personalities. Titles of individual pieces signify universal attributes that we wish for all our children. Children can be grouped with other parent/child figures to create a unique family sculpture. Or individual children can be displayed in the Willow Tree Reliquary.

“Roses are a universal symbol of love. Like children, they require extra care, patience and hard work from the gardener. But when they bloom, their outstanding combination of intense fragrance, color and beautiful form is worth all the effort.”

Bringing forth a garden of love and beauty

I love the idea of lighting a candle for someone, or for a wish, or a thought … keeping it alive, carrying it forward. So this angel is sheltering and protecting a small candle with a little gold-leafed flame. It’s important that the flame is small — sometimes it’s just a little flicker or a fleeting sign that can give you hope. Sometimes for me, focusing on seemingly insignificant things — events or happenings that I might ordinarily take for granted — it’s those things, those little miracles, which can give hope. I wanted Angel of Hope to be a positive piece. Kind of like the little spark that keeps us going.”

For those who share the spirit of friendship

Love, pure and simple

This piece is all about memories – how warm, comforting memories help us to heal when we’re missing someone. If you look closely at the carved icons on her dress, each recalls a memory by appealing to our senses…touch, scent, taste, sound, sight. We keep these personal memories safe within us, connecting us to those we love.”

“I sculpted the first Angel of Courage in 2001 to celebrate the triumphant spirit, inspiration and courage we call upon to face challenges in our lives — whether they be our health or the well-being of our loved ones.  In response to an overwhelming request for this sentiment, I re-sculpted Courage in 2006. I hope this figure can be a reminder of people in our lives who inspire us with their strength and courage every day.”

An abundance of health and happiness

“This piece was directly inspired by the model. A young girl who struck this pose that just captivated me. It was a gesture where her whole body communicated — not just her arms and her head, but her shoulders, back, and the way she shifted her weight — her whole being emanated happiness from within. So I tried to capture some of that — the happiness or inner contentment that comes from knowing you are truly loved. I wanted to give her an aura, so I made a lacy pierced metal crown, tiara, halo — whatever you want to call it — I think it makes her uniquely angelic.”

Warm comfort between friends

Angel of Freedom holds a wire butterfly in her outstretched hands as a metaphor of freedom and independence, courage and confidence. This piece has a very open interpretation, and can fit a lot of different occasions. For graduates, for new careers, for a personality with a free spirit, for someone who loves nature and butterflies, in recognition of service to our country… in memory of a loved one.”

“Angel of Light could be a birthday or congratulations piece, or a friendship piece. She could also be a holiday piece, or part of a Christmas Nativity display.”

Everyone knows somebody that lights up a room when she or he walks in. You’re always happy to see that person — it’s somebody who captures the essence of life — who’s fun to be around — who brings energy and light. Like when the sun comes out! When I’m outside on a cloudy day and feel the sun on my skin, it makes me want to turn my face up to embrace it — just like a sunflower. My sister Karen who helps me on Willow Tree was the inspiration for this piece; she raises my spirits. This piece is for those people who enrich your life every day.”

I like working with patterning and pierced metal. The wreath has always been a symbol of hospitality and welcome, and this wreath is kind of decorative—it's light and lacy and feminine. The sentiment is light-hearted... It's a little endearment; a way to say thank you, or let someone know she's special."

This piece is all about the apple. I wanted it to symbolize many things ... to stand out, be large, delicious, shiny. Obviously, it’s a symbol for teacher appreciation — but the apple is also just a beautiful fruit! A metaphor for good health, for wisdom, for someone chosen for something big ... for a special person who always gives the best of her or himself, and makes a difference in the lives of others. I like that this piece is so open — I’ll be interested to read how others interpret it.”

The pineapple is a familiar symbol of gracious hospitality. Accents of gold emphasize an extra-special welcome... comfort among friends.

We often offer wishes for much happiness to those we care for and about; friendly intentions given with joy and hopefulness. Good Cheer reflects a sentiment of positive enthusiasm with its big bouquet of sunny yellow roses—symbolizing friendship, optimism and well-being. It's the color of choice for friends who have achieved a goal, need a little lift or wholehearted acknowledgement, or for those who simply brighten our day!

“A field of lavender never fails to take my breath away. You experience lavender through all your senses – not only its aromatic fragrance, but its pure visual beauty... its form is uplifting, and the color is gorgeous. In any garden, it’s a standout. It even tastes good! Speaking as a gardener, lavender is just good for the soul – and so, it heals. I wanted this piece to be a healing piece. But it also could be seen as a piece about strength. She’s looking up; her stance is strong and uplifted, like lavender. I named her Lavender Grace... perhaps she could remind you of someone who exemplifies a life of beauty and grace.”

I think that a rose is one of the most beautiful natural objects that we can – carefully – hold in our hands. We enjoy the intoxicating scent, the silk-velvet touch, the perfect form. They unfold and give forth their fragrance; they’re intimate and draw you in…

“So this piece could be a gift to a mother or friend or Valentine, or someone you’re wishing well. Sometimes it’s nice to give a gift to let someone know that they are a gift in your life.

“I wanted the bouquet to be overflowing – more than enough – to express abundant feelings for someone, or the abundant goodness a person shares with others.”

Calla lilies are a fresh surprise – uplifting in shape; invigorating in color. I wanted to express their vibrancy with a gradation of color that builds, starting as limey green, morphing to beautiful coral, tinged with wine. And calla lilies also have a long blooming season… So the qualities of this flower represent supportive, constant friendship. The kind of friend who stays by our side, lifting our spirits through the best and the worst.”

Calla lilies are a symbol of majestic beauty. I chose this flower to represent a pure and simple wish for beauty and peace in our lives…a universal sentiment for so many occasions…birth, marriage, anniversaries, in sympathy and in remembrance. Beautiful wishes are what we send to those we care for and about.”

Finely crafted, hand-painted wood boxes with hinged lids.  Larger size is nice for notes, keys, watches, change and jewelry.

“I like to walk in the tangles of my garden and discover little jewels that pop up or volunteer through the weeds. Usually not planned or cultivated, these colorful surprises never fail to make me smile. Like a spur-of-the-moment visit from a good friend who makes me laugh, these spontaneous happenings, however simple, can bring so much joy.”