The process

It all begins with a visit to Park Side Quarries situated in Weston North Otago.

There I choose my stone, often wanting larger pieces that I can barely lift to my husband’s dismay.
At home I store my stone under cover to protect from the weather.

Before I carve I lightly sand and brush the dust off, and yes everything in our garage is white. Then I am ready to draw my design directly onto the stone and using a saw I cut the basic shape to what I can.

Using a chisel and lots of sandpaper I then am able to add better shape and I just follow what the stone lets me do and that’s because each piece is uniquely different some have fossils and others hard seams that run through it. Depending on which part of the quarry the stone comes from depends on the density.

The most important part is before I can seal, I need to remove all dust, I must admit I use an old vacuum cleaner and brush.
Final step for the stone is the sealing.

It is only after this I incorporate paua, crystals or other media into my stone.

My carvings are carved from the heart because when you have a passion for creating, you want to share that creativity with others.

When purchasing one of my sculptures you know it was carved with love, and whether it is for a gift or for yourself each piece has been specially hand carved.

You can find me at the Port Chalmers Artisan markets which are held every third Saturday of the month.

My Home studio is also open to the public on Fridays 10 am-3 pm or by appointment.