I discovered eight years ago that I could replicate almost any famous painting, and developed my "Garden Graces." What began as a hobby has blossomed into a full-time career as an artist. My canvas is old glass (light fixtures, lamp chimneys, etc.) You too can have Picasso, Klimt, Manet or Matisse gracing your garden all-year round. Please look!

Featured here are my "Garden Graces" which I developed about five years ago. People often question whether they will last outside. I experimented with several finishes before I found Cetol. It is the strongest marine deck varnish I could find and I apply three coats to each piece. It gives brilliant color and an intense shine to the pieces similar to the lacquered Russian nesting dolls. My test piece has been in my backyard for 5 years and looks exactly the same. Since the "Garden Graces" are made from recycled glass (old light fixture, lamp chimneys, etc.) from the thrift stores, they do break if you drop them on the cement. But -- I make them separate from the mounting rods, so you can hammer the rod a foot into the ground to provide a really secure base. I hand-paint all my pieces with a glass paint called "Perm-Enamel." Many customers display my statue-style pieces inside, of course, and choose a softer satin finish. In addition to the glass, I paint reproductions of the masters on boxes, furniture, and masks.

Click here to view Valerie's Garden Art

Click here to view Valerie's Recycled Lamps