Large Platters & bowls

melissa's   motifs Unique Gifts...Home & Garden...Hand-crafted Jewelry...One of a Kind Garden Gifts...Instructions, Ideas & Books...Treasure Boxes...Bowls...Gifts for Dog Lovers My pieces are made mostly from very old china shards collected from area antique shops, junk stores, our local Salvation Army Store, E-bay, tag sales, estate auctions, and from the basements and attics of friends and clients.  I often find bags of old china and vintage jewelry on my porch, left by friends and customers who know how valuable this old junk is to me.   I'm particular about the shards I use; not only are very old shards more beautiful in color, crazing and texture, they also break into more interesting shapes when nipped.  Decoupaged old photos, post cards, and other images add even more interest to a peice.  Vintage rhinestone jewelry, silverware, Capodimonte flowers, birds, bottles, and anything else imaginable round out creations that can be tailored to create a deeply personal creation for a loved one. Grout is custom-colored to highlight the shards. My work has been featured in Country Home Magazine, as well as other midwestern publications.  My favorite was an article in the Des Moines Register's Date Book restaurant reveiw section regarding my mirrors for the public restrooms at the Talerico family's  Sam & Gabe's Restaurant in Des Moines. (click here to read). which was also my favorite commission job and can be My work can be purchased from purchased from Especially Lace in Valley Junction, Iowa, and also From Our Hands in the East Village in the East Village in Des Moines.  Also, items can be purchased or ordered through this site.  Wholesale pricing is available on a limited basis. Most of my work is by commission.