Thanks so much for your interest in my Pique Assiette & Mixed Media Mosaics. Nothing means more to an artist than the knowledge that their creations are enjoyed and cherished. I live in a small town in the western North Carolina mountains with Leah, the insane Australian Cattle Dog, and our four benevolent feline rulers. I've been passionate about PA for over a decade now and am very blessed to spend my days dreaming in color and creating new pieces that delight me in their ever-evolving forms.

Pique Assiette (French for "stolen from plate") is a folk art that can be found in many different cultures during many different time periods. It is the art of recycling broken crockery, glass, pottery, china, jewelry, gemstones and assorted chotzke into decorative and functional pieces for the home and garden. PA incorporates a wonderful blending of color, form and texture. The pieces created are as unique and varied as their creators (and their creator's mood and imagination that day). A piece can have a random and dynamic feel to it or a controlled and precise one. A piece can shout or it can whisper. It can be outrageous and whimsical or elegant and refined. Until I discovered pique assiette I had no way to integrate my love of color into an art or craft form that inspired me and allowed me a fuller range of expression through my hands. (I was born with absolutely no ability to draw, sketch, paint, or even trace an object well, but with a lifelong obsession with color.) I find the unfolding of each piece to be an intriguing and mysterious process. Most often the pieces take on lives of their own and I feel as if I am providing the hands and eyes.

Each item is truly a one-of-a-kind creation. I enjoy every part of the process. (Well, OK -- not so much the grouting!) I LOVE custom work so please feel free to contact me if you have ideas or questions about co-creating a very special treasure for your home or loved ones. Please browse my portfolio for samples of many commissioned pieces. You can see items available for immediate purchase by clicking on the etsy icon up above.

UPDATE AUGUST 2010:

I started a new blog a while back to document my newest pieces and projects. You'll find work here that I have not uploaded to this web site:

http://laurawinzelerdesigns.blogspot.com/

Whatever it is that draws you to this colorful and dynamic craft form, I hope you will find joy and inspiration in my pique passion.

Cover artist, October 2008 edition

Dog Watering Hole, Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, 2007

Two head butts up!

Pretty as a picture?

mmmmmmm....wine!