Maria puts her hands - and her heart - into every piece she makes. Sourcing reclaimed slate tiles from old New Orleans rooftops has become a bit of a treasure hunt these days, but she’s always up for it. From there, the process is slow, detailed, and full of grit - cutting each slate by hand is serious manual labor, especially in the New Orleans heat. She sizes the prints, burns the edges to bring out the small details that make each piece unique and lasting, cuts each cord, ties every knot, and adds a note on the back with the slate’s story. And those are just a few of the many steps that go into bringing every piece to life.

It’s a craft Maria learned from her mother and stepfather- passed down with care and kept alive with pride. For her, each slate is more than a keepsake. It’s a small, meaningful gift made to last.

Her workshop sits just beside her garden, where she spends most of her days - with music blaring, dogs lounging, and something always in bloom. Whether she’s working on slates, planting something new, or sharing lunch with her husband George, Maria is always surrounded by the rhythm of the city she loves.