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Barbara Biel

Houston artist Barbara Biel received her BFA from the University of Texas in Austin, and completed further studies in New York, Houston and Greece. Many private and corporate collections include her canvases and watercolors. Her faith in God along with her love for the plain cross lends inspiration to her artistry.

"My favorite gifts for friends are ones that I have made. I was not thinking business at all when I was making a few crosses to give as Christmas presents. I first thought they would look great hanging over doorways as I had seen crosses in Europe. The ones I made for presents were ceramic and looked really good lying together on my table. Kelly,  a designer friend of mine, who had been placing my paintings came over and simply said “I want those.” I replied that I was giving them as presents and he might get one.  He said, “I’ll pay you $200 for them,” so it took me about half a second to say okay and so I made more.

"Soon I was filling up the neighborhood kiln with crosses, and expanded to more stores. My little business has grown through the years. I continue to be amazed every time I hear about how they have touched someone and all the different ways that they are used. I also love all the wonderful people I have met along the way. This adventure has all been one big blessing."

She works in ceramic to make crosses, hearts, and fleur de lis and then uses gold or silver to hand leaf. The crosses and fleur de lis may be hung or used on tabletop. The hearts may be used as paperweights or just adornment!