My faith stands at the forefront in my life; it guides me, inspires me, and heals me.

When Relics & Artifacts introduced the Folk Art Retablo, I knew that I wanted to create a shrine to honor the Madonna, Holy Mary; and to do it in a way that would reflect the origins of the retablo and respect the style of its design.

"Retablo" is also a Spanish term for retable or reredos above an altar - an elaborate wooden structure with sculptures and painting. Retablos were made to honor a sacred person or saint and to give thanks for their intercession. A small statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe serves as the retablo's central focus.

The backboard of the main section of the shrine was created by repeatedly stamping Sandra Evertson's Portugal stamp to cover the entire surface. The stamped board was stained and then the designs were painted with acrylic paints.

The pattern play in the stamp design accentuates the beautiful decorative surround on the circular portal.

When the doors are opened, devotional pieces are fully revealed.

Surrounding the resin statue, are crosses, jewelry, icons and a mini Ex Voto. Over time, additional medals, small relics, and treasures will be hung inside as they are collected.

The Relics & Artifacts crosse icon piece has been faux painted and embellished with a miniature resin rose to honor Mary;

while the Mini Ex Voto is gilded and covered with ruby glass beads.

I have added a shelf below the main section the retablo to keep blessed objects. I designed and crafted the shelf brackets to mimic the ornate design of the portal surround.

This shelf holds a precious pinch pot, made by my daughter's toddler hands many years ago. The special pot will keep holy water, brought back from Lourdes. The shelf also serves as the perfect resting place for rosary beads, when they are not being used.

The triangular roof section contains a hand painted Ave Maria insignia. A painted, gilded and jeweled Relics & Artifacts Milagro I adorns the peak of the sacred shrine.