“I have wonderful memories of Santa Teresa de Jésus church in Presidio, Texas where my abuelita worshipped and served for most of her life.  It is unique because its history is directly linked with the establishment of missions built by the Spanish around that area beginning in 1683. I used to think that my abuelita actually lived in that church because it seemed like she was always there.  And when she was not there, she was busy at home making all sorts of special garments like baptismal gowns, First Communion dresses, and wedding dresses for people in her parish.  She was so talented, but also so devoted to her faith. She wanted to honor God first and foremost.  So to honor her, I decided to incorporate a lace pattern on the cross I created a stencil using wedding lace fabric and then applied modeling paste to create texture.  The little glass box contains a colorful drawing of the Sacred Heart.  The primary colors reminded me of the vividly painted statues inside the church.