Three generations create concrete landscaping décor
Kathy Moate, together with her mother, Ruth Chase, and her daughter, Jennifer Borley, create beautiful decorative leaves and other landscaping items from concrete. The three generations of women gather under the large pine trees around Chase’s Post Falls home to sculpt and paint their craft of choice. Using leaves gathered from friends and neighbors as patterns, they create birdbaths and garden decorations from concrete.
Over time each woman has developed her own creative style. They purchase acrylic paints, mix them into custom colors and paint their pieces until they are satisfied with the effect. A sealant is then applied to extend life expectancy. While moving the concrete décor from one’s garden into a garage or under a porch or patio cover is recommended for cold, snowy weather, unfinished projects have survived our Northwest winters without problems.
These three generations of women enjoy one another’s company while having a latte each morning before beginning their projects. It gives them a chance to keep up with each other’s families and current events
This family undertaking actually includes the efforts of four generations. Chase’s husband, Ed, is credited with creating a method to mix the concrete. But it is Borley’s sons and their friends who are credited with helping to tote and move these projects around for craft fairs.
What is your hometown? I was born in Columbus, Ohio.
Where do you live in now? I live in Coeur d’Alene.
What job do you do? I create and sell concrete leaves with my mother and daughter at craft fairs and the Coeur d’Alene Farmers’ Market.
How long have you been doing this job? I have been involved in making these projects for two years.
What do you like the least about this job? The leaves are actually quite heavy to lift and move. Moving the project is my least favorite part of this job.
What do you like the most about this job? We individually mix the colors for each of our creations. I like mixing and painting these projects the best.
Tell us a funny, unusual or sad story that happened on the job. Before we started creating concrete leaves, my father and mother had a running disagreement about selling their 30-foot motor home. Mom wanted to sell it, and Dad didn’t. Well, since we have been creating these projects we have been using the motor home to store them in. So now Mom and Dad both have their way. Dad didn’t have to sell the motor home, and Mom has a place to store our projects.
What is your dream job? I would enjoy owning a gift store, mostly because I love creating new craft projects. I would love to have a place to create and sell new projects.
If your life were made into a movie, whom would you want to play you? I adore Goldie Hawn’s personality. She is down to earth, but she bubbles over with life.