Samantha Stephens, a hobby and decorative artist, has the gift of beautifying furniture by painting unique colours and designs and her beautiful pieces will enhance any home.

She can make mirrors, chests, armoires, stools, baby cribs, and all types of furniture special with her decorative painting and faux finishing. She does an excellent job of lovingly personalising each piece with the strokes of her brushes.

Her business, Samantha Stephens Designs, was started in 1997. She was talking to a friend about doing some part-time work and the idea of children's furniture popped into her head.

"Since a little girl I have been creative. After my third child I decided to work from home doing children's furniture.

"It was mostly a hobby and I started with Little Timber Originals. I did very well with decorative and whimsical painting and finishes on walls, floors and accessories for infants and kids.

"This year I opened my studio here, at the Rising Sun, Southampton and I have incorporated Little Timber Originals into Samantha Stephens Designs. I live just up the hill from my present studio,'' she said.

Mrs. Stephens has a background in the hotel and restaurant business but interior design is what she has a passion for. She feels the type of painting she does is ideal for Bermuda, as most people do not wallpaper.

She customises and conceptualises designs that grab your attention by creating a focal point in a room.

"The aspect of my work which I enjoy the most is just being creative,'' she said with a warm smile. "It is a release and an escape for me.'' She describes herself as a highly motivated person who likes taking on new things and she enjoys the daily challenges; she is constantly learning new techniques and approaches.

The main focus of her work is creating one of a kind pieces for her clients.

"I work until the project is completed regardless of the hours. Sometimes it is easier to do work for a client than it is for me to create a piece as a sample. Clients generally have a specific idea of what colours they like and the kind of design they wish me to create.

"If I am working on a piece that may not have a home I sometimes get emotionally attached to it and keep it,'' she explained.

When asked about beautification tips for home painting she concluded: "Sometimes it is simple to just enhance what is already in the home, a wall for example. Just a simple hand painted border dresses up a wall.

"Old wooden outdoor furniture or old stuff you pick up from garage sales and auctions can easily be given a new look with paint and designs. This works well for new unfinished furniture too.'' Miles Market has on display a set of table and chairs Mrs. Stephens designed for children.

If you would like to beautify your home with an individual piece of furniture or need some interior design to enhance your home you may contact Mrs.

Stephens by phone: 237-0371, fax: 238-2189 or by email: stephens y ibl.bm Decorative artist: Samantha Stephens enjoys creating beauty.

"Shrewsbury'' of Somerset: Painted by Bermudian artist, Bruce Stuart. He uses lovely shades of yellow with green for this wonderful piece and the white columns provide a handsome introduction to the home.