Hjelle Studio is a design firm specializing in custom designed and hand cut stone inlays for residential and commercial applications. Composed primarily of stone, Deirdre's mosaics are created using a process known as Opus Sectile ("cut work"), a form of intarsio. Unlike mosaics using many small squares or shards of stone or tile, otherwise known as tesserae or smalti, the Opus Sectile technique uses intricate and highly detailed shapes that are hand-cut and reassembled like a puzzle--a beautiful combination of art and engineering. Deirdre Hjelle's mosaics are extremely durable and permanent, using 3/8"--1/2" thick stone throughout and are appropriate for use in the following applications: Floors, Backsplashes, Shower Walls, Tub and Fireplace surrounds, Countertops, Bars, Tables.