To create her limited edition bronze sculptures, Laurie Shepherd uses the ancient lost-wax method. Artistry and meticulous craftsmanship are combined to produce sculptural pieces of enduring value.

To begin, Laurie sculpts an original design with clay. Layers of silicone rubber and plaster are carefully applied to the sculpture. This rubber mold is removed from the clay and hot wax is poured in, making an exact replica of the original piece. The wax print is then cleaned, chased, and carefully inspected. Wax gates are attached to the print and a ceramic shell is applied in thin layers.

At this point, the shell is placed in a "burn-out" oven. The wax melts and runs out of the shell: hence, the term "lost wax." The ceramic shell is placed securely in a sand pit. Molten bronze, heated to more than two thousand degrees is poured into the ceramic mold.

Once it has cooled, the shell is broken off and the bronze is chased, welded, and polished. A traditional brown patina is lightly applied to bring out the inherent beauty of the bronze.