In a world of consultants, where too many of us spend our work days staring at computer screens and the only tangible thing we "make" is money, Maria Grace Furtado is taking a different path. She's opened a new business on High Street in Bristol—Abundance Coastal Designs—a place where guests can not only buy handicrafts created by Furtado and other artisans, but take classes and make something with their own hands.

Born on the Azorean Island of San Miguel, Maria's family came to Rhode Island when she was 5 years old, and soon settled in Bristol. She attended Mount Carmel School and graduated from Fatima High School before becoming a realtor and eventually a real estate broker. Work took her to Boston, where she met Karen Vinci, a media and marketing executive and Maria's partner of 19 years. Ready for a change, they moved to Gloucester, where Maria became a candlemaker.

"I've always loved to make things," Maria says. She found a master candlemaker online and she and Karen drove to the midwest, learned the art of candlemaking, and returned with the equipment needed to set up shop. After 3 happy—but labor intensive years—she sold her shop to a customer and returned to Rhode Island—and real estate. But eventually, Maria's passion to create would not be denied. An ad for a mosaic course in the Boston area led her to take her creative talents in a new direction.

Maria is a bundle of energy even when she is sitting still, clipping glass pieces for her next project, an up-cycled mirror. A serial home renovator and writer with one book published ("Love and Murder on Rocky Neck") and another in the works, she admits she's happiest when she has several projects going at once. Her studio is a reflection of her personality: fun, bright and creative, with an easy sense of style.

Unlike a one night painting social, a mosaic class—A Mosaic Mingle, at Abundance—is a 2 night commitment. One night is dedicated to design and prep work, while the other is the nitty-gritty of grout work. And leave time to enjoy some wine and cheese or a "dark and warmy," a cider, ginger beer, and cinnamon concoction of Maria's, perfect for cold winter nights.

Just like her welcoming personality and warm studio space, Maria's business plan is both inclusive and a reflection of the things that make her happy. "I want a place where people can go relax, have fun, and make something," she says. And she has that, in Abundance.

Abundance is located at 190 High Street in Bristol and is open Thursdays through Sundays, while Maria leaves Mondays through Wednesdays available for studio time. January Mingles are filling up now, or if you get a group of 5 together you can schedule one on your own time. She is also planning to host open studios on Sundays, when guests can come in and create in an informal setting. You can reach Abundance by calling 401/714-9102 or visit abundancecoastaldesigns.com.