"I buy my plant materials on the Internet; I can't find rice paper, linen paper, or punches on the island, but I can find some wood, or foam core if I plan to make some houses."

"I have developed my own techniques to approach my work. I need to observe the real flowers over and over again, but if it isn't possible, I look on the web.

I'm looking for a technique to make 'flamboyant' but I still haven't found anything. I also have my own personal 'Quality Inspector' - my daughter, who is a strict critic of my work!"

Her daughter may lend a critical eye towards Cristina's work, but when she's not making minis the family finds time to relax.

"Here in Gran Canaria, the seasons are not very different. We have warm temperatures all year. In December, almond trees are flowering and it is a very amazing spectacle. My husband, my daughter and myself like to watch films and discuss them, or in the sunny afternoon sit on the porch watching the birds taking a bath in our small