It all begins with a simple mixture of cement, sand, and water, but through patience and creativity, those humble ingredients become something beautiful.

The owner of Drift Stone Cements, Abi transforms a humble medium into handcrafted cement home décor pieces, including trays, bowls, jars, planters, and decorative accents. While Drift Stone Cements may be a new adventure for Abi, her love for creating is anything but new.

Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Abi and her husband, Alex, now call St. Marys home. Along with their goldendoodle, Aristarchus, the couple enjoys traveling, camping, trying new foods, and volunteering together. During the school year, Abi is affectionately known as “Mrs. Abi,” spending her days substitute teaching at a local preschool.

“I love those kiddos,” she says. “They are very honest and keep me humble.”

Before moving to Pennsylvania, Abi spent years working with English learners and special education students across 13 school districts in Nebraska. Caring for others has always been a part of who she is. So has creativity.

“Yes, I have always been creative,” she says. “I have ADHD, so I’ve always enjoyed keeping busy.”

That energy eventually led her to create Drift Stone Cements.

Connections to Past and Present

Drift Stone Cements officially began in March, and though Abi and Alex had some experience with cement, decorative cement art was something entirely different than pouring a sidewalk. The inspiration to create with cement reaches back to her family’s roots in Mexico, where artistic cement creations are common.

“My family and I are originally from Mexico,” she explains. “There’s a lot of creativity down there with cement. It just amazes me how they can make so many things, from small to huge life-size pieces.”

But the name itself was inspired by her new home. One of the first places Abi fell in love with after moving to Pennsylvania was Driftwood. She explained that she and her husband frequently visit a friend who lives there, and like many, Driftwood has left a lasting impression on her.

“We wanted to incorporate the area into our business,” she says. “We thought, why not add two things that we love?”

More Than Mixing and Pouring

Like many new makers, Abi has experienced plenty of trial and error.

“That it’s not just a matter of mixing things together and boom—you have your item,” she says.

In reality, creating with cement requires patience, precision, and a surprising amount of science. Abi has learned a lot, and occasionally those lessons have come with broken pieces, lost materials, and wasted time.

But they have also brought growth. Growing up, school wasn’t always easy for Abi. Yet today, one of her favorite aspects of the craft is learning about the chemistry behind it all.

“Working with cement really has me learning basically science,” she says. “The weather, the ratios, and even the sealer make a difference.”

Every piece begins with sifted Portland cement and carefully measured sand. Water must be added slowly and precisely. After pouring, the molds rest for 24 hours before being cured for an additional day or two in a water bath. Then comes drying, sanding, cleaning, sealing, and finally labeling. Altogether, one piece may take four to six days to complete.

Another challenge has simply been putting herself out there.

“I am very shy,” she admits. “Especially when I don’t know people.” Thankfully, the community has met her with overwhelming encouragement.

“People I don’t even know have shared my posts and left beautiful comments,” she says.

It’s All About Community

Moving to Elk County has shaped not only Abi’s life but also her work.

“I’ve come to appreciate how much the community supports one another and how much the community really appreciates handmade items,” she says. “It’s a small-town feel, but with big support.”

The beauty of the region can already be found throughout Drift Stone Cements. Future molds and designs are inspired by local wildlife, along with maple leaf trays inspired by the region’s maple syrup traditions, and an upcoming bee and honeycomb jar. Abi hopes her work reflects the beauty and character of the area she now calls home.

“We are working on creating some special items that really represent our area,” Abi says.

Looking ahead, Abi hopes to expand into more personalized pieces and collaborate with other makers working in laser engraving and 3D printing. She dreams of eventually creating larger works while continuing to learn new techniques.

But for now, she’s simply enjoying the journey and exploring her creativity with cement.

Where to Find Drift Stone Cements

Drift Stone Cements products can currently be found at PA Made in Weedville, The Flower Bar in Ridgway, Nest and Nourish Homestead Boutique in Kane, and The Wilds Sonshine Factory in Kane.

You can also follow Drift Stone Cements on Facebook and Instagram to see new creations, upcoming markets, and the latest additions to the collection.