×   I have been captivated by her flakes since the 1st day I encountered one.  I can't remember ever seeing one of MARY (TEXAS) 's flakes flash or grow or pulsate, but WHO CARES?!  Mary is one of those flakers that just "sticks out" in the crowd!   She has a  beautiful flaking style that would be about as easy to duplicate as someone else's signature.  Her flakes are artistic & unique and are a refleXion of their creator.    × 

×     I thought MARY (TEXAS) would be an "x"cellent choice for my 2nd FEATURED ARTIST.  Her flakes often don't have many cuts, but the cuts that she does make are always precise, intentional, and STRONG.  Her work is an "x"cellent "x"ample of how a flake's TRUE BEAUTY lies within the finished product, and not with all the triX  that are available in getting  there  : )     ×

×   Mary's snowflakes speak for themselves.  In fact, quit often, -they ROAR !!!   × 
 

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× - What is your snowflake alias?  Mary (Texas)
× -If your alias is different than your actual name, would you like your real name to be displayed as well?
Mary Y. van der Hagen
× - Where are you from?  I live in the Austin, Texas area, but I'm originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, so I'm intimately familiar with snow..
× - What gender are you, (M/F) ?  FEMALE
× - Would you like your age displayed?  If so, please provide:  Legal
× - Would you like to leave any other personal information, such as home life or work?:  I am married, owned by a Balinese cat, work in web design, enjoy playing with graphics programs of all kinds and am a long time self-avowed font junky. Other interests include nature, birding, archaeology, history and gourmet cooking
× - How long have you been flaking?:  Since December, 2004
× - Do you have a favorite style of flake?:  I like creating flakes that are "theoretically" possible to cut. I like looking at all the "flash" and "animated" flakes (like "x"s!), and especially enjoy clever object/scene flakes such as flashing fireflies, lighthouses, birthday cakes and what have you.
× - How would you best describe your own flakes and style?:  Someone once called it "filigree", which I tend to agree with for the most part. Or maybe "Precipitatis ornatus" would work...
× - Finally, is there a message or anything else that you would like to be mentioned on your page?:  I feel very honored to be featured here. There are so many fine snowflakers on Popular Front whose unique personal styles and commentary keep things interesting all year long. Back in December, I joked on a flake that I could just see myself still flaking away in July. Hmmm. Strange how a seasonal diversion became a favorite pastime!