The French Garden Collection

A Creative Friendship Born in the Most Unexpected Moment

It’s funny how the universe works.

Have you ever met someone and felt an instant connection, and wondered if it was just a coincidence, or maybe karma that brought you together? That’s what happened with watercolor artist and illustrator, Ann Kissane Engelhart.

I first “met” Ann many years ago during the lockdown, when her artwork suddenly appeared on my phone. Maybe I was scrolling too much on one of those long days… or maybe it was a little nudge from the universe. All I know is that I instantly felt that familiar spark. It was my admiration for her talent and our shared world of artistry that pulled me right in; I loved her work from the very first glance.

A New Collaboration

After the holidays last year, I kept thinking about her. I had long imagined collaborating with an artist whose work felt both French and deeply poetic, someone who could capture the charm of the garden world I adore. So, I finally reached out… and I’m so glad I did.

For our first collaboration, we created the new French Garden Collection—a limited series of hand-painted ceramic ornaments designed exclusively for Les Fleurs, which we began carrying in our shop this holiday season. Every ornament is hand-painted by Ann with such intention and care, making each piece truly one of a kind. What’s nice about the flat profile is that they can also be hung on a mantle or window, displayed like little works of art!

The Iconic French Greenhouse

One particular design stands out for me: the French greenhouse. It reminds me of the many châteaux I’ve visited over the years—with old glass windows, timeworn ironwork, and that sense of history tucked among the trees. I loved it so much that we even incorporated a greenhouse into our Les Fleurs logo, and sprinkled it throughout our branding. It just felt right… almost like a little piece of my heart captured in her artwork. And yes…I’ll definitely be hanging one on my own tree this year.

A Little More About Ann

In one of our conversations, Ann shared more about her creative path. Here’s a bit of her story…

• She has wanted to be an artist for as long as she can remember.

• She studied Fine Arts and painting at Queens College (CUNY), continued both undergrad and graduate work there, and later completed post-graduate illustration studies at the School of Visual Arts in New York.

• She has taught art at every level—from elementary school to high school, and even taught watercolor painting at St. John’s University. Today she offers workshops and teaches in her home studio on Long Island.

• She is currently working on her 12th illustrated children’s book.

• She paints on porcelain and vintage ceramics using a French brand of paint which becomes permanent when fired. She began making ornaments two years ago and created this French garden-inspired collection exclusively for Les Fleurs.