Lost Forest Sale & Christmas Wishes

As a thank you to those who support my little business, I have launched a huge sale in store! Most items are heavily discounted. The majority are one-of-a-kind pieces, and once they're gone, they will be gone for good. If you have had your eye on a particular treasure, please don't wait. You can browse and purchase the collection here.

Lost Forest will remain open for business over the Christmas holidays, and any sales from the 21st of December will be shipped from January 3rd when postal deliveries will resume as normal once again. 

The current Lost Forest collection will not be made again, as I will be embarking on a new chapter in Lost Forest's story in 2018. As an artist who thrives on original concepts, it's imperative that I challenge myself and keep learning new skills and delving further into my imagination for unique ideas. I have an exciting new vision for my business, and I'm looking forward to sharing it with those who will continue to support and love what I do. It is my loyal customers who allow me to do what I am most passionate about in life; without you, my dream would never be able to prosper and evolve. A simple 'thank you' never seems enough!

Finally, I'd like to finally wish all of you a very happy and sparkly Christmas and a wonderful New Year full of hope, promise and new adventures! - Gillian x 

Gifted- The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair 2017

Last week Lost Forest attended 'Gifted- The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair' in Dublin's RDS. The hugely popular national event showcases the best in Irish design and craft, allowing small businesses to sell and interact with new and old customers. 

It was my second time exhibiting at the show, and I was excited to show lots of unique sparkly treasures to the world. I was also delighted to have one of my pieces chosen for the 'Selected Gifts' display with the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland. 'My Wild Irish Heart' was exhibited amongst other Irish designers in the main hall. A little proud moment for me!

My stand design was slightly different to the previous year, and required a re-think due to a dual entrance. On the night of set-up we were limited for time, so we created a design that we thought best utilised the space. However, the next morning (after a sleepless night of procrastinations), we decided to create a new and improved layout. The 'Lost Forest' wall was moved to partially cover one entrance, and to protect the side of the till. The two tables sat next to each other in one corner, creating a little shop space that made it easier to greet and chat with customers. I was finally happy with the end result, and my little shop was open for business.

The show was a great success, and it was so heartwarming to see the twinkle in people'e eye when their gaze encountered my work. To have the opportunity to explain my process and inspirations was also a real treat, as I'm normally hidden away in the studio for most of the year. 

After a busy show, and a very busy week in the Lost Forest shop, it's definitely time for some relaxation, movies, cuddles with Billie the furbaby and my fiancé, and of course plenty of chocolate. It's nearly Christmas after all, and calories don't count at Christmas!

Christmas treasures from the Lost Forest

Christmas is just around the corner, and I'm here to help with any shopping dilemmas that may occur at this time of the year! 

Why not treat a loved one or indeed yourself to a unique treasure from the Lost Forest. You'll receive a beautiful handcrafted and one-of-a-kind eco resin jewel, gift wrapped and ready for under the tree. You will also be supporting a small business, and it can all be done from the comfort of your home. What's not to like?!

I've picked my favourite festive creations below; each glittering gem will certainly catch many admiring glances this season. Choose from a gold gilded acer leaf pendant, my unique sparkling confetti glitter earrings in a dazzling array of colours, a statement ruby floral crystal, a magical macaw quartz gilded with 24k rose gold leaf, and a matching macaw Puddle Plate to showcase your new treasure.

Which one will you choose? Final postal dates can be found here.

Gifted Fair, RDS, Dublin

I'm excited to announce that Lost Forest will be attending 'Gifted- The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair' in the RDS (formerly known as the National Craft & Design Fair). The show has undergone many changes, and is now bigger and better than ever; showcasing the best of Irish design. It is a wonderful event and allows you to shop for Christmas gifts all under the one roof.

The show is now a 6 day event from the 5th to the 10th of December. Lost Forest will be attending from Friday the 8th until Sunday the 10th only, and we will be at stand C20. Do pop along to see us, and hopefully some sparkling treasures will catch your eye! There's a huge range to choose from, and of course we will be throwing in some extra goodies with your purchases.

You can read more about the event, and buy tickets here. I'll also be doing a giveaway closer to the event to win some tickets to the show. Hope to see you there!

An Irish sorrel woodland

The woodlands are currently blanketed with a rich emerald tapestry of woodland sorrel or Oxalis acetosella. It is often known as 'woodland shamrock' due to its close resemblance to its miniature counterpart. This ubiquitous plant is a common sight in Irish woodlands. During the months of April - June, a tiny and delicate flower blooms, and resembles fallen confetti on the forest floor. A truly beautiful sight to behold. Mother Nature has lovingly decorated the alabaster petals with elegant purple pinstripes, and a buttery golden yellow centre. The green heart-shaped leaves are trifoliate, and charmingly fold up towards the sun in late afternoon, as if taking a much deserved midday break. I also love how the morning dewdrops linger on the leaves, and sparkle under the sun like tiny fallen crystals.

I collected and preserved a handful of the flowers during spring, and the result is this beautiful one-of-a-kind eco resin necklace- 'Sorrel Woodland'.

The ethereal beauty of the woodlands is forever captured within the pendant. This handcrafted eco resin globe has encapsulated real wood sorrel flowers and woodland ferns. The delicate sorrel petals are beautifully decorated with thin purple pinstripes; their fragile details showcased wonderfully in crystal clear resin. The sorrel and ferns were discovered at the base of an old oak tree in the Dublin mountains. I preserved them within this pendant as an ode to their enduring friendship that prevailed in the woods over the years. The ferns embrace the scene and are accompanied by a dusting of 24k gold leaf to create a stunning and one of a kind botanical pendant.

The globe hangs from an 14k gold filled jump ring and a high quality 14k gold filled 19" chain. You will become the guardian of a unique piece of botanical art. Only one available now here.

Lost Forest newsletter

The latest Lost Forest newsletter will be sent out on the 25th of October. This issue will be bumper packed with important information regarding the busy Christmas season; including postal times, and details of Lost Forest Christmas fairs. I'll also be showcasing some new products, and I'll also have some very special news to share with my lovely and loyal followers. You can sign up now at the following link.

The Goddess of the Sea

The Goddess of the Sea eco resin torc is one of my favourite pieces I've made so far. A beautiful statement piece of wearable art that will certainly catch many admiring glances. They're proving a very popular choice for festive gifts, so if you're thinking of treating yourself or a loved one with this aquatic treasure, then pop on over here to claim your very own before they're all snapped up.

The torc-style necklace has preserved a portion of the tumultuous Irish sea forever in time. The glossy torc is like looking through a miniature rock pool holding beguiling treasures within its crystal clear depths. Real Irish seashells in warm tones of ochres, pinks and white and delicate starfish float within the resin. Tendrils of lush green moss meander through the shells, reminiscent of knotted seaweed.

24k gold leaf speckles sparkle throughout, echoing the piercing rays of the sun on the waters surface. A few of the shells hold a hidden surprise; tiny mermaid treasures in the form of glistening white pearls. Thus creating an endlessly intriguing piece of wearable art. This piece of bespoke jewellery allows you to carry the magic of an Irish rock pool around with you for always, as well as being a wonderful conversation piece.

Lost Forest Fern Earrings

Brand new in store are these beautifully elegant eco resin earrings, which have trapped and preserved real forest ferns. The tiny delicate ferns were collected by me within the magical and enchanted Irish woodlands. I carefully pressed their fragile beauty over several weeks, and then skilfully encapsulated them into crystal clear eco resin oval drops. They are inspired by lingering sparkling rain drops clinging to the branch tips in the woods. Each droplet holding a tiny treasure and the essence of the Lost Forest. 

The base of each drop has been hand gilded with fragmented 24k gold leaf in my signature style, and adds another touch of glamour to these statement earrings. You will now be able to carry a little portion of Ireland with you wherever you may wander. Available now here.

Lost Forest Torc Necklaces

Back in my former life before Lost Forest became my full time career and passion, I was an archaeologist and art historian. I've always had a huge yearning to learn about social history and its material culture. It's now interesting to think back to my days working with Viking finds from the Wood Quay excavations in the National Museum, and illustrating and documenting tiny treasures from the past. I believe my love for creating my own treasures was influenced by them. I was particularly mesmerised by jewellery finds, in particular Celtic torcs. Beautiful shimmering gold crescents that would embrace the contours of the neckline displaying beauty, wealth and prestige to all. I was inspired by them to create my own eco resin torc; an ode to my Celtic past. 

I created two types; The Goddess of the Sea and The Midsummer Garden. They were meticulously handcrafted over several weeks, and although they were labour intensive to create, the result was certainly worth it. The complexity of their design and intricate detailing means they both display a sense of eternal wonder as your eye passes over the rambling organic arrangements. I'm very happy with the result and it will definitely be difficult to part with these precious pieces. However, I am sure they will be equally treasured and admired by their prospective owners.

The Pixie Forest

'Through the Looking Glass' is inspired by Lewis Carroll's enchanting tale of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. This stunning collection captures a window into a magical miniature world, displayed in all its tiny detail through a whimsical looking glass in the form of a crystal clear eco resin coin.'

This looking glass features a wonderful wooded wonderland; inhabited by mischievous forest faeries who flutter through the forest floor. Tiny real Mottlegill mushrooms spring up from a layer of lush moss and luminous tendrils of lichen. Sprigs of pale blue water Forget-me-not and scilla flowers dance within the celestial scene. A secret hidden shamrock rests in amongst the tendrils of moss, and offers a hint of luck to the wearer of this beautiful piece. Glittering 24k gold leaf speckles float in the clear natural resin to create an added touch of intrigue.

The wonderfully tactile coin pendant is attached to two gold toned loop bails, which hang from a beautifully sparkly and high quality handmade 14k gold filled chain in an 18" length.

This is a spellbinding piece of wearable art, perfect for those who appreciate and wonder over the beauty of nature's creations. Available now here.

Summer Buttercup Droplets

New to store are my little handcrafted eco resin buttercup drops, which have encapsulated all the fun and frivolity of an Irish summers day. Each buttercup was picked by me from the sun drenched meadows and carefully preserved over several weeks to retain its beauty and vibrant colour. Speckles of glittering 24k gold leaf are suspended amongst the dancing buttercups; sparkling with every move you make.

The buttercup holds a great sense of nostalgia for me and I wanted to create a piece that was not only beautiful to look at, but one that can evoke fond memories of childhood games and stories. As a child, it was tradition to pick these little buttery yellow blooms in the fields at playtime and hold them under your chin to see if you or your friends liked butter. If the flower glowed vivid yellow upon the base of your chin it meant you liked butter, if not, then butter was obviously not your thing! Maybe you can try it yourself when you purchase this unique treasure? I highlighted this Irish tradition a few years ago on my Instagram page here , and it was lovely to read similar folk stories from around the world that were associated with this little ubiquitous flower. I'd love to read more in the comments below.

You can choose your favourite buttercup droplet in store here.

IDI Awards 2017

I am thrilled to announce that my little business Lost Forest has been shortlisted as a finalist for the prestigious IDI (The Institute of Designers in Ireland) awards 2017. Lost Forest was selected along with 70 other professional Irish designers and design houses out of over 400 entries. I submitted my signature piece; 'The Magical Mottlegill Woodland' Necklace. This little piece of art was chosen to be a finalist in the 'Accessories' category. I am beyond happy as it is an overwhelming achievement after the many years I have devoted to my craft.

Lost Forest began in a tiny corner in a Dublin city apartment in 2012. It was a hobby at first, a creative outlet away from my office job, where I dreamt up a unique concept that was all my own. I was always fascinated by nature, especially leaves caught under glass-like puddles, and sun-shimmering dewdrops delicately resting on leaves. I sought about translating these inspirations into something that was wearable, fashionable and permanent. The concept of foraging in the magical Irish forests and finding hidden lost treasures from Mother Nature is one which is the basis of my business (as captured in the name), and one which is originally mine. 

It is so fulfilling to have my unique designs and skills to be recognised and awarded by the largest and oldest association of design professionals in Ireland. Looking past 2012, Lost Forest is now my job, my career, my income, and my life. It is a sustainable business with an eco conscience. Everything is made by myself in Dublin (now in much more magical surroundings than that tiny apartment all those years ago!). It’s a business I have made all by myself, and I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved. Thank you to everyone who supports my business and helps it to grow each year. I am truly thankful for all the likes, follows and shares, all the sales and heart warming feedback. I hope many more people will fall in love with Lost Forest over the next few years, as it is an exciting journey for us all, and one I'm happy to share with each and every one of my wonderful customers and supporters. Gillian x 

Powerscourt House Treasures

Today the early morning sun peeped out from beyond the billowy embrace of the morning rain clouds; the sparkle from the last shower still clung to the hydrangea petals like tiny fallen crystals. It marked the perfect start to the day to leave the studio and head down to one of my favourite places; Powerscourt Estate in Co. Wicklow. 

Lost Forest treasures are housed in the beautiful Design Loft upstairs in the main house, and I brought a fresh batch of sparkly goodies with me, including exclusive pieces, such as The Irish Mermaid ring and my best selling paperweights. I think my favourite is The Irish Sea paperweight as it ignites a childlike wonder whenever I cast my eyes over it. These paperweights are only available in the Design Loft at the moment, but if you'd like your very own, please contact me to discuss your design ideas.