Handmade with love

Some good news to brighten up these unexpected snowy days! A large selection of the Lost Forest collection is now on sale in my new Etsy store. You can choose your favourite sparkly jewel by clicking here. All of these items will not be made again, so it's you're very last chance to purchase a unique piece of botanical art. I also have a small selection still available on my main website here. These pieces will also not be created again after they have sold. 

Thank you to everyone so far this year who has purchased a Lost Forest piece. Supporting small business is vital for them to survive in an increasingly manufactured 'fast fashion' world. Every sale, every recommendation and share on social media is the lifeblood to a handmade business, and will allow the artist to continue to produce their craft. 

A lost treasure

A new year in the Lost Forest studio marks a new beginning in my business. All will be revealed in another few months! For now, I have a little treat in the form of a special edition piece in the Lost Forest collection; a magical woodland talisman- 'My Little World'.

I cast this piece from an authentic shard of quartz crystal, and created a pine resin replica that holds treasures from the enchanted woodlands of the Dublin mountains. Real tendrils of lichen still cling to a delicate pine branch, gathered from the forest floor after an autumn storm. The sculptural meandering forms of the lichen are showcased within the crystal clear resin. When you gaze at the crystal, you discover a new hidden detail every time, creating an endless sense of intrigue. 24k gold leaf has been hand gilded sporadically along the facets to add a touch of sparkle to this bewitching crystal. 

I created the crystal as a talisman you can carry with you wherever you may be. Place it in your hand, gaze into it, and feel like you are connecting with the natural world; a world not always accessible to everyone. Instantly, you will feel a sense of calm and inner peace, and ponder over the good things that life has to offer. The crystal can also sit upon your desk and offer a spark of inspiration to your day. Only one has been made and it is exclusively available here. 

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!

Getting ready for Gifted

The Lost Forest studio is buzzing in anticipation for this years big craft fair- Gifted, at the RDS, Dublin. There's only two weeks left before kick-off day on Friday the 8th of December. Billie and I are currently busy boxing, stamping, wrapping and organising lots of treasures, and building props (she's not so good at that part of the process). 

Here's a selection of photos from last years show, which saw my debut at the largest event I've participated in so far. Hopefully this year should be bigger and better than ever. My new stand will be a little different than before; a more streamlined version to make assembly easier, and a few tweaks to the arrangement. However, the stars of the show; my upcycled farm tables will be back!

You can still buy tickets for the event here. I'll be at Stand C20 Friday 8th- Sunday 10th. It should be a great show, and is always a cosy 'Christmassy' event perfect for all the family. I'll have a blog post after the fair to show the new and improved Lost Forest miniature shop. For now, it's back to work and I'll continue trying to teach Billie how to use a hammer. Having no thumbs is not a valid excuse, it it?! 

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.

Lost Forest foxes

Meet the Lost Forest foxes; Goldie and Rosie. These little sparkly creatures are brand new special edition eco resin ring holders. I only made two from a spare batch of resin I had (we don't waste anything in the Lost Forest studio). Goldie is a vibrant fancy fox, enrobed in 24k gold leaf, while Rosie is more fiery, cloaked in shimmering 24k rose gold leaf. Their bushy tails and perky ears are the perfect place to store your most precious rings. They make a whimsical and stylish addition to your vanity unit or table top, and are sure to become cherished Lost Forest treasures.

{Update: Goldie and Rosie are now sold out but will be returning in the new year}

All the leaves are golden

November marks a very busy period me, as I'm currently preparing for the Gifted craft and design fair in December. When I have a spare moment in the day, my concentration shifts to a task involving 'show prep'. Today, I made some time to work on a leaf garland for my stand. These beautiful intricate paper leaves will form the basis for my design. I decided to gild each one in a sumptuously sparkling layer of gold metallic paint. I love to use Finetec paints, as they have a stunning shimmer and rich tone that is highly reflective.  

I chose to give the leaves a golden glow to evoke the style of my jewellery. One of my main design traits is using 24k gold leaf. It's a material I've worked with since the very beginning of my resin making journey, and it quickly became my trademark. It is a design feature I hold dear to my heart, and it will always endure in my work. These little leaves are my ode to that glistening beautiful material that shines through in all of my Lost Forest creations. Stay tuned for the finished garland in a few weeks time.

Woodland dewdrop earrings

My Woodland Dewdrop earrings have been a signature item in the Lost Forest collection since I started in 2012. The very first pair I made (first photo) was inspired by glistening morning dewdrops resting on petals and leaves. The effect has always intrigued me. It was as if Mother Nature had scattered twinkling diamonds across the forests and gardens; their alluring beauty revealed in the early morning sunshine. 

I wanted to create a tangible piece of wearable art that would evoke that magical effect. I handcrafted tiny resin globe studs, made from crystal clear eco resin using my specialist technique that resembles glass in its clarity. I added chunky shards of 24k gold leaf, which display a glamorous sparkle with every movement. 

The result is beautiful and timeless, and they have become a top selling item in the Lost Forest collection. Even the name; 'Woodland Dewdrops' is an original title I bestowed on these pieces. Unfortunately, as with a lot of my designs, many shops have since tried to emulate them, and their unique name. However, the quality and effect can never be successfully replicated by another. The original is always the best. 

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.

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 

Irish Made Awards 2017

Lost Forest has been nominated for the Irish Made Awards! It's such a wonderful surprise to be shortlisted amongst so many talented Irish designers and craftspeople. 

Please follow this link to cast your vote. To vote: scroll down to the end of the page to the 'Jewellery' category and click Lost Forest. The awards are run by Irish Country Magazine and Guaranteed Irish and the organisers are offering such a generous prize. It would be hugely beneficial for my business, and will allow me to avail of mentorship and advertising to expand and further develop my brand. I would be very grateful for your support. Thank you!