A day in February

The past few days have been sprinkled with dusting's of snow and biting winds snaking up my spine, resulting in me perched over the radiator in the studio. However, when I gaze out the window I'm met with a visual paradox; sunshine beaming through bottle blue skies. It could almost tempt you into thinking it was a pleasant warm spring day outside. 

I couldn't resist anymore, so I wrapped up in several layers and braved the elements and enjoyed the February sunshine at my local park. I was joined by a flock of alabaster mute swans and a sweet pilgrim goose. I was also momentarily in the company of a buzzard hawk (too camera shy!), who faced the wrath of squawking magpies who sent him on his way. My trophy from my outing was a renewed burst of energy, creativity and a miniature bouquet of crocuses to brighten up my studio. 

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. 

Midsummer meadows

June has always been a favourite month of mine; with its warm sunny days, long evenings enrobed in florescent sunsets, pond lilies flaunting their form, and wildflower meadows splashed with vibrant colour and energetic life. Poppies in particular exude such a powerful and evocative display. Their blood red petals are traditionally symbolic of bloodshed and death, becoming emblematic of the catastrophic loss of life during the World Wars. It's this poignancy combined with angelic beauty that makes it such a bewitchingly beautiful wildflower.

I gathered a few poppies and cornflowers for my botanical supplies. While I was prepping some petals for pressing, I was so inspired by the rich ruby red tone of the silk-like petals. I had an urge to create a piece right away and this became the newest necklace in store (on sale in the Design Loft, Powerscourt Estate)- 'Crystals & Rubies' using the same tonal palette as the poppies. I used my own pressed sprigs of gypsophila, which I had dyed red. They almost look like tiny versions of real poppies with their circular heads bobbing upon their elegant elongated stems. I also added swirls of ruby red dye to the resin to heighten the colour. You can read more about the piece here, and purchase a completely one-of-a-kind item of jewellery.

Life in amongst the hedgerows

These warm balmy spring days have encouraged me to abandon the stifling heat of the studio and venture off into my local park to gather the latest batch of blooms slowly emerging through the undergrowth. It also felt necessary to wear some flowers around my neck for the ensuing task ahead, so I wore my own daisy necklace ; the perfect accessory for the day.

During my walks I love to scan for colour and curious finds. Today it marked the turn of a firm favourite of mine; Germander Speedwell, in Latin; 'Veronica chamaedrys', or commonly known as Birds Eye Speedwell. This elegant bonny blue wildflower makes its debut from May to July. Although it is often viewed as an irksome weed by gardeners, to me it signals the coming of summer, and its tiny intricate petals and slender stems have such an ethereal beauty to them that truly justifies some adoration.  

The Common Speedwell

...Thou art a jewel on the brow of May,
That, robed in scented garments, wings her way!
Emblem of Friendship rarest gem of blue
From me thou ever hast affection true!

-James Rigg

I made myself busy in the afternoon by pressing handfuls of the speedwell, and filled up quite a few pages in my flower press. They were also accompanied by the ubiquitous Herb Robert or 'Geranium Robertianum', which adds a delightful pop of pink to the Irish hedgerows throughout spring and summer. I was joined on my expedition by a rotund fluffy bumble bee who was buzzing through the vibrant fuchsia, almost getting stuck in one or two of the trumpet-like blooms. Her little legs poking out from beneath a skirt of magenta petals was a magic moment I was fortunate to capture. 

Later, I discovered some beautiful posies of Hawthorn flowers, subtly blushed with pink. The Hawthorn is synonymous with Irish folklore, viewed as bringing good luck to the owner and prosperity to the land on where it stands. Therefore, if it is chopped down and plundered for its wood, great misfortune beckons on the horizon. According to local myths, this activity unsettles the faerie folk who use the Hawthorn tree as a place of gathering. A curse is then bestowed upon the culprit who carries out the deed:  

Hawthorn

'Beware, beware the hawthorn,

Lest it strike you down,

For if you take an axe to it

You'll rue that you were born.'

-Giles Watson

Even to this day, entrenched superstitions associated with these trees run deep in rural Irish communities, and a lot of farmers would avoid cutting down a Hawthorn tree, even if it may be an obstruction in a field. So, I will continue the tradition and avoid the bark. Instead, I pick just a few of the flowers as these will eventually turn into berries, which are a vital source of food for birds and other hedgerow creatures later on in the year.

Next time you're out, take a little peak at the hedgerows and you'll discover a fascinating and bustling microcosm living in amongst it.