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 

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.

It's a small world after all

The Lost Forest collection just got a little boost today with these new Looking Glass pendants. My tiny mushroom worlds are inspired by my original and award nominated piece 'The Magical Mottlegill Mushroom' necklace. Since then, I've had a lot of fun creating variations of that design.

I love conjuring up miniature natural worlds using foraged finds from my local woodlands. The main focus in every pendant are tiny mushrooms, which I've collected and preserved over several weeks. Their spindly whimsical forms are reminiscent of tiny forest gnomes hiding amongst a lush blanket of moss. Each inclusion has been handpicked from the same location in the forest to ensure that the natural symbiotic relationship of the finds continue on together in their next adventure; sparkling eco resin jewels. 

The first looking glass, 'The Woodland of the Elfin Wishes'  features a secret little wonderland; inhabited by diminutive elves who flutter amongst the fallen autumn leaves strewn upon the forest floor. Tiny real Mottlegill mushrooms spring up from a layer of Irish moss. Sprigs of delicate purple tipped Elfin herb embrace the bewitching scene. A secret hidden dandelion seed sits beneath the cap of a mushroom, offering a hint of luck to the wearer of this beautiful piece. Glittering 24k gold leaf speckles float in the clear resin to create an added touch of intrigue.

The second pendant, 'Dream in the Floral Forest'  features a beautiful floral forest; settled by mischievous flower faeries who flutter through the enchanted woods. Delicate real Mottlegill mushrooms spring up from knotted tendrils of real Irish moss. Elongated vines of pale blue water Forget-me-not dance within the celestial scene. Vibrant yellow buttercups are caught in an eternal breeze; their fragile beauty captured forever. Shimmering speckles of 24k gold leaf dance within the clear resin to create an added touch of glamour.

Wish upon a dandelion

'Wish upon a raindrop' is the latest eco resin treasure in the Lost Forest collection. It's inspired by dazzling raindrops that have fallen upon the leafy forest floor. The delicate raindrop holds a bewitching surprise; tiny real dandelion seeds. They gently dance within the crystal clear eco resin, their fragile beauty captured forever in a timelessly elegant piece. A magical dusting of 24k gold leaf swirls around the seeds, glittering with every movement you make. 

This piece is beautifully timeless and wearable, and is now my firm favourite for my everyday wear. It adds a wonderful touch of glamour to any outfit, and always catches people's eye. To complete the look, my 'Make a wish' drop earrings are an ideal accompaniment.

Dandelion's hold such a poignant and hopeful message for many people.  Their ethereal ghostly structure has always fascinated me, and from the very beginnings of my resin making journey, I love to capture them in their simplest form. This necklace seems to be the perfect way to remind you everyday to keep hope alive and always strive forward.

Head for the hills of heather

September always marks the heather season for me, and I'm usually found high in the mountains searching amongst the beautiful purple haze to find the best sprigs for my botanical collection. Bell heather is my favourite type due to its rich and vibrant colour and dainty bell-shaped blooms. 

Heather thrives in dry acidic soils, and grows in profusion on moorlands and mountain sides. Over the centuries it has been used in numerous ways; from bedding, brooms, basketry to roof thatching. It's aromatic buds were also used to flavour beer and provide a sweet floral aroma to honey. For me, it is a much loved staple of my collection and is used in two core pieces; My Wild Irish Heart necklace and earrings. Both pieces capture the wild and natural beauty of the Irish landscape at this magical time of the year, and preserve the rich eternal charm of the heather forever. 

Botanical engagement ring

I recently completed a beautiful commission for a lovely client of mine who entrusted me with a very special project- her engagement ring. I rarely make rings anymore as my focus is primarily drawn to necklaces and earrings, but I'm always eager for new creative challenges. 

I was honoured to be asked to create a truly bespoke piece that no one else in the world would have. The ring was symbolic of a hugely memorable moment in both their lives, and would become a treasured heirloom for the next generations of their family. 

As my client is a gardener, she decided to press one of her own Foxglove blooms from her garden, and this would form the inspiration behind the piece. The white petals were peppered with a striking pattern in a deep plum tone, almost resembling an animal print. Such a stunning flower required an exceptional mold to cast the central stone. We both agreed on an irregular faceted gemstone, which created a bewitching and unique effect. After casting, sanding, polishing and mounting the gemstone onto a sterling silver band, the ring was complete and ready to surprise its lucky owner, and embark on a new journey in life together.

Last days of summer

A much loved piece from the Lost Forest collection has returned to store: 'Along the Sunbeam Meadow'. This piece is inspired by my walks through the grasslands of my local park. The tall willowy grasses gently swaying in the summer breeze, and the warm amber glow of the sun beams create a truly enchanting scene. It always stops me in my tracks, and I like to take a mental note of each and every detail before me. This particular piece has encapsulated this little part of my world, and captured its essence in a miniature landscape. You can read more about it below and purchase your very own here.

A beautiful one-of-a-kind piece of botanical art, made just for you to treasure and wear close to your heart. The bottle pendant was skilfully cast by myself using a handmade mold of a vintage Chanel No.5 perfume bottle. The pendant was then constructed in natural eco resin using my advanced casting technique to ensure a premium crystal clear finish. 

Within the lightweight bottle is an eternal scene of summer; a miniature Irish meadow has been preserved forever in time. Real sprigs of honeyed wild grass, tiny daisies and elegant stems of yellow toned gypsophila inhabit the tiny world. A sprinkling of 24k gold leaf echoes the fading sparkle of the evening sun across the breath of the meadow. 

The intriguing necklace allows you to carry your own microcosm of an Irish summer wherever you may be in the world.

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 

Hydrangea Love

Summer isn't summer without bountiful bundles of hydrangeas lining the garden verges. There are over 75 different types of Hydrangea. Hydrangea macrophylla or Bigleaf Hydrangea is the most common type. Within this familial group are varieties such as Mophead (Photo 2) and Lacecap (photo 1). Hydrangea have long been associated with gratitude and honesty, and despite their weighty abundance of billowy blooms, they are symbolic of remaining humble in times of prosperity.

Shunned in medicinal practices due to trace elements of cyanide in their leaves and flowers, they are solely used for decorative purposes. They are ideal for flower arranging, bouquets and ornamental gardening. They have always fascinated me, and it's my dream someday to have a garden border of every type of hydrangea I can possibly source. 

One of my very first eco resin pendants contained a single blue hydrangea flower I had pressed in a book. The elegant simplicity of the petals were showcased beautifully in the resin, and to this day I love to use them in my work. The piece below was a very early piece in my collection using a single pink hydrangea. I discovered this necklace while cleaning out my studio, nearly forgotten about, resting at the back of a drawer. It's the very last one of a batch I made a few years ago, and it is still as luminous as ever. It's currently on sale in store, and you can read more about it below:

 'Pretty in Pink' is a stunning eco resin pebble that has trapped a single vibrant pink Hydrangea flower. The delicate bloom was picked by me from my garden during the Summer months and pressed over several weeks to preserve its fragile beauty and beautiful colour. 

The flower is suspended within the organic shaped pendant and is surrounded by tiny speckles of glittering 24k gold leaf to add a subtle touch of glamour and sparkle.

This pretty handcrafted gem makes the perfect gift for any nature lover who admires the ethereal wonder of natures botanical creations.

Wild Irish Rose

One of my all time favourite flowers are roses; they hold such elegance, vibrant colour, and wonderful heady aromas. 'My dear rose' is a piece inspired by their eternal beauty.

It is one-of-a-kind piece, created just for you to treasure and wear close to your heart. The bottle pendant was skilfully cast by myself using a handmade mold of a vintage Chanel No.5 perfume bottle. An original concept I devised a few years ago. The pendant was then constructed in natural resin using my advanced casting technique to ensure a premium crystal clear finish. Within the lightweight resin bottle are three deep pink rose buds suspended in eternal motion. The buds were picked from my garden last summer and have been preserved to showcase their fragile form and delicate details.

A fine scattering of 24k gold leaf speckles float amongst this miniature scene, along with romantic swirls of pink dye, which enrapture the roses and accentuate their lively colour. You can almost imagine the sweet floral scent trapped forever within this wonderfully tactile bottle. It's only available at this link. 

While wandering through the rose gardens at Powerscourt, I snapped my 'Wild Irish heart' necklace against the rose lined walled garden. This piece is available in the Design Loft in Powerscourt House and also in store now. It's such a pretty and romantic piece, and I adore how the heather buds dance within the bottle with every step you take. A truly dynamic and intriguing piece of botanical art.

Bee Brave

When I first set up my business I chose the symbol of the bee to bestow upon Lost Forest; my new adventure and passion. It represents a wealth of attributes that I endeavour to meet with my little business; industrious, dedicated, brave, and an unwavering commitment to fine craftsmanship, seen in the endless complex and beautiful honeycomb structures they construct. 

Today, while picking flowers in the garden I came across one such determined bumble bee, and I was reminded that although running my own business is an arduous and often daunting task, it fills my life with purpose, happiness and the determination to 'bee' the best in what I do. We could all learn a thing or two from such a charming little creature.

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.