In my hands

October is finally here; my favourite month. Not only was I born in October (which entitles me to love it even more) it also radiates a dazzling spectrum of colours, and possesses a palpable sense of 'hygge'. Furthermore, it marks the end of the foraging season for me. The next few weeks will be a busy time stocking up.

Wherever I go I'm always scanning my surroundings for that one exquisite find. Mother Nature is my supply closet, and I usually end each day with a handful of curiosities from her seasonal collection. Here's a few of those treasures; from blackberries, acer seeds, hawthorn berries to the first fallen autumn leaves. 

The great mushroom hunt

These beautiful autumnal days are my favourite of the year. There's a certain air of calm, solitude and reflection in the changing of the temperature, light and natural surroundings. Although this September has been a slightly more wet one than we're use to, it does have its benefits, and it results in a copious collection of mushrooms springing up from the forest floor.

I usually spend a few mornings a week trekking through the woodlands in search of my charming fungi friends. They're often found hidden amongst long grasses, and concealed under an emerald blanket of woodland sorrel with dew drops sparkling like fallen diamonds. It really is a sight to behold, and makes the hours in the bone tingling cold a lot more bearable. I've been lucky enough to discover banded mottlegill, chanterelle, fairy ink caps and nitrous bonnet. A pretty selection of tiny treasures that are ready to be made into intriguing eco resin jewels.

Forest Foraging

Today marked a much needed supply run to the mountains. Mottlegill mushrooms, moss and woodland ferns were top of the list, and I found a bountiful selection of them within the depths of the forest. The recent rain showers had enticed a profusion of botanicals to emerge through the undergrowth and reveal their delights. 

I also managed to stumble upon some floral treats in the form of buttercups (Ranunculus bulbosus), Eyebright (Euphrasia) and the rambling Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum). It was a job well done and allowed me to enrich my botanical collections once more for some brand new projects on the horizon.