Inktober #2 & #3

My next offering for Inktober is of the floral variety; buttercups 'Ranunculus' and alpine forget-me-not 'Myosotis alpestris'.  Two of my favourite wildflowers now illustrated and painted in my notebook, and preserved in a different manner than my usual eco resin method. Still equally as enjoyable. I'm thinking of my next drawing already, and my mind is wandering to mushrooms once more...

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. 

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.

Buttercup Meadow

New to the Lost Forest collection is this beautiful one-of-a-kind necklace- 'Buttercup Meadow'. It allows you to carry a miniature wildflower meadow with you wherever you may wander. A single vibrant buttercup rests within crystal clear natural pine resin. The delicate bloom was picked fresh from an Irish summer meadow and carefully preserved to retain its luscious colour and tiny details. The buttercup is surrounded by a confetti cloud of baby pink, ivory and pale yellow Queen Anne's Lace flowers. They dance around the buttercup and echo the fun and frivolity of the warm summer days.

The miniature blooms are accompanied by a fine scattering of glistening 24k gold leaf flakes, which sparkle with every movement. The dazzling botanical scene is embraced by a handmade 24k gold plated ring, which creates a glamorous and unique look. This necklace would be the perfect accessory for a summer garden party or wedding. Available to buy now 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.

Belle of the garden

'Belle of the Garden' is the latest addition to the Lost Forest collection. It is a pretty ode to a miniature floral garden you can carry with you wherever you go. This delicate necklace is a beautiful and elegant piece of wearable art. Within the crystal clear natural resin lies tiny Queen Anne's Lace flowers in subtle tones of pastel pink and yellow. The miniature blooms are accompanied by a fine scattering of gleaming 24k gold leaf flakes, which sparkle with every movement. The delightful botanical scene is embraced by a handmade 24k gold plated ring, which creates a glamorous and unique look. This necklace would be the perfect accessory for a summer garden party or wedding. Available here in limited numbers.

Hello from the Lost Forest

Welcome to my new blog. I hope you'll click and subscribe, and follow my new journey through the Irish woodlands, secret gardens and days spent on the farm. I will be offering a little photographic pathway into my world as a designer and a perpetual daydreamer.

Today I spent a sunny spring afternoon in my local park to collect some beautiful wildflowers and marvel at the dappled light flickering through the trees. Bluebells and cow parsley were blooming brightly under the watchful eye of ancient trees. Days like these always fill me with a renewed sense of creativity and inspiration; providing me with a much needed boost to start sketching lots of brand new ideas.