Memento jewellery

Last year I created a very special piece for a wonderfully talented lady who suffered a tragic loss. We worked together on creating diminutive pine resin pebbles that would encapsulate delicate strands of her baby's hair. She wanted a tangible memento to hold onto forever, and to comfort her during a very difficult time ahead. 

I made a trio of pebbles and raindrops; each one holding their precious treasures. I also added sparkling 24k gold leaf and swirls of pink dye, floating upwards through the crystal clear resin. 

The next stage of the project was handed over to the highly skilled Irish goldsmith, Helena Malone. She fashioned a gold frame to hold the pebble; creating an eternal protective embrace. A tiny pink diamond was mounted to echo the pink in the pebble. The outcome was a beautifully unique, elegant and enduringly sentimental piece of jewellery she could wear close to her heart forever. 

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.

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 

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.