So long October

I went searching for the last signs of floral colour in a hidden secret garden, and I was lucky enough to find them in the form of endless hazy rows of lavender, lavishly decorated pansies, dahlias, sweet peas and spindly bouquets of forget-me-not. The trees were already nearly bare of their amber leaves, but a colour injection was more than welcome with the frosty days and darker evenings, which have already arrived. I'm already waiting patiently for the return of spring and summer, when I can begin my botanical pressing once again. 

Autumn at Kilruddery

One of my favourite past times is to venture off into the beautiful neighbouring county of Wicklow. Known as the 'Garden of Ireland', Wicklow has many delights to offer those who possess a sense of constant wanderlust. 

Kilruddery House in Bray, is one of those places that pulls you back to a forgotten time. The estate features an imposing 17th century mansion and rolling vistas, which plunge deep into the distant mountainous abyss. After a stroll around the estate, the enchanting tea rooms offer a restorative fix in the form of sweet treats and hot cups of frothy cappuccinos. The pretty little vases of flowers on each table were the icing on the cake (or should I say almond cookie). The gardens in high summer are a blissful place, but autumn too has its own sense of magic.

The last traces of summer are evident with the yarrow, roses and cosmos peaking through the fallen shrubbery. The floral specimens are peculiarly juxtaposed with tumbling amber toned leaves, scattered acorns, and mushrooms protruding from the soft manicured lawns. The overall feel is one of beautiful unbridled transition, and reaffirms my love for nature and the curious and intriguing changes it manifests. 

Lost Forest Torc Necklaces

Back in my former life before Lost Forest became my full time career and passion, I was an archaeologist and art historian. I've always had a huge yearning to learn about social history and its material culture. It's now interesting to think back to my days working with Viking finds from the Wood Quay excavations in the National Museum, and illustrating and documenting tiny treasures from the past. I believe my love for creating my own treasures was influenced by them. I was particularly mesmerised by jewellery finds, in particular Celtic torcs. Beautiful shimmering gold crescents that would embrace the contours of the neckline displaying beauty, wealth and prestige to all. I was inspired by them to create my own eco resin torc; an ode to my Celtic past. 

I created two types; The Goddess of the Sea and The Midsummer Garden. They were meticulously handcrafted over several weeks, and although they were labour intensive to create, the result was certainly worth it. The complexity of their design and intricate detailing means they both display a sense of eternal wonder as your eye passes over the rambling organic arrangements. I'm very happy with the result and it will definitely be difficult to part with these precious pieces. However, I am sure they will be equally treasured and admired by their prospective owners.

Handpicked & Handmade

My motto for my jewellery collection has always been 'handpicked and handmade'. I've forever been in eternal wonder at the natural world around me, and flowers of every colour, shape and form fascinate me. It was inevitable that one day they would consume me and become part of my working life. Every little bloom within my jewellery is picked by me from the wildflower meadows I love to wander through, and are carefully pressed to keep just a tiny part of its magic alive.

Here's a snapshot of my day passing through a long lost secret garden; filled with crabapple trees, pink poppies, primrose and wild violets. We also had an appearance of the enchanting 'Unicorn of the Forbidden Forest' necklace, concealed within the embrace of a billowy tulip. I even encountered a woodland angel, who didn't mind modelling one of my newest pieces, which will be debuting in store very soon.