More from the Botanic Gardens

Just sharing more photos from the National Botanic Gardens as I look for inspiration...

 

Like this? How about: Greenhouse Structures, A Royal Riot of Colour or the series 'Caught My Eye'?

Greenhouse Structures, Inspirations

Last week I posted a few photos of colourful flowers snapped at the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin. You don't need to be an architect to know beauty can equally be found in the non-organic. The greenhouses in the park are cleverly engineered and just as eye catching as a living plant. The lines and form provide plenty of inspiration for wire wrapping designs.

section of greenhouse roof, National Botanic Gardens

greenhouse interior, National Botanic Gardens

Artistic inspiration most often comes from what we see around us, even when we are not aware of the images are brains are storing.

The above pendants were designed with the Celtic traditions and/or the sea in mind,  but such curls and swirls are commonly seen around Dublin in wrought iron railings, gates and lamp posts. I've no doubt the open style of the spirals was partly influenced by what I see every day in this city. 

No matter where you are, if you are out and about, look up, look around, look down. You might notice something new and inspiring you never realised was there before, even if you walk past it every day.

A Riot of Royal Colour, Caught My Eye No.32

Caught My Eye  is a series of blog posts showing scenes I found interesting, odd, curious or beautiful. I am artistic and therefore an observer but I am not a photographer by any description. So if you expect top quality photography I'm afraid you will be disappointed.  But please do enjoy a snap shot glimpse of the world through my creative eyes. 

wild, Irish flowers and NBG, Dublin. Own photo.

I was at the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin, yesterday. My last visit was Autumn 2012 so I was it was about time for a look at the summer blooms. I was met by an amazing riot of colour.

bright summer flowers (own photos)

These stunning mauve artichokes reminded me my Etsy shop could do with a fresh a burst of purple. I've been filling it with nautical blue, Irish green, warm pink and hot red jewellery. Time for a some royal hues and some summer florals methinks.

Inspirations. The National Botanic Gardens, Dublin

It's been a while since I've posted about any inspiring rambles or hiking trails around Dublin. That would be because I haven't been on one in months! I've had the misfortune to suffer a bad case of Plantar Fasciitis that has hobbled me for at least the winter, but I'm working on getting back on my feet, so to speak, by mid Spring.

However, I am not letting it coop me up entirely and still manage to get out in the fresh air even though I can't walk very far. I need to get close to nature to breathe and generate some creativity.

A couple of weeks ago I met up with Mo of Huggleknits and Heli of Heli Creations for one of our 'inspirational' days out. We took the number 9 bus from O'Connell Street, northwards to one of my favourite places in the city, the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland

Tap by Alan Corrigan & Finbar O'Neill

We thought it would help us tap into new creative energies (sorry, couldn't resist that pun if you paid me). The tap was part of the exhibition 'Sculpture in Context' held in the gardens in October. 

a glass house at the Botanic Gardens

 It was a stunning October day, perfect for taking photos...if only I were any good at taking them! 

 Though the gardens were still very green, they were also awash with seasonal golds, coppers, rusts and reds.

Inspired by the warm tones, the next day I was lured away from silver and instead, made this rich, autumnal brown sea glass and copper wire pendant, 'Sunset in Dublin.'  ...

Cork Red Marble pendant

...and this warm, Cork Red marble pendant, Love & Truth. I've been working on various other pieces and ideas inspired by our visit. In the meantime,  here are few more photos from the day:

spooky Halloween tree?

The wild Irish garden section looked like an impressionist painting. 

 

click here to see inspiring walks and Irish scenery