Inspirations from the Irish Boglands in Autumn

Like many an artist or craftsperson, I gather much of my inspiration from nature. This summer, I spent much time out and about in the countryside  both while on holidays in Jersey (UK) and also here in Ireland.

bog oak sculpture, Boora Parklands, own photo

Early September, I spent a few relaxing days visiting family in county Offaly in the heart of Ireland, where my mother grew up. We visited Lough Boora Parklands, a most unusual area of natural beauty, deep in the Irish bog. I must warn you, it is not well sign posted. We were not the only ones driving up and down the same country roads in frustration as we tried to find this mysterious site.

And mysterious it is indeed. The sculptures created out of ancient bog oak and industrial relics from the turf cutting industry seemed abandoned and ghostly in this eerie place . The early Autumn haze lent an ethereal atmosphere to the marshy landscapes and the stillness was so deep even the birds dared not break the silence.  I doubt any artistic soul could leave this moody park without taking inspiration with them.

old bog train art installation, Boora parklands, own photo

yellow serpentine pendant on brown cotton crochet chain

This yellow serpentine stone pendant on a brown cotton chain (chain by Huggle Knits) was inspired entirely by the old bog train! The colour combination may not be to everyone's taste, but will appeal to someone who adores Autumnal tones. It will go beautifully with a chocolate, beige or cream outfit but would really come into its own with petrol blue or navy.

Inspirations from Nature, Wicklow

My walks through the Irish countryside, up hills, and over cliffs have inspired much of my jewellery. 

Modern Connemara marble pendant, 'Landscape'

The beauty of Wicklow was the inspiration behind recently listed 'Landscape' pendant. I wrapped this gorgeous slab of Connemara marble in silver wire keeping in mind the waterfalls and hills of the county known as the Garden of Ireland. 

Lough Dan, Co Wicklow. Own photo

Though it's been several months since my last hike South of Dublin, I've been following the Irish-Canadian produced TV show, Vikings, which was shot partly in Norway but mostly deep in the wilderness of Wicklow. The scenery is breathtaking. The show's not too shabby either if you like history and adventure (or just ruggedly handsome men!)

Powerscourt Waterfall, Wicklow. Own photo

The Sugar Loaf in the distance, own photo

Similar pendants:

  

Connemara marble with copper and Connemara marble with Claddagh charm. And Coming soon:

rustic Connemara marble pendant or ornament

Inspirations from the Sea

Though I started out making gemstone jewellery, including pieces in rare, Irish marble, over the last couple of years, I've become a little obsessed with the amazing treasures you can find on the shore. Finding good quality, usable seaglass or sea pottery can be back -breaking work, but all the more rewarding for it. 

However, no matter what materials I am using, I find the ocean itself to be truly inspiring. I often draw on the motion of the waves when designing a piece.

 

'Waves' chrysocolla jasper pendant depicts rolling 'white horses' just before the break on the shore.

 

I wire wrapped 'Still waters' seaglass pendant to reflect the gentle sway of the water on a calmer day. The soft seafoam shade of this piece is not a colour you might often associate with the cold and dark Irish Sea or the wild Atlantic Ocean. However, our shores do see still moments and blue skies, especially in the East and South East.

 

 The photos above were taken in Killiney and in Skerries, on the East coast, towards the end of last summer. The beauty of the sea is in its ever-changing nature. It has infinite power to generate creativity. No wonder that artists and poets have always found it inspiring.

Click here to learn how to clean seaglass

Click here to learn how to care for seaglass jewellery

Crafty Co-operation

They've arrived! 

I've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of some new handmade supplies: 18 inch, cotton crochet chains to hang my seaglass and sea pottery pendants. 

 Last month I mentioned I was experimenting with samples my Etsy colleague and friend, Mo of Huggle Knits had made up for me. I wore one of the chains with various pendants for a couple of weeks to see how it felt and if it would stretch. It is really comfortable and lightweight and has kept its shape, though I have only tried it on seaglass and also button pendants, not heavier gemstones.

I used one of the samples to hang this pretty, teal seaglass pendant. The seaglass necklace sold very quickly to a lovely lady in the USA. 

 

The samples worked well so I decided to order a bunch of brown and black in hypoallergenic cotton. They arrived on Tuesday, all wrapped up in a little red crochet rose. Thanks Mo!

Each has its own cute mini button, easy to use and very secure.

I found the button sits snugly on the nape of my neck. I forgot it was there in fact.

Irish Sea Pottery Necklace

I used one of the chocolate brown chains to hang this sea pottery pendant, 'Storm in a Teacup,' which I listed in my Etsy Store today. I hope it finds a happy home somewhere.

.