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.

Citrine, November Birthstone

Birthstone for November, citrine is the colour of sunshine, sure to brighten up cool, Autumn days. The name comes from the Latin for lemon yellow, 'citrina.' This golden gemstone is a member of the quartz family and can vary in shade from barely there yellow through to a brownish whiskey colour. It is a hard and resilient stone (7 on Mohs scale). It wont scratch too easily and will stand up to a lot of knocks and bumps.

 Citrine Gemstone earrings

This glorious gem adds instant elegance, especially if worn with a simple outfit, like that LBD for the festive party nights. Just of hint of the liquid honey with a plain dark dress in black, chocolate, titanium grey or darkest navy is enough to garner a sophisticated look. Less is more. Put on a pendant or some earrings and wont need any other jewellery. Just grab your handbag  and you're good to go.

 Spanish citrine purse charm

Natural citrine is very rare. Its yellow colour comes from the presence of the mineral iron. I only recently learned that the much of the citrine stones found on the market are actually amethyst that has been heated up to 560 degrees, causing the original purple colour to change to a honey hue. Far from being a modern process, this treatment of the crystalline quartz has been around for almost 200 years and has earned a certain respectability in its own right. Apparently, a heat-developed citrine will have stripes of colour, discernible only to an expert eye, whereas the gold of a natural stone will be more cloud-like.

 Spain and Brazil both boast fine specimens of citrine, but it is not found exclusively in those countries. In Europe, France and Hungary also have a history of mining it.

 Ancient gold coins, from Wikimedia

This lemony gem is the symbol of wealth, prosperity and success.  Traditionally it was believed that if you kept a specimen of the stone in your purse or wallet it would  attract money into your life.  we should add some to the coffers of the country! I wonder if this association was born out of its gold-like appearance.

 

Healers who use gemstones have long associated the stone with aiding digestion and with providing clarity and enlightenment.

Citrine is the designated stone for the 13 and 17th wedding anniversary. It is the official birthstone for the month of November. If you have a birthday in November, have a bright one!


to read about Amethyst, February birthstone click HERE
to read about Irish stone, Connemara marble click HERE