Sunflowers, Honeybees & Jewellery Making

Lughnasadh, also known as Lammas, falls on 1st August and marks the beginning of the harvest season in the Pagan Wheel of the Year. As the first harvest festival, it's a time to celebrate abundance, creativity and everything that has flourished since spring.

As we approach Lughnasadh, I've been noticing the subtle signs that the season is beginning to turn. Most mornings, I've been enjoying breakfast in my mum's garden, watching the bees busily moving from flower to flower. The blackberries seem to be ripening earlier than usual this year, the grass has taken on a golden hue after the recent heatwaves, and everywhere I look nature seems to be offering up its first fruits.

I'm not going to lie, I've struggled with the recent heatwaves, so I'm quite happy to be looking towards cooler days. That said, there is something magical about this time of year. The golden evening light has been spectacular lately and on a recent walk I was lucky enough to spot two deer bounding across a field.

That encounter got me thinking about the Buck Moon, which rises just before Lughnasadh. Named for the time of year when male deer regrow their antlers, it's often associated with strength, renewal and confidence. If you catch sight of it, perhaps take a few moments to reflect on what this season means to you and what you would like to harvest from the months ahead.

The Fruits of Our Labour

One of the things I love most about Lughnasadh is the opportunity to look back at everything that's happened since spring.

Taking a little break from regular markets this summer has given me the space and energy to focus on creating. I've also had the time do do a bit of fogaring! I've managed to harvest some nettle seeds and yarrow over the last couple of weeks, perfect for storing away fro a winter vitamin boost and cold remedy.I've been able to spend more time designing, making and bringing new ideas to life. It's also given me the chance to work on some exciting collaborations. My jewellery is now stocked in the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter shop, and I've been working with Birmingham Museums and the William Morris Society on upcoming workshops, which I'm looking forward to sharing more about soon.

Many of you will already have seen my Strawberry Fields collection, inspired by childhood memories of picking wild strawberries. But I've also been quietly working away on something new, and I couldn't think of a more fitting time to share it than at the first harvest festival.

Sunflower & Honeybee Jewellery Inspired by Lughnasadh

I'm delighted to introduce my new Sunflower & Honeybee collection.

This collection is an expansion of my sunflower statement earrings. I began adding honeybees, honeycomb and honey pot charms to create a collection inspired by the sights and sounds of late summer.

I've always loved sunflowers. They're bold, joyful and impossible to ignore when they're in bloom. Combined with busy little bees and golden honey, they felt like the perfect way to celebrate the warmth, colour and abundance of late summer.

Honey has long been associated with the Lughnasadh harvest celebrations, traditionally used to make mead and shared during the seasonal feasts. Including honeybees and honey-themed charms felt like a lovely way to honour that connection while celebrating the creatures that help our gardens and wild spaces thrive.

The collection is available as ready-to-wear sunflower jewellery online, including necklaces, earrings and a charm bracelet. I hope it brings a little sunshine with it wherever it goes.

Jewellery Making Workshop at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter

To celebrate the launch of the collection, I'm incredibly excited to be hosting a jewellery making workshop at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter on 29th August.

The workshop is part of my collaboration with Birmingham Museums and takes place at their brand new cafe in one of Birmingham's most inspiring heritage venues, right at the heart of the city's jewellery-making history.

Using the full range of Sunflower & Honeybee charms, you'll be able to design and create your own unique jewellery inspired by the collection.For £65, you'll enjoy a two-hour workshop where you'll be able to choose up to 16 laser-cut charms and create up to two finished pieces of jewellery to take home. Your ticket also includes a themed cocktail or mocktail, making it the perfect afternoon for anyone who loves getting creative, learning new skills and meeting fellow crafty people.

Whether you come with friends or on your own, I'd love to welcome you along.

Book your place HERE 

Simple Ways to Celebrate Lughnasadh

• Bake something delicious.

• Buy yourself a bunch of sunflowers.
  

• Spend time watching the bees in your garden.

• Make something with your hands.

• Take a late evening stroll and soak up the golden light.

• Reflect on what has flourished in your life this year.

• Watch the moon rise and think about what you'd like to harvest next.

Closing Thoughts

Lughnasadh reminds us that not every harvest is measured in fields of grain. Sometimes it's a new skill learned, a creative project completed, a friendship nurtured or simply finding more time for the things that matter most.

As summer slowly begins to soften towards autumn, I hope you find time to celebrate whatever has flourished in your own life this year. Enjoy the golden evenings, keep an eye out for the Buck Moon and take a moment to appreciate just how far you've come.

And if you'd like to celebrate the season with sunflowers, honeybees and a little creativity, I'd love for you to explore the new Sunflower & Honeybee collection or join me at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter this August.