I went on a trip to southern California and was blown away by all of the unique botany that grows there. They have had a unseasonably cool summer and the plants must of loved it. I took some pictures and am very inspired to design some jewelry now. I wish I had noted the names of these flowers and plants during my time in California- that would have really taken it up a notch. If any of these translate into some designs, I’ll do some research to figure out the technical name.

Gorgeous Blackish Purple Flower- the petals are like that of an artichoke.

Thorny Succulent I spotted at the San Diego Zoo.

This palm has eyes all over it. Something about it reminds me of Picasso. I’m calling it Eye Bark.

Sweet little plant all decked out like a Christmas Tree. I love seeing the different phases of buds to blooms so compacted together.

Thorny Leaf- super cool. This is my favorite California Botany find.

This little puffy plant reminds me of varicose veins, but way cuter.

A grouping of natural elements found out walking my dog, Ramona. I have these organic vignettes around my studio for inspiration.

A mushroom I found that looks so much like a flower. I thought it would eventually dry into something not so pretty, but it is still just as lovely as the day I picked it out walking Ramona.

I love this coral sponge. It would be amazing as a piece of jewelry, but I think wouldn’t translate well into a mold because of all the tiny fissures.

Acorns that I collected on a seasonal walk with Ramona.

I had watched the decay of this animal for quite a while on my many walks with Ramona. I waited until the day it had been cleaned pretty well by the turkey vultures in my neighborhood. I had thought it to be a snake with all the tiny vertebrae, but then I found a row of teeth and have decided it’s probably a possum. My Dad told me that possums don’t carry diseases like other animals- I guess they get a bad rap because of their appearance.

I also picked up a turtle shell the other day and cleaned it with bleach. I put it on my coffee table among other nature vignettes I’ve arranged. I was looking for it the other day and couldn’t find it. I guess Ramona just couldn’t resist and ate it. Yummy!

Ramona, my walking companion and turtle shell eater.

I found this sweet little rose thorn when I was out walking my dog, Ramona. It’s utterly feminine and really edgy all in one. I love Mother Nature. She’s just the coolest.

Rose Thorn Necklace
Mixed Metals, silver thorn & gold cable chain

Multiple Rose Thorns
Blackened Silver & Open Link Chain

Rose Thorn & Lapis
Blackened Silver & Snake Chain