Sunday, December 11, 2016

New Shop and Blog Name

Hello! So after almost 5 years, I've decided that it's time for a revamp of the shop and blog. I've finally decided on a new name, Vasculum. What is a vasculum? A plant collecting box, often with a strap for carrying. They were popular in the mid 18th century as botanists used them to collect specimens after a day of exploring. I was inspired to chose this name while reading, The Invention of Nature, by Andrea Wulf, which I highly recommend. I will be making, photographing, and posting new terrarium necklaces soon (just in time for Christmas) so keep an eye out.

The Invention of Nature - Elliott Bay Bookstore
In the mean time, here are some photos from a recent mushroom hunting trip I snuck in just before the season came to an end. The trip was mostly for fun, identification, and photo opportunities, but we did find some golden chanterelles that we cooked up in a pasta. All shrooms were found near Mount Rainier. 
Right: "Fly Agaric" Amanita muscaria
Left: Amanita franchetii  Right:"Golden chanterelle" Cantharellus sp. 
Right: Russula rosacea
Left: "Coral fungus" Ramaria sp. Right: "Green dog lichen" Peltigera aphthosa



**I am by no mean a mushroom expert so if you see any ID errors, please let me know :)

Thursday, September 15, 2016

The Prettiest Pollinators

I've been working on learning how to pin and mount butterflies! Here is a little bit of what I've done so far: 









Sunday, May 8, 2016

Coming Soon!

I've been working on a series of perfume oils created with natural plant materials. Here is a sneak peek!


Sunday, January 10, 2016

Homemade Lip Balm

Lately I've been experimenting with all natural, homemade products and learning about all the different essential oils. These were made with beeswax, cocoa butter, vitamin e oil, jojoba oil, camellia seed oil, and essential oil blends for aroma. Recipe from Mountain Rose Herbs. 



Wednesday, April 15, 2015