Peeking on Project Metamorphosis I

With less than 3 weeks left for the end of the school year (and of all the academic projects and works which have been tormeting me to the marrow!), time to work on the new collection has been much smaller than I would want it to be. I know I've been a little quiet but I've never stopped playing with my brand new beads and golds and stones, even if slowly...

I am aiming to launch the new collection on June 8th (during the whole weekend). It's only a week away! ❤

Wishing everyone an awesome weekend! Sadly I'll spend mine finishing a landscape planning project for the Alto Douro Wine Region. It is a breathtaking place in the mountainous north of Portugal and listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. I may write about it here and post some pictures of my own another day soon. :)

Butterfly wishes,

Ana ❤

Project Metamorphosis Inspiration: Feathers Part I

The symbolism of feathers is most commonly associated with ascension and spiritual evolution to a higher plane. Native American Chiefs often wore feathers to represent their communication with the Spirit and express their celestial wisdom. Other common meanings of feathers stand for lightness, delicacy and truth.

To me, feathers represent the union between earth and sky, as the body of birds is covered in them. In other words, feathers are all about spreading our own wings and soar in life, being free to make our own choices and reaching out for our most important dreams, no matter how high in the heavens they are. They're about being light and subtle and gracious, as well as respecting all natural things within the universe and their inherent virtues, powers and wisdom.

Feathers are the second keyword behind my inspiration for the upcoming Summer collection (which is almost here!). Before I come up with some more sneak peeks, here are some beautiful images which have been helping me in my creative proccess.

(Disclaimer: Please note that I've found these images through the Internet and they are not my own; all credits go to their rightful owners.)

What do feathers mean to you? :)

Project Metamorphosis Inspiration: "Sunshine" Part II

Bad news everyone... worldwide mail seems to have gone insane as most of my supplies have been taking too long to arrive. I have no choice but to delay the new collection a little more! I have a few pieces ready but my original plan was to launch a single consistent line at once. I know Summer is almost here but I'm still sticking to my plan. So I'm working with what I have...

(Disclaimer: Please note that I've found these images through the Internet and they are not my own; all credits go to their rightful owners.)

These pictures do not only inspire me to create more than I can manage but also make me feel quite nostalgic. I miss Summer and warm weather so much; we've had such a tough Winter this year yet it seems it won't be enough! Seriously Spring, go home 'cause you're drunk.

Alas, enjoy the weekend people! And be sure to keep an eye on my Facebook page as I will try to update it with yummy sneak peeks throughout the next couple of weeks!

Butterfly wishes,

Ana ❤

Project Metamorphosis Inspiration: "Sunshine" Part I

The sun is a powerful source of cosmic power. It is more luminous than anything else that surrounds us in everyday life and one of the greatest beauties in the heavens right above us. Without it, life on Earth would be impossible. That's why it has been considered through the ages as a symbol of strength, vitality and optimism.

Last post I mentioned I was feeling truly inspired and excited for my big next step. Here are some beautiful pictures which have helped me to open my mind!

(Disclaimer: Please note that I've found these images through the Internet and they are not my own; all credits go to their rightful owners.)

Enchantment and New Beginnings

Image found @ Tumblr. Source unknown.

"Luna has now moved into Gemini - so many of you may feel torn between catching up with friends & working. This is because the asteroid Athena (the archetype of the Golden Heroine) was conjunct the Sun over yesterday's new moon. The next two weeks as the moon waxes to full offer a magnified opportunity for abundance for those projects which are aligned with your deepest values...thanks to the recent new moon Solar eclipse in Taurus. So do take this fecund opportunity to set your conscious intent into the matrix of co-creation."

Call me superstitious or tell me it's only coincidences, but I am increasily amazed by astrology and ancient wisdom. And Tanishka Tantrica from The Moon Woman couldn't be more correct as she typed her most recent moon guidance. Her speech totally matches my today's mood.

This week, I'll have 3 different deadlines for my Master's: a territorial development group project, a landscape recovery individual project and a test for a subject which hasn't even hosted any theoretical lectures (what the hell am I supposed to study again?). Everything is going kind of  s l o w l y  because these are quite complex projects and, to make things even worse, my ADHD mode will sometimes kick in and I'll find myself trying to do everything at the same time - and screwing it all up. I'm going through a major struggle to focus on a single task and just get on with it all. How. Frustrating.

I had planned, together with my boyfriend and his mother, to visit a medieval faire this afternoon. Also, a friend is hosting a dinner for his birthday tonight. This morning right after I woke up, I found myself debating and trying to decide whether I should attend both appointments or stay home working. After a long moment of pure frustration, I've decided to skip the faire (which ends tomorrow), work as much as I can through the afternoon and call it a day with friends I haven't met in months. I hate having to cut on things I love to do because of college. It feels like it is the only thing I keep on doing lately.

On the other hand, my heart and the other half of my mind have been with Wilwarin Designs and the big change my small business is about to face. I'm super excited for the transformation and feeling really inspired to walk a path of uniqueness and self-expression. I will definitely work hard for this dream to turn lovely reality as the Maiden grows to awaken and bloom in abundance and fulfillment!

Sneak peek: it all begins with a clutter of young ideas...

Butterfly wishes,

Ana ❤

Featured on Design Jewelry & Accessories Magazine!

I'm so proud to tell that my Turquoise Inner Glowing Ring is featured in the latest issue of Design Jewelry & Accessories Magazine! It's the first time I get one of my creations to be featured in media of such kind. So excited!

You can find the entire issue for download on JDAM's website (issue 3/2013). It is also in newsstand on iPad and iPhone for those who own one.

Have a lovely Thursday,

Ana ❤

Wandering in Whimsical Wonders: Crystal Palace Gardens of Porto, Portugal

It's been so long since last time I've visited the gardens of Porto's Crystal Palace, I almost forgot what a gorgeous and soothing place it is to be. These gardens were at first created during the 1860's, along with the construction of the original Crystal Palace building. Although the Crystal Palace itself has been (very sadly) demolished and given place to the current Rosa Mota pavilion, the gardens remain as a haven right in the heart of the city; the open designed spaces invite for snug sunbathing and the old, luxuriant woods whisper memoirs of a long past time. There is a semi-natural lake where the ducks and gooses swim and there are peacocks wandering around people in a wide and neverending avenue of centenary linden trees with breathtaking views upon the Douro river. There are dripping romantic grottos embedded in quiet verdant nooks and palm trees that reach for the sky. Alas, taking a walk through these immense gardens is like a journey to our deep inner selves.

I am currently working on a historic garden conservation project for the Crystal Palace within my Master's and managed to convince my boyfriend to come visit the gardens and enjoy the sun with me yesterday afternoon. Since he's such an indoor person, going out together is a really rare thing for us. We are total opposites in this matter; while I would grab a backpack and throw myself to places unknown every weekend if I could, he prefers to stay home cozy and at pleasure. Needless to say I keep telling him that for a person who enjoys nature and camping and stargazing so much, we spend way too much time indoors. Anyhoo... here are some pictures of the amazing gardens we've visited together for the first time in 6 years!

Also, today we celebrate Mother's Day in my country. I don't think I will ever find the words to describe how grateful I am for everything and all the love my mother has given me during these 24 years of life. I love my mom! We're having a family late snack to celebrate. Shellfish in such a gorgeous Spring sunday sounds the best! Yummy. But first, I'm off for the hard part... studying. Yay.

Buterfly wishes,

Ana ❤

Back to College

Although it was nice to spend two entire weeks at home recovering from surgery and chilling, it is good to be finally back to real life - I'm not so happy about the routine, but oh well. Anyhoo... I'm only missing about 6 weeks of academic rushing until I finally get on summer vacation. Ah, Summer! I feel I can almost touch it!

I am also back to Wilwarin Designs at full force. Been taking care of more orders than I could expect (for my delight), however, my latest supply shipments are taking a really long time to arrive, which means that the new collection's launch might have to be delayed... I''ve got huge plans but so little time and so many obstacles. Sad face.

A little note: since tomorrow is a holiday in Portugal, this week's orders will only be sent out next Thursday (2nd May). Thanks! 

Butterfly wishes,

Ana ❤