Portugal – Creatureshire

Animals, Birds, Nature, Portugal, Scotland, Shop Update

Jewellery to bring you back to the seaside

July 15, 2021May 12, 2021 Inês Fonseca

Come warmer days and I dream of the seaside. Of the seagulls flying over the ocean, of coastal wildlife, of bare feet walking over the warm sand. And when I bring these features into Creatureshire, I play with them to bring you a joyful experience of discovery and serenity.

None of these pieces of jewellery are entirely new. The lighthouses have been around for some time as well as the seals. They were both created while I lived in Scotland, just by the North Sea. The seals were inspired by a large colony of grey seals and common seals that lives in Fife.

The lighthouses came from the many lovely lighthouses that sit on Portuguese and Scottish shores. I have always seen them as guiding lights not just for ships, but also a place of safety for humans.

The seagulls were created earlier this year, and their design was inspired by the common seagull (larus canus). I took particular joy in their soft grey wings and their bright yellow beak.

Seals, lighthouses and seagulls are all available to buy at the shop.

What about you? What brings you joy by the seaside? Share it in the comments bellow!

Animals, Birds, Inspiration, Portugal

The Montado collection

May 24, 2021May 17, 2021 Inês Fonseca

The montado collection revolves around a Portuguese landscape known by its vast expanses of open forests of cork oak and pine trees. In these areas you can find large areas of meadow but also wetlands.

The journey to this collection started when I learnt about the Iberian magpie. This was an unknown species to me although it is native to my country. It struck me because of its beautiful colours. However they are also smart, gregarious birds, living in large flocks of up to 70 individuals. They feed on acorns, berries and small invertebrates so I included acorns and mushrooms in the collection.

Robins also shine in this collection!

In the montado you can also find the Iberian Lynx and this was the biggest challenge for the collection. It is a stunning animal and they are a highly endangered species due to loss of habitat, poaching and diseases. They are a protected species not just in Portugal but also in Spain.

The montado collection also features wetlands’ creatures such as mallards, European tree frogs and dippers.

Wetlands creatures. European tree frogs, brooch and earrings, dippers, earrings, and mallards, brooch and earrings

I wanted to celebrate my return to Portugal which species that are unique to this region and are also exceptionally beautiful. I hope that you enjoy this journey with me!

All the items from the collection are now available at the shop.

Inspiration, Nature, Portugal

Quinta da Regaleira

February 15, 2015January 27, 2015 Inês Fonseca

When I was growing up I remember passing in front of Quinta da Regaleira and wonder about what was inside. From the outside walls there were hints of beautiful gardens and mysterious creatures. At that time the Palace was closed to the public and the first time I went in I was 15. I remember the underground mazes, the towers, the secret passages… it felt like another world.

The history of the Estate is enveloped in mysticism and pretty much everything in there has some sort of meaning. There are statues of pagan divinities and animals mixed with waterfalls, lakes and a wonderful sight of Sintra’s mountain and Castles. I hope that you enjoy this little trip!

—

Quando estava a crescer lembro-me de passar à frente da Quinta da Regaleira e de imaginar o que estaria lá dentro. Dos muros exteriores havia pistas de jardins maravilhosos e criaturas misteriosas. Nessa altura o Palácio estava fechado ao público e a primeira vez que lá entrei já tinha 15 anos. Lembro-me dos labirintos subterrâneos, das torres, das passagens secretas… parece outro mundo.

A história da Quinta está envolta em misticismo e praticamente tudo tem algum tipo de significado. Há estátuas de deuses pagãos e de animais por entre as cascatas e os lagos; e há uma maravilhosa vista sobre a serra e os monumentos de Sintra. Espero que gostem desta pequena viagem!

Castelo dos Mouros, Sintra

Quinta da Regaleira

Castelo dos Mouros, Sintra

Mythical creatures at Quinta da Regaleira

Palácio da Pena, Sintra

Quinta da Regaleira

Wall detail at Quinta da Regaleira

Insects, Portugal

Mediterranean countryside :: Campo mediterrânico

August 31, 2014September 1, 2014 Inês Fonseca

There is quietness in the landscape while the sun warms the soil. Seen from far it looks like an idle place, and yet, as we walk through life starts popping up at each step we take. There are dozens of butterflies in the bushes surrounding the country paths and bees collecting pollen from wild flowers.

This is where I grew up, a small village in Sintra, and as a kid I used to spend a lot of time outside, running around and picking wild berries. I miss the sunshine and the warmth of the land! Every time I go back I take a walk around the village to smell the hay and the flowers, to visit the farmed lands and the pine woods.

—

Há uma tranquilidade na paisagem enquanto o sol aquece a terra. Ao longe parece um lugar parado, e no entanto, à medida que vamos caminhando pelas veredas a vida aparece a cada passo que damos. Há imensas borboletas nos arbustos que rodeiam os caminhos e abelhas a colher pólen de flores silvestres.

Este é o local onde cresci, uma pequena aldeia em Sintra, e quando era miúda passava muito tempo na rua, a correr e a apanhar amoras. Sinto falta do sol e do calor da terra! Sempre que regresso aproveito para fazer uma caminhada à volta da aldeia para sentir o cheiro do feno e as flores, para ver as terras cultivadas e os pinhais.

Wild berries

Wildflowers

A butterfly before going into camouflage mode

Countryside paths

Frog in the local stream

Wild berries

The mountain and the fields

Inspiration, Photography, Portugal

Colour Selections :: Selecções de Cor

September 25, 2013September 25, 2013 Inês Fonseca

Lisbon’s warmth and light — A luz e o calor de Lisboa.

Photography, Portugal

Postcards from Summer :: Postais de Verão

September 15, 2013 Inês Fonseca

Although it feels already like Autumn in Scotland, Portugal is still in Summer mood. My stay there went by very quickly and I am already missing the wonderful light, the warming streets, the family and the sunset over the sea.

I have selected some lovely images from the beautiful city of Lisbon and its surroundings. I hope you can get a glimpse of the marvelous light and the charming scenery.

—

Apesar de já se sentir o Outono na Escócia Portugal continua em modo de Verão. A minha estadia por terras lusas passou num instante e já sinto falta da luz maravilhosa. das ruas acolhedoras, da família e do pôr-do-sol sobre o mar.

Escolhi algumas imagens da maravilhosa cidade de Lisboa e arredores. Espero que consigam capturar um pouco da sua luminosidade e das paisagens encantadoras.

The view of bridge 25 de Abril from Cais sodré

Lisbon love

Bairro Alto streets dressed for summer celebrations

Sardines at Graça’s neighbourhood

Lisbon, from the top of Parque Eduardo VII

Sheep at “A vida Portuguesa”, a delightful shop

Fennel at Guia, Cascais

Washing strawberries outside for a family lunch

Micas, the one-eyed cat

Sunset in in Belém, Lisbon

Inspiration, Photography, Portugal

Colour Selections :: Selecções de Cor

August 28, 2013August 28, 2013 Inês Fonseca

During the summer holidays I have found myself playing with photos and making colour palettes. And I was having so much fun with it that I thought it would be great to share it, and perhaps give you some inspiration. The first one is a great reminder of what Summer is in Portugal and the colour selection came out full of energy.

—

Durante as férias de Verão dei por mim a brincar com fotografias e a fazer paletas de cor. Diverti-me tanto que achei que seria uma boa ideia para partilhar, e quem sabe trazer-vos alguma inspiração. A primeira é uma lembrança fantástica do Verão em Portugal e a seleção de cores tem muita energia.

Creations, Portugal

Babushkas :: Bonecas de Lenço

June 9, 2013June 9, 2013 Inês Fonseca

Lately I have created a few more brooches inspired by babushkas, a Russian figure representing women usually with a headscarf under their chin. They also remind me of the traditional dressing of Portuguese women from the countryside in their colourful headscarves with floral motifs. When I make these characters I always try to get that charming mood into each one. I like to use bright colours with lively patterns to make them unique. I hope you enjoy them!

These brooches are available to be made to order in your favorite colours!

—

Nos últimos tempos fiz mais algumas pregadeiras inspiradas nas babushkas, uma figura russa que representa mulheres com um lenço na cabeça. Estas figuras fazem-me pensar nos trajos tradicionais das mulheres do campo em Portugal, com os seus lenços em padrões garridos. Quando faço estas peças tento sempre pôr um pouco dessa atmosfera encantadora em cada uma delas. Gosto de usar cores vivas com padrões alegres e tornar cada uma delas única. Espero que gostem!

Estas pregadeiras tambem estão disponíveis por encomenda nas vossas cores preferidas!

Buttons made in 2008 inspired by a tutorial from Galapago — Buttons made in 2008 inspired by a tutorial from Galago

Doll from the first series of brooches made in 2011

Brooch from my most recent brooch series — Brooch from my most recent *babushka* series

Creations, Inspiration, Nature, Portugal

Kermes oak acorns :: Bolotas de Carrasco

February 3, 2013February 3, 2013 Inês Fonseca

The Kermes oak is a small bush from the Quercus family that abounds in the Mediterranean flora. They are very common in the Portuguese coastal areas and it is hard not to become fond of them. They keep their green leaves throughout the year even when the weather becomes very dry and they provide shelter to shy rabbits and partridges. I never resist collecting their pretty acorns that come in shades of brown or green according to the time of the year. This week I made my own version in the shape of earrings, with a few twists. I hope you enjoy them!

—

O carrasco é um pequeno arbusto da família dos Quercus que abunda na flora Mediterrânica. São muito comuns nas áreas costeiras em portugal e é difícil não gostar deles. O crrasco mantém as folhas verdes durante todo o ano, mesmo quando o tempo se torna muito seco, e abrigam coelhos tímidos e perdizes. Nunca resisto a apanhar as bonitas bolotas em tons de verde ou castanho consoante a época do ano. Esta semana fiz a minha própria versão na forma de brincos. Espero que gostem!

Inspiration, Nature, Portugal

Sunny Days :: Dias de Sol

December 31, 2012December 31, 2012 Inês Fonseca

One of the first things I noticed after I arrived to Portugal was the warmth of the sun. It feels good to be outside with a mild temperature and feel the sun in m face. It feels good to walk around in t-shirt in the end of December in some of my favourite places… I have been to Lisbon and to Sintra and it is impossible not to feel enchanted by the landscapes, the white house’s bathed by the sunlight, the river Tagus flowing to the Atlantic and the many green shades of Sintra’s woods.

Time seems to insist on passing quickly and tomorrow it will be a new year with 365 brand new days to make the most of them. I definitely want to do so, to enjoy more and to learn more. I hope you do to!

—

Umas das primiras coisas que senti depois de chegar a Portugal, foi o calor do sol. Sabe bem estar na rua com uma temperatura amena e sentir o sol no rosto. Sabe bem caminhar andar de t-shirt no final de Dezembro e passear em alguns dos meus locais preferidos… tenho andado por Lisboa e Sintra e é impossível não me sentir encantada pela paisagem, pelas casas brancas banhadas pelo sol, pelo Tejo a correr para o Atlântico e pelo muitos tons de verde dos bosques de Sintra.

O tempo insiste em passar a correr e amanhã será um novo ano com 365 dias prontos para fazermos o melhor deles. Eu quero fazê-lo, aproveitar mais e aprender mais. Espero que vocês também!