Lovely gifts from local makers

Here’s the latest on new vendors on buyHUNTER.com.au, our online marketplace for boutique, artisan producers from the Hunter and Central Coast.

The foreshore of Lake Mac is Laura’s home and her source of inspiration (and supply) for her delicately handcrafted earrings featuring dried wildflowers and gemstones. “I have recently finished a science degree in chemical and biomolecular sciences but have always had very strong creative and artistic leanings,” she explains. She started making earrings for family and friends to keep her hands and mind occupied during the first Covid lockdown. They proved to be highly popular and she kept getting requests for more. It was the start of Elysian Petals, a lovingly curated range of artisanal, floral jewellery that constantly changes with the seasons.

Laura creates all her pieces with special care and relentless attention to detail, using handpicked Australian natives from the Lake Mac foreshore, carefully dried and preserved in resin to safeguard their beauty for years to come. With no two flowers ever being exactly the same, expect slight colour variations in every pair of earrings.

It’s this perfect imperfection that is at the core of Elysian Petals jewellery’s playful charm – making them gorgeous gifts for a special someone: a friend or family member, or simply for yourself.After all who doesn’t need an occasional thoughtful pick-me-upper?

Laura has recently added beaded earrings made with genuine gemstone beads to her offering. “I’m using moss agate because it promotes self-expression, balances emotions and encourages trust and hope. And sea sediment jasper helps you find love, clarity and self-compassion,” she explains thoughtfully. Isn’t that something we all could use a little more of these days?

Read more about local makers in the Summer issue of Hunter & Coastal Lifestyle Magazine or go to buyHunter.com.au to check out some other lovely gifts.