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Solo Exhibit & Giveaway: Hidden Garden!

by Violet on September 26, 2011

When I grow up, I want to be Vanja and Morana of Hidden Garden. Friends for nearly a decade, they traipse around the Croatian countryside finding flowers, leaves, and plants to turn into jewelry. By encasing them in resin, this becomes the updated version of petals pressed between the pages of a book.

Sometimes their pieces remind me of those guessing game photos that show an unrecognizable close up of a familiar object. Like this ring which, at first glance, seems to have a rich wood grain. Look again. It’s actually a bit of a sunflower petal.

This single tiny heart-shaped Shepard’s Purse leaf has a certain poignancy. Vanja and Morana wisely kept the scale of the pendant just right so that the little leaf packs a big impact.

Aside from protecting the dried, pressed flowers and leaves, the layers of resin serve as a magnifier so that every detail is accentuated. This ring features a bit of purple Iris which now takes on the feel of a watercolor painting.

Let’s take a trip to Croatia…come on along!

Curator V: Hidden Garden is made up of Vanja and Morana. How did you two meet? Can you tell us about your creative collaboration?

Well, we’ve known each other for eight years and we met during our first year in college (Faculty of Textile Technology). We were supposed to be interested in designing clothing but we are much more passionate about accessories – such as jewelry.
We’ve been good friends for years now and we spent enough days studying, traveling or just hanging out together to know we complement each other very well. This also translates into our working relationship as we just naturally agree on (most) things while designing our jewelry.

Curator V: You both live in Croatia. Can you tell us a little bit about that and how it inspires you?

Living in Croatia is great for us because we can find inspiration in its beautiful and diverse nature.
On the other hand, it can be hard because many of our supplies are either not available here or are much too expensive. We order almost everything online but we are happy because we recently found a shop that at least has Mod Podge!
Living in Croatia pushes us to be innovative and creative. We’re pretty sure many of Croatian Etsians would agree.

Curator V: What is it you like about working with epoxy resin?

Oh, where do we start? It’s delicate and transparent and when it dries it acts like a magnifying glass so it brings out all the tiny details you normally wouldn’t be able to see. The whole process of pouring resin, letting it dry, pouring another layer to create the dome…we love it all!

Curator V: You say that you never plan out your final designs. Could you walk us through your process and how you let the materials guide you?

We pick flowers, leaves and different plants everywhere we go. Sometimes we can look a little bit crazy and obsessed while lurking around bushes (and sometimes even people’s gardens) but I guess it’s a professional deformation. Many times we don’t even know the name of the plant we pick but we just have to have it because of its beauty. You could say we look at the world through a resin dome. ;)

The final look of our jewelry is decided by the shape and form of the pressed flower we choose. If it’s small and delicate it looks great in a smaller round base, if it’s bright and colorful, we immediately think it would look amazing in a large square and be a great piece of statement jewelry. We don’t think about the process too much, we just let it happen and that’s what makes it so fun!

Curator V: Do you have a dedicated workspace? Feel free to include a photo, if you do.

It’s our dream to have a little studio dedicated to our craft but for now we only have one sturdy table and lots of boxes where we keep our supplies organized (and safe from Marvin – Morana’s curious cat). Once we are dirty rich, we plan on having a fashionable girly studio where we’ll spend our days pouring resin, reading our favorite blogs, drinking coffee and enjoying ourselves. Yep, that’s the plan.

Curator V: What can we expect from Hidden Garden in the future?

You can expect many lovely things! We plan to expand our assortment to have a wider price range. We’ll be designing some earrings, magnets and maybe even pocket mirrors so there will be something for everyone in our shop. In the near future we’re planning on making a luxury Christmas/New Year collection of jewelry. There may be some peacock feathers involved and that’s all we’re gonna say for now.

If you would like to keep up with us and our work, feel free to follow us on Twitter or ‘like’ us on Facebook. We regularly post work in progress photos and crafty tutorials we find around the web.

Giveaway Time! Vanja and Morana are giving one lucky winner their choice of any item in their shop! Choose a ring…a pendant….it’s up to you! To enter, explore the lovely Hidden Garden then come back here and leave a comment with your favorite item. One winner to be chosen at random next Sunday, October 2nd.

(Reading this via a feed? Here’s a direct link to the giveaway so you can enter.)

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{ 128 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Birgit September 26, 2011 at 9:30 am
2 nicole September 26, 2011 at 9:46 am

Love the lavender pressed flower pendant! Lavender just makes me happy.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/80447811/pressed-flower-pendant-necklacereal

3 Felicia September 26, 2011 at 10:31 am

i love the Pressed Flower Necklace- White Flower In A Round Pendant Covered In Epoxy Resin Queen Anne Lace.

4 Lyudmila September 26, 2011 at 10:34 am

I like the Handmade Epoxy Resin Ring, Pressed Queen Anne’s Lace Flower on ivory white background – hidden garden jewelry! I learned that the legend says Queen Anne pricked herself with a needle while she was making the lace so the little dark spot in the middle of the flower symbolizes a drop of her blood.

5 lindaschiffer September 26, 2011 at 10:59 am

I love this shop! Such pretty, pretty things – but I especially liked the pendant with three small flower buds: Pressed Flowers Necklace Charm with three Pressed Red Flowers on a Beige Background – Covered in Epoxy Resin

:) Linda

6 lamazonian September 26, 2011 at 11:02 am
7 christine September 26, 2011 at 11:33 am

I LOVE the queen anne’s lace ring!!

8 zo September 26, 2011 at 11:47 am

I love hidden garden jewelry especially rings. This is great idea, very refreshing in jewelry world. Well done girls!!!
These are my fav!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81547131/real-pressed-lavender-flower-covered-in

http://www.etsy.com/listing/82462877/handmade-resin-ring-large-square-with-a-pressed-caramel-brown-leaf-covered-in-epoxy-resin

9 Bmorrell September 26, 2011 at 11:59 am

I’m torn! I adore the colors of the Round Pendant With Pink Rose Petal but there is something mysterious and lovely about the Dark Olive Green Walnut Tree Leaf. LOVE these pendants and rings – such a beautiful idea!

10 Rebecca T. September 26, 2011 at 12:40 pm
11 Teuta September 26, 2011 at 12:46 pm

Me! Me! Meeee!
:)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/81547131/real-pressed-lavender-flower-covered-in

This ONE is gorgeous!!!
And Lavender Flower are (almost) national flower in Croatia!

12 Jill September 26, 2011 at 1:55 pm
13 CROATOR.NET September 26, 2011 at 3:25 pm

I have one piece of their jewellery and it’s absolutely beautiful! <3 Keep on doing great job, I love it!:)

14 Moira Stone September 26, 2011 at 3:26 pm

Your work is really unique. It’s equal parts simple and different, all the same. Definitely adding you to my favorites. As far as favorites, I have to say I have a strange fancy for the zucchini flower necklace. That color yellow is my all time favorite color, and I love the texture of the pendant itself. All of your necklaces are gorgeous, though. If I won, I think I’d have trouble deciding! lol

Thanks for the opportunity. Really hoping to win this one!:)

15 Ioanna September 26, 2011 at 4:53 pm

My fav is the Real Pressed Lavender Flower Covered In Epoxy Resin on a large purple square

16 DESPINA September 26, 2011 at 4:54 pm

My favourite is the Handmade Epoxy Resin Ring, Pressed Queen Anne’s Lace Flower on ivory white background – hidden garden jewelry

17 Ksenia September 26, 2011 at 9:29 pm

Wow!
My favourite is Handmade Pressed Flower Resin Ring Square with Real Pressed Morning Glory covered in epoxy resin.
It’s beautiful!

18 Vedra September 26, 2011 at 10:04 pm

My fav is this ring with Queen Anne’s Lace Flower: http://www.etsy.com/listing/79100348/handmade-epoxy-resin-ring-pressed-queen

19 Glenys September 26, 2011 at 10:25 pm

I like the Pressed Flower Handmade Autumn Ring With A Blue and Yellow Flower Covered In Epoxy Resin Purple Iris. I wish it would be a pendant instead though.

20 Apurva Saxena September 26, 2011 at 11:28 pm

First of all I am totally awestruck by your amazing collection…It is just beatiful…you should actually call it EVE’S GARDEN ^_^

Well what i truley love from the collection are :
1.Halloween Resin Ring with Dried and Pressed Polka Dot Flower Tiger Lily
2.Real Clover Flower on a Large Beige Square covered in epoxy resin
3.Pressed Flower Necklace- White Flower In A Round Pendant Covered In Epoxy Resin Queen Anne Lace
4.Rectangle Charm with Sage Covered In Epoxy Resin
5.Pressed Flower Square Ring With Cream White Flowers On A Beige Background Covered In Epoxy Resin
6.Pressed Flower Pendant Necklace,Real Purple Lavendar Flower

My email id is – rockstar4rockers@gmail.com ^_^

21 Berendina Dykema September 27, 2011 at 12:31 am

My favorite piece is the Handmade Halloween Resin Necklace Pendant with Pressed Flower covered in epoxy resin – Polka Dot Tiger Lily

22 Lillea September 27, 2011 at 2:13 am

So lovely. One of my favorite pieces is Pressed Flowers Necklace Charm with three Pressed Red Flowers on a Beige Background

23 Zoran September 27, 2011 at 3:38 am

Hey, I didn’t know these simple things could be turned in such a nice jewellery…hats down you two!

24 Lulu September 27, 2011 at 3:48 am

I love Pressed Flower Pendant Necklace,Real Purple Lavendar Flower:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/80447811/pressed-flower-pendant-necklacereal
so cute)

25 Little Pond September 27, 2011 at 4:57 am

Just beautiful :) ))
My favorite is round pendant with pink rose petal:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/82463106/handmade-pressed-flower-epoxy-resin

26 Rachael September 27, 2011 at 6:31 am
27 Monica September 27, 2011 at 6:45 am

Your jewelry is beautiful! My favorite is the Pink Rose Petal.

28 Tanya September 27, 2011 at 7:40 am

Rose petal necklace is my favorite http://www.etsy.com/listing/82463106/handmade-pressed-flower-epoxy-resin
Such a beautiful collection!!

29 Melanie September 27, 2011 at 7:59 am

I absolutely love the Halloween Resin Ring…so unique!

30 Leslie Johnson September 27, 2011 at 8:07 am

I love the Queen Anne’s Lace Ring.

31 shirley fin September 27, 2011 at 8:13 am

Love the Handmade Pressed Leaf Resin Pendant – Ivory White With a Green Heart Leaf .

32 Tina September 27, 2011 at 8:28 am

Everything is so beautiful, this is my favorite!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81547333/handmade-pressed-leaf-resin-ring-olive

33 Abby September 27, 2011 at 10:32 am

That is the cutest idea! And what a way to preserve the beauty of nature. I must say I am taken by the Pressed Flower Necklace- White Flower In A Round Pendant Covered In Epoxy Resin Queen Anne Lace!!

Please make more pendants! Loving them!

34 Nora's Necessities September 27, 2011 at 10:37 am

I am in love with the TIGER LILLY!

(she was the best character in Peter Pan)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/33norashmora33?ref=seller_info

Nora

35 Stacey September 27, 2011 at 10:44 am

My fave is the Handmade Pressed Flower Epoxy Resin Round Pendant With Pink Rose Petal. I love the pop of color!

36 Tiffany September 27, 2011 at 10:51 am

Handmade Epoxy Resin Ring is BY FAR my FAVOURITE!!!!!!! I love the nature inspired ring, and I love how you can match it to any outfit! :)

37 Kimberly Wright September 27, 2011 at 11:34 am

I love the Handmade Pressed Leaf Epoxy Resin Ring with a Green Heart Shaped Leaf on a Beige Background, it’s so cute.

38 Emily Roth September 27, 2011 at 12:08 pm

Love the Handmade Epoxy Resin Ring, Pressed Queen Anne’s Lace Flower on ivory white background!

39 Kat September 27, 2011 at 12:30 pm

My favorite item is this pressed leaf necklace: http://www.etsy.com/listing/78399022/handmade-pressed-leaves-resin-pendant

40 Jamie Adkins September 27, 2011 at 12:37 pm

love the 3 red pressed flowers pendent.

jamieadkins@mail.com

41 Caroline September 27, 2011 at 12:42 pm

My fav ring is:
Pressed Flower Square Ring With Cream White Flowers On A Beige Background Covered In Epoxy Resin.

42 Marlene V. September 27, 2011 at 12:54 pm

I really like the Handmade Pressed Flower Epoxy Resin Round Pendant With Pink Rose Petal – hidden garden jewelry

43 Jingle September 27, 2011 at 12:57 pm

I love the Handmade Pressed Leaf Rectangle Pendant with Green Walnut Tree Leaf covered In Epoxy Resin! These are gorgeous!
jinglesells at gmail dot com

44 Catalina Kim September 27, 2011 at 1:15 pm

FAVE ITEM: Pressed Flower Resin Ring Large Beige Square with Dill covered in epoxy resin

It was so hard to choose… so I FAVED the shop on ETSY. I plan to go back & get something. :)

catalinakim at gmail dot com

45 Jodi Trudel September 27, 2011 at 1:20 pm

Thank you for offering this beautiful prize. I love the pink rose and tiger lily pendants. Have you ever thought of trying a stargazer lily?
http://www.etsy.com/listing/82463106/handmade-pressed-flower-epoxy-resin

46 Sarah B September 27, 2011 at 1:24 pm

Pressed Flowers Necklace Charm with three Pressed Red Flowers on a Beige Background – Covered in Epoxy Resin

This is gorgeous! Definitely my favorite!

47 Hidden Garden Jewelry September 27, 2011 at 1:38 pm

A BIG thank you to everyone who commented so far!We’re so happy to see people like our work :)

48 Jennifer Ladd September 27, 2011 at 1:53 pm

I ADORE the queen anne’s lace ring: http://www.etsy.com/listing/79100348/handmade-epoxy-resin-ring-pressed-queen It;s just my style!

49 Rainbow moonstone September 27, 2011 at 1:55 pm

Sooo hard to choose as I love their style and all items are gorgeous!
Handmade Pressed Leaf Resin Pendant maybe, so chic.

50 bunny September 27, 2011 at 2:10 pm

my favorite item is the Pressed Flowers Necklace Charm with three Pressed Red Flowers on a Beige Background – Covered in Epoxy Resin

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79355904/pressed-flowers-necklace-charm-with

51 TaraL September 27, 2011 at 2:29 pm

http://www.etsy.com/listing/78457146/pressed-leaf-square-ring-shades-of-green

This one is my favorite! the veins in the leaf are so beautiful! I love the color too! These remind me of cement leaves my dad use to make from plants in our garden and he would paint them to look real

52 Jennifer September 27, 2011 at 4:01 pm

I love the handmade pressed epoxy resin ring with a heart-shaped leaf. It is so beautiful and delicate! The jewelry is amazing! Hard to choose just one.

53 Jennifer Chomiak September 27, 2011 at 4:31 pm

I really like the “Pressed Flowers Necklace Charm with three Pressed Red Flowers on a Beige Background – Covered in Epoxy Resin.”

The link is:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/79355904/pressed-flowers-necklace-charm-with

54 Jenna@CallHerHappy September 27, 2011 at 4:34 pm

love the autumn yellow zucchini!

Jenna
callherhappy.com

55 peripatetic33 September 27, 2011 at 4:56 pm

my favoirte is
Pressed Flower Necklace- White Flower In A Round Pendant Covered In Epoxy Resin Queen Anne Lace

56 nicole aben September 27, 2011 at 6:06 pm

I like the pressed rose petal pendant – but really it was a super hard choice. They are really unique!

57 Christina September 27, 2011 at 6:07 pm

I love the Autumn Yellow Zuccini pendant! All of the jewelry is so beautiful!

58 mframe September 27, 2011 at 6:14 pm

I love the Pressed Flower Pendant Necklace,Real Purple Lavendar Flower

59 Maegan Morin September 27, 2011 at 6:36 pm

I LOVE the Tiger Lily Resin Ring!! But to prove that I checked out their etsy shop I also like the Rectangle Charm Resin Pendant-Dark Olive Green Walnut Tree Leaf. So nice!!

megnate at telus dot net

60 Sharon September 27, 2011 at 7:16 pm

These pieces are beautiful, I can’t really decide……I’d be thrilled with any of the pendants so if I win I’d probably let them decide and surprise me!
Thanks for the giveaway!!

lunrei(at)yahoo(dot)com

61 Calli September 27, 2011 at 7:53 pm

My favorite item is the Handmade Pressed Flower Epoxy Resin Round Pendant With Pink Rose Petal!

geminicalli at yahoo dot com

62 Deb (Two Cheeky Monkeys) September 27, 2011 at 9:11 pm

Such pretty creations! My favourite is the Pressed Orange Marigold Flower In a medium Round Ring Base.

63 Robin Scott September 27, 2011 at 9:34 pm

All her stuff is beautiful, but I like this one particularly: http://www.etsy.com/listing/79355904/pressed-flowers-necklace-charm-with
I also “hearted” her on etsy

64 kristen fritsche September 27, 2011 at 9:35 pm

I love the Handmade Epoxy Resin Ring! :)

65 ashley September 27, 2011 at 9:50 pm

I love the Handmade Halloween Resin Necklace Pendant with Pressed Flower.

ahampton79 at gmail dot com

66 Global Giveaways September 28, 2011 at 1:17 am

I’m in love with the Real Pressed Lavender Flower ring.

GG dot Global dot Giveaways at gmail dot com

67 Shasaphire September 28, 2011 at 2:49 am

Lovely! My favourite from the Etsy store is Pressed Flower Pendant Necklace,Real Purple Lavendar Flower.. hoping to win it!

68 Lubna September 28, 2011 at 2:59 am

Such a unique store. My favourite is the Pressed Flowers Necklace Charm with three Pressed Red Flowers on a Beige Background – Covered in Epoxy Resin.
Thanks for hosting this give away.
lukathewriter (at) gmail (dot) com

69 Mubin September 28, 2011 at 3:10 am

My favourite Hidden Garden jewellery piece is the Handmade Pressed Flower Epoxy Resin Round Pendant With Pink Rose Petal

70 Cheryl September 28, 2011 at 3:47 am

It would be tough to pick a fav! Your jewelry is clean and contemporary. Very unique and so attractive.

71 Shenny September 28, 2011 at 4:50 am

These are so amazing! I’ve never seen anything like that before and I totally love the idea. I cannot just decide on one favorite – I love the “Handmade Resin Ring – Yellow Sunflower Petal Covered In Epoxy Resin”, but the “Handmade Epoxy Resin Ring, Pressed Queen Anne’s Lace Flower on ivory white background – hidden garden jewelry” is so romantic, and delicate, but so is the “Pressed Flower Square Ring With Cream White Flowers On A Beige Background Covered In Epoxy Resin”. I love them all. Thank you for a wonderful giveaway!

72 Kara September 28, 2011 at 6:35 am

I love the ‘Pressed Flowers Necklace Charm with three Pressed Red Flowers on a Beige Background – Covered in Epoxy Resin’. So pretty! What great items in her shop! khaski78 at hotmail dot com

73 Rebecca September 28, 2011 at 6:41 am

I like the Autumn Pumpkin Orange Zucchini necklace.

74 Suzanne September 28, 2011 at 6:56 am

I love the Handmade Epoxy Resin Ring, Pressed Queen Anne’s Lace Flower on ivory white background.

75 Aik September 28, 2011 at 7:04 am

I love the Pressed Flowers Necklace Charm with three Pressed Red Flowers on a Beige Background – Covered in Epoxy Resin

76 jc September 28, 2011 at 7:53 am

This necklace with the Green Heart Leaf pendant is really creative and so sweet

http://www.etsy.com/listing/78397883/handmade-pressed-leaf-resin-pendant

Thanks for the lovely giveaway.

77 Lisa September 28, 2011 at 9:27 am

My favourite jewellery piece is the Handmade Pressed Flower Round Pendant With Pink Rose Petal – so beautiful!

78 Melody September 28, 2011 at 10:54 am

Wow, gorgeous work. I love this Handmade Pressed Flower Necklace – Autumn Pumpkin Orange Zucchini covered in epoxy resin – Long Rectangle

Melody.DuVal at gmail dot com

79 Melissa (Books and Things) September 28, 2011 at 11:06 am

I love the pendants. I can’t decide if I like the Lilly, or the leaf (heart). Oh the choices!

80 Lynda September 28, 2011 at 1:59 pm

Love the Handmade Pressed Flower Epoxy Resin Round Pendant With Pink Rose Petal – hidden garden jewelry!

81 KarenZ September 28, 2011 at 4:06 pm

My favorite item is the Pressed Flower Necklace- White Flower In A Round Pendant Covered In Epoxy Resin Queen Anne Lace.

82 Cheryl Abbott September 28, 2011 at 4:24 pm
83 Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard September 28, 2011 at 6:25 pm

I would get the Dry Flower Resin Pendant Necklace – Real Purple Lavendar Flower – love all the pieces
brendawitherspoon at hotmail dot com

84 Debbie F September 28, 2011 at 8:19 pm

I really like the Pressed Flowers Necklace Charm with three Pressed Red Flowers on a Beige Background

85 Andrea September 28, 2011 at 8:57 pm

i looove the tiger lilly halloween resin ring! :D

86 Anna Walkr September 28, 2011 at 9:50 pm

My favourite is the Dry Grass Leaves Pendant Necklace. I would wear any of them – so unique.

87 crystal September 29, 2011 at 2:04 am

I think the Three Pressed Flower Pendant is pretty!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79355904/pressed-flowers-necklace-charm-with

88 Oksana September 29, 2011 at 2:53 am

I adore and hearted Epoxy Resin Dry Flower Ring – Pressed Queen Anne Lace Flower on ivory white background – hidden garden jewelry! (oksana2372 on Etsy)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79100348/epoxy-resin-dry-flower-ring-pressed

Thank you for the chance!

ksyshenka(at)yahoo(dot)com

89 Tara Haidinger September 29, 2011 at 7:00 am

I like the Queen Anne Lace ring, but I am in love with almost every piece on the site. Everything is so beautiful!!

90 Abby Perdew September 29, 2011 at 8:55 am

I love “Epoxy Resin Dry Flower Ring – Pressed Queen Anne Lace”!

91 Oana Catalina September 29, 2011 at 9:11 am

My favorite pendant is: Handmade Pressed Flower Epoxy Resin Round Pendant With Pink Rose Petal – hidden garden jewelry.

92 elle September 29, 2011 at 9:29 am

my favorite item is the “Handmade Pressed Flower Epoxy Resin Round Pendant With Pink Rose Petal” but everything looks just perfect!

93 Madeliene September 29, 2011 at 11:18 am

I love the Pink Rose Petal pendant! Thanks for the giveaway!

94 gibberish September 29, 2011 at 6:52 pm

Wow – love this jewelry! I especially like the Hand Pressed Flower Necklace – Autumn Pumpkin Orange Zucchini .

95 judy gardner September 29, 2011 at 11:43 pm

i love all of it, but i think the necklace with the pink rose petal is my favorite! thank u for the giveaway!

judy
velvetelvis40@yahoo.com

96 Elaine R September 30, 2011 at 6:41 am

So hard to choose- finally decided on the Purple Lavender Pendant Necklace.

97 Marija September 30, 2011 at 8:38 am

Everything is gorgeous, but I’m especially smitten with the Handmade Resin Ring with Pressed Leaves, Four Green Leaves On Ivory White Background covered in epoxy resin.

marija.majerle at gmail dot com

98 Nancy September 30, 2011 at 9:56 am

I love the Pressed Dry Flowers Resin Ring – Green Flower Buds on a Beige Background Covered In Epoxy Resin :) So beautiful!!!

99 Karen September 30, 2011 at 11:53 am

I LOVE the Handmade Halloween Resin Necklace Pendant with Pressed Flower covered in epoxy resin – Polka Dot Tiger Lily. Just love it.

100 Amy September 30, 2011 at 3:29 pm

These are beautiful. I particularly love the Handmade Halloween Resin Necklace Pendant with Pressed Flower – Polka Dot Tiger Lily (http://www.etsy.com/listing/82462677/handmade-halloween-resin-necklace). Thank you all so much!

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