In the heart of Southeast Alaska's temperate rainforest, my home for the past 17 years, where mist clings to every leaf and branch, a simple morning ritual inspired what would become Twisted Ginger's signature collection. Let me take you on a journey through the rain-soaked wilderness that sparked these beloved designs.
A Morning in the Rainforest
Step with me into the heart of our Alaskan rainforest, where neon green bearded moss drapes from towering evergreens like nature's own jewelry. This hanging moss, a testament to the pristine air quality of our wilderness, sways gently in the morning mist. As I follow the winding trail, each breath fills my lungs with the crisp, damp essence of the forest – a scent that speaks of life, growth, and endless renewal.
Ahead of me, my children splash through saturated forest in their rubber boots and berry-picking belts, their excited voices echoing through the misty air. They disappear and reappear between towering berry bushes that form natural mazes high above their heads, their paths marked by the gentle shake of dew-laden branches. Everything here sparkles in the filtered morning light—each leaf, spider web, and blade of grass adorned with countless droplets that catch and scatter the sun's rays like tiny prisms.
These family adventures are a ritual that connects us deeply to the land. The earth beneath our feet feels like a giant sponge, saturated with life-giving moisture, while above us, the canopy creates a living cathedral dripping with countless crystalline beads of water. We're not just gathering berries – we're harvesting memories, learning the ancient art of foraging, and discovering the profound beauty in nature's most minor details.
After our picking sessions, when our baskets (and bellies) are full, and our spirits are soaring, we emerge from the forest. Tiny berry leaves cling to our clothes and skin like gentle reminders of our adventure, as if the forest wants to keep a part of us or perhaps leave us with small tokens of its magic. Decorated with ever present dew, these leaves become temporary accessories that inspire permanent memories.
From Forest Floor to Sterling Silver
One time, watching my children brush away the clingy leaves, inspiration struck. Those delicate leaves possessed an organic beauty I knew I had to capture in silver. This feeling, sensation, and memory of our dewdrop-filled berry-picking afternoons became the inspiration for my beloved signature berry leaf necklaces, designed to lay naturally off-center on your neck, just as leaves would settle organically on your clothing after frolicking through the bushes.
The Art of Silver Dust
In my seaside studio, where the scent of the ocean mingles with the earthy aroma of the rainforest, I discovered a way to capture these fleeting moments of morning magic in metal. It began with something some might overlook – the delicate, shimmering dust created when sawing silver. These tiny particles, catching light like morning dew, would normally be swept away or melted down for scrap. But I saw echoes of our misty morning adventures in these sparkling remnants.
The process of creating each piece becomes its own kind of meditation. As I carefully collect and apply the silver dust, I think of how dew gathers on leaves – some drops larger, some smaller, each finding its perfect place. The torch's flame dances across the surface, fusing the silver particles in a transformation that mirrors the sun breaking through the morning mist, turning each droplet into a spark of light.
The result is unique: one side of each leaf bears the organic, crystalline texture of the fused silver dust, while the other remains smooth and reflective. This duality mirrors what you might discover on a walk through our rainforest – how leaves show different faces depending on where light finds them and how moisture beads differently on each surface. Just as our forest changes with the seasons – from the heavy dew of summer mornings to the delicate frost of winter – these pieces capture that ever-changing play of light and water that makes our temperate rainforest so magical.
This signature technique has become my way of translating the language of the forest into wearable art. Each piece carries the aesthetic of our Alaskan wilderness and its spirit – that sense of wonder when you discover a perfectly dew-kissed leaf on a misty morning. It's a technique born from countless hours of experimentation and observation, but more importantly, from a deep love for this land where water and light dance together in endless patterns.
A Collection Born from Nature
My signature line weaves together various pieces that tell a part of our forest story. Like the varied heights of berry bushes in our wilderness, the beloved Rain-kissed Berry Leaf Necklaces & Whimsy Leaf Necklace come in different lengths (16", 18", and 20"), allowing you to create your own cascading canopy of silver leaves. Layer them together, and they dance like foliage caught in a gentle breeze.
My simple silver Whimsy Berry Leaf Earrings offer a whisper of wilderness for those seeking everyday touches of forest magic. At the same time, their "Rain-Kissed" variations capture the essence of dewy mornings with their signature silver dust finish.
The Rain-kissed Berry Leaf Hoops bring their own enchantment, featuring delicate leaves that appear to float weightlessly beside your cheeks. Wear them with your hair down and the leaves pointing toward your chin to create the illusion of leaves suspended in mid-air as if caught in a moment of forest stillness.
Each piece in the collection stands beautifully on its own, like a perfect leaf discovered on a morning walk. Yet together, they create something even more magical – a cascading forest effect that brings the wonder of our Alaskan wilderness to your everyday style.
As our forest continues to inspire, we're excited to share a glimpse of what's blooming in 2025: a new evolution of my rain-kissed designs where tiny silver spheres, created using ancient Balinese granulation techniques, will trace the delicate veins of each leaf. Like perfect droplets of morning dew caught in silver, these upcoming pieces will capture more of nature's intricate beauty. Stay Tuned!
Each piece in the collection stands beautifully on its own, like a perfect leaf discovered on a morning walk. Yet together, they create something even more magical – a cascading forest effect that brings the wonder of our Alaskan wilderness to your everyday style.
A Ring for Every Story
Perhaps the most beloved pieces in our collection are the Whimsy Berry Leaf Rings. These have become cherished everyday companions, with wearers telling us they rarely leave home without these comfortable reminders of nature's beauty. Each ring features two leaves seemingly suspended in mid-air across the finger, with options for simple silver and our signature "rain-kissed" finish. Like finding the perfect berry leaf on a misty morning, these rings have a way of becoming an essential part of your daily story.
The Beauty of Conscious Creation
Using recycled silver dust isn't just about achieving a specific aesthetic—it's about honoring our responsibility to the environment that inspires us. Every piece in the collection is crafted with intention, using sustainable practices that reflect our respect for our Alaskan wilderness.
More Than Jewelry
You carry more than a beautiful accessory when you wear a piece from my Whimsy Rainforest collection. You're wearing a story of morning adventures, teaching children to respect and love nature and find beauty in the smallest details. Each piece connects you to our temperate rainforest, where every leaf tells a story, and every water droplet holds magic.
Whether you choose a simple silver leaf or one that's been "rain-kissed," you're bringing a piece of our Alaskan wilderness into your daily life. These pieces are perfect on their own but layer beautifully together, making wonderful friendship or mother-daughter gifts. They share the story of nature's beauty and the bonds we forge while exploring it.
Creating Lasting Memories
Just as the berry leaves cling to us during our foraging adventures, these pieces are designed to remind us of our connection to nature. They're perfect for creating memories with friends and family, whether worn while making your own outdoor adventures or given as gifts to mark special relationships.
The Whimsy Rainforest collection is more than just my signature line – my love letter to Alaska's temperate rainforest, mornings spent with my children, and the magical moments when nature's beauty transforms into wearable art. Each piece carries a bit of that magic, ready to become part of your own story.
