Creative practice | Jewelry making & bringing magic to your everyday
Part of my 2025 resolutions was investing in a creative practice. In my favorite finds of 2024 post I referred to the importance of having a creative practice as a transformative tool. One of my resolutions for the new year was investing time in creative projects. Work, studying, household chores and errands require structure, repetition, planning and logical thinking. Art, play, creation and innovation require imaginative, creative thinking and lots of practice & time. Time investment is necessary to cultivate this side of yourself. For some this side is such a natural state of mind and being in the world - they cannot not be this, do this, it is a necessary undeniable part of their existence. For others, it requires clear intention and deliberate action. Even though a creative spirit at heart, realistically I am more part of the last group. I had to make time and make no compromises about that time. This can be hard if you get pulled in different directions, but I am convinced that if you invest in your creative side, it will pay itself forward in both expected ánd unexpected ways. 
Moodboard - Creative Practice 2025
This year I started following jewelry making classes at goldsmith Antje Haumann’s atelier in Bussum. She offers different kinds of classes / workshops and I, for the most part, went on Friday mornings. Her atelier has all the fancy equipment you could dream of and her expertise and knowledge will make sure you get a high level of education when it comes to jewelry making and working with different kinds of metal. She truly supports the designs of her students, but is also straightforward about what is and isn’t possible within the framework of her classes. I have many many things to learn which is very exciting and quite daunting at the same time (I have gained even more respect for goldsmiths and jewelry makers). This time I worked with silver and bronze, and created a bronze pendant with a ruby stone for a necklace, and a silver ring with an agate stone:
Antje’s design atelier. Silver and bronze pendant. VERA Juju drawings. Moodboard images by Iris van Herpen (Kunsthal exposition, 2025).
If I look back I could have been more deliberate in coming up with a design. I created something while doing and it turned out well, but a well thought out design is crucial if you want to level up. Here are some of my favorite jewelry design stores:ABOAB they are based in New York and a great option for modern, simple and elegant designs.Alexis Bittar is another NYC based brand with wonderfully creative and unique designs.Corali a brand rooted in sustainabilty and craftsmanship and with stunning earrings!Juju Vera this brand is a dream and their collars are gorgeous - they remind me of the ones worn by women in my family, I never found anything like that anywhere.Begoldish this is a spiritual and sensual dreamscape, with magical designs that hug every inch of your body.By1Oak a contemporary, city-life inspired brand, based in Amsterdam with handmade designs in Bali.
Find them pictured below with a sprinkle of Roland Barthes’ A lover’s discourse.
What I noticed is that investing intently in creative work, imaginative thinking and playfulness contributed greatly to my ability to experience moments of pleasure and excitement even in my daily life. Getting lost in something is also a great antidote to the constant stream of information coming our way. Make no mistake, getting lost is not meant to imply losing focus. Working with metals requires a lot of focus, but it makes you forget all other things outside of that practice. I now understand even more how important this is for me, for my mind. I will continue to invest and pour more and more into this side of myself. It also helped me understand what I admire so greatly in certain people. People that live in deep connection with their creative side make up for the most interesting and inspiring people to be around. In that sense art and aesthetics are not only avenues for newness, transformation, but also practices in self actualization and fulfillment.What is your creative practice? What would you like to practice creatively? I hope I inspired you in some way and will keep you posted on my creative endeavors XOX Jackie. Boudoir Bedroom DIY | Adding colour, decoration & cozy vibes
Staying in (is just as good as going out)
My home is my sanctuary. I don’t know about you, but I’m not one of those people that minds staying in. It helps that I’m an introvert at heart, but I’m convinced anyone can make their home so lovingly beautiful and cozy that staying in, is just as good as going out. Decorating your home doesn’t have to be a grand gesture or cost a fortune either. I believe the magic is in the details - little treasure troves, trinkets and personal keepsakes is what make your space unlike any other. As the ultimate mood setter, production designer Jon Hutman’s accounts designing Meg Ryan’s cozy apartment in You’ve got Mail. In a way the coziness, the shabby chicness of the decor, filled with memorabilia and personal touches, feels like some kind of antidote to the overconsumption of our modern age.
A dream closet
Carrie Bradshaw’s New York city brown stone apartment was my first introduction to a walk-in closet. A grey-green closet of dreams. In many ways the versatility of Carrie’s character makes her perfect for spirit animal projections. However, I’ll break the spell upfront: I do not have a walk-in closet. I would say, you don’t need one! I will take you through my little closet make-over adventure and perhaps it will, to my delight, inspire you in some way.
First, a glimpse of my moodboard:
In terms of paint I went with the bold color Arsenic by Farrow & Ball. Even though the name suggests otherwise, I find the mint green very refreshing and whimsical.
The process (before and after, and cats)
My closet is very old, but in good condition. The wood was painted white once, and never since. I did get ahead of myself and thought one day would be enough to finish painting. I was wrong. The process took several days. From cleaning everything out in some orderly fashion, to painting once, twice, thrice, to organizing and putting everything back in. This was the process and end-result (disclaimer, the color is more bold and green in real life):
I painted more closets this past year, the hall closet in rectory red, and another clothing-closet in railings (it was such an ugly violet, but I saw the potential for beauty when buying it):
A moment of reflection
Preparation is important, but planning for enough time (more than you think) is key. Don’t judge yourself too harshly if you have some down moments during the process. Also, keep faith that the end result will deliver. Trust that it will. If the feeling of happiness and enjoyment from the end-result is not immediate, don’t worry and take a few days - it will come. I love my new closet, it feels totally new and I have more oversight on the clothes and accessories that I own - making dressing up even more enjoyable.
Leisurely things: a personal selection
Aside from a fresh color of paint, there are many ways to add to the boudoir bedroom vibes:
Chinoiserie home deco’s pieces are unbelievably stunning, so much for DIY, this is artistry.
The site of Chicago based design firm Summer Thornton is stunning and I want to live there.
Nothing beats good sleepwear, Sissel Edelbo makes great pyjamas, and I love the Terry collection by Bernadette Antwerp.
A Considered Space by design-writer Eleanor Cording-Booth is an amazingly inspiring substack newsletter.
Caroline Winkler makes the best, most funny and cozy interior design videos, period.
Whimsy Dawn for trinkets, stellar hooks and blue dreams.
Bedcovers should not be overlooked, Bonsoirs makes gorgeous designs.
For the scent lover, Santa Maria Novella has the best wax tablets.
A pouf, I love these by Palais.
These lamps by Club Carlotta are the cutest!
Read Allison Bornsteins recent newsletter for simple tips for vintage shopping and exploring Etsy.
My interpretation of the walk-in closet reflects both my inner introvert - who likes nothing better than staying cozily at home - and my inner Carrie who loves to dress up, go out for a Cosmopolitan and chase after those Big dreams. This process inspired me for many more DIY projects, from dinner hosting ideas, to wall art design to decorating for the holidays.
What is your passion project? I hope you found some inspiration and feel excited to start (or finish) your own project. With love always!
Jackets, blouses, skirts and headbands of the day | Spring Summer 2026
It feels strange to discuss summer clothing in the midst of fall. In the Western hemisphere we are feeling the cold weather pierce through - and I actually love sweater weather season. However, the fashion world has its own rhythm and plans ahead. Actually, as I am traveling to New-Zealand soon, where summer runs from December to February - the SS26 runway provides plenty of inspiration for what to pack.
Dries van Noten
In terms of statement fashion, Dries van Noten SS26 Women really stood out to me with the jackets, bags, print and sparkling embellishments:
Chanel, and Charvet
The SS26 runway offered a lot of elements that elevated causal wear, for example the Chanel conversation (we can’t call it a collaboration) with Charvet, the heritage brand known for its shirt making craftsmanship. The latest hire by Chanel of Matthieu Blazy as creative director proved to be a conversation starter indeed. Perhaps just what Chanel needed considering the financial and creative difficulties the brand found itself in after the passing of Karl Lagerfeld. Chanel tried to increase its prices to compensate the losses and keep its stature of a brand for the wealthy. However they might have gone slightly overboard, alienating customers and stirring (the wrong kind of) conversation. Now, the question remains whether the choice for Blazy, who caters to quite a niche part of the market segment, was enough of a good conversation starter, but not too much of an alienating force to precisely the wealthy, traditional customer Chanel is dependent upon.
I loved the Blazy collection and view it as on the one hand ‘breaking away from the old’ - which might alienate certain customers, and on the other hand ‘opening the door to the new’ - opening up just that possibility for Chanel as a heritage brand to participate in the universe of fashion brands that are conversation starters and actually lead the way in terms of fashion’s future.
The bounce and flow of the collection to me alluded to that rythm of playfulness, newness and a fresh perspective. In that sense, Blazy’s collection was very much in line with Coco Chanel’s spirit I would say, in that she too was a trailblazing, pioneering designer that fused the feminine and masculine in a way that wasn’t favored by everyone. The ‘conversation’ with Charvet was then the perfect combination of these two ends of the spectrum: marrying tradition and craftsmanship with modern design.
The skirts were also a delight and very wearable (which is of course, something entirely different that affordable in the Chanel universe):
What did you think, was the collection the marker of a new era for Chanel? Or a blasphemy to the old tradition? I would say the collection was dualistic in nature. It introduced new elements to Chanel’s universe, thereby creating the possibility for new avenues in Chanel’s brand trajectory. At the same time the collection demarcated an end to a period of time in which traditional and classical designs reigned supreme. Or this was at least part of the intention as I see it. However, a conversation is one thing, the way the conversation will change the brand’s direction is the important question that only time can tell.
Simone Rocha
Now for another fashion love of mine. Headbands. I have a lot of them, very very statement and not for the faint at heart. Luckily this fashion week I found a kindred spirit in Simone Rocha:
Chloé
I am a sucker for anything silk, and slip dresses are a go to in my day to day wardrobe. The Chloé Summer 2026 collection had some amazing glossy, silky looks:
Chemena Kamali nailed the mauve and butter-yellow color scheme, which is hard. The florals prints in the collection were, unfortunately, not my favorite.
Personal recommendations
Now, for the fun part, how can we incorporate these looks into our own wardrobe (without breaking the bank)?
Great jackets? Look no further than Maison Hotel
In need of a “Headband of the day” (#iykyk, or Google it + John Legend)? Options galore at LeLe Sadoughi
On the lookout for a statement skirt? Ulla Johnson has you covered
Great looking shirts? I love TOTEME and Anine Bing
The spring summer runway did inspire me, and I will get back to the topic of packing for more tropical temperatures. Yet, as winter is around the corner, I will gladly sit in my wool sweater for now, with a hot cup of coffee, focusing on the cashmere and suede winter collections that are coming our way from left to right….
Favorite finds of 2024
Hi everyone!
The new year has come to a close and I hope you’ve had an effervescent and stunning one, and are looking forward to 2025.
My year was very focused, focused on work and on obtaining a postgraduate degree. This meant there wasn’t a lot of room for anything else.
That made me think of my new years resolution. What do I want to develop, give more thought, focus and place more value on for the new year? I actually don’t think this process is cliché. I think it is a beautiful opportunity to reflect and set new intentions. Are you with me?
A little while ago I read an interview with the writer Kristina Libby where she talks about the importance of having a creative practice as a transformative tool. Instead of running away from problems, a creative practice helps to explore the opportunity the (challenging) situation presents - allowing for a new way of seeing things - and perhaps for some magic to appear! This way, a creative practice allows for newness to arise. Intuitively I know this, however this year I’ve made the resolution to truly attune to this truth and embrace the value of having a creative practice - and make it practical. I also believe it serves as a certain balance, at least for me, to my professional self - and even perhaps as an enhancer - as it will enable me to tap into my creative mind with more ease and valor. So, this was one of my favorite epiphany moments of the last year, especially apt to bring into practice in 2025.
Of course there were many more favorites in 2024 and I’ve compiled a list for you:
I. Books
My reading has, admittedly, mainly consisted of study books - on compliance and legal matters. However, I did manage to read some treasures here and there that provided me with some kind of insight and sparked joy (hi, Marie Kondo):
1. “The serviceberry - an economy of gifts and abundance” by Robin Wall Kimmerer. This book is lovely in so many ways, it is however also an anti-capitalist manifesto presented in a beautifully artful way (“All flourishing is mutual”) and it offers an alternative - told via the story of the serviceberry;
2. “The artful way to plant based cooking” by Chloé Crane-Leroux and (her mother) Trudy Crane is a welcome addition to anyone invested in plant-based cooking or wants to add another exciting layer to their plant-based recipes. I already made so many recipes and the book makes a great gift;
3. Folio Society: so this is not a book, it is an online bookshop, that offers an absolute treasure trove of beautifully designed books (and book sheaths - in Dutch we say: foedraal). In the picture of my book-stack (down below) you will see “Murder on the Orient Express” by Agatha Christie, they have some wonderful children’s books as well.
Book stack of 2024
II. Series
1. Maestro in Blue: now I know everyone is obsessed with Virgin River. However, I would highly recommend this Greek series, that is also about a small, secluded town (the island Paxos) and a tight knit community. The writing however surpasses Virgin River in my opinion. The human complexities, depths of our conscious and unconscious thoughts, the way we are shaped by our history and surroundings, the social ties that bind us together and the interconnectedness we cannot always escape. I wholeheartedly enjoyed watching all 3 seasons (!) on Netflix;
2. Blue Eye Samurai: this past year I discovered a new (to me) genre, namely that of animation for adults and this one - about a female warrior Mizu, during the Japanese Edo period - is unbelievably stunning;
3. Pachinko: I read the book and the series (on Apple TV) is also well worth your time - brace yourself for an emotional heartbreaking story.
>Intermezzo< a Favorite Dutch word
Vindingrijk, vindingrijkheid
This Dutch word expresses the ability of a live creature (word by John Dewey; usually a human) to be resourceful. Even though this English word - resourcefulness - does not i.m.o. fully grasp the aesthetic quality of the word, and the active human contribution related to it. Some other languages translate the word as follows:
Frysk wurdboek adj., rêdsum, rêddich, fornimstich, kunstich.
Spaans: conceptuoso, imaginativo
Duits: erfindungsreich, gewitzt
(Source: Wiktionary)
III. Clothes, beauty, jewelry and accessoires
1. Clothes: Corduroy pants by Arket - apparantly, when I like something, I like it in doubles, triples, even quadruples. These classic pants made by Arket are so comfortable, well designed and easy to style for any occasion. I got them in brown, dark blue and a dusty pink. I also love Ulla Johnson who makes the most beautiful garments and prints! I am a big fan of her turtleneck tops (which look so special underneath a lightly knit cashmere sweater) and like to shop from net-a-porter;
2. Beauty: so many brands by women, god I love it so much. I am a collector of anything Violette fr and Lisa Eldridge. This year I was also pleasantly surprised by the nail polishes by Chanel, they nailed all the colors, and the sparkly holiday edition lipstick by Chantecaille (picture 2 down below);
3. Jewelry: by1Oak - they design their jewels in Amsterdam (they have a shop at Prinsengracht 134) after which they are handmade in Bali;
4. Accessoires: Taljé belts by Anouk Yve - these belts are so well made, sturdy yet very sophisticated, I have the belt 008 in white and the Fabro gold of the new collection.
IV. Interior styling
I did a lot of work on my home last year, more than I thought when I get to think of it. A few stores I especially loved:
1. Palais - the philosophy of this brand speaks to me in so many ways, they aren’t rushed to produce their beautiful designs and are well equipped to inform the customer of the process and time it takes to craft the beautiful products. I got particularly obsessed with their pillows (pictures 1 and 2 below);
2. Sissel Edelbo - if you love silk and (Indian made) fabrics, you will have a field day on this site. Recently I got a beautiful table cloth and some silk boxes (3rd picture below);
3. Farrow and Ball - I recently discovered this luxury paint maker as I bought a (second hand) closet and did not like the color (matte lilac). In Amsterdam there is a shop that specializes in quality paint and wallpaper: De Ru (situated at the Van Woustraat 143-145) that sells this brand, amongst many others. As I was visualizing what kind of colour to go for, I scoured the Farrow and Ball website for inspiration (and I mean many, many hours!). Eventually I opted for the colour Railings and decided to also give my hallway closet a re-paint with Rectory Red (in their full gloss finish) and paint some walls with Sulking Room Pink. I must say there are many more colours on my wishlist (like Indian Yellow and De Nimes), I must now decide what to paint with them…
V. Podcasts, YouTube, Substacks
This year had so so many good things, it was hard to choose what to share!! I chose 15 absolute favorites for you:
1. Diary of a CEO is a podcast and you can view them on YouTube as well. Their recent episode with Vanessa Edwards was especially inspiring! She helps finding the right cues in order to send the right kind of signals to others. Especially useful for the introverts amongst us (like me);
2. A Considered Space by Eleanor Cording-Booth (she tipped me on the corduroy pants!). If you like a little nostalgia you will looove her newsletter on Christmas homeware;
3. Lily Diamond’s newsletter - I honestly love anthing she writes, it is pure gold and sooths your soul;
4. Sez Kristiansen - a spiritual, healing sanctuary that I highly recommend;
5. More to Hate by Kate Manne - a brilliant thinker, philosopher and feminist. Given the anti-woman politics that have gained traction in the United States (with much broader implications) this newsletter is a must;
6. Food stylist Paris Starn - if you like to play with food, her newsletter is delicious;
7. Twinflame by the french sisters Lisa and Karen Napoly (they tipped me on the Vanessa Edwards episode!). They each have their own YouTube channels Karen & Lisa as well, that are well (!) worth your time;
8. Interruptrr by Elmira Bayrasli - I was originally subscribed to Elmira’s female-foreign-policy focused newsletter interrupturr and now her substack newsletter. The yearly book list is a true gem;
9. Allison Bornstein substack and her book ‘Wear it well’ are a must for anyone that wants to explore their own style in a new way. Her three word method is a great starting point;
10. Tori from The Window Seat - for anyone who likes to travel in style and as effective as possible;
11. Will Dowd and his Moonstack - interested in anything moon-wise? Don’t sit on this one;
12. Rajiv Surendra has an exquisite eye for detail and for the art of living well, both creatively and domestically. I urge you, if you haven’t already, to visit his YouTube channel. For example this episode on How to Walk in Public;
13. Maya C Popa from Poetry Today - I love poetry, and hope to write some poetry myself in the coming year, this newsletter is a great motivator. The last newsletter on 31 Writing Prompts that Work is wonderful;
14. In Moda Veritas by Irene Kim - Irene is a highly skilled stylist that shares her expertise and love of shopping in this newsletter. Subscribing will surely help you build your wardrobe. I especially loved her ‘How to build a Foundational Wardrobe’ series;
15. Tending Gardens by Kana who ever so graciously offers us a glimpse of life in rural Japan (because of her I know of the book ‘ Serviceberry’!). Japan is very high on my travel bucket list.
>> That was it for 2024 and leaves me with: what will you cultivate in the new year? Do you have a creative practice? Will you start (a new) one?
I hope I inspired you in some way and wish you all the very best for the new year!
Non marti, sed arti,
Always with love,
Jackie.
Dior / A new (out)look
Personal style | A Dior classic
This week I visited the Dior exhibition ‘A New Look’ at the Kunstmuseum in The Hague (you can visit until the 26th of January, 2025). The exhibition shows a mix of both modern and classical pieces and includes a stunning custom jewelry collection.
If you love embroidery, this exhibition offers an especially unique opportunity to view the stunning embroidery by Maison Lesage. The detailing is a feast for the eye:
If you love Dior and the artistic and craftsmanship that goes into making collections I recommend the documentary ‘Dior and I’ for a behind the seen glimpse of Raf Simons’ haute couture collection for Dior. At the exposition they showed this masterful piece by Raf Simons:
Raf Simons for Dior, haute couture, fall-winter 2012, Paris. (Material: silk, wool)
In terms of coffee table books I love this book about Christian Dior’s magnificent refuge in the South of France ‘The Chateau de la Colle Noir’. The book covers a lot of historic ground and insider knowledge of his time spent in the South of France:
Lastly, when it comes to my daily beauty regime I’m a big fan of Dior fragrances and their beauty line. Two of my current favorites are the new Dior Forever Skin Perfect stick foundation (easy application and an absolutely perfect finish!) and the Ambre Nuit Parfum which transports you to a scenery straight out of an Arabian Nights fairytale. Perfect for cozy winter nights.
Do you have any Dior favorites?
Love,
Jackie.
Seasonal finds | A love of fabric - Wool
Personal style | A love of sheep…
There are few things I love more than a cozy sweater. Perhaps that explains my love for fall and winter season. As soon as it becomes time to switch out my wardrobe, my heart skips a beat. My perpetual search for the perfect sweater has resulted in some go-to brands that never fail me.
Of course, Sezane is an obvious, budget friendly option. They know their colors and offer a great variety of knitting techniques. My recent purchase is this gorgeous green-emerald sweater:
Sezane sweater - merino wool, kid mohair
High on my favorite list is the London based brand Arch4, their cashmere is unparalleled and I’m the proud owner of some glorious Arch4 classics. I’m eyeing this one:
Arch4 crew neck jumper
I recently discovered Lisa Yang a Stockholm based brand that is very much into the ‘slow luxury’ trend. I’m eyeing this lovely burgundy brushed-cashmere piece:
Lisa Yang burgundy brushed-cashmere
I have a considerable collection of wool/cashmere scarfs. I highly recommend the brand Johnston of Elgin for their knits and cold-weather accessories. If you find yourself in the festive spirit, I recently added this beauty by Dries van Noten to my wishlist.
Dries van Noten festive, sparkly wool blend
I can’t wait to hear your recommendations!
love,
Jackie.
October 2024 / Seasonal considerations
Tendencies | Procrastinating
I have been wanting to start this blog for a while now. However, have found many reasons to hold it off. Will it add value? What should I write? Who will read it? However, as I think about it, these reasons are silly!
Why do we do this to ourselves?
I'm thinking of December - that is less than two months away - and the inevitable setting of intentions that we collectively part-take in.
I do think this is a tradition that has its merit, can be a playful exercise, but I would like to think we can check-in more often.
Reflection combined with action as an ongoing pursuit?
Let's call it:
'planning seasonal check-ins to keep up with our intentions (or add new ones)'
When I think of people I admire most, like my father and some of my dearest friends, it is always because they are self-motivated to explore their passions and creativity. They make life happen - not let it happen to them.
Also, my spirit animal is the magpie, loving sparkly things, a little mischievous, resourceful, intelligent, quirky creatures - the opposite of procrastination.
So, who do you most admire? What do you admire about them?
How do you think they got to where they are?
What could be your motivation to get that project started that you've been holding off?
So, to kick this blog off, I not only intend, but hope you’ll equally start off this season, by giving in to procrastinating-tendencies less - and instead honor your inner magpie.
Sending you love and beauty,
Jackie. 