by Lorena Balea-Raitz | May 12, 2026 | Art, fashion illustration, Ink
New Art Just Joined the Ink & Lace Family — And They’re Ready to Steal Your Heart
Well hello, my lovelies — gather ‘round, because the Ink n Lace family just got a little bigger, a little brighter, and a whole lot sassier.
You know how some people collect shoes, plants, or questionable exes? I collect art moments — tiny bursts of colour, lace‑inspired lines, and the occasional “oops, I dipped my brush in my coffee again” masterpiece. And this week, I’m adding a fresh batch of originals to the studio shelves… and they are delicious.
From soft florals to bold abstracts to my not‑so‑secret obsession — fashion shoe illustrations — these new pieces are ready to strut, bloom, and sparkle their way into your home.
🌼 The Florals: Soft, Sweet, and Perfectly Giftable
If you love gentle purples, warm yellows, and botanical daydreams, the new floral minis are basically whispering your name. They’re painted on thick, juicy 300gsm watercolour paper (because we don’t do flimsy around here), and each one comes ready to frame.
Perfect for:
- your reading nook
- your office wall
- that one corner that needs a little “I’m artsy, but in a subtle way” energy
🎨 The Abstracts: Colour, Geometry, and a Little Attitude
Oh yes — the abstract pieces are back, and they’re serving warm oranges, magentas, teals, and all the geometric goodness your walls didn’t know they needed.
These are the “I’m sophisticated but also fun” artworks. The ones that make guests go, “Ooh, where did you get that?”
(You can smile mysteriously and say, “It’s an original.”)
👠 The Shoe Illustrations: My Tiny Passion Project Returns
If you’ve been here a while, you already know: I love drawing shoes. Like… really love it.
I used to custom‑illustrate heels, and that little passion has been tapping its stiletto on my shoulder again. So yes — the Manolo‑inspired pieces are officially part of the Ink n Lace lineup.
Expect:
- plaid heels
- pink heels
- everyday women’s shoes
- and more fabulous footwear to come
They’re cute, they’re collectible, and they make the perfect gift for your stylish bestie (or yourself — treat yourself, darling).
🛒 Where to Find Them
Because I like to keep things spicy, my art babies live in two places:
✨ Etsy — for curated originals & boutique vibes
Perfect if you love browsing handmade treasures and want a polished shopping experience. CLICK HERE
✨ eBay — for ACEOs, mini art, and collector pieces
Most of my ACEOs (those tiny 2.5×3.5-inch artworks) live over there, ready for bidding, collecting, and adoption into your art family. CLICK HERE
So whether you’re an Etsy wanderer or an eBay hunter, a little something is waiting for you.
by Lorena Balea-Raitz | Oct 8, 2025 | Art, Fashion, Romanian Point Lace
🌿 Nature’s Whisper: My Eucalyptus-Inspired Necklace…. Still searching for a name, actually!
There’s something quietly powerful about the Australian bush — the way eucalyptus trees sway in the breeze, their leaves whispering stories of resilience, renewal, and raw beauty. That spirit is what I tried to capture in my latest creation: a necklace inspired by eucalyptus flowers and gum trees.
🍃 The Inspiration, you ask?
Eucalyptus blossoms are unlike any other. Their delicate filaments burst in vibrant reds, soft peaches, and creamy apricots, framed by muted green leaves and slender branches. I’ve always been drawn to their understated elegance — the way they bloom without fanfare, yet leave a lasting impression.
This necklace is my homage to that quiet strength and natural grace.
🎨 The Palette, very classic
The colour story is deeply rooted in the landscape:
-
Green: for the leaves — earthy, muted, and grounding.
-
Red: echoing the fiery burst of eucalyptus flowers.
-
Peach/Apricot: a soft contrast, like the early morning light filtering through the canopy.
-
Branch elements: woven into the design to mimic the organic lines of gum tree limbs, adding texture and movement.
Each shade was chosen not just for beauty, but for meaning — a wearable reflection of nature’s palette.
🌸 The Design & Feel!
The necklace features hand-crafted elements that resemble blooming eucalyptus buds, with branching motifs that wrap gently around the neckline. It’s lightweight yet bold, designed to be both a statement and a whisper — depending on how you wear it—handcrafted over 40 hours with crochet, embroidery, and Romanian Point Lace. A wearable tribute to nature’s artistry.
Whether paired with a linen dress for a breezy afternoon or layered over a dark top for contrast, it brings a touch of the wild into everyday life.
This necklace isn’t just an accessory — it’s a conversation between tradition and nature. It’s lightweight yet intricate, designed to be worn with pride and curiosity. Whether paired with natural fibres or layered over a simple neckline, it brings a touch of handcrafted magic to any outfit.
💬 Final Thoughts
This piece is more than jewelry — it’s a love letter to the bushland, a celebration of native flora, and a reminder that beauty often lies in the details we overlook. I hope it speaks to those who find magic in nature’s quiet corners.
If you’d like to see it in person or learn more about the process behind it, feel free to reach out or follow along for future creations. There’s more nature-inspired magic to come… You find us best on Instagram @balearaitz
🧵 The Craft: Crochet, Embroidery & Romanian Point Lace
This necklace is a tapestry of techniques:
-
Crochet forms the structural base, mimicking the branching forms of gum trees.
-
Embroidery adds bursts of colour — reds, peaches, and apricots — like the flowering tips of eucalyptus.
-
Romanian Point Lace, with its graceful cords and delicate fillings, brings an old-world elegance that echoes the organic curves of nature.
Each stitch is intentional, each motif a nod to the bushland’s quiet poetry.
If you’d like to see it up close or learn more about the process, I’d love to share. There’s more botanical beauty blooming soon.
XOXO,
LORENA
PS; Be original!
