Who Knew Cacti Have Skeletons

Press Release

Artisan Clare Johnston who launched Lila Clare, a graceful collection of sterling silver jewelry, has made a line of jewelry from Prickly Pear Skeletons.

In Lila Clare's Botanic line, the Opuntia Collection is made from actual pieces of Prickly Pear skeleton. When a pad from the prickly pear cactus dies, the outer skin and pulp decompose, leaving a woody skeleton behind. Clare chooses a section of the skeleton and, using the lost wax casting process, creates sterling silver jewelry.

As an Arizona resident, Clare gets her inspiration from the desert and nature around her.

"One day on a hike I noticed the Prickly Pear skeleton and immediately saw the possibility of pieces made directly from the organic material. The lost wax casting method provides the perfect technique for transforming the skeleton into these organic, fluid pieces."

Clare has been designing and creating since she was a child. Starting with fashion in her early youth, she realized that designing and making jewelry has always been her enduring passion.

When coming up with a name for her line of jewelry, Clare found that 'Lila' is Sanskrit for experiencing the universe as arising from love, play and creative adventures. For Clare, creativity and jewelry making is this dance of love. Therefore, Lila Clare was created.

Small boutiques and galleries are currently carrying Lila Clare.

Samples, high res images, and sales information available.

Bloom Showroom is an independent showroom that handles sales and/or publicity services for emerging designers.

The showroom is dedicated to emerging designers to help them succeed in all aspects of their business, from getting the accessories into stores, to generating buzz throughout the industry.

At Bloom Showroom we believe that creative positioning and regular product placement are key in gaining exposure, building awareness, and ultimately motivating sales