The Artist

Nathalie, still loving what I do best, making gemtrees !!

40 plus years making Gemtrees

40+ Years of Making Gemtrees

I started making gem trees in my parents’ garage at the age of 16, back in 1981. My father had seen the idea overseas and came home with some materials, making one in front of my mother and me. We watched in fascination as he created something that looked like a TV antenna, not great, sorry Dad, we laughed, no internet then to show us the proper technique. My mother, with her artistic touch, saw the potential. She grabbed the tree, twisted it just right, and with a few adjustments, viola, the first gem tree was born. Dad was delighted she saved him from embarrassment, and I remember that day fondly. It started something very special for me.

A few weeks later, I ventured to the market with a small stock of trees, a rickety table, a handwritten birthstone list, and a very stylish mother in high heels. She got me the spot, I was far too timid. I sold out that day. My mother proved to be a champion salesperson, and just like that, I was in business.

That summer, we moved to Queenstown, where I had a stall on Queenstown Mall. Back then, it was just me, John Parsons the artist, and Grant selling cherries. I sourced my bases from the lakeside, sold during the day, and twisted little trees in the evenings or on rainy days. It was then I realized gem trees would always be my craft. Twisting them relaxes me, and I even learned to twist while watching TV. I thought I had it made.

Life, of course, threw curveballs. The biggest was losing my father at a young age in an accident, which led Mum and me to return to Europe for a while. In Mallorca, Spain, I dove fully into my craft. We opened a shop, had business partners, and ran stalls at 12 markets a week, selling gem trees to tourists from all over the world. During this time, I discovered the curative powers of gemstones fascinated people, who loved the ancient meanings attached to them.

Over the years, I’ve sold gem trees in every country I’ve lived in, Spain, New Zealand, and Australia. I’ve had other jobs along the way, but I’ve always returned to my trees. They make me feel purposeful and happy. The shape I create is distinctive, and it all traces back to that wooden spoon and my mother. Every country I’ve made trees in inspired me to find local bases, but nothing compares to the South Island of New Zealand. The wild West Coast and rivers provide some of the most stunning, unique bases I’ve ever seen.

In the last decade, raising our daughter in beautiful Nelson has been a joy, and I’ve loved being part of the Nelson Market community. My business has been a gift, creating gem trees that make people happy, designing family trees, connecting with customers, and seeing my Paua shell and Greenstone range in about 10 outlets across New Zealand. Occasionally, even businesses that have gem trees from overseas prefer stocking mine, which is an incredible honor.

Then came Covid, and like many, I adapted. During lockdown, I focused on this website to continue sharing my gem trees with the world. And so, here I am, twisting trees, gluing stones, caring for my family, grateful for all I have, listening to Jacinda, and evolving my business for the future. I’m proud to be a Kiwi and feel blessed my father moved us here in 1980, giving me a craft and a place I truly love. Thank you, Mum and Dad. xx