I’m Julie Schaafsma, the Waterdown,

Ontario-based creative designer behind the name, Leiden Designs.

 

Inspired by many years of experience and extensive travels, both near and far,

everything I make comes from an eclectic treasure trunk full of rocks, pebbles, gems, crystals, coral, fossils and beads of all kinds collected on my journeys.

My art is representative of a lifetime of curiosity and adventure.

 

While I wait for the paint to dry on my latest refinished furniture projects,

you can find me creating designs with wire. This is one of my favourite art forms and I love the benefits I personally gain from the natural grounding, relaxation and calmness of blending it with natural agate, rocks and gems.

Each piece is individually made by hand, resulting in a truly unique and one-of-a-kind work of art.

 

As for the name? Leiden holds more meaning for me than just the Dutch origin we share. 

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The University of Leiden in the Netherlands is where the genetic blood clot disorder I suffer from was first recognized. Leiden Factor 5 is a genetic mutation that has forced me to put the brakes on life more often than I would like; however, rather than allowing it to take over, 

I’ve embraced the challenges, and acknowledged the disorder by facing it every day 

and making it front and center of what I do.

 

Welcome to Leiden Designs.