Fine custom framing of the Nightingale gouache illustration

Sometimes, a piece of art captures more than imagination and beauty—it holds a story, a purpose, even a legacy. Such was the case in a truly special collaboration that ARTSHOP Toowoomba had the privilege of supporting for Hogans Family Jewellers, created in celebration of the 2025 LifeFlight Toowoomba Gala—where community, craftsmanship, and generosity converged in honour of care itself. 

At the heart of this collaboration was the Nightingale Dress Ring—a sublime, luminous, and one-of-a-kind heirloom designed by award-winning jeweller Keelie Sander (also known as Keelie Skou). A creation born of both intention and craftsmanship, the ring drew upon the golden theme of this year’s Gala, and its name takes quiet inspiration from the legacy of Florence Nightingale, whose pioneering spirit echoes through the lifesaving work of LifeFlight in our region. 

The design—anchored by a golden South Sea pearl, complemented by yellow, pink, and peach sapphires with hints of lemon hues, and elegantly accented with diamonds—conjures warmth and an enduring circle of care. It was no surprise that the Nightingale Dress Ring became one of the gala’s most coveted treasures, sought after by hundreds of ‘balloon pop’ hopefuls, each wishing to call it their own. 

But the story didn’t end with the ring. To further honour the piece, Keelie hand-painted an original gouache watercolour illustration of the Nightingale Dress Ring—a delicate blueprint rendering that translated the form into a second artistic medium. It was this illustration that ARTSHOP Toowoomba was entrusted to preserve. 

This collaboration was more than an exercise in design—it was a generous offering. A tribute to the care that LifeFlight Toowoomba continues to provide for our community. 

Keelie Sander shared some wonderful insights into her illustration process on Hogans’ website.

Q: How did you approach painting the ring? Talk us through the process of capturing such an intricate piece. 

A: Painting our radiant golden South Sea pearl was a challenge unlike any other. I had never painted a gemstone of this scale, and capturing its rare beauty demanded precision. In my home studio, I rely on various stone charts to guide my colour choices. By applying multiple layers, I create dimension and depth, making the gemstone appear lifelike. The process requires patience and careful observation—every detail must be just right. I’m always refining my techniques and pushing my skills further. 

Q: What were some challenges in translating a three-dimensional ring into a two-dimensional artwork? 

A: The key to painting jewellery is mastering shading and understanding how light interacts with metal and gemstones. Gold—especially yellow gold—is a joy to work with, offering incredible warmth and richness. This particular piece was exciting because the gold not only had texture but also bold, rounded curves resembling petals. Layering shades of yellow, brown, and white allowed me to create depth, making the artwork truly pop. Though the illustration is two-dimensional, strategic highlights and shadows give it a three-dimensional feel. Capturing how light plays across the surfaces was certainly a challenge, but it’s also the most rewarding aspect of the process. 

Framing the hand-drawn illustration 

Framing a special artwork is just as much about embellishing a beautiful display—it’s about preserving the piece for many years to come. At ARTSHOP Toowoomba, every step is handled with expert care, using museum-grade conservation practices to both protect and showcase the work at its finest. 

Our team approached the framing with a deep understanding of materials and time-honoured techniques. Premium conservation-grade materials—naturally pH-neutral to prevent deterioration—were carefully selected to ensure the artwork’s longevity. 

The piece was mounted within a hand-finished, ornate Italian gold-leaf moulding, paired with miniature frame edging, and floated within a window of black cotton ragmat. For the final layer of care, we chose TruVue Museum Glass, with its optical clarity and low-reflection finish, allowing the artwork’s fine details and colours to shine while protecting the piece from harmful UV light. 

Throughout the process, strict handling protocols were followed: cotton gloves, dust-free workspaces, and controlled conditions ensured the artwork remained safe and pristine. The finished frame not only enhances the illustration’s beauty but also creates a lasting, protective environment to help preserve it over time. 

Framing an artwork is a careful, detailed process that combines craftsmanship, skill, and a deep passion for presenting and preserving art. As a proud member of the Picture Framers Guild of Australia, ARTSHOP Toowoomba is committed to delivering the highest standard of framing for every client, collector, and project. 

Honouring craftsmanship in support of those that care for our community 

The golden Nightingale Dress Ring and its framed illustration are thoughtful, beautifully crafted pieces—each reflecting the dedication and artistry of Hogans Family Jewellers and ARTSHOP Toowoomba. 

Beyond showcasing fine craftsmanship, this collaboration is a reflection of community generosity and a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference—uniting in support of LifeFlight Toowoomba and its vital emergency care services. 

We hope the new owners enjoy these Nightingale-inspired heirlooms, knowing they were created with intention and care—and their creation supported a vitally important cause. 

Thank you to the organisers of the 2025 LifeFlight Toowoomba Gala and to Toowoomba LifeFlight  for all that you do. A heartfelt thank you also to Hogans Family Jewellers for your generous gift to this vital community service, and for your valued ongoing partnership.

To learn more about ARTSHOP's framing, conservation, range of services and to discuss your needs, please reach out to our team.

Warm regards,

Cherylyn Russell

Director

ARTSHOP Fine Custom Picture Framing · Artwork Restoration

Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia