Linden Tree
Since time immemorial, people have cherished the linden tree for its fragrance, graceful crown, and comforting shade. Across Slavic, Celtic, and Germanic traditions, it was seen as the tree of destiny—a guardian believed to drive away evil spirits and soothe heavy thoughts with its gentle energy.
In mythology, the linden was closely tied to feminine deities, often the goddess of love. Later, in Christianity, it became associated with the Virgin Mary, whose images were often hung upon its branches. The linden embodies friendliness, protection, and hospitality. Birds find safe haven in its boughs, while bees transform its blossoms into the golden treasure of linden honey.
In the photo: 1-Linden honey, 2-Linden bath, 3-Linden tea
Tea brewed from linden blossoms is still used today as a natural remedy for colds. Linden honey and mead remain beloved for their unmistakable sweet fragrance and soothing taste.
The linden is the national tree of the Czech Republic. For our Slavic ancestors, it was a faithful companion at every step of life—literally from cradle to grave. 
In the photo: 1-Furniture made of linden wood, 2-Linden nativity scene, 3-Linden cutlery
Linden wood was treasured in both modest cottages and noble households—shaped into furniture, everyday utensils, and delicate wooden ornaments. Its pliable inner bark was woven into shoes and baskets,
Children once played with dolls, horses, and toy soldiers carved from the pliant linden wood, while linden puppets brought joy to young and old alike at fairs and theater performances.
Linden wood can also be found in churches, where it was carved into altars and statues of saints—earning it the name “holy wood.” Figures in traditional Czech nativity scenes are likewise often shaped from linden.
The most famous linden-wood altar is the Světelský Altar, located in the Church of St. Barbara in Adamov. 
In the photo: 1, 2, 3 The Světelský altar is in the Adamov Church of St. Barbara.
For centuries, linden trees have graced palace gardens and parks, adding to their majesty. To ride through a linden-lined avenue into a palace was a privilege reserved only for the most honored and distinguished guests.
Lindens were also planted in village squares, beside crosses, chapels, and churches, and often formed beloved avenues. A linden by the village well was believed to guard the life-giving water. As a protective family tree, a linden was traditionally planted to mark the birth of a first child.
The linden thrives across the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere, with some 30 to 40 known species. In the Czech Republic, only two are native: the large-leaved linden (Tilia platyphyllos) and the small-leaved, or heart-shaped, linden (Tilia cordata). A linden can live for up to a thousand years. Another notable species, the silver linden (Tilia tomentosa), originates from Southeastern Europe. 
In the picture: 1 - Tilia platyphyllos, 2 Stamp with linden alley in Jičín, 3 - Tilia cordata
The linden officially became a national symbol in 1848, during the Pan-Slavic Congress held in Prague from June 2 to 12. Delegates from Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia, Slovakia, as well as Poles, Ruthenians, Croats, Serbs, Slovenes, and Dalmatians—representatives of all oppressed Slavic nations—declared the linden a unifying emblem, set in opposition to German nationalist aspirations. This decision was made in direct response to the Frankfurt Parliament, which had chosen the oak as a symbol of German dominance. The proposal to adopt the linden as a Slavic tree is attributed to the Czech poet František Ladislav Čelakovský.
As the national tree of the Czech Republic, the linden can be found on the presidential standard, the state seal, military uniforms, and banknotes – and it also graces the coats of arms of many Czech towns and villages.
Illustrations: 1 – linden motif on the State Seal, 2 – linden motif on the Presidential Flag, 3 – coat of arms of Lípa nad Orlicí (Rychnov nad Kněžnou District), 4 – coat of arms of Lípa (Havlíčkův Brod District), 5 – coat of arms of Lípa (Zlín District), 6 – coat of arms of Krásná Lípa (Děčín District).
Across our country, countless lindens have been planted to mark important events and anniversaries, and many ancient specimens still stand—some hundreds of years old (in the Český Krumlov region alone, there are more than fifty!).
One of the most famous is the monumental large-leaved linden in Klokočov, also called the Royal or Charles’ Linden. Protected since 1976, it rises to 20 meters in height with a trunk circumference of nearly 9 meters. It is among the oldest trees in the Czech lands, a living witness to more than a thousand years of history.
Source: https://lipyrepubliky.cz/ wikipedie
in the photo: 1-Linden tree, 2-Linden leaves, 3- Karel´s Linden, 4-Vejda Linden
The Vejda Linden, growing near Pastviny in the Žamberk region, is considered the widest tree in the country. Its trunk measures 12.25 meters in circumference, it stands 25 meters tall, and its age is estimated at around 600 years. According to a historic gendarmerie report, the hollow inside could comfortably fit a table and four chairs.
It is little wonder, then, that linden jewelry is the most beloved among my customers. I often create these pieces on commission for couples in love, as a “Czech souvenir” for visitors, or simply as a heartfelt gift.
Linden as a Czech jewel
The unique electroforming technique I work with allows me to preserve the beauty of living linden leaves and blossoms down to the finest detail. Inside each jewel rests a real linden leaf—its strength and energy forever enclosed—giving the piece an intangible depth of meaning. The copper that holds the natural form carries its own qualities and symbolism, making every creation truly one of a kind. 
In the photo: 1- pendant made of copper-plated leaves of the heart-shaped linden, 2- brooch made of copper-plated leaves of the small-leaved linden, 3- candlestick made of copper-plated leaves of the large-leaved linden.
Whether pinned to a coat or a simple T-shirt, a brooch always belongs close to the heart!
From the leaves of the small-leaved linden (Tilia cordata)—with their perfect heart shape and delicate size—can be created the sweetest and most intricate little treasures.
But the large-leaved linden is perfect for adorning the home—candlesticks and bowls formed from its leaves bring a sense of warmth and beauty to any space!
I believe that linden jewelry fully deserves to be called a true “Czech Jewel.”
The “Czech Heart” Campaign 
For a long time, I had been searching for a way to celebrate and remind others of the timeless value of heartfelt kindness. This year, beneath the branches of the Linden of the Capuchin Monastery in Zlatá Koruna, the idea descended upon me—together with a fallen linden leaf—to create a simple jewel shaped as a heart, deeply rooted in Czech tradition. And of course, it had to be linden!
Through the art of electroforming, the beauty of living linden leaves and blossoms can be preserved forever in a one-of-a-kind jewel. I was thrilled! Nearly the entire summer I spent coating real linden leaves from around Český Krumlov in metal, transforming them into delicate works of jewelry.
My little helpers in this great endeavor were the children from the Children’s Home in Horní Planá, who joyfully joined me in the creative process!
Our collaboration was guided not by bureaucracy, but by the heart.
In the photo - Children from the Children's Home in Horní Planá at a lesson in my workshop
The girls were fascinated by the jewelry-making itself, while the boys naturally gravitated toward the technical parts of the process. And together—we made it happen! I am glad that I could help the children discover this technique in a fun, hands-on way—now they too can dress little linden hearts in a copper coat! We kick-started the work right at the Children’s Home, and the finishing touches are done when the kids visit my studio in Krumlov.
Together with the children, we also plan to visit as many of the monumental lindens of the Český Krumlov region as possible (there are about 50!) and even plant new trees!
What is “Czech Heart” about?
This initiative has no political, ethnic, or religious context.
Vision and statement — “My heart is in the right place!”
Do something good for those around you! Simply because you can. Because you have a kind heart.
In today’s restless, uncertain, and fast-paced world—filled with envy, competition, political games, and endless distractions—we spend more and more time at work, on our phones, at the computer, and on social media.
We know and don’t know our loved ones at the same time. So pause. Look around you. Maybe someone needs your help? A word of encouragement? A hug? A moment of your attention? When was the last time you truly talked with someone close to you? Let’s start doing good things together! Even the smallest act of kindness matters.
The goal of this project is to remind us of the importance of heartfelt kindness as a human value. That we are good people, capable of helping one another. To shine a light on Czech traditions, symbols, ordinary people, and honest craftsmanship. To support original design and handmade work.
The symbol of this initiative is the linden leaf—the very heart of the Czech nation.
You can support “Czech Heart” by purchasing a jewel made from a real copper-coated linden leaf in this special edition, available on my website, directly in my studio, and throughout Advent at my stand on Svornosti Square in Český Krumlov. Each buyer receives a numbered token for identification and the chance to win a golden heart!
Spreading the word is also a form of support—thank you in advance! Take a photo with your heart-shaped jewel and share it on social media with the hashtags #czechheart #czechjewel #natureindrop. I’ll also be delighted if you send me your photos at nature-in-drop@seznam.cz.
Stories of kind deeds are warmly welcome too—don’t be shy to share them!
Year 2023 – foundation of the project and planting of a linden tree
On October 28, 2023—our national holiday—we launched the “Czech Jewel” initiative by planting a young linden tree beside my studio in Plešivec.
I have lived in Český Krumlov for five years now, and my move here did not come at the easiest of times. Yet from the very first day, I felt at home—thanks to the people who offered me a helping hand just when I needed it most. I opened my studio, and with the help of the local children, a flower garden soon began to bloom around it. For the second year now, the studio has become not only a place of creation and rest, but also a space where people of many nationalities can meet, support one another, and share.
On this important day of national celebration, we gathered together to plant a linden tree as a living symbol of solidarity, respect, and mutual support. The location of our linden has also been registered in the project “Lindens of the Republic 1918–2021.”
In the photo - planting a linden tree in front of the workshop in Český Krumlov
In 2024, our linden tree took root and grew – and together with it, I myself and my project Czech Heart also evolved. I began with linden leaves preserved in a “copper coat.” Step by step, I learned how to layer precious metals—silver and gold—onto copper, and today I am able to create linden leaves entirely from noble metals. I developed my own method of electroforming precious metals, through which the jewels of the Czech Heart collection have become true treasures. Each leaf thus carries not only the beauty and strength of nature, but also my personal growth and journey in the art of jewellery-making. The combination with Czech garnets and moldavites has brought the collection even closer to the true essence of Czech jewellery.
2025 brought new opportunities, meetings and events where the Czech Heart project was supported by a number of prominent personalities from the fields of culture, art and public life. These moments strengthened its significance and helped spread the message about the values of cordiality, tradition and honest handwork.
In the photo: 1- Singer Petra Černocká (Husinec, 6.06.2024). The Woman of Europe 2003 Rut Kolinská (Praha, 10.04.2025), Host, actress Kateřina Pechová (Praha, June 2025)
Czech Heart in Diplomacy – H.E.r Story Exhibition
On May 6, 2025, I had the honor of attending the opening of the H.E.r Story exhibition in Český Krumlov – dedicated to women who, through their work and commitment, leave a significant mark on diplomacy. The exhibition, which bears the playful title H.E.r Story – combining the abbreviation for the title of ambassador (H.E. – Her Excellency) with the phrase her story (her story) – presents not only the professional careers of these women, but above all their personal motivations, values and life paths.
As a souvenir from Krumlov, I gave these exceptional women a piece of jewelry from the Czech Heart edition – a gilded leaf of the linden, the national tree of the Czech Republic. The project thus acquired not only an artistic, but also a cultural-diplomatic dimension.
In the last photo: Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia Solángel Ortiz Mejía, Ambassador of Canada in the Czech republic J.E. Emily McLaughlin, Ambassador of Kosovo Albesjana Iberhysaj-Kapitaj, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina Martina Mlinarević.
The Czech Heart jewel has also become a popular winning gift for a number of competitions and awards, where it symbolizes cordiality, tradition and Czech originality.
Even though the project has no political context, I am honored to see jewelry from the collection on people from the political scene: Jitka Zikmundová (Czech politician and marketing manager, since 2006 representative of the city of Český Krumlov), Pavla Pivoňka Vaňková (MP of the Parliament of the Czech Republic), Lenka Knechtová (MP of the Parliament of the Czech Republic), Dalibor Uhlíř (Mayor of Český Krumlov)
In the photo: 1 - with Jitka Zikmundová (Český Krumlov, September 2024), 2- with Pavla Pivoňka Vaňková (July 2024), 3 - with Lenka Knechtová (visit to the Chamber of Deputies in April 2024 as finalists of the "Woman of Český Krumlov" and "Woman of České Budějovice" competitions).
Open Studios Day
Every year, I take part in the Open Studios Day, when visitors can discover the magic of electroforming – the technique that transforms natural shapes into metal jewellery. During these special days, guests are invited not only to watch the creation process up close but also to craft their own piece from the Czech Heart edition. Each of these experiences becomes a unique connection between nature, craftsmanship, and a personal story that you take home with you.
The project was also supported by the city of Český Krumlov. Each piece of jewelry from the Czech Heart edition is equipped with a plaque with the logo of the city, which symbolically stands at its birth. Brooches and pendants in the shape of a linden heart have also become a commemorative gift to important guests visiting Český Krumlov - as a reminder of our traditions and the beautiful city. 
The next big step will be the presentation of the “Czech Heart” collection at the prestigious Munich Show (Gemworld), which will take place from October 23 to 26, 2025. For the first time, the collection will be presented to a wide international public, in the context of world design and artistic jewelry.
Thank you to everyone who supports “CZECH HEART!”