Bead Table Wednesday and Mission Completed

BTW sponsored by Heather Powers

Bead Table Wednesday is designed to help share what is on our table today. I have a pair of royal blue crystal earrings that I just finished.

Royal Blue Earrings with Crystals  available for purchase at  BayMoonDesign

These blue blown glass earrings have lots of shimmer. The hollow blue globes with white and clear swirls gently sway on a tiny sterling chain encrusted with white and clear swarovski crystals. The crystals seem to dance and float above the globes! Perfect for that special occasion or gift!

I brought one of these earrings to Florida in January and planned to finish it when I got settled.  I started packing for my return to Delaware last week and noticed the single earring on my bead table.  I had all of the hard work done.  I had the parts and design.  I refused to repack it uncompleted so I knuckled down and got it done.  It is done and moved off of my table and into my online Etsy store.   Thank goodness for Heather and Bead Table Wednesday because I had lots of distractions in Florida.

Flowers in my condo complex

 

I will miss these gorgeous flowers.  My flowers in Lewes are not as lush.because I have to take care of them so they don't get the kind of care that they get here in the Keys.

Mother's Day Sale

For those who follow my blog, I invite you to stop by Etsy store and receive a discount of 15% on any purchase of $10 or more with the coupon code MOM15 from now until May 11.  Now is the time to make purchases for Mother's Day.  You might want to pick up some handmade cards or jewelry for upcoming weddings, proms, and graduations.  Many of my Etsy team members have sales going on during this time period and are offering the same discount.  Visit their shops too!  I complete list of the shops and the discounts is on the etteam blog.

Bead Table Wednesday and Art Bead Scene April Challenge

Degas and Swaying Dancer (Dancer in Green) with color palette by

 This month's Art Bead Scene Challenge is Swaying Dancer (Dancer in Green) by Degas.  The artist was fascinated by the world of ballet.  Ballet figures prominently in many of his paintings. Here, the group of dancers is shown in mid-performance, as viewed from an upper side box. Only one of the girls in green is shown full-length, captured as she executes a swift, complicated turn. The other figures are cropped, leaving the viewer to imagine the rest. In the background, a number of ballerinas dressed in orange stand against the landscape scenery, awaiting their turn.

I usually wait to read what Brandi Hussey says about the color palette and always refer to the palette.  For this painting, Hussey says "there are so many colors in this piece, but we can separate them down to four: beige, orange, blue, and blue-green. There are touches of other colors in there, too, like green, but those four are the ones used most or are the first seen (like orange)."

Green and Orange Necklace available for purchase

The necklace uses a green focal by Marsha Neal Studio.  This focal has hints of orange and  blue greens in it.  The colors in it are in the painting.  The round, swirls in the focal remind me of the dancer's circular tutus. I used copper in the focal and necklace because it reminds me of the oranges in the painting.  The circular clasp by Bay Moon Design is copper and has swirls to mirror the tutus. My orange ceramic beads come from WORK OF OUR HANDS an African women's project in Namibia .    I selected these orange and some blue green ceramics because they are in the Degas.  This necklace is available for purchase.  

Mother's Day Sale

For those who follow my blog, I invite you to stop by Etsy store and receive a discount of 15% on any purchase of $10 or more with the coupon code MOM15 from now until May 11.  Now is the time to make purchases for Mother's Day.  You might want to pick up some handmade cards or jewelry for upcoming weddings, proms, and graduations.  Many of my Etsy team members have sales going on during this time period and are offering the same discount.  Visit their shops too!  I complete list of the shops and the discounts is on the etteam blog.

Jewelry Making Mojo Challenge Week 6: Inspired by Words

Week 6 of Heather Powers' Jewelry Making Mojo Challenge is all about being inspired being words and translating that into a piece of jewelry. 

Namaste Necklace with crystals available in BayMoonDesign Etsy store

I have been taking yoga classes for a number of years now.  I started with an interest in yoga as a way to relieve stress from working in a middle school and then a high school.  When I retired my interest in yoga changed more to one as exercise.  In the past year, I have started to study the meaning of words that I have encountered in yoga.  Every yoga class ends with the teacher saying namaste to the class and the class bowing to the teacher and saying thank you.  Namaste literally means "bow me you" or "I bow to you."The gesture Namaste represents the belief that there is a Divine spark within each of us that is located in the heart chakra.  My research into these words has led to my creating jewelry inspired by yoga.  This namaste yoga necklace has 2 silver plated charms and a crystal charm that are suspended in a lotus charm holder. There is a silver plated ohm and namaste charm. The charms sit in a silver plated bronze lotus charm holder. Created to inspire your imagination this lotus bud sits perched on a lily pad that doubles as a removable charm holder. This unique design lets you to easily switch your charms to suit your changing moods. The necklace comes with an18" sterling silver chain.  You can wear this with the just the lotus holder, or with the lotus holder and any combination of the charms.This week I added this namaste necklace to a section in my shop devoted to yoga.

--Namaste
 

Earrings Everyday Challenge: April 2014

April's Challenge inspiration photo is from  Pottery Barn catalog

April's inspiration for the Earrings Everday Challenge comes from the pages of Pottery Barn. The photo is is from the sale section of that site with these sweet little Skylark plates. 

 

What inspires me from this springy tablescape? 

The plates have a darling bird with lots of curves.   I love the soft leafy greens in the striped linens and the green glassware.    The dark brown wood table, twisted rope placemats, the tiny golden berries, the outline of the bird bowl and the modular hammered silverware are all special to me. I decided to zero in on the browns of the table, placemates, and especially the brown bowl in the back.

Earthy Brown Earrings with Lots of Circles

I am struck by all of the circular shapes in the photo.  The bird on the round plates, the round brown bowl, the round placemats.  I have been wanting to create some of my own components for challenges so I pulled out these antiqued silver-plated filigree teardrops.  I applied patina, sanded, and sealed them.  The brown colors in the photo and in my earrings remind me of the rich color of the soil after it has been plowed in preparation for spring planting.  These earrings are available for purchase in my Esty shop.

Mother's Day Sale

For those who follow my blog, I invite you to stop by Etsy store and receive a discount of 15% on any purchase of $10 or more with the coupon code MOM15 from now until May 11.  Now is the time to make purchases for Mother's Day.  You might want to pick up some handmade cards or jewelry for upcoming weddings, proms, and graduations.  Many of my Etsy team members have sales going on during this time period and are offering the same discount.  Visit their shops too!

Bead Table Wednesday and Knotted Headpins

Add caption

 Yes, it is Bead Table Wednesday!  I am working on a focal for a piece of Vintage Lucite that will be a focal in a necklace.

 Vintage Lucite Bead will become a focal

I am working on my pieces for Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Hop and I am planning on using this pretty piece of vintage lucite that I got from my partner as a focal for the necklace.  I needed a long headpin to go through it so that I can attach it to a chain. The headpin needed to be longer than anything I had on hand.   I located this terrific tutorial and decided to make my own.

How to Make a Knotted Headpin by JewelryTutorialHQ.com

The tutorial is easy to understand and I now know how to make my own head pins.  I am anxious to make a pair of earrings with this technique.

I hope you will take time to see what others are up today.  Thank you Heather Powers for organizing BTW.

Spring Fever Design Challenge

Beads and Silk that Bay Moon Design Received

Welcome to the Spring Fever Design Challenge!  I was so excited when I found that I had made the cut to receive beads and silk for this challenge.  The rules are simple --make as many or as few designs as you like with your pack of silk and beads, and can add anything you like from your own stash. 

I received 3 packs which consisted of a yellow and white flower focal set from Lesley Watt of TheaElements, a  bird bead set from Caroline of  Blueberribeads and a length of red silk from Claire of Smitten Beads.   Each bead is handmade and individual.  Everyone in this challenge has different beads.

Sweet bird necklace by BayMoonDesign

Caroline's sweet set of birds was a huge challenge.  Why?   I really don't know.  The only thing I knew for sure from the get go is that I wouldn't be using the sweet leaf bead by Caroline because in my excitement of opening my package from the UK,  I broke the leaf within the first minutes of getting it out of the package when I dropped it on the ceramic floor of my condo in Florida.  I was really sad about that!  I  applied patina to some natural brass leaves just in case I might want to use a leaf.  I decided I didn't like any of the patina leaves that I made with the ceramic bird.  I then spotted a ceramic leaf headpin that I have been hoarding for years.  I used it to create the focal.  I can't tell you how many times I redid this necklace.  I shorten the chain.   I used all red beads.  I used red and pink beads.   I switched to green beads.  Then I moved to this combination of green and red which I like the best.  I used metal connectors originally to attach to the chain and then I switched to using beads as the connectors to the chain.   Finally, the necklace came together.  It is in my shop for purchase.

Flower Necklace by Bay Moon Design

 Lesley's beads were a challenge also.  They really look me out of my comfort zone.  I prefer working with small beads and Lesley likes large beads.  This necklace did give me an opportunity to use some large chain links and a clasp by Vintaj, large yellow sea glass by ZnetShows, and Irish waxed linen that I had on hand.  I also used a green piece of fabric with hints of yellow and orange.  

I am adding Claire's red sari silk and Caroline's red bird to my stash.  Even though I struggled with creating these 2 pieces, I am happy them.  They put a smile on my face and look like spring!

Please visit all of the participants and see what they received and created.  Once again, a big thanks to Caroline, Lesley, and Claire for making this public.

Lesley Watt - http://thegossipinggoddess.blogspot.co.uk

Caroline Dewison - http://www.blueberribeads.co.uk 

Emma Quinn - http://patinafinishes.blogspot.co.uk/

Kathy Lindemer - http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.co.uk 

Vicky Roberts - http://thebeadshopliverpool.blogspot.co.uk

Lori Bowring Michaud - http://artfullyornamental.blogspot.com/

Leigh Thow - http://jewellrleigh.blogspot.co.uk

Ailsa Jackson - http://katzjewellery.blogspot.co.uk/

Steph L - http://stringaholic.blogspot.co.uk/

Kristi Harrison - http://kristibasket-itsanewday.blogspot.co.uk/

Merja - http://helmiriippuvuus.blogspot.fi

Lucy Haslam - http://faerystone.blogspot.co.uk/

Penny Neville - http://copperpennydesigns.blogspot.co.uk/

Linda - http://earth-shinedesigns.blogspot.co.uk/

Kristen Stewart - http://kristen-beadjourney.blogspot.co.uk/

Erin Prais – Hintz – http://treasures-found.blogspot.co.uk/

Klassy Joolz - http://klassyjoolz.blogspot.co.uk/

Jenny Argyle - http://keithagnestutorialsdesigns.blogspot.co.uk

Shaiha - http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com

Claire Lockwood - http://www.somethingtodowithyourhands.com/

Patti Gasparino - http://www.mylifeunderthebus.typepad.com/

Suhana Hart - http://www.buttonedupbeads.blogspot.co.uk

Toltec Jewels - JewelSchoolFriends.com

Bead Table Wednesday Clasps

Wire I purchased for clasps

I ordered some 18 gauge sterling silver half hard wire specifically to make some clasps.  I have been reading Cindy Winner's book The Missing Link, and I read that this would be a gauge for clasps.  This is a wonderful book to have for learning how to make links also. 

Wonderful reference on wire and links

Also, this week Love My Art Jewelry Blog had a terrific article on wire which states that "this is the perfect basic starter heavier gauge wire for beginner smaller clasps, links, heavy jumprings, and beginning heavier wirework."   I used this gauge wire to make a few sterling silver clasps this week and I am pleased with the results.  This blog article has lots of good information about wire.  I liked it so much that I copied and pasted it into Evernote which is a free electronic notebook that  makes it easy to remember things big and small from your everyday life using your computer, phone, tablet and the web.  I have been using Evernote for awhile to collect jewelry tutorials that I like all in one place.  

My handmade clasp attached to a new bracelet

I really liked being able to make a small, delicate clasp that is the perfect size for a bracelet.   I also am working on making more of my findings and beads.  This goal will give me much more freedom when designing jewelry.  I will be able to produce exactly what I need.  I have a long way to go, but I have started!

My small clasp is perfect for this delicate rose bracelet that is available for purchase.

Jewelry Making Mojo Challenge Week 5

Jewelry Making Mojo Challenge by Heather Powers is so much fun, but it keeps me a little too busy.  I missed posting for week 5 last week.   I even missed seeing the prompt.  While reading some blogs I came across the assignment fo Week 5.  The challenge is to make over an old piece of jewelry. 

I decided to redo a pair of earrings 

 I really love the pink patina bead caps that I bought and the large crystals that I used them with, but I have never been happy with the flowers that I put on the earrings.  So when I was send 2 hot pink beads for a blog hop, I immediately know I would use them to redo the earrings.

Hot Pink Earrings by BayMoonDesign

 All it took was a few new beads that were the perfect color to inspire this redo.  I am so much happier with these earrings.  I am glad Heather keeps me focused on improving.  It is well worth the time investment.

Color of Dreams Blog Hop-"If we can dream it, we can achieve it."

Color of Dreams Bracelet by BayMoonDesign

For this "Colors of Dreams" Blog Hop I was given a gorgeous blue floral bead created by artist Patricia Handschuh of The Color of Dreams Boutique  to design with.  Create with the bead and show us your dreams is the challenge of this blog hop! "If we can dream it, we can achieve it." So, try creating "from the end" -- as if your dream has come true -- using your jewelry design to do so. 

When I got this bead I was struck by how tiny and delicate this bead is and the colors are so pretty and peaceful.  I paired the bead with pearls which are my favorite bead because they come from nature.  I also used tiny and delicate crystal.  I think these beads reflect my dream of appreciating the little things in life that we often don't even notice.  I try to spend at least an hour outside getting some exercise whether it is swimming, walking, gardening.  When I am involved in those activities I take time to appreciate my surroundings.  I look at the birds, the clouds, the flowers and I am thankful that I am able to see and healthy enough to move through the physical world.  It is easy to take our health and our physical surroundings for granted.   In reality both are fragile and can change at anytime.  When I am involved in appreciating the moment that I am in,  I am peaceful. The blue colors in my bracelet reflect that peace.  

I want to share a few photos that show some of the beauty that I have found in my surroundings while out and about.  Perhaps these photos will inspire you!

Appreciate the moment!

I want to thank The Color of Dreams Boutique for my beautiful bead and Rita of Toltec Jewels for organizing this blog hop.  Please take some time and visit all 51 artists to see their creations and dreams.

Honorary Artist: Patricia Handschuh
Patricia's blog:            The Color of Dreams        
Patricias Etsy:             The Color of Dreams
Hostess: TJ                Jewel School Friends
Kay Thomerson           KayzKreationz

Alicia Marinache          All the Pretty Things
Terry Carter                TappingFlamingo
Lori Schneider             Bead Addict
Jenny Kyrlach             Wonder and Whimsy
Asri Wahyuingsih         Asri's Beadwork
Dini Bruinsma              Angaza by Changes
Karla Morgan              Texas Pepper Jams
Debbie Rasmussen        A Little of This, A Little of That
Veralynne Malone          Designed by Vera
Kathy Stemke               Vintage Memories Jewelry Design
Mowse Doyle               Mowse Made This
Heather Richter             Desert Jewelry Designs
Lori Poppe                   Adventures in Creativity with LorilliJean
Jayne Capps                Mama's Got To Doodle
Andrea Glick                Zenith Jade Creations
Kathleen Breeding         99 Bottles of Beads on the Wall
Becky Pancake             Becky Pancake Bead Designs
Karin Martinez              Fairies Market
Miranda Ackerley          Mirandack
Penny Houghton           Smelly Nelly
Carolyn Lawson           Carolyn's Creations
Chris Eisenberg            Wanderware
Christie Murrow          Charis Designs Jewelry
Monique Urquhart        A Half-Baked Notion
Eve Shelby                  Raindrop Creations Jewelry by Evelyn
Cryss Thain                 Here Bead Dragons
Jasvanti Patel               Jewelry By Jasvanti
Nan Smith                   NanMade Handmade Jewelry
Sue Kennedy               SueBeads
Jean Yates                   Snap Out of It, Jean! There's Beading to be Done!
Debbie Rogers             Debbies Treasures
Marybeth Rich             A Few Words From Within the Pines
Shirley Moore              Beads and Bread
Shaia Williams             Shaiha's Ramblings
Kathy Lindemer           Bay Moon Design
Melissa Trudinger        Beadrecipes
Linda Anderson           From the Bead Board
Judy Turner               Silver Rains
Gloria Allen                Gloria Allen Designs
Regina Wood              Ginas-Design
Robin Reed                Artistry HCBD
Mary Goovars            MLH Jewelry Designs
Marlene Cupo             Amazing Designs
CJ Bauschka              4 His Glory Creations
Robin Showstack        The Crazy Bead Hoarder
Cynthia O'Toole          Sparkles and Sweets
Jael Thorp                 Jael's Art Jewels
Renetha                         Lamplight Crafts

An Invention for Bead Table Wednesday

Bead Table Wednesday is designed to help share what is on our table today. Heather Powers of Humblebeads is the driving force behind this and thank goodness for her.  I know I need some incentive to get things done.  This week I am finishing some pieces that I applied patina to last week.  I completed the painting and sanding.  I was left with putting the sealant on the pieces.

Drying rack for earring components that had patina applied to them

I love to repurpose things.  I made this drying rack from a knick knack that I inherited when my husband and I bought a furnished condo in the Florida Keys.  This knick knack once was a stand for a sea shell that had seen better days. This is my new drying rack for items drying after sealant is applied.  All I did was string a piece of wire across.  I just unwind the wire to hang my items on and take off.  It gets the job done and it has a new life.