Many Handmade Etsy Artisans Are Having Sales Over Thanksgiving

Many handmade Etsy Artisans are offering a discount at their shops over Thanksgiving weekend.  I am offering 10% off at Bay Moon Design Etsy store from now through Cyber Monday.  This gives my online shoppers a chance to purchase some unique holiday jewelry or handmade cards and save a little. Get ready for the holiday season with something from my new line of glam jewelry.  It has lots of bling at very reasonable prices. 
 Enjoy browsing!

Glam Jewelry designs by Bay Moon Design

I have a number of statement necklaces.  My latest on is a gorgeous pearl necklace that would make a great gift.

Hummingbird Necklace by Bay Moon Design

Many of you know that I have practiced yoga for a number of years and created a section in my shop for other yoga lovers.  I have made a number of additions to this special yoga collection.

New additions to Yoga Collection at Bay Moon Design

I also enjoy making cards and I have listed a number of handmade Christmas cards.

Deer card by Bay Moon Design

I also carry whimsical cards that put a smile on your face.  This "You Are the Queen Card"  is perfect for lots of different occasions.  It makes a great baby shower or wedding card.

Crown a Queen with these earrings and card by Bay Moon Design

If you see something you like at BayMoonDesign, Use code PIN10 at checkout to get 10% off.

Please consider buying handmade this year.  There are many artisans who make gorgeous quality handcrafted merchandise because it is their passion.  Some of this merchandise can be found on this Pinterest board.

Celebrating the Florida Keys with Starfish Bracelets

Image from GraphicStock.comhttp://www.graphicstock.com/

Since I live by the Delaware Bay in the summer and the Florida Keys in the winter, I am partial to all things related to the beach.  I often use starfish in my designs.  This summer I had two starfish ceramic cuffs custom made by MartisButtonsnBead.  I have used her ceramics before and love them.   She is now selling on a great new place to shop for handmade artisan beads--Artisan Component Marketplace.  This is a welcome addition to the marketplace for those who sell and buy artisan beads.  This past summer Marti and I emailed back and forth about the design and colors. She sent me photos of the ceramics throughout the process.  The work that goes into making ceramics is amazing!

Image from GraphicStock.comhttp://www.graphicstock.com/

After watching the news reports of early and large snowfalls and advertisements for the Florida Keys, my thoughts turned to these ceramic starfish.   I had planned to make these bracelets in Florida, but decided now is the time.  I had the beads already so I was all set.  I planned to use beads that I got from House of Gems.  I selected some wooden beads from their selection of naturals beads.   I felt that wood beads would help me create a casual and bohemian look.  I had decided that I wanted to incorporate some Irish linen thread I had so I wanted to use beads with holes large enough to accommodate the thread.   The wooden beads from the House of Gems fit that need.  I selected the colors that would work with those 2 ceramics-- light yellow color wood beads, turquoise wood beads, and orange wood beads.  I also picked out some copper twisted spacer beads twisted copper beads from their metal beads section.  I thought that copper would add a bit more orange color and some shine to the turquoise bracelet.

Orange Starfish Bracelet and Turquoise Starfish Bracelet by BayMoonDesign

You can see that these 3 different shapes and colors of wood beads plus the copper worked well the different colors in the starfish cuff.  Both the orange bracelet and the turquoise bracelet are available in my BayMoonDesign shop for purchase.   I would love to have you comment on which bracelet is your favorite and why?

Next week, I am leaving for the Florida Keys!  I am getting excited to see the gorgeous water there and do some snorkeling and standup paddle boarding.  Stay tuned for those adventures!

Image from GraphicStock.com

and the Winners of the 15th BNB Challenge are...

Inspiration Piece and Palette of Who Shall Be Captain by Pyle

 

and the winners of the 

15th BNB Challenge -"Who Shall be Captain"

                                         Hosted By Kathy Lindemer, Bay Moon Design

 are...

Jewelry Design Category:  Kelly Hosford Patterson of

PyxeeStyx-Traveling Sideshow

Pirate's Booty

Bead Design Category:  Gloria Allen of

Wings and Beads

I Shall Be Captain because I Have the Ship!

Out of our two winners, the next hostess for the 16th Blogger Non-Blogger Design Challenge was chosen by random.org:  I flipped a Delaware quarter after assigning Kelly-heads and Gloria- tails.

NEXT HOSTESS:  Gloria Allen

Congratulations, ! You are hostess for the 16th BNB Challenge.

Congratulations ladies!  You have won a choice of a $25 Gift Certificate to Bay Moon Design on Etsy or $25 in beads from my stash.  Please email baymoondesign@gmail.com with your choice by Thursday.

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR SHARING YOUR ART!
Congratulations winning artists!

May your Holiday Season be the best ever & full of love.

November ABS Challenge-All Things Pretty-Hummingbirds, Flowers and Pearls

 

Hummingbird Necklace by BayMoonDesign is available for purchase HERE

 November's ABS Challenge piece is Cattleya Orchid and Three Hummingbirds by Martin Johnson Heade.   Out of all of the challenge palettes we've had this year, this one might be the one with the most colors.  To avoid feeling overwhelmed, I selected 2 colors from the bulk of the shades-- yellow and green.  I also selected shades of gray and purple.  

Cattleya Orchid and Three Hummingbirds by Martin Johnson Heade

I was inspired to use a focal by BayMoonDesign for this challenge.  I created this focal by embossing a floral pattern on a natural brass round disk and applying patinas to create the gold, green, and lavender shades on it.  I then put it on top of a silver filigree disk to bring out the gray shades in the piece. I punched a hole at the bottom of the disk to add a hummingbird charm to it since the picture has a gorgeous hummingbird among flowers.  In addition to using the focal by BayMoonDesign , I used a sterling silver connector created for the focal and a handmade sterling clasps that I made.   

Gorgeous Pearls used in the Piece are from House of Gems

I used some gorgeous multicolor freshwater biwa pearls in shades of green, gold, and silver that I got from House of Gems.  The colors are perfect for this necklace.  I liked their large size --6mm wide and 25 mm long.  I love pearls because they are from nature.  I haven't used pearls in my jewelry for awhile because I like to see the pearls before purchasing.  I have gotten burnt a few times when buying pearls on the Internet.  I live in a small town without a bead store so I have to purchase beads on the Internet most of the time.  The photo of these pearls on the House of Gems website made these biwa pearls look so beautiful I couldn't resist taking a chance on them.  In fact, I have never purchased anything from the House of Gems before.  I did read on their website that their pearls are gleaned and sourced directly from the world's largest fresh water pearl producers.  I wasn't disappointed by these pearls.  They looked just like the photo and are high quality pearls.  I feel that the  price is very reasonable for these beauties.  I bought one strand for this necklace and I have some left over.  I plan to buy some more of these biwa pearls for a future piece.

Does this hummingbird necklace reminds you of a special place or person?

Ahoy Buccaneers! Vote for Your Favorite Entry in the 15th BNB Contest and Remember Buy Handmade

Pirate themed items from the Etteam

I wonder if you know that some of the handmade jewelry created is inspired by challenges or blog hops.  Artisans are given an inspiration art piece and create from it.  These pieces of jewelry all have a story and are special.  They are handmade and one of a kind.  Many are found on Etsy.  I have a shop there BayMoonDesign and belong to several teams one of which is the etteam.   I selected some pirate themed items handmade by etteam members to share with you along with some jewelry created for the 15th BNB challenge that I sponsored.

Etteam members featured from left to right, top to bottoms:

 Lizard Skins https://www.etsy.com/shop/LizardSkins

NHQuiltArt https://www.etsy.com/shop/nhquiltarts

MyLittleChick https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyLittleChick

HattieDesigns https://www.etsy.com/shop/HattieDesigns

JoliefleurDeco https://www.etsy.com/shop/JoliefleurDeco

brizel4TheAnimals https://www.etsy.com/shop/brizel4TheAnimals

CleanLineSoapCompany https://www.etsy.com/shop/CleanLineSoapCompany

MoleStreetStudio https://www.etsy.com/shop/MoleStreetStudio

Bytheway https://www.etsy.com/shop/bytheway

CharleneSevier https://www.etsy.com/shop/CharleneSevier

thimbledoodle https://www.etsy.com/shop/thimbledoodle

IslayCorners https://www.etsy.com/shop/IslayCorners

PillowprintzOnEtsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/PillowprintzOnEtsy

klgphoto https://www.etsy.com/shop/klgphoto  

Winecharmersandmore https://www.etsy.com/shop/winecharmersandmore

CreativeSpiritGlass https://www.etsy.com/shop/CreativeSpiritGlass

If you are looking for unique items visit these Etsy shops .  For some handmade jewelry with a story visit the 15th Blogger /Non-Blogger Challenge -"Who Shall be Captain"

                                         Hosted By Kathy Lindemer, Bay Moon Design

Public voting is open from now until November 17, 2014 , 11:59 P.M.   Vote HERE.   Vote on the pics  by "LIKING" the entries. You may "LIKE" as many designs as you want; the entries with the most LIKES for each design category will win based on public, popular votes.  

You can also visit the blogs of the entries to learn who they created their pieces.
Blog: http://jewellerybyshalini.co.uk/arr-shall-captain/ — with Shalini Austin.

Blog: http://www.wingsandbeads.blogspot.com with Gloria Allen

Blog: htpp://www.veradesigns.blogspot.com  with Vera Malone

Blog:  http://www.stregajewellry.wordpress.com with Lee Koopman 

Remember to shop handmade to support artisans.  Etsy is a great place to find handmade.
 

My Etsy shop is BayMoonDesign

15th BNB Challenge "Who Shall Be Captain" Entries and Voting Information

Even Pirates Camp

15th Blogger /Non-Blogger Challenge -"Who Shall be Captain"

                                         Hosted By Kathy Lindemer, Bay Moon Design

                                 
   Welcome to the Blogger/Non-Blogger Design Challenge Round Robin Design Challenge! 

  REVEAL DATE  ~ Monday, November 10, 2014, 12:00 A.M. Eastern Standard 

         The contest is open to jewelry designers and art bead designers.

"Who Shall Be Captain"  by Howard Pyle Inspiration Photo and Palette

I am honored to be the hostess for this challenge.  I selected Who Shall be Captain:  an illustration of pirates fighting to be the captain as the inspiration piece.
  

Buccaneers Bracelet by Bay Moon Design

Of course I have an entry which is just for fun and not eligible for winning.  My Bay Moon Design entry is called "Buccaneers Bracelet".  It is a bracelet which began with my selecting a ceramic skull and cross bones curved oval bracelet bar in red by Jeraluna Designs .  This bracelet bar is perfect for the theme.  I have used Jeraluna Designs  before and I am always thrilled with her ceramics. I used moonstone beads and as well as few red beads from my bead stash.  The pink and cream 6mm faceted moonstone bead strand are from Aunties Beads gemstone collection.  The strand had the perfect variety of colors and the beads were the right size for the bracelet bar.  I wanted gemstones that would not over power the petite bar in size or color.  I also wanted to pick up the pink in the ceramic.  Moonstone is a pearly white semiprecious stone of the feldspar family. These are classic moonstone. They are transparent and have a bluish and gray shimmer.   The name for this stone is believed to be a direct description of the incandescence of the stone itself and the fact that it seems to glow like a moon. These moonstone beads from Aunties Beads are high quality faceted moonstones that have that shimmer. The colors are lovely pastel pinks, white, grays.  They look wonderful combined with the red ceramic and the sterling silver. It was a difficult choice to make since there are so many different gemstones to select from on Aunties website, but the large variety made it possible to select the perfect strand for my bracelet.  I made a simple hook and eye clasp from sterling.  I also added a few dangles.  One is made from the leftover moonstone beads and the other is a ship's wheel charm.

Voting takes place HERE on Nov. 11, 2014.

Public voting will take place November 11, 2014 to November 17, 2014 , 11:59 P.M. Eastern Standard (the final day for voting).  Voting takes place at the inspiration album: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.589144097874449.1073741834.588388321283360&type=33) On November 11, 2014,  everyone (not just those who have entries) will have a chance to vote on the pics in the album for one week by "LIKING" the entries. You may "LIKE" as many designs as you want; the entries with the most LIKES for each design category will win based on public, popular votes.   The designs with the most "LIKES" for the category "jewelry" or "art bead" will win. 

The creator of each winning design may choose a $25 gift certificate to Bay Moon Design Etsy store  or a Bead Soup created by me and valued at $25.  Free shipping is included with either choice.   At my Bay Moon Design Etsy store you may select from handmade whimsical cards and/or jewelry.  Winners will announced on November 18.

saraccino: More... and more... and some of them could be your...

saraccino: More... and more... and some of them could be your...: I had the idea in my of some bigger pendants... these are the results! As you can see they are quite big! At least the two magenta on...

Baywood Golf and Counrty Club-Scene this Weekend for Those Looking for the Perfect Gift

If you are looking for the perfect gift and are in Delaware this Saturday, November 8, 2014,  the 
Baywood Country Club   is the scene for a terrific annual craft fair.   There are over 35 artisans and vendors with handmade gifts ready for you to purchase. Some items for sale include:

• •  PHOTOGRAPHY
  
• •  POTTERY
  
• •  JEWELRY
  
• •  FINE ART
  
• •  PILLOWS and QUILTS
  
• •  TOYS
  

 The event takes place in the Clubhouse ballroom from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  My Bay Moon Design line of jewelry and handmade cards will be there.

A photo of one of my favorite autumn decorations

Baywood is a great place to visit. The scenery and decorations are spectacular.   Baywood is  Sussex County's version of Longwood Gardens .   It has beautiful vegetation everywhere--both outside and inside.  The autumn decorations as you entered the clubhouse are always beautiful.  What a lovely stage for a craft fair.   It has a public golf course and restaurant.

In addition to shopping there will be 

• Drawing for dinner for 2 at Baywood Greens Restaurant, $100 Value
• Drawing for 2 rounds of golf at Baywood Greens, $240 Value
• 50/50 Drawing 15% Coupons from the Baywood Restaurant will be available.

• 
  Beneficiaries are Sussex County Habitat for Humanity and Delaware Hospice
  

  Come out and have a great day and support local artisans!

Silverniknats November Giveaway to Honor Veterans in UK

On November 11, the United States honors those who served in wars with Veterans Day.  The UK has a similar tradition. Every year in November, the United Kingdom remembers the men and women who gave their lives in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts. So Silverniknats is having a November giveaway that has a poppy theme....

SilverNikNats is from the UK and has a giveaway.

She is giving away the following goodies:

This giveaway includes

• copper fancy head pins from my Bits of NikNats shop (coz they look like poppys)
• pair of ceramic charms from Scorched Earth
• Trio of lampwork beads by by Tempting Little Charm
• Lampwork heart and spacers sorry I do not know the artist here
• Star sapphire on a coin and polymer heart by moi 
• Strand of black onyx faceted nugget gemstone bead 15x20mm
• Some bullet shells
• some random rough black beads which are rather pretty

To Win leave a comment on her blog
Scroll down to Giveaway on her blog. 

Easy as that, of course if you would like more chances to win you could....

• Share this giveaway on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, etc...
• Follow her blog
• Become a follower on either of her facebook pages (Silver NikNats, Bits of NikNats or Rustic NikNats)
• Follow her on Pinterest
• Like her Etsy shops Silver NikNats, Bits of NikNats or Rustic NikNats

Please leave a separate comment for all of the things that you do on her blog.

This giveaway closes Nov. 28 12.00 UK time where she will use random number genarator to pick a winner!

and make sure you pop back on Nov. 28 to see if you have won!