Muffin Tin Challenge 2017

                     Heather Powers of Humblebeads is sponsoring the 2017 muffin tin challenge.

This 2017 Muffin Tin Challenge is sponsored by Heather Powers of Humblebeads.

The challenge is simple:

Fill the cup of a muffin tin with everything you need for one project - so the focal bead, accents, chain, findings - whatever you would need to complete one project and put that in one cup. Repeat with the other cups. You now have 6-12 projects in a portable container ready for you to put together. Grab your pliers/tools and sit somewhere comfy with your muffin tin and put each piece together knowing all your choices have already been made - your mission is to simply arrange those beads in a sassy design and complete those projects as quickly as possible!

These projects can be UFOs. (Unfinished Objects if you have a pile of half-finished projects.) And yes, it can be as simple as 6 pairs of earrings if that is what you feel motivated to create.

Project selected for creation by BayMoon Design

I decided to jump right in and I took a photo of my muffin tin and my six projects that I selected for this challenge.

                                                       

Lotus Flower Necklace by BayMoonDesign

One of my business goals this year is to build my collection of jewelry that appeals to those who practice yoga so I decided to create with 2 popular symbols--the lotus and infinity.  This lotus flower necklace has a large, gold colored bronze lotus flower pendant. The necklace also has two infinity symbols. I paired the bronze pieces with aqua chips and gold hematite beads to create this pastel floral necklace. 

photo credit :: https://unsplash.com/@jayicastor

I love the lotus flower because it is one of the most delicate and beautiful flowers. Although lotus grows in muddy water, it grows beautiful and brings a smile on anyone's face who sees it. The Lotus has long been associated with purity, rebirth and beauty. I paired it with infinity symbols because of the shape is classic, fluid, and romantic all at the same time. Think love, for it is infinite, boundless, and everywhere. I think that this necklace would be a very romantic Valentine gift.                     

Namaste bracelet by BayMoonDesign

Next I made a bracelet is another addition to my collection of jewelry designed who those who practice yoga. I took a TierraCast pewter link and put a slight bend in it to curve on the wrist. I made links out of sterling silver. I used these links as a way to connect it to silver chain. I also added one of my handmade clasps. It reminds me of the old school identity bracelets. I think this bracelet is perfect for those who practice yoga. In yoga, namaste means "the light within me honors the light within you. 

photo credit::https://unsplash.com/@arstyy

You can also see a tiny Ohm charm has been included on the bracelet.  Ohm is considered to be one of the most sacred syllables in several Indian religions and is often used for meditation. You can wear it to express your spiritual dedication or as a reminder of the importance of personal meditation.

daisy necklace by BayMoonDesign

The rest of my pieces for this challenge feature some of my favorite makers of art beads. The floral ceramic is by UK artist Lesley Watt. I love the boho, summer look of it.  I also used Suebeads firey red enamel teardrop shaped beads in this necklace.

 The bright floral focal is a beautiful handmade ceramic yellow and white flower that reminds me of a daisy. This unique artisan necklace has chunky yellow, orange and white beads with red Irish waxed linen thread and soft brown leather. The leather is used to create an adjustable neckline which makes it a great fit for all. The colorful ceramic necklace has a bohemian vibe to it. 

Cardinal Bracelet by BayMoonDesign

I couldn't resist one of Lorelei Eurto's new tin snippets. This red cardinal bracelet was handmade using her tin cardinal. Cardinal bracelet comes with a vintage recycled leather button and leather clasp. The rustic boho bracelet has red colored natural Irish waxed linen thread woven it to add a pop of color. This handmade cardinal jewelry is wearable art that makes a special gift for you or a friend who is a nature or bird lover.

photo credit::https://unsplash.com/@rayhennessy 

I love cardinals for many qualities that they have. One of the first and most obvious qualities about the cardinal is his color. Cardinal red is so called because it is one of the three primary colors. Another notable quality is that cardinals are year round residents. Cardinals also exemplify health, strength and vitality. They are known to be feisty in nature, and the red crown on top of their head evidences their fiery personality. When a cardinal prepares to defend himself or his family, the red-feathered crown rises up like the flames of a fire.

Navy blue earrings by BayMoonDesign

Next, Heather Powers of Humblebeads made these black, blue and gold polymer clay headpins. She used copper wire in the design. The copper wire made it very easy to design earrings. It was soft and malleable. I loved just being able to stack the crystal, copper bead cap and sodalite beads on top of her polymer clay base. The earrings are 2 inches long. They make a great gift for someone who appreciates art jewelry and can be purchased here.

Yellow Floral Earrings by BayMoonDesign

These yellow and teal earrings are made with handmade artisan teal and gold polymer clay beads by Emma Todd.  The beautiful polymer clay beads have swirls of teal and gold which remind me of a peacock's feathers. I combined the polymer clay beads with Czech glass beads.   The Czech glass beads remind me of yellow sunflowers. These turquoise and gold earrings are 2 inches long. They make a great gift and can be purchased here.

Thank you Heather of Humblebeads for organizing this!

Which new piece of jewelry is your favorite?