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Friday, October 20, 2017

We're All Ears October Inspiration is the Harvest Moon


Photo of orange full moon by Neven Krcmarek on Unsplash
Photo by Neven Krcmarek on Unsplash

In 2017, the Harvest Moon fell in October. It is fitting that October's We're All Ears Inspiration is the Harvest Moon.

"Here in the Northern Hemisphere, we call the closest full moon to the autumn equinox the Harvest Moon. In 2017, the September equinox came on September 22. And the September full moon came early in the month, on the night of September 5-6 for the Americas. Thus, for the the Northern Hemisphere, the full moon of October 5 – the closest full moon to our autumn equinox – is our Harvest Moon." 
from EarthSky.org

Photo of tractor in field by CloudVisual on Unsplash
Photo by CloudVisual on Unsplash
For several evenings, the moonrise comes soon after sunset resulting in an abundance of bright moonlight early in the evening. Traditionally this aided farmers and crews harvesting their summer-grown crops. Hence, it’s called the “Harvest” Moon! Additionally, the Full Harvest Moon rises at sunset and then will rise very near sunset for several nights in a row which makes it seem as if there are full Moons multiple nights in a row!
Harvest Moon Earrings by BayMoonDesign
Harvest Moon Earrings by BayMoonDesign
The orange color is just a trick of your eyes. The atmosphere at the horizon is a greater thickness than higher overhead. The increased thickness of the atmosphere at the horizon scatters blue light in the spectrum the most allowing red light to pass to your eyes which is why the hue will appear more yellow, orange or reddish.  After giving it some long thought, I decided to make earrings which involve the color orange.      
TruePower punch and die set
TruePower punch and die set

Copper seemed like a good choice for the metal because of the orange color.  I pulled out my TruePower punch and die set and a sheet of copper.  I punched out 5/8 inch round discs and filed them a bit. 
Sizzix Moonlit Night embossing die
Sizzix Moonlit Night embossing die
I then used my Stampin' Up Big Shot to emboss the discs with Sizzix Moonlit Night embossing die. I always associate a full moon with the "Man in the Moon" so I carefully positioned the copper discs to pick up that image. I then dipped them in liver of sulfur to darken them a little and bring up the image. I finished the moon by rubbing a little Renaissance wax on them. I strung orange Czech glass rondelles with camo fire polished rondelles, copper beads, on copper wire. Nunn Design antique copper leverback ear wires seemed like a good choice to finish off these earrings. I am very happy with the way the earrings turned out.  More of my Bay Moon Design earrings can be found at in my online shop.  I will be adding these harvest moon earrings later this weekend.

 Now, head over to Earrings Everyday reveal post to see how other artists were inspired by this month's theme. I know I'm looking forward to it.
Photo by Ganapathy Kumar on Unsplash

 Did you know that the Hunter's Moon, which is the first full moon after the Harvest Moon and will set the sky ablaze on November 3rd and 4th is a supermoon. This means that it will be even closer in orbit to the horizon causing it to appear HUGE! I am planning on view it. How about you?
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12 comments:

  1. CraftyHopeOctober 20, 2017 at 12:18 PM

    Goodness, this is fabulous! I haven't seen that embossing die before. . . now I want one like it! I love that you were able to incorporate the orange hue of the harvest moon, something I didn't do in my design. The copper is just perfect for that too. Wonderfully done!

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    1. baymoondesignOctober 20, 2017 at 6:05 PM

      I originally bought the die to use the owl. Now, I am thrilled that I used another part of it. The earrings went together fairly quickly considering I had to make the moons. I am so happy with these I want to make a few more for my online store. Thanks for visiting my blog.

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  2. Deborah SchlegelOctober 20, 2017 at 1:52 PM

    These are gorgeous!! Copper makes a great moon and I love the beads you added. And thank you for writing about how to make embossed copper - I had not seen the embossing plates before.

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    1. baymoondesignOctober 20, 2017 at 6:08 PM

      I make jewelry and cards. I am always delighted when I can use items from my card tools like the embossing plates and the Big Shot when I am making jewelry. Thanks for visiting my blog.

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  3. baymoondesignOctober 20, 2017 at 6:03 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  4. Sarajo WentlingOctober 20, 2017 at 7:40 PM

    Super cute! I like the beads that you paired with your copper discs. I almost used that Vintaj embossing folder this time too but ran out of time to play with that idea. I'll have to cross my fingers that the sky is clear for the upcoming Hunters Super Moon. Thanks for the heads up!

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  5. Divya NOctober 21, 2017 at 9:28 AM

    Using polished crystals is a great way to induce color in the earrings and you have done it well. To think that I crystals to make mine more achromatic.

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  6. anafiassaOctober 21, 2017 at 11:19 AM

    These are lovely! I loved reading about how you made the copper discs--they are absolutely perfect for this challenge! (And now I want to play with embossing metal, hah!) Thanks so much for sharing. :)

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  7. SusanDolphinDelaneyOctober 21, 2017 at 4:12 PM

    Such harmony!

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  8. bairozanOctober 27, 2017 at 2:30 AM

    It is such fun to make your own components! Beautiful design with the colors of turning leaves and ripe autumn fruits - something's going away and something is in full life!

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  9. TesoriTrovatiNovember 1, 2017 at 3:30 PM

    Ooh! I love the deep orange russet color and the patterning on those disks! Perfect for this harvest moon inspiration! Thanks for playing along with me in the We're All Ears challenge. Stop by on 11/3 to see the next challenge! Enjoy the day! Erin

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