We're All Ears :: March Challenge :: Leaping Greenly

Photo by Brandon Green on Unsplash

We're All Ears March Challenge is all about green.  We are all waiting for beautiful spring weather that brings more sunshine to melt the snow and ice that covers lots of the country.  We are waiting to see all the shades of green that are unique  to Spring. Spring comes to us in March.  

Photo by Paul Gilmore on Unsplash

Here's to the Vernal Equinox that is coming on March 20th and our beginning to have more hours of daylight than night. The 2019 vernal equinox is special. According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, for the first time in nearly 40 years, the spring equinox will occur on the same day as March’s Full Moon--the Worm Moon.  March’s Full Moon will also be a super moon, meaning that it will be slightly larger and brighter than most of the other full Moons this year.  

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Here's to the sleeping buds and the dormant blades of grass that are preparing to make their appearance. 

Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash

And here's to the coming Saint Patty's Day celebration of all things green.

Spring Green Earrings by BayMoonDesign

Here's to my new spring green earrings. These spring green earrings have sterling silver ear wires that add to a minimalist look. The green dangles are 1.75 inches below the top of the ear wires and are light and comfortable to wear. The glass work is by Susan Kennedy.  They are available HERE.

Photo by Amy Reed on Unsplash

Now hop on over to this month's post to see what others created.

Comments are welcome!

Different Leather Bracelet Options for Designers

Photo by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash

In my first blog in this series on adding leather to your jewelry designs,   I discussed the challenge of picking out the leather.  I showed how I have added leather to my collection of handmade earrings.  My second in the series, discusses designing leather bracelets and focuses on using magnetic clasps.  In this third in the series, I am showing the advantage of using wide magnetic clasps in designs. 

I love the creativity that the use of a wide magnetic clasp offers. I realized when making the single strand leather bracelet below that I liked the color and texture of the leather and it made an attractive single strand bracelet. It was quick and easy to make.  I had a piece left when I finished that I thought would look great with some other leather that I had on hand.  This other leather had the texture of cork and was much lighter in color.

Single strand leather bracelet by BayMoonDesign

I used the cork leather in the center of my new bracelet that I made with a wide magnetic clasp.  The outer leather strands are the scrap leather from the above bracelet.   I love how the lighter beige color contrasts with the darker orange color.  The textures are a complete contrasts also.  Combined they make a really interesting triple strand bracelet that allows you to showcase your creativity.

Triple strand leather bracelet with wide magnetic clasp by BayMoonDesign

I created a collection of bracelets on Pinterest that illustrates the fun that a designer can have by using these wide magnetic clasps. The clasps come in all different shapes and finishes. In addition to leather, you can add whatever material that fits in the clasp and that your Super Glue holds.  This is another area where your creativity can come into play.

Before I used magnetic clasps I was skeptical that they would hold. I am sold on their strength and ease of use. They simply attract each other and secure the parts with no effort at all. This offers the advantage of being an ideal choice for people with limited hand mobility. It is important to point out that these clasps should NEVER be worn with a pacemaker, so be advised when making and selling jewelry.

 

Photo by LUM3N on Unsplash

I love that there is no limit to creativity with leather.  Comments are welcome!