July Theme Challenge: Flowers

Water Lily Photo by BayMoonDesign

The theme of the July Art Elements blog hop is flowers.  The sponsor Marsha Neal thought behind this theme is that there are participants in this blog hop from all of the world and it will be fun to see what is in bloom in different areas.  I totally agree.

I decided to photograph a new flower in my own backyard in Lewes, Delaware, USA.  I have a small manmade pond in my backyard with some goldfish. Our first water lily is in bloom and it looks very pretty floating in the crystal clear water. 

Garden container at local pool

My next flowers to be photographed are in a garden container that I have been admiring all summer.  It is located at a pool in Lewes, Delaware where I swim laps in the summer. This photo will help remind me to try this combination of flowers next year at my house. I love all of the yellows and greens. This combination of flowers does well in a shaded area. It is a combination of begonias, pansies, and a snake plant. These flowers thrive in the shade and bloom all summer long. These plants are all are hardy and have a striking appearance when combined. Even those without a green thumb will find these plants easy to care for. These plants can put up with almost anything! That makes them perfect for me.

Humorous Crown Card by BayMoonDesign

This challenge inspired me to use some of my newest floral paper to make some hand stamped cards. I made this sassy floral card that could be sent to cheer someone up. I am fond of the sentiment that I stamped on this card --"Sometimes you just have to throw on a Crown and remind them who they're dealing with!" The inside is blank so that you can personalize it.  The magenta colored card stock is layered on top of white card stock. The regal crown has tiny "diamonds" Who wouldn't get a kick out of this fabulous floral card.  This is a fun card for a special person!

Floral and Bird Birthday card by BayMoonDesign

Next, flowers  inspired me to made a cheerful floral birthday card with the words "Just for You" on the front. A trio of birds are layered on the floral paper. I decided to add it to green and orange card stock. Happy Birthday is hand stamped on the inside of the flowers with birds birthday card. There is plenty of room on the inside for you to add your own special words.

Make a Wish Floral Bracelet by BayMoonDesign

My floral bracelet features a pale green leather and aqua blue ceramic with "Make Wishes" on one side and a dandelion on the other. This flower bracelet also has the word bead "Kindness" and it is adjustable. It fits a 7 to 8 inch wrist. Size adjustments can be made easily by adjusting the amount of leather that you pass through the floral.  The ceramic word beads are by Scottish artisan Grubbi.  

This is a blog hop so take time and enjoy the flowers and what see what they inspired. We love to read your comments.  A special thanks to Marsha Neal for this perfect summer inspiration.

Here is a list of our Visiting Artists:
Alysen
Cat
Divya
Evie and Beth
Jill
Hope
Kathy (here)
Linda
Louise
Martha
Melissa
Michelle
Rozantia
Sarah
Sarajo
Tammy

And our Art Elements Blog Contributors:
Caroline
Cathy
Claire
Jenny
Laney
Lesley
Marsha
Susan

Enjoy!

We're All Ears :: July Inspiration :: Blueberries

Blueberries -- Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash

July's We're All Ears challenge is to create a pair of earrings inspired by blueberries.  Blueberries are perennial flowering plants with blue– or purple–colored berries. As soon as I thought about the blues and purples in these luscious berries, I knew what I would make.

The blueberries we eat today are a more or less recent invention. Prior to the 1900’s, only North American natives utilized the berry, which was only found in the wild.

Today there are three types of blueberry: highbush, lowbush and hybrid half-high. Blueberry harvesting season can be anywhere from late May through mid-August, depending upon the variety and your local climate.  When blueberries are in season, there are many farms that let families pick these plump, sun-ripened morsels.  It is fun to do some research and find a patch near you and plan a fun day with family and friends.

Some Picked Blueberries-- Photo by Farsai Chaikulngamdee on Unsplash

There’s no great secret to picking blueberries. Beyond the actual picking of the blueberries, there isn’t an easier fruit to prepare and serve. You don’t need to peel, pit, core or cut plus they freeze, can or dry for long-term storage if you don’t make short work of them as a pie, cobbler or just a snack. Best of all blueberries are low in calories and high in nutrients.

Store fresh blueberries in the refrigerator as soon as you get them home, without washing them, in a covered bowl or storage container. If refrigerated, fresh-picked blueberries will keep 10 to 14 days. Freeze berries in freezer containers without washing to keep the skins from toughening.

Blueberry inspired earrings by BayMoonDesign

The colors in blueberries are what inspired my blue and purple paisley ceramic earrings. The handmade earrings make fun statement dangles. These are vibrant and tropical in this seasons freshest colors. I added lavender and blue freshwater pearls as well as aqua crystals. The bell shaped ceramic by Scotish artisan Grubbi. These statement earrings have sterling ear wires.

Fresh fruits are one of the best parts of summer.  What is your favorite fruit?

Photo by chen zo on Unsplash

I plan to spend some time in doors this weekend and read the blogs of the other participants in this blog hop! Join us and leave comments in your travels through them.