Friday, December 27, 2019

December Art Elements - Handmade Christmas


Photo of cardinal bird by Robert Thiemann on Unsplash
Photo by Robert Thiemann on Unsplash
I love the theme of the December Art Elements Challenge - Handmade Christmas. As always we can use any medium we choose. We can enter gifts that we make, ornaments and decorations, wreaths, Christmas cards… even cakes, cookies and gingerbread houses – just as long as we have made them.


Winter tree earring by BayMoonDesign
Winter tree earring by BayMoonDesign
I made a number of earrings with Christmas in mind.  I designed them so that they can be worn for Christmas as well as all winter long.  The ceramic trees remind me of snow covered trees so I wanted to create a pair of earthy looking earrings. The ear wires are natural brass which adds to an earthy look. These snowy tree earrings make a one of a kind art jewelry gift for a nature lover.  The ceramics are made by artist Mary Harding



Cardinal Bird Photo by Brendan Steeves on Unsplash
Photo by Brendan Steeves on Unsplash

I love cardinals. When I saw a cardinal image on faux tin beads by a favorite artisan of mine, I knew that that they would become a special pair of holiday earrings. The art jewelry illustrations are from original artwork of Heather Powers of Humblebeads. The image will not scratch off, is water-resistant, and adorable.

Cardinal earrings by BayMoonDesign
Cardinal earrings by BayMoonDesign
I paired sterling silver wires and olive green Swarovski crystals to add sparkle and bring out the green in the beads. If you love nature these earrings make a statement and can be worn all winter. As a gift these bird dangles are sure to put a smile on the face of a bird lover.


Snowmen Ornament by BayMoonDesign

In a previous blog I described how I made a dozen ornaments for the Biggs Museum of American Art .  The museum hosts a holiday market for children. They purchase handmade items by member artisans. 

I went through my stash of tins, card stock, tools, old Christmas cards, ribbons and trim, earrings, holiday pins, odds and ends. Two essentials for this project are a hot glue gun and Modge Podge which I had. The best part of this project was that I did not have to buy a single thing. I had everything I used already at home.  I admit I worked with children for 35 years so I have a rather large collection of holiday pins and jewelry that I hope will bring joy to others as I repurpose them. I wanted them to enjoy life outside of my jewelry box.  This ornament has a trio of ceramic snowmen that I hope is now being enjoyed on someones Christmas tree.




Christmas Card by BayMoonDesign

I made a number of Christmas and holiday cards as I do every year. One of my favorites is this Santa card. If you like this card, you may want to look at my collection of handmade cards that I sell in my Etsy shop.


Photo by Rinck Content Studio on Unsplash
Remember this is a bog hop. I special thanks to Jennifer Davies-Reazor for organizing this. Here's a list of all of the participants:

Grab some hot chocolate and see what the others made for Christmas!  Don't forget we love comments.





10 comments:

  1. Gorgeous earrings. The trees are definitely both holiday-appropriate as well as wearable all season. The ornament and card are lovely. Happy Holidays.

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  2. Oh, I love the earrings you made with my little fir trees Kathy!! You make them look super!! Your nature work is wonderful and your cards are so unique and 3 dimensional. Happy New Year!!

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  3. So many festive makes! I was hoping you'd share some of your cards, but to see the assemblage ornament too delights me to no end. I hope you had a Merry Christmas and wish you a fabulous new year! :)

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  4. All of your "entries" are equally awesome! I especially love Cardinals also, don't see them at home in France, but here in Georgia they make a regular appearance at Sis' place. Mom always put out birdseed and had painted me a few watercolors with cardinals. I'm going to finish up matting one of her masterpieces in a frame when I get back in January. Now when I see a cardinal, it reminds me of Mom. Thanks for the inspiration. Happy 2020 to you and yours. Alysen

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  5. I just love those tree earrings. Perfect for Christmas but I would probably also wear them any time! I really love the snowman ornament made from a tin and your card is beautiful as always. Every year I say I am going to make a few Christmas cards but I never get around to it.

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  6. The earrings are lovely! I love the trees and the cardinals are amazing!
    I love the ornament you made from bits and bobs you already had and I am sure someone is totally enjoying the ornament on their tree!
    The cards are gorgeous! I loved seeing what you created in your store!

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  7. Such wonderful creations! We don't have cardinals here, but I love them, so the earrings are my favorite, hands down!

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  8. Ooh - I had not heard of that event at the Biggs. Can anyone send ornaments? Will you let me know how to be involved? Thats precious.

    Your earrings are fabulous - love the cardinals! So many festive things! Thanks for joining us and many wished fro a HAPPY new year!

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  9. I love what you made, especially the snowman ornament. SO cute! Happy Holidays!

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  10. Beautiful earrings Kathy, love your ornament as well! Love that card - so pretty and festive!

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