January Art Elements Theme Challenge – Berries Berries Berries!

Basket of Berries

When I saw the theme for January's Art Element Challenge is berries, I committed to participate right away. Artist and designer Karen Totten issued the challenge and I knew this would provide me with the opportunity to buy some beads for the spring season.

I'm already planning and creating my spring jewelry. I think berry earrings will be perfect as spring earrings. The color palette of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, juniper berries sounds so appealing!

I located some beautiful lampwork berries from ChristianeImkamp . I was taken by how real they look. I came up with three different designs for three different berries. The earrings went together quickly after that.

Strawberry Earrings by BayMoonDesign

These are beautiful lampwork strawberry earrings with sterling silver ear wires. The red berry dangles look like real fruit. I think they would make a lovely Valentine gift.

Red Raspberry Earrings by BayMoonDesign

These are glass red raspberry earrings with natural brass leaves and ear wires . The berries look like they were made by nature. The art jewelry is perfect for fans of berries and foodies.

Pantone Color of the Year for 2020

As it happens, a gorgeous blueberry color is the Pantone Color of the Year: Classic Blue. My blueberry earrings are using this new hue.

Blueberry Earrings by BayMoonDesign

These are glass blueberry earrings with sterling silver ear wires. Each lampwork blue berry has a sterling silver leaf charm with it. This is a beautiful piece of fruit art jewelry. It is perfect for a Valentine or spring gift.

A special thanks to Karen Totten for this fun theme.

This is a blog hop so please visit the other participants and leave comments on their creations.

Art Elements Team

• Laney
• Karen (hostess)
• Cathy
• Lesley
• Jen

Our Guest Contributors

• Sarah Raines
• Karin Grosset Grange
• Divya
• Bay Moon Design (here)
• Tammy Adams

Don't you think that this jewelry is perfect for a trip to the Farmer's Market?

We're All Ears :: January Inspiration :: Color of the Year

Classic Blue-Pantone Color of the Year

January's inspiration for We're All Ears blog hop is the Pantone Color of the Year. This color is a timeless and enduring blue. It is Classic Blue and it is elegant. Blue gives us a sense of peace and tranquility. It is a very grounding color. Classic Blue is a neutral color in my mind. I cannot think of any other color that would NOT look good when paired with it. It reminds me of the color of blue jeans. I think of blue jeans as something that I can pair with any color.

There are a number of color palettes that Pantone has put together to use with Classic Blue. For a pair of earrings that I made, I selected the Exotic Tastes palette for my color inspiration.

A palette that compliments Classic Blue

This palette is an intriguing and adventurous potpourri of tastes and colors reflective of natural seasonings, condiments and blue foods. Foods that are a similar blue as PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue are rich in anthocyanins. Blueberries are a good example.

Blueberries

These blue moon earrings make a celestial statement with pops of white, orange, yellow.  The colors were inspired by the Exotic Tastes palette. The blue moon was made by Brooke Bock. I added yellow, orange and white o beads that I purchased from My Elements. I think they create a whimsical look.  The earrings have sterling silver ear wires.  

Blue Moon Earrings by BayMoonDesign

I am looking forward to seeing what colors others use with Classic Blue.  What do you think of my color combinations?

Crafter's New Year Resolution --- Be More Eco-Friendly

Garbage Bin Photo by Anna Auza on Unsplash

With the holidays over I looked back on some of my holiday practices and their effect on the environment and I realized I can do better. I think of myself as a someone who values nature.

Seahorse Necklace by BayMoonDesign

I live by the water and I enjoy swimming, kayaking, snorkeling and paddle boarding. 

My handmade jewelry and cards are inspired by nature. The seahorse necklace and ocean scene on my handmade card are a few examples the influence of the ocean on my creations.

Octopus Card by BayMoonDesign

I have traveled to many of our national parks and blogged about their beauty. Consequently, I resolve to do a better job next year, with my making and purchase of holiday cards and gift wrappings.

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

I admit that I love glitter. I always have. Glitter made it's way into my home in the way of holiday cards. This year I ended up buying several boxes of cards and I selected several which had a lot of glitter on them. The holiday cards that I made also had glitter on the paper and glitter in the glue. Some of the holiday dos and don'ts lists mention avoiding glitter because it is not recyclable. Most glitters are tiny microplastics that can end up polluting our oceans. I definitely don't want to add to polluting the water. Why did I go for the glitter? I just loved the sparkly look!

Foil Photo by Vinicius Amano on Unsplash

Did you know that when selecting gift wrap paper, you should think about the fact that laminated, metallic or textured papers are not recyclable? I have a good track record there. I use paper. In fact I sometimes reuse the brown paper used as a packing filler. I smooth it out and stamp it with some color. Kids drawings make perfect wrap especially for relatives. Paper gift bags can be used a rather than the plastic coated ones. I have been know to use old maps and newspaper. When gift wrapping avoid plastic-coated ribbon. I have switched to twine, hemp, and torn pieces of fabric.
I love the look of Washi tape. It can be used instead of clear tape. It is an adhesive made with natural fibers. It is recyclable! I have to confess I was just using washi tape because it is pretty. Now I can help spread the word about it's benefits for the environment.