June Theme Challenge-Summer Solstice

Beach Photo by Ethan Robertson on Unsplash

Summer solstice fell on Saturday June 20, 2020 and marked the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere. It is only fitting that the current Art Elements monthly theme is Summer Solstice. It marks the longest day of the year, and it always reminds me that daylight decreases afterwards. I don't like loosing daylight.

There are so many signs and symbols that I associate with midsummer--green man, flowers, bees. beach, and sand are a few of my favorites. The theme is broad and allows for a wide range of ideas and inspirations.

I began the month by thinking of a few occasions that I needed some handmade cards for and used the theme to come up with new designs. When I think of a summer flower, the sunflower is the first floral image that comes to mind. Fields of sunflowers are a special summer delight.

 

Sun Flowers Photo by Aleksandr Eremin

  I used a large and detailed sunflower stamp to make this sunflower and bee note card. This floral greeting card has a large bumble bee on it. The card is blank on the inside. I think that the card makes a great thinking of you card or thank you card.

                                          Sunflower and Bee Note Card by BayMoonDesign

June is a popular wedding month so it follows that it is a big anniversary
month. I celebrated 49 years of marriage this month. I created this
anniversary card for my husband. My husband and I sailed for many years and still enjoy life by the water. There are two sailboats with a bright yellow sun on the front. The sentiment "Happy Anniversary" is stamped on the front in matching blue ink.

Anniversary card by BayMoonDesign

I rarely make just one card at a time. I added a second anniversary card that I made to my online shop. The theme also inspired several pieces of jewelry to my summer collection.

Turtle bracelet by BayMoonDesign

I am all about the beach and nature so my summer collection centers on those themes.  I used a collection of handmade unique ocean beads like a ceramic turtle, a yellow lampwork seashell and sand bead, sand dollar charm, and aqua blue Czech glass beads for this ocean turtle bracelet. 

Salt in the Air, Sand in My Hair Necklace by BayMoonDesign

I love the saying "Salt In the Air Sand In My Hair" so I when I found it as a ceramic focal I new it would make a great pendant on Ball Chain. I added an artisan yellow lampwork bead with sea shells and sand. The natural brass ball chain is 18 inches long and brings out the browns in the jewelry.

Starfish necklace by BayMoonDesign

This ceramic starfish pendant makes a unique casual beach necklace. Perfect for summer! The aqua blue starfish focal by Lisa Boucher is surrounded by one of a kind handmade art beads and a natural brass elongated oval cable chain and clasp.

Green Man Cab by Susan Kennedy

I saved embroidering this green man cab by Susan Kennedy for my last project. It didn't go smoothly and I didn't finish. In fact I am going to take it apart and start all over!

Summer solstice is a perfect inspiration for me and I am happy with all that I got done this month.