Summer Color Inspiration Challenge

Sharyl McMillian-Nelson of Sharly's Jewelry and Reflections blog posted a color challenge to create jewelry using specific color combinations.  The challenge is to post photos of jewelry that use at least 2 of the colors from the following 4 combinations:

#1:  dark pink, yellow, dark purple
#2:  lime green, yellow, pinkish-red
#3:   periwinkle, berry, yellow, green
#4:  raspberry/fuschia, carnation pink, bright yellow, sage green  

#3:   periwinkle, yellow, and  green colors

Since arms are bared in the summer, I have also been trying to add more bracelets to my shop. This floral bracelet is a great summer bracelet.  The periwinkle in this bracelet bar just called out to me.  Adding more green to the bracelet came naturally since the bracelet bar has green in it.  I used yellow to add some pop and the bronze metal that I used worked well with yellow. 

 

#1:  yellow, dark purple

In the spring, I made this bracelet.  It sold quickly so I used this same basic design for the periwinkle bracelet.  This bracelet began with the gorgeous purple and yellow square bead with flowers. I followed the lead from this bead and added more beads and crystals with yellow and dark purple.

#1:   yellow, dark purple

 

This yellow and purple stacked bracelet is great for the summer.  I found the large dark purple beads and fell in love with the rich color.  Yellow seemed an natural selection for a complimentary color.

 

#2:  lime green, yellow

This lime green and yellow floral necklace resulted from a bead blog where I was sent beads from Lisa Lodge which included the lime green ones in this necklace.  I wanted to used the yellow flower for the focal and I happened to have a pink headpin for it.  I pulled some yellow, pink, and green, quartz beads and a pink quartz clasp from my bead collection and this summer necklace is the result.

#1:   yellow, dark purple

I have been adding yoga themed jewelry to my Etsy store.  When I spotted these pretty lotus flowers I new I had to have them for earrings.  I found these 2 dark purple round beads that bring out the purple in the hand painted ceramics.  The yellow of the gold metal seemed like a natural fit for the purple lotus earrings. 
 

Lisa Lodge sent me this gorgeous focal by Sharyl's Jewelry.

Unbeknownst to our hostess Sharyl, I received one of her gorgeous patinaed focals from Lisa Lodge to use in Lisa's Summer Color Challenge to be held on Aug. 24.  I would love to show you what I created with this focal and all of the gorgeous beads that Lisa sent me.  Since most of the beads  are all various shades of purple, the jewelry that I made with them fits in with this challenge really well.  I don't want to ruin the reveal on Aug. 24 so I'm not posting those pieces.    

Thank you Sharyl for organizing this blog hop!  Please visit Sharyl and the other participants to see how they use these colors. 

Blog Hop Participant List:

Sharyl McMillian-Nelson     Sharyl’s Jewelry    (Host)

Kashmira Patel   .....    Sadafulee...always in bloom! 

Lisa Lodge   .....   A Grateful Artist - Pine Ridge Treasures 

Tanty Sri Hartanti   ....   TJewellicious by Tanti      

Kathy Lindemer ....  Bay Moon Design    

Laren Dee Barton ... Laren Dee Designs      

Melissa Trudinger  ... Beadrecipes    

 

Owls in Jewelry and History

An owl rehabilitating at the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center

While in the Florida Keys this winter, I had the opportunity to visit the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center.   Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release native and migratory wild birds that have been harmed or displaced, to provide or locate a humane shelter for those birds that cannot be released, and to educate the public toward the importance of coexistence with all wild bird species.  I spotted some beautiful owls like the one in this photo that were rehabilitating there.

Great White Ibis at Florida Keys Wild Bird Center

When birds ready to go back to the wild, they are often release gradually.   They have access to the support of the facility while getting use to leaving.  Some birds like it there so much that they stay.  I met a pelican who lives there even though he can leave any time he wants.  It is really an interesting place to visit.  Lots of good is done there for birds who are hit by cars, swallow fish hooks etc.  Their work is expensive so donations are appreciated and are used to help feed and shelter these birds.

Thanks to Harry Potter, the owl has had a resurgence in popularity.   Throughout history, the owl has received mixed reviews. The Greeks believed an owl flying over a battlefield meant victory, while in other cultures, owls were considered omens of death, prophets of doom.  In modern times among Western cultures the owl is associated with wisdom.  I tend to think of the owl as a symbol of wisdom and that is why I am drawn to it.

Owl focal is by Blueberribeads

I won the cute ceramic owl made by Blueberribeads.  I have taken my time using the bead because I wanted to do justice to it.  Also, I find purple very challenging to work with because there are so many different shades to this color.  It took me time to find beads, crystals, and silks just the right shades.

Owl Necklace available for purchase in Bay Moon Design Etsy store

Just recently I came across  an artisan purple lampwork bead that I used in the center. I used Blueberribead's large and very cute ceramic owl as the focal which I suspended from the lampwork. There are some flowers and leaves hanging from the owl to add to the nature motif. Lavender beads, green and purple crystals add lots of color and sparkle to the necklace.

The necklace has black and purple silk ribbons and large silver lobster clasp along the back. This gives the necklace a contemporary look.

Owl Necklace in fushia by Bay Moon Design

I have several owls by other artists in my jewelry.  I love this pink owl that paired with a fushia silk. 

Vintage Owl Bracelet available in Bay Moon Design Etsy store

I couldn't pass up this vintage German owl.  Orange brings out the gray of the owl and adds some pop to this bracelet.

Whimsical Owl Card available in Bay Moon Design Etsy store

I even feature owls on some of my handmade cards.

I don't remember where I found this owl, but I thought he was a hoot.   For more bird jewelry and cards, visit my online store.

Lucy, My Quality Control Cat for AJE Earring Challenge

Siamese If You Please--My jewelry cat Lucy

Just about everyone is familiar with the Siamese cat and its antics. Whether from listening to the two ornery Siamese cats’ song in “The Lady and the Tramp,” watching the Siamese cat, D.C., help uncover the villains in Disney’s 1965 film, “That Darn Cat,” or reading the comic strip “Get Fuzzy,” The Siamese personality is well-known and unique.  Ever wonder who keeps me company in my "Jewelry Room" when I am working on my creations for this AJE Earring Challenge?  Lucy, one of my three Siamese cats,  keeps me company.  He is in charge of quality control.  You can see him all curled up fast at work on top of some of my beads and tools.

    Great Summer Earrings by Bay Moon Design

This pair of earrings has big donut ceramics by Marsha Neal Studio that are beige and off white in color. I paired the donuts with round jasper beads.  They dangle 2 inches below the top of the earwires and are light and comfortable to wear.  I think that they have a retro appearance to them. These earrings sold in a flash.

Long orange earrings with BoHo look available in  BayMoonDesign Etsy shop

These orange ceramics are by Work of Our Hands Namibia whose mission is to provide hope and dignity for the unemployed through the creation of cottage industries which produce handcrafted items. I paired the ceramics with natural betel nut beads and copper for a warm boho look.  

I would love to show you my "Jewelry Room"  however, it needs a lot of work before I post a photo of it.  I have made great improvements in the organization of the room, but I need to do much more.  It is hard to keep the room neat when I have cats who love to sleep on my work table and play with beads.  I have to keep my wire and treads hidden from them because they could be dangerous to their health and I love them too much for that!

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