We're All Ears October Inspiration is the Harvest Moon

Photo by Neven Krcmarek on Unsplash

In 2017, the Harvest Moon fell in October. It is fitting that October's We're All Ears Inspiration is the Harvest Moon.

"Here in the Northern Hemisphere, we call the closest full moon to the autumn equinox the Harvest Moon. In 2017, the September equinox came on September 22. And the September full moon came early in the month, on the night of September 5-6 for the Americas. Thus, for the the Northern Hemisphere, the full moon of October 5 – the closest full moon to our autumn equinox – is our Harvest Moon." 
from EarthSky.org

Photo by CloudVisual on Unsplash

For several evenings, the moonrise comes soon after sunset resulting in an abundance of bright moonlight early in the evening. Traditionally this aided farmers and crews harvesting their summer-grown crops. Hence, it’s called the “Harvest” Moon! Additionally, the Full Harvest Moon rises at sunset and then will rise very near sunset for several nights in a row which makes it seem as if there are full Moons multiple nights in a row!

Harvest Moon Earrings by BayMoonDesign

The orange color is just a trick of your eyes. The atmosphere at the horizon is a greater thickness than higher overhead. The increased thickness of the atmosphere at the horizon scatters blue light in the spectrum the most allowing red light to pass to your eyes which is why the hue will appear more yellow, orange or reddish.  After giving it some long thought, I decided to make earrings which involve the color orange.      

TruePower punch and die set

Copper seemed like a good choice for the metal because of the orange color.  I pulled out my TruePower punch and die set and a sheet of copper.  I punched out 5/8 inch round discs and filed them a bit. 

Sizzix Moonlit Night embossing die

I then used my Stampin' Up Big Shot to emboss the discs with Sizzix Moonlit Night embossing die. I always associate a full moon with the "Man in the Moon" so I carefully positioned the copper discs to pick up that image. I then dipped them in liver of sulfur to darken them a little and bring up the image. I finished the moon by rubbing a little Renaissance wax on them. I strung orange Czech glass rondelles with camo fire polished rondelles, copper beads, on copper wire. Nunn Design antique copper leverback ear wires seemed like a good choice to finish off these earrings. I am very happy with the way the earrings turned out.  More of my Bay Moon Design earrings can be found at in my online shop.  I will be adding these harvest moon earrings later this weekend.

Now, head over to Earrings Everyday reveal post to see how other artists were inspired by this month's theme. I know I'm looking forward to it.

Photo by Ganapathy Kumar on Unsplash

Did you know that the Hunter's Moon, which is the first full moon after the Harvest Moon and will set the sky ablaze on November 3rd and 4th is a supermoon. This means that it will be even closer in orbit to the horizon causing it to appear HUGE! I am planning on view it. How about you?

Free US Shipping for Columbus Day

 

Bay Moon Design has been busy creating some new jewelry and cards with fall in mind.  This is the time of year my customers are looking for jewelry, cards and gifts for such events as

• Halloween
• Thanksgiving
• Birthdays
• Weddings or bridal showers
• Baby showers or new baby

It is never to early to get a jump start on your holiday shopping.  My inventory is at its best this weekend!

I put together this small sampling of some of some of my Autumn items.  I hope something catches your eye!  I am also tempting you further with free US shipping from now through Monday with a purchase of $19 or more with coupon code FREEUS.

Tree Necklace

The tree necklace is inspired by nature. This handmade winter tree pendant has a blue and black background .  There is a handmade enameled leaf hanging from it.  I added a cute bird in nest toggle clasp. The clasp is pewter and made by an artisan.  I combined sari ribbon, handmade ceramic beads, and recycled glass beads to give the tree necklace an earthy and boho look. This statement art necklace is a perfect birthday or holiday gift for the nature lover!

                    Leather Bracelet

Leather is hug this fall.  I added some leather bracelets and necklaces to my fall collection.

My earrings are my biggest seller and I am always adding more to my shop

What is my biggest seller?  These sterling silver lotus earrings. 

Get ready for Fall events with a handmade card by Bay Moon Design

        Pretty Butterfly Wedding Card

These new designs plus others are available for purchase in my Bay Moon Design shop now. I am offering free shipping for US customers with Coupon Code FREEUS on orders $19 or more now through Monday October 9, 2017.   Don't forget that custom orders are welcome.  Please feel free to email me at baymoondesign@gmail.com.

 I'm ready for Fall!  How about you?

Visit Bay Moon Design Etsy Shop

Thank You for shopping at Bay Moon Design!

Inspiration found at the Harbor of Grand Marais, Minnesota

Grand Marais Harbor

Many are attracted to the natural beauty of the Grand Marais, Minnesota area, making it a regional arts, music, and crafts hub, as well as he home of nonprofit educational institutions, such as the Grand Marais Art Colony and the North House Folk School, and art galleries featuring the work of local and regional artists.

Grand Marais Harbor

It is a northern village located on the shores of Lake Superior, and a vibrant, bustling town. The population was 1,351. Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes of North America. We drove here from Duluth, MN and I was amazed by how large Lake Superior is. It seems to go on forever. It is actually the size of South Carolina!

I went there with my husband and son.  We were in the area to celebrate my son's 29th birthday with a long weekend in the "wilderness".  Our first day took us on a walk along the shores of the harbor to the lighthouse.

The water is so clear you can see through to the bottom. I spotted this pretty leaf floating in the lake. The leaves are starting to turn here. The color reminded me of a pair of ceramics that I purchased from the Marsha Neal Studio.

Reddish Brown Ceramic Earrings by BayMoonDesign

They are reddish brown textured ceramics. I added a copper accent bead and used copper wire to wrap around the ceramics and add the copper beads.  Copper ear wires were a natural choice.  I love how the reddish brown color of the ceramics looks with the copper. The reddish brown ceramic earrings are available for purchase at my BayMoonDesign shop.

I think this poems reflects the season to the earrings and photo of the leaf. 

Maple by Daniel Human

red
orange
glowing trees
the last hurrah
falls

Inspiration from Quebec City

Château Frontenac Hotel

I had the opportunity to visit Quebec City, Canada's oldest city. It was established as a French colonial outpost and founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608. I found lots of inspiration for those who appreciate the arts and history. Quebec City is the capital city of the Canadian province of Quebec. The city has a population of about 500,000. Quebec City is located in the Saint Lawrence River valley, on the north bank of the Saint Lawrence River near its meeting with the St. Charles River. The surrounding area is low-lying and flat. As you look around at the river valley you can't help but notice the rich, arable soil, which makes this region the most fertile in the province. Quebec City's skyline is dominated by the massive Château Frontenac Hotel, perched on top of Cap-Diamant. Alongside the Château Frontenac is the Dufferin Terrace, a walkway along the edge of the cliff, offering beautiful views of the Saint Lawrence River. The Dufferin Terrace leads toward the nearby Plains of Abraham, site of the battle in which the British took Quebec from France.

Me, my camera, and new found friend

I set off on my visit to old Quebec City with the intention of absorbing all of the history that I could. Armed with my camera and guidebook, I began in the historic Quebec area which is built on a plateau. Because of this topographic feature, the central and oldest area of the city is sometimes divided into upper and lower town. 

Photo Shoot in lower town Quebec City

I was struck by how beautiful and quaint the city is.  Apparently others feel the same way.  It was long before I spotted a professional photo shoot underway.  I was stunned by the beauty of the female model and the way the pleats in her skirt just flowed perfectly.  Then, I realized that the man behind her was part of the photo shoot.  I don't know where the photo will appear but I am thinking it is for Christmas time since they are in red and green.  

Everywhere you look, the streets are lined with colorful buildings.

Space Elephant by Salvador Dali

Sculptures are found throughout the city.  I noticed this brass elephant on spindly, bone-like legs in front of the Château Frontenac. This Salvador Dali sculpture is part of the Galerie d’Art du Château Frontenac’s summer exhibit which ends in October 2017.  Known as the Space Elephant, the work also has an elongated pyramid sitting on its back. 

Samuel de Champlain

This monument which honors Samuel Champlain, who founded the city is one of Quebec City's most spectacular landmarks.  The enormous monument was built in 1898, and consists of a stone base that is topped by a statue of Champlain. The four-sided base contains an elaborate sculpture of angels and religious icons, plus plaques in both English and French describing the origin of the statue and Champlain's accomplishments.  It is located on Dufferin Terrace - a central location near the Chateau Frontenac. It's a busy gathering space where thousands of locals and tourists converge to see the sights and enjoy the street performers and entertainers. 

This mural on the side of a building is incredibly detailed and lifelike.

Old Town Quebec City

When it comes to innovation I had to smile.  What fun to see these colorful balls strung across this old street!

Street Performer

Later in the day, I paused to listen to this street performer playing his harp and singing.  He has a great life.  He spends half of the year in Chile where he from and the other half here.  I am guessing he is in Chile in Canada's winter!

Everywhere you look in the city you will spot lovely flowers.

old doors and windows

Even the old doors and windows are appealing and interesting.  They are part of the charm of this old city.

Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral

Churches dominate the city and contain wonderful works of art, many of which help to tell the history of Quebec,  Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral is the first church in the New World to be raised to a basilica.  It is a must see.

The connection between the first settlers to the New World and the New Nations is portrayed in this stained glass found in a local church.

Modern city of Quebec

The modern part of the city is enriched by art also.  This mural really livens up this gray building.

I don't know the background of this sculpture suspended over water but I love it!

by BayMoonDesign

Tree Necklace by BayMoonDesign

I try to take a trip in the Fall to gather inspiration for my new line of jewelry.  This tree necklace was inspired by my trip to Glacier National Park in Montana last year.  The glaciers inspired the blue, black and white color palette.  The single leaf speaks to the leaves falling from the trees as winter approaches and the bare trees dominate the landscape.  It is available for purchase in my BayMoonDesign store.  I don't know what this trip will inspire yet because it isn't over.  I have lots of ideas floating in my mind.  What are your thoughts about what you have seen of Quebec?