Tuesday, September 9, 2014

We're All Ears :: September Reveal

September's inspiration photo is macro photography shots of nature's intricate terrain. The shades of green and the textures fascinate me. 


The picture I was most drawn to was the picture below. I love the details and the colors. I wanted to somehow capture the swirls of the gray on the green. 


After pulling out trays of green and gray beads, I discovered my stash of aqua terra jasper and knew they would be the feature beads. I love the veining in the beads and the way they look almost like wood and mimic the color and texture in the pictures. 

One of the things I like about these earrings is the zen-like feel of them. I didn't expect to be able to create anything after a month-long hiatus from jewelry-making, much less something zen-like. Recovering from major surgery has left me uninspired and physically unable to venture into my studio. (Sadly, I had to forgo last month's colorful project as a result.) Finally, I was able to navigate the stairs and get back into my groove. I'm back! Thank you, Erin, for posting such an inspiring photo. I loved this challenge and feel joyful about getting my creative mojo back.


* I wish I had more time and mobility to get better photos, but these will have to do. 

 
I look forward to seeing everyone else's creations at http://earrings-everyday.blogspot.com. 

19 comments:

  1. These are gorgeous, love the metalwork and the choice of gemstone. So glad you got your mojo back and wishing you a speedy recovery! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Fiona. It's wonderful to be participating in this challenge again. I love this group of artists. Everyone is so encouraging and supportive. I just loved your tin earrings and your photos. I know what you mean about "destroying" a vintage tin, but the result was worth it!

      Delete
  2. Fabulous earrings! Yeah for getting your mojo back! I think it goes without saying...(but i'll say it) being able to get around is so important, So glad you are able to navigate the stairs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Terri. Yes, it's a humbling experience to be limited in mobility. But then knowing my studio was upstairs provided lots of incentive to get better and get up there! I loved your creative earrings using such interesting elements and unique beads.

      Delete
    2. Thanks for stopping by. I really appreciated your comment. Art beads has some of the grooved Czech beads. Sometimes what you get is not quite as pictured. It may be due to the flash.

      Delete
  3. Beautiful earrings, I love the design. Those gemstones are lovely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Alice. I loved your Forest Floor earrings. Such beautiful colors and those gorgeous charms. Perfect for fall!

      Delete
  4. These are amazing. And I am deeply envious of those divine briolette wraps. Stunning earrings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Tammy. I haven't wrapped brios for a long time, so your compliment meant so much. I'm glad you joined us for this challenge. I love your "Lichen" earrings. Those translucent aqua flower beads are absolutely gorgeous with those textured copper discs. Hope to see your creations again next month!

      Delete
  5. Beautiful and very zen! What a wonderful come back :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Kari. I was just reading Create Jewelry magazine and saw your name and one of your designs. Beautiful. Then I noticed that you are in Beaverton. I'm here on the coast and travel to Beaverton all the time to get my city fix. Love it there! A couple of nice connections to start the day.

      Delete
  6. Amazing, I love their shape, like a Chinese pictogram.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Karin. A friend of mine is presently in China and posting lots of photos of her travels on her FB. Maybe all of those photos influenced my creative energy. Your earrings with those seed beads and textured triangles are really sticking in my mind. Love those!

      Delete
  7. Those are really gorgeous! Love all the design elements and those gemstones are perfect.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Sarajo. I really did enjoy making these earrings. What a fun project this was!

      Delete
  8. Glad to know you are on the mend Miss Cindy! And so happy that we could help you get back in the groove. I love those stones and the natural veining and color. I am intrigued by those paddles. Thanks for taking the time to play in the We're All Ears challenge! Enjoy the day! Erin

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Erin. This was a wonderful inspiration this month, especially considering my situation. I so appreciate this opportunity to participate in such a positive and supportive experience. Those paddles you mentioned were the hardest part of creating these earrings. Hammering the remaining ends once I'd added the beads was a challenge. I accidentally chipped the rim of one of the beads with my hammer. I wanted the ends to be more rounded than they turned out, so they are my least favorite part of my work. Oh, well. No biggie. Still a very fun project. Thanks, again!

      Delete
  9. Glad to hear you are better and able to get into the studio. I love the earrings! You did an excellent job on them. I love how one stone has a bigger design than the other...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Veralynne. I'm glad to hear that you like the earrings and the stones. I looked carefully through a whole strand to find beads that matched in size, and these were the only ones that did. I wasn't sure I liked the difference in size of the veining but decided to just go with it. Glad you like them!

      Delete