Wonder and Whimsy November Challenge: Create Everyday

It's almost a new month--and that means it's time for a new challenge! Hurray!

In the past, November has been my "Earrings Everyday" month. Much as the name suggests, that means that, in Novembers past, I've attempted to make (and post!) a pair of earrings everyday--either here on my blog, or over on my Instagram.

This year, I decided to spice it up a bit. To that end, there will be three major changes to this challenge.

1. Instead of making a pair of earrings everyday, I'm doing to create something every day--not necessarily earrings. Although I'm sure the majority will be earrings, I didn't want to limit myself this time. Who knows? Maybe I'll even make some hairsticks.

2. Last year I posted almost exclusively on Instagram. This year, in my attempt to revitalize this blog, I'm planning on cross-posting here, too.

3. I'm adding an extra element of challenge by using this:

My Project Bag!

In this bag, I have put approximately 30... things. Most of them are baggies with one type of bead, but there are also collections of matching beads in there, too. I also put in two or three bead strands as well, just to keep things interesting.

(I say approximately 30, because I think the actual number is 33. I decided to just leave it, and not re-count!)

Each day, I'm going to reach into the bag, pull out a baggie, and make something with the beads it contains.

My goal with this change is to: 

1. Use up some of the lovely beads that have been hanging out on my desk for too long.

2. Help me not get stumped halfway through the month by trying to make more and more fancy/elaborate things.

3. Add an extra element of challenge--I have to use the beads that I pull out. No put-backs!

Be sure to stop by throughout the month to see what I make! I'm pretty excited!

And, full disclosure: I'm having surgery at the end of November. I'm still hoping to still have something made and posted on that day, and on the following days of recovery--I'll probably queue them up ahead of time. I don't view that as cheating, just planning ahead. I figured I'd just tell everyone, in case recovery ends up being more complicated than anticipated. :)

So, there you go! Thanks so much for reading my blog. I do hope you're having a lovely day. 

Happy Creating Challenge, everyone!

Wonder and Whimsy Challenge Reveal: Falling Leaves

It’s the last Friday of the month, which can only mean… well, I'm sure it could actually mean a lot of things. But! In particular, I’m referring to the fact that today is the reveal for this month’s challenge. Hurray!

As a refresher, this month I decided to make Autumn-tree-inspired jewelry.

I was pretty excited about this challenge. I was not surprised, then, when I actually made a plethora of items... overall, I made 5 necklaces and a pair of earrings. I even had more ideas that I just didn't have the time to make. Don't be surprised, then, to see more leaves and trees on this blog in the future. Hee.

So, now for the reveal. 

First up are two necklaces that were inspired by this beautiful combination of green and orange:

Necklace #1

Tassel time!

This necklace was actually the last piece that I made. I had originally not planned to do a tassel at all... but one of you lovely readers (thank you, Divya!!) planted the idea in my head, and I couldn't help it. You inspired me! And I'm glad you did... I really like the way this turned out. 

The main materials in this necklace are glass and agate, with some gold plated metal thrown in for a little bit of bright contrast. The focal donut itself is agate--and I love how it has both yellow and orange in it. It helps to perfectly capture the balance of bright Autumn orange and the last touches of Summer green.

Necklace #2

While the previous necklace was the last one that I made, this one was actually my first. 

It was inspired by my growing collection of Czech glass leaves, which I really wanted to use to make a piece for this challenge. I really like how these beads offer a combination of different colors and finishes, all while still being the same shape and size.

Since the beads are so similar, I thought I would add visual interest by making the necklace structurally symmetrical but color-asymmetrical. I love the overall effect: it t makes it look like a tree that has half-turned for Autumn, the different shades mixed together.

Necklace #3

While the previous two necklaces feature the beautiful array of green and oranges together, these next pieces highlight some of the more subdued colors of Autumn: coppers and browns and gold.

This particular necklace was built around that stunning focal: a copper piece, made by the talented Patricia Healey. It's been paired with Czech glass and shell pearls. I kept the design fairly simple, just to highlight how gorgeous that focal really is. I love how it turned out.

Necklace #4

Like the previous necklace, this one was built around a beautiful focal. This one was created by the talented Amy Mealey of XAZ beads, and I paired it with different shades of glass (mostly Czech glass, with some Chinese faceted glass as accents).

While the first necklaces were fairly bright and bold, I wanted to make this one subtly lovely--a tribute to the leaves that eventually turn brown, but still maintain a certain appeal. And really, it's hard to go wrong with such a lovely pendant!

Necklace #5

Perhaps the simplest of all the necklaces, this one was a tribute to Autumn acorns. These particular acorns are Czech glass, and what can I say... they make me happy! :)

...bonus earrings!

And, last but not least, here are some earrings I made. I made them to match an outfit, actually, and decided I would include them in here for fun. After all, they go with the theme! Apparently, I've had Autumn on my mind.

As you can probably tell, I had a lot of fun with this challenge. It was absolutely delightful getting a chance to explore this theme—and having an excuse to use some of the Autumn goodies that I’ve been collecting. This exercise also highlighted just how many supplies I really have… I didn’t even scratch the surface of what I own, but that just means I’ll get to revisit this challenge at some later time.

Thank you so, so much for stopping by to see this reveal. I appreciate each and every one of you. I hope you have a fantastic rest of your October, and I'll see you in November.

Have a lovely day, everyone!

Wonder and Whimsy October Challenge: Falling Leaves

It’s October! 

Here in my part of the United States, Autumn colors are just now starting to seep in. They haven’t completely taken over yet, though; the green isn’t completely gone. The result is a beautiful patchwork of oranges and yellows mixed with an array of emerald and peridot greens.

It really is lovely.

My photo! Taken while on vacation in western Maryland.

I know that I’ve mentioned this before… Autumn is my favorite time of year. Each season has its appeal—Spring brings joyful renewal, Winter has cozy stillness—but I do love the crisp freshness of Fall. It’s a season of sweaters and soup, watching rain through colored leaves, taking walks while smelling wood-stove duskiness. 

More vacation pictures! Taken through a car window.

More vacation pictures! Yep, still from the car.

...it really was a lovely vacation.

And so, I decided to dedicate this month’s challenge to making Autumn-inspired jewelry. More specifically, I want to make Autumn-tree-inspired jewelry. After all… since I love Fall so much, why not make a little bit of it to wear?

So! That’s what I’ll be up to this month. Be sure to come by on October 25th, the last Friday of the month, to see what I end up making for this challenge.

Thanks so much for stopping by to see what I’m up to… have a lovely day, everyone!