Wonder and Whimsy July 2025 Reveal: Mid-Year Cleanup, Part 4

Today's reveal is going to be fun... it's time for an earring dump!

As you might imagine, I made quite a few pairs of earrings for this challenge. Some of them were planned designs, while others were inspired by the beads I had leftover on my desk. 

All of the earrings in this particular entry are the latter kind: the ones made with components left on my desk. 

It was actually rather comical... I would be working on something--a necklace, perhaps, or a hairstick--and look down and see a bead that sparked my interest. I would put it aside, then get back to what I was doing. Then I would see another interesting bead, and in the pile it would go. By the time I finished my original project, I would have two or three little bead piles I wanted to play with... and from those piles, these earrings were born.

But, enough talk. Now, to show you  what I made!

Earring Pair 1

I keep trying to come up with a cool name for this pair and failing. They are big and bold, and I'm incredibly fond of them.

They are made with a combination of wood and resin, with some seed beads for accents. You may notice that the wood rounds have two different finishes... one is glossy, and one is matte. I didn't actually notice until I was taking pictures, but I think I'm going to leave them this way... I like the subtle difference!

Earring Pair 2

This pair is a simple combination of chain and chandelier crystals. 

Honestly, they don't need to be any more complicated than that... they sway wonderfully when worn, and I do love the purple shimmer.

Earring Pair 3

I have been saving these lovely faceted green glass beads for something special. I am not sure what exactly I had in mind, but they have been sitting on my table for ages.

So, instead of waiting for the absolutely perfect design, I decided to just use them. And I'm so glad I did! I think, sometimes, I try to make things overly complicated. (I definitely fall victim to over-designing.) 

...Earrings like these remind me that I don't have to.

Earring Pair 4

Speaking of simple! I made these beauties for me--when I want something understated, but still shiny. And considering the amount of black and silver I tend to wear, these will match much of my wardrobe.

They are made with two types of Czech glass, and some crackled silver glass rounds. Oh, and silver plated findings, of course.

Earring Pair 5

As you might expect, the inspiration for this pair came from those gorgeous bead caps. The entire design process was centered around finding beads that both fit and matched them. 

I'm so, so glad that I found those faceted glass beads... that color is just luminous!

I actually thought about making these into a pair of hairsticks, but I figure I am more likely to wear earrings. I also didn't feel like gluing anything. Now, to go through my wardrobe and find something to match!

Earring Pair 6

And now for the earrings that I'm most proud of! ...Which ironically include hearts, a shape that has historically given me trouble.

You see, I had originally put the hearts and beadcaps into a pile to make hairsticks. 

Then on a whim, while I was attempting to find the hairstick glue, I put those dangles in the pile, too. I liked the size proportions, and the way that the tapered heart transitioned perfectly into the top of the drop.

The result? Well, you can see for yourself.

As I said, I don't usually go for hearts. But, in this case, I feel like the shape is actually what makes the design work so well.

So, there you go! Those are some more of the projects that I finished up this month. Six pairs of earrings--and a clear spot on my craft table. It feels good!

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I have more reveals to go, so be sure to come back and see! I'm getting them posted as quickly as I'm able.

Have a lovely day, everyone!

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Also! As a heads up, I have decided that for August my Monthly Challenge is going to be... not making any jewelry! I know that might sound odd, but I think I need a break. I'm sure I'll keep posting (heaven only knows I have enough finished pieces to show), but it's time to take a vacation and reset!