A Dozen Earrings from Leftovers

Each month, Erin issues a challenge from Earrings Everyday for the We're All Ears Challenge. This month, the challenge was to Use Your Leftovers from a recent craftermath. Just as last year, I had no recent craft frenzy from which to pick my materials. But, I turned to the same solution as I did last year - I used the beads that are STILL leftover from my 2017 100 Day Project. And, I was able to create 12 pairs of earrings.

I did sort the materials for my designs into the divided sections of two small muffin tins.

And then, I got to work! I even created a video showing how I made nine of the earring designs

 I called it Making 12 Pairs of Earrings because I do show all twelve.

Anyway, let's get to the earring reveal!

For each of these, a tin circle that was altered with acrylic-flow painting and dimples hang from a dark bead.

The dangles on the bottom on these were salvaged from some old jewelry. I tried to echo the almond shape of the dangles by tapering the beads on either side of the large bead.

I've had several of the blue bead caps (bottom) for ages without a notion of what to do with them. Once I began pulling beads from the 100 Day box, these fell together.

The tiny brass leaves were what spurred these. From there, I spotted the plastic leaves and just began pulling other beads together. They aren't quite my style, but fun.

I adore these. I'll admit that I took a little time before I began assembling the earrings to perfect a few of the elements. For these, I painted the inside of the bezel with black Vintaj Patina before gluing in the handmade lace. Resin topped the lace to seal it in. The black triangles finished them.

Here's another bezel that I started beforehand. It was fished from the 100-Day box and a thick layer of crackle paste was smeared inside. Once the paste dried, I colored it slightly with a rusty paint and sealed it in resin. To create the earrings, mother-of-pearl buttons, brass bead caps, and glass pearls were added. 

I love that these elements came together. They're a little messily wrapped together, but I think it works with the vaguely tribal-look. I'm not sure what the yellowed buttons are made of, but there are brass spacers above and below the green fire agate tube and then tiny Czech glass beads above that. The more I look at them, the more I like them!

This is a hot mess is what this is. I seriously just threw some beads and buttons together thinking I could make it work. It didn't. The end.

Another of my favorites, and another that I pre-prepped. The decorative metal had some hot pink coloring to them, so I covered it up with layers of Vintaj Patinas then added a brass wax and a sealer. Small rhinestones hang below (they were a booger to get to face forward) while glass pearls hang above. 

Here's just a fun little pair that utilizes a couple of my altered washers. Glass beads that match the colors on the map and silver spacers were added to compliment the washer. 

These are so elegant. Is there anything more refined than pearls and rhinestones together? They speak for themselves. 

This final pair started with the altered Vintaj blanks. I just added a stack of matching beads. This is the first time I've used these post findings and didn't realize that I didn't have any earring backs. I'll have to fix that.

Make sure to head over to Earrings Everyday to see what Erin and the other participants of the challenge made. A big thanks to Erin for another fun challenge. I do apologize about not fully playing by the rules. I hope you understand. 

Art Journal Spread and Flip-Through

I've worked a bit more in my art journal as of late and had made it a habit of working in it each morning for a few weeks before #CarveDecember started. In fact, I was arting so much that I actually completed one of my many in-progress journals for the very first time. At the suggestion of Tiffany from Southern Gals Designs, I recorded a flip-through of the complete journal. And, since I shared it on YouTube, I thought I ought to share it with y'all here as well. Let me start by showing you some of my favorite pages from the journal.

The highlights to this spread are scrapbook paper, a magazine cut-out, and a polka dot stencil.

This one was completed with various book pages, a Tim Holtz snapshot, and loads of paint in chartreuse and black.

Here's one that's just layers and layers of stuff but mostly crackle medium and ephemera (papers).

Layers of paper, gesso, paint, stamps, and a Tim Holtz paper doll made up this spread.

It looks like I threw everything I owned at this spread: papers, washi tape, thread, and inks.

Playing with trying to keep some white space on the page, I used ephemera, paper cut-outs, paint, a stencil, and a doily.

Sometimes I actually work on my drawing skills. This face was drawn on top of a paper and stenciled collage. I used watercolor pencils/crayons and ink on the face.

This is probably one of my favorite pages. It was made with papers, paint smears, stamps, doodles, paper cut-outs (that were painted, stamped, and doodled on), and a phrase from an old book.

Here's the last spread from the art journal. It began with a paper collage topped with gesso, inks, doodles and a handwritten phrase.

Now that you've seen my favorite pages, take a peek at the whole thing in the video.

Oh, and if you're interested in how I create some of my pages, I recently recorded my process of creating one of the pages in the next journal I'm working in: an old Bobbsey Twins book.

I was working on trying to include each of the stamps I carved in my journal, but have fallen WAY behind on that. This page was created toward the beginning of the month when I was still trying to juggle carving and art journaling each morning.

With the busy-ness of the holidays, it's become too much to do both, but I'm hoping to resume the daily journaling in the new year.

For now, you can take a look at my Art Journal Spread in an Old Book video and see what I'm hoping to do more of.

I hope the holiday season isn't taking you too far from your creative pursuits and that you're already planning how to stay inspired in 2019 too. Have you tried Art Journaling?

Peek at My Week: Dec. 9-15

It's getting harder each weekend to find time to do these weekly reviews. I'm sure it's just the pressure of getting everything done for the holidays and trying to finish out the year right. So, I'm hoping I'll be back on track once the new year starts. For now, let's get to the review before any more of the week gets away from me!

We started Sunday with a Chicken and Waffles brunch at Warehouse Bakery & Donuts in Fairhope. Though it's been open for years, this was our first visit because there's always been a long line. We lucked out in our timing, and will definitely be back again.

I had a full day of sewing after brunch as I attempted to finish another Christmas gift. I say attempted because as the day wore on, I found mistakes had to wait to be fixed when I was less frustrated with myself. 

My art journaling this past week has been a little more sporadic. But, I did get a page done on Monday.

Monday night we actually went downtown for a couple's baby shower. Isn't the downtown Fairhope area pretty this time of the year? Well, it's pretty all year round, but especially with the lights.

Tuesday also included art journaling. Though, the page doesn't feel as cohesive as the one from Monday. Mainly, I wanted to use my newly-carved cloud stamp. I really dig it.

On Thursday, I made an excursion to a local coffee shop to upload a few videos and perk myself up. It had been raining and dreary all day so getting out of my typical confines was a nice change in the routine. Of course, these coffee-shop excursions are becoming a bit of a routine in themselves. Ah well, I can't complain about that. 

Something about my Friday afternoon snack caught my eye. It was tasty too!

On Saturday, my mom and niece came over so I could ride with them to show them where Billy's Seafood is. 

My mom was pleased with the selection and picked up the shrimp that will be part of our Christmas dinner. I'm looking forward to it!

Despite the craziness of my days right now, I've been able to pull off carving a new stamp each day as part of Balzer Designs' Carve December. My stamp collection is definitely bulking up.

Most of the links I found this week were distinctly Christmas decor related, but they're still inspiring. I hope you think so too!

• I absolutely love this Rustic Christmas Tree made from lampshade frames. The simplicity of the skeleton design is great. And, the tin at the base...SWOON!
• Quilting always gets my attention, but this No Sew Quilted Christmas Ornament had me doing a double take. I mean, NO SEW!
• Here's a great tutorial from Rings and Things on How to Solder Glass Pendants. I've soldered for years, but there are some great tips in here. 
• I don't know how I've ended up with so many old spools, but this Vintage Thread Spool Wreath might just be the perfect way to use some of them. 
• As I mentioned above, I've been doing a little more sewing than usual so learning How to Sew a DIY Pom Pom Tree Skirt definitely caught my attention. I do have a tree skirt, but didn't even bother getting a tree this year. Sigh. However, I really like the idea of making my own tree skirt, and this one's so cute!
• I have a thing for chocolate bark, especially peppermint. However, this Easy Chocolate Bark Recipe from Cookie and Kate was a great reminder of how absolutely simple it is to make. And, it makes me regret not having a microwave. The post includes a bunch of ideas for variations on your own bark. 
• Since I don't have a tree this year, I was totally drawn to the idea of Using a Screen Door to Display Ornaments. And, oh the ornaments displayed in that post. Lovely!
• Macrame is IN in such a big way. This Boho Macrame Christmas Tree tutorial could be used to make your tree trendy or even add a little something to your wrapping!
• Make a beaded Christmas tree for your table! Seriously, it's a great design.
• Caroline at Art Elements created an amazing layered papercut Christmas Bauble and shares her design with you. You much see it!
• Finally, this article from Halstead on Finding Your Creative Identity Through Design is probably the most inspiring thing on this list. I've saved it for later. It's a fantastic read just as the year winds down, or winds up, or just about anytime you need some inspiration and insight. 

I hope you're enjoying the holidays to their fullest and not letting the stress of them get to you. Remember that it's a season of joy. Make sure to take a little time for YOU each day, even if it's just to sip a favorite tea or listen to a favorite song. Cram some time for yourself in there! You're worth it!! Have a wonderful week!

Finish That Shopping in the Etsy Shop

Y'ALL! It's getting real. There's just over ten days until Christmas! I know I still have a few names to check off my shopping list, and it's likely you do too. I thought I'd share a few of the goodies available in the CraftyHope Etsy Shop in case there's just the right thing in there for one/some of the special people in your life.

Abstract Tin Blue & Gold Bracelet

Autumn Silk Tassel Earrings

Floral Riveted Necklace

Petroglyph Bracelet

Black and white Tie Earrings

Gaea Violet Necklace

Violet Delight Necklace

Rusty Filigree and Rosary Bead Earrings

Boho Tin Fringe Necklace

And, there's plenty more where those came from in the CraftyHope Etsy Shop. Even if I don't have something you need, I hope the rest of your shopping and holiday season goes very well!

Peek at My Week: Dec. 2-8

Each week, these peeks help me keep up with just what I've been up to, and give you a little look at how I've filled the days too. 

Let me start by saying that I was able to participate in #CarveDecember each day. That in itself is pretty special considering how busy I (and most of us) am this time of the year. 

Speaking of being busy, I spent some of Sunday in front of the sewing machine working on a few gifts. I don't want to ruin any surprises, so here's a glimpse that doesn't give too much away. I love using this Fray Check stuff on exposed edges to keep the fabric from coming apart.

From the kitchen, Pat spotted these leaves stuck to the chair in the backyard. The contrast was amazing and had to be captured (and shared!)

Walking Zoe around the property on Monday, I noticed that the camellias have begun to bloom. My stepfather thinks it's weird that they bloom in the winter and has called them "Those crazy winter flowers." I think it's nice to have that pop of color even in the cold months.

Also on Monday, I was reminded that it had been two years since we brought home this puppy-baby. Awwww!!

I was itching to make some jewelry on Tuesday so I pulled out scrap tin and worked away making a few neat wire and tin bangles.

After work, Pat set out to get a little bit more of the deck done. He was able to install two of the railings with the cattle panel. I love the farm-like simplicity of it.

Since the Japanese Maple was quickly shedding its leaves, I decided to preserve a few of them in my art journal on Wednesday. I coated them with mod podge as they were stuck on the page, and the color is somewhat holding up. 

Zoe gave me a bit of a giggle when I found her sunning her belly. Isn't that the cutest?

Thursday and Friday were a flurry of activity. Thursday was spent at my mom's, and Friday was spent cleaning, shopping, and running errands. 

Saturday was also pretty busy.

But, I eked in a quick art journal page before leaving the house.

I first went to the Christmas Concert two of my nieces were in. You can just barely see one of them in this picture, but throughout the concert, both of them were so far in the back, it was hard to spot them. After the concert was a Christmas Party with some of the ladies (and their husbands) from my Mardi Gras organization. 

It was a busy week, and this one is likely to be similar, but before things get too out of control, let me share some of the inspirations I found through the week.

• Flamingo Toes always has so many fabulous embroidery projects. These Fabric and Felt Snow Globe Ornaments are just one of them.
• For a super quick project, you could make a Wire Angel Pendant from Jewelry Making Journal. 
• This Laser-cut guessing game that celebrates accomplished women is so stinkin' awesome!
• Etsy has shared their 2019 Trend Predictions. 
• A Twisted Wire Art Suncatcher is the perfect way to use up some of that bead soup. 
• Loving both buttons and embroidery, this simple DIY Reindeer Embroidered Ornament totally caught my eye. 
• Upcycling old magazines into Christmas decorations like Jennifer Perkins did with these Kitschy Folded Magazine Christmas Trees is right up my alley too!

Now it's back to all the lists. Here's hoping the holidays aren't making you too batty and that you have a little time to create! Have a fabulous week!