Frozen Earrings for We're All Ears

This time of the year, I'm fortunate to live where I do. Though we did get to see Silverlox in the Snow last winter (Silverlox is what we call our property), the temperatures don't dip too low, and we very rarely see snow, sleet, or any other frozen precipitation. Of course, the other side of the coin is that we endure blazing hot and humid summers. While I don't have a lot of experience with it, the We're All Earrings Challenge Theme this month from Earrings Everyday was Frozen. 

I considered taking my inspiration from the Disney movie, but that seemed too juvenile. Instead, I pulled out a collection of clear, white, and light blue beads to get my creativity sparked. 

After discovering some silver cone bead caps, I realized that the light blue cultured sea glass beads would fit right inside them. 

With the cones on the beads, they looked like icicles.

I added a small Chinese crystal bead below the cones to keep them from sliding off the head pin. It makes it look like the icicle is melting.

And, the tiny crystal is just a drop of water sliding off. 

With so many beads assembled on my bead mat, I had a hard time deciding on my next direction. I liked the idea of using the clear elongated faceted teardrops, but how? My thoughts turned to tin and the idea of creating a frosted window of some sort. 

I started by punching holes that were large enough for the crystals to hang, then cut the squares around them. The tin was textured with an embossing folder to give the feel of the spiderwebby ice crystallization on windowpanes.

Then, small holes were punched for hanging the briolettes and the ear wires. From there, I colored the tin with a wash of marble Vintaj Patina.

All the white and clear in these made them hard to photograph. And, the large hole gave them a flimsy feel that I'm not digging. But, the idea is there.

While I was digging through my tins for ideas and inspiration, I discovered one that had snowflakes around it. That seemed like a no-brainer.

I simply stacked a few a couple of frozen-looking beads on top of the tin discs I punched and called it a day.

The white snowflakes on the silvery tin made these also hard to photograph. But, they're kinda perfect for this challenge. 

I really thought I would get more made with that pile of beads on my bead mat, but with a long list of other tasks, I made myself stop there. I think they all really work, but again, what do I know about frozen?

Make sure to head over to Earrings Everyday and see what Erin and any other designers created with this theme. I know I'm looking forward to it. Stay warm!

Use It Up Fill It Up 2: Days 16-30

When I first started the #UseItUpFillItUp2 Challenge from Tiffany of Southern Gals Design on Instagram and YouTube, I wasn't sure if I would be able to keep up with 30 days of art journaling, even if it was only for 15 minutes each day. But I made it through to the end! You can see my first 15 cards in the previous post. 

 DAY 16

There's so much that can be said about taking on a daily art challenge. You can definitely see how you grow and become more comfortable with the art form. You also get a chance to discover what you enjoy making. And, the more you enjoy making it, the more it shows.

 DAY 17

Of course, that doesn't mean that every day you end up with a winner. But you get to experiment - especially when you're working with materials you just want to use up.

 DAY 18

While not every day was a "good-art-day", I definitely like more the cards in this second bunch than the first.

DAY 19 

And, it was good to dip into my stash, find pieces I forgot I even had, and figure out new ways to use them.

 DAY 20

I'm also finding that the more white space and color blending I do, the more I seem to like the end results.

 DAY 21

But that's not always the case. Sometimes, just the freedom of throwing things at the cards comes through in the end.

 DAY 22

And sometimes, it just didn't work! (See above!)

 DAY 23

I tried and tried to find ways to use up my bits of under-paper. The one below ALMOST works. 

 DAY 24

While there are a ton of beauties in this bunch, the one below is my favorite. And, it's one of those that just fell together as I grabbed and layered elements.

 DAY 25

I absolutely believe that being creative breeds more creativity.

 DAY 26

I kinda hate that I kept to this challenge and let some of the others fall behind. But, it helped me add a little art to each day since it only took fifteen minutes. 

 DAY 27

And, I got to add a whole lot of color to each day.

 DAY 28

(Here's my most successful use of under-paper, but a whole lot of chaos!)

 DAY 29

I'm so glad I attempted to use it up! Alas, there's still so much more to use. 

 DAY 30

As with the previous ones, I did record my process for all the cards to share with you. 

UseItUpFillItUp2 Days 16-18

UseItUpFillItUp2 Days 19-21

UseItUpFillItUp2 Days 22-24

UseItUpFillItUp2 Days 25-27

UseItUpFillItUp2 Days 28-30

Or, find the whole collection in this Use It Up Fill It Up 2 Playlist. 

So very many thanks go out to Tiffany for coming up with this challenge and the encouragement and inspiration she gave to the participants. Now, I hope you take a few minutes to create something beautiful today!

I've linked up this post on the following link parties: Beautifully Made and Saturday Sharefest. 

Peek at My Week: Feb 3-9

At the conclusion of each week, I like to share a glimpse into my life. This week, it's been all about Ball Prep! I'm a member of a local Mardi Gras organization, and last night was the big night. Unlike many local Societies, we do not parade. We simply host a traditional Mardi Gras Ball. But, it's still a big production.

Sunday was our Ball Rehearsal in which the members practice the ball's tableau and grand entrance. Since the rehearsal is in the middle of the day, my morning was spent getting ready for it. Once I was home, it was time to make dinner and watch the Super Bowl. We're really not NFL fans, but I always like to see the commercials.

On Monday, I wanted to start knocking out some of the other tasks on my list before the week got away from me. But, I started my day with a little art journaling first.

Pat was on Jury Duty, so that left me in charge of Zoe. I almost don't mind as it forces me to go outside and take in my surroundings. It was the patina on our terra cotta birdhouse that caught my attention Monday.

While taking in the mossy aging of it, I spied a skeleton leaf among the brambles that made up the bird's nest inside. Isn't it striking?

Once Zoe was managed, it was time to tackle my list of errands, including a haircut. I can't even tell you how many months it's been since I had one. It was imperative before the ball to get that tangled mess managed!

While Pat served Jury Duty again on Tuesday, I did Zoe duty again. It was a really foggy morning. The damp clung to everything.

I'm no fan of spiders, but I have a hard time not respecting the work they put into their webs. I have to admit that it's pretty crafty of them to construct such intricate weaving.

I made sure to gather some of the items for the ball in one place: like my mask, which needed a few repairs before it was ready. After lunch, I worked on several videos and uploaded them for later. After dinner, we avoided the State of the Union Address and watched a movie instead.

I eked in a little art time on Wednesday morning before heading to my mom's.

One of my nieces needed to be picked up from school so I got her before heading on to visit with my grandmother. Even with both of them at the house, and my cousin stopping by, I was still able to get a little work done. Having a good list of what I needed to do saved the day for me once again! Thank goodness for my lists!!

I knew Thursday evening meant a meeting in the evening to work on food and decorations for the Ball, so I began by baking a loaf of banana bread for the meeting.

I can't seem to work with flour without getting it all over the place.

After lunch, I ran up to Southern Antiques and Accents to drop off a few pieces for the booth.

I found that I have a few new neighbors too!

We had a nice time at the meeting, chatting and getting things ready for the Ball.

Oh, and through a few messages and after several weeks of computer glitches, I think I may have secured myself a "real job." It's one of those things that kind of fell in my lap. I'll let y'all know more information later once I find out if I can.

Friday was all about checking off the last few things off the list before Saturday's Ball. I made sure all the pieces for Pat's tails were gathered, looked over my dress, helped my mom figure out a solution to a situation with her tickets, and took care of my nails.

Saturday was the Ball! It began with decorating. Our room's theme was "Stars Fell on Alabama".

After decorating, I headed home to rest and get ready for the big night. But first. I checked the mail and found that my prize from Mad Fox Studios had come.

I was overwhelmed and smitten with all these goodies.

After a short nap, it was time to get pretty.

We had a lot of fun at the ball, but now it's time to move onto another week and all the adventures that a new week promises.

First, let me share some inspiration with you.

• Make and Fable has a cute, easy triangle necklace tutorial. I think these would be easy enough for kids and posh enough for adults!
• The simplicity if the materials to make these chain bead earrings really caught my eye.
• Daisy Yellow shares her thoughts on building a creative habit. 
• Did you see my list of 10 things you need in your creative space?
• Divya at Jewels of Sayuri has a fabulous Filigree Flower Ring Tutorial. 
• Somewhat similar in the simplicity of materials as the chain bead earrings, Moois Van Me has a DIY Mobile Earring Tutorial that is as pretty as they are easy. 
• I've never done punch art, but am really drawn to this Valentine's Day Punch Needle Art. 
• Nunn Design shares part 4 of their tutorial series. 

We've got some big plans for this evening, but first, we're off to figure out how to spend the day! I hope you have a week full of excitement and creativity!