Week 3 of the Earring Challenge

I put my saw to work this week. Cutting out these earrings took a little longer than I first imagined, but the finished product was worth it. The idea behind this pair started as a flower coat pin. I loved the pattern so much that I reduced the size and began my weeks challenge. These can only be described as fabulous earrings; they hang long and make for a bold look. The earrings are pierced sterling silver, with handmade sterling silver ear wires, finished with a liver of sulfur patina. 

I had my first taste of book making yesterday. Pullen Arts Center Staff and Instructors got a preview class to learn more about the Book and Paper making classes they offer. Kathy Steinsburger instructed us through our book making experience. Her classes have such a relaxed and creative atmosphere involving hanging with close friends, listing to good music, and creating Art. I have so many ideas now, like maybe a book of Anoras’ artwork that’s stored away. What a great way to display and keep all her school projects, paintings, drawings, and even school work that’s just sitting in a box under her bed. Kathy is working on creating a "Stiff Leaf" book every week this year, and you can check out her Blog at:

http://paperbuttons.blogspot.com/ .

Week two of the Earring Challenge

This week’s earrings are a mixture of projects that have been waiting in my parts and ideas drawer. This is where I keep all the leftovers from past projects, pieces of things that never came to be, and ideas I've never finished. The earrings are copper with a purple colored pencil finish that has been sealed in a gloss. The earrings are capped with copper and sterling silver, and I've finished them with handmade sterling ear wire. It was exciting to take another look at past ideas and to work them into something new. 

Inspired by Betty Mckim’s 2011 earring challenge along with many other talented artists who are tackling a piece a week challenge, I’m attempting the earring a week challenge for 2013. Starting the second week in January could be a sign of what’s to come but I’m staying positive.

Week one of the Earring Challenge

My first week’s pair is a spinoff of something I've made in the past. Copper, Craft wire, Sterling Silver and Pearls. These were fun to make.