Friday 16 October 2015

We’re All Ears October Challenge

Every month the Earrings Everyday blog hosts a design challenge based on a theme. This month the challenge was inspired by Iris Apfel, whom she describes as being “the quirky and oh-so-colorful nonagenarian fashion icon that I simply must put on my Christmas wishlist.”

After spending some time googling fashion images for fall 2015, Erin Prais-Hintz provided several photos of outfits by designer Monique Lhuillier, all in shades of aubergine.

I chose to make earrings to complement these outfits.




Last year I had cut some brass discs and on two of them stamped a pretty butterfly, which I proceeded to etch. The etching was not as deep as I had hoped and they had languished in a drawer since. When I saw the lace in the inspiration outfits the airiness and lightness of the butterflies came to mind.

The deep aubergine colours reminded me of some Swarovski crystals that I also had stored away. The shape of the beads reminded me of wings. They seemed to be a natural fit for the butterfly etchings. I continued the theme with brass wire wrapping and ear wires.

Flight of the Butterfly
Please click here to see what everyone else has made too.


Thanks for stopping by and have a great day.


23 comments:

  1. Nothing is ever wasted in a jewelry studio! These discs are the perfect touch of romance and regal bling. So pretty! Thank you for joining me in the We're All Ears challenge. Check back on November 6th for the next inspiration. Enjoy the day! Erin

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    1. Thanks so much Erin. These challenges are always fun
      Mona

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  2. very elegant earrings.I love the sweet charms.

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  3. It must have been fate that made you put your charms away until this challenge - these are so light and playful and compliment the outfits so well without overpowering them...xx

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  4. Beautiful! Those charms really match the beads! Excellent job!

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  5. I love how the imperfect butterflies are echoed by the asymmetrical shape of the crystals. they look purposeful.

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    1. I hadn't thought of the combination that way before. Thanks Deb!
      Mona

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  6. Such lovely charms! The look really pretty with the crystals. Nice work.

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  7. Simply delightful..a great choice for this months challenge!

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  8. Your earrings look beautiful! I love the butterfly charms!

    Greetings, Sofie #4
    http://sofies-succulent-beads.blogspot.be/

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    1. Butterflies are one of my favourites. Thanks Sofie

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  9. Great choice the butterfliesdo reflect the lace. eautiful!

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  10. Love the etched butterfly charms. I'm so glad that you set them aside instead of tossing them. They are super sweet!

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    1. Thanks Sarajo. I'm happy with how they turned out in the end.
      Mona

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  11. So nice that your butterfly charms took the spotlight on this challenge. It's always satisfying when an opportunity arises to use something you made and stashed. I love the gold tones with these dresses. Very royal.

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    1. After seeing the approach taken by most of the participants I wasn't sure anymore. Thanks for the words of encouragement
      Mona

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  12. I love the butterflies and the color of the crystal. Etching is something I haven't tried yet, and now I want to try it.

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    1. Try it, you'll enjoy it. The results are amazing, and the process is much simpler than I expected. If you use the acid products they are not overly dangerous but do stain like crazy. An apron and gloves are highly recommended.
      Mona

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