Friday Inspiration - Black and White Challenge

This month on Earrings Everyday, Erin Prais-Hintz's We're All Ears Challenge was to work in black and white and explore pattern and contrast.  You can read more about the challenge here.  I created earthenware beads from leaf stamps I made several years back.  By cutting them in various areas of the leaf, I ended up with patterns that have that foilage feel, but aren't necessarily identifiable as leaves.  I stained them with several layers of black and white, refired and then decided to use a honey/beeswax polish on them instead of a finishing glaze in matte or gloss.  For the earrings, I used black nichrome and copper with white glass beads and silver leaves.

I wasn't really sure I was going to like using only black and white - I pretty much live for color!  But I love how these turned out and will be wearing them alot.  I have four more of the beads up in the shop at stoneypointstudio.com.  And you can see Erin's creations and those of others who joined the challenge here.

And while I was looking for other beads and findings to go with this month's challenge, look what I discovered!  I bought these crystals and shamrocks years and years ago intending to make St. Patrick's Day earrings but never did.  So now this very timely find is earrings all ready to go for tomorrow!

Happy Creating!  Deborah