We're All Ears :: February Reveal

I have tasted spring, and it is glorious. Playing on the beach in 70 degree weather under a cloudless blue sky and walking barefoot in the surf has been absolute heaven.  (I admit to feeling boastful writing that statement when the east coast is still buried under feet of snow and suffering brutally cold temps.  But trust me, winter is still bound to deliver some surprises here.) Anyway, you have to appreciate those spring days when they present themselves, right? My garden delights me; daffodils blooming, lilies sprouting, lilacs and rhododendrons budding. So this month's floral earring inspiration is perfectly timed!

The Inspiration

Erin, our host for this challenge, outdid herself this month when she discovered the work of Malaysian artist and photographer Lim Zhi Wei, who pairs beautiful watercolor illustrations with fresh flowers to create a garden of delicate, whimsical, and ethereal "flower girls."  You can follow Lim Zhi Wei on Instagram and Facebook or on her blog, Love, Limzy. Feast your eyes on these beauties!

Rainbow, Watercolour and dyed rainbow roses on paper, 2015

Sapphire, Blue Eustoma and Watercolour on Paper

Given the spring weather, my own garden budding and blooming, and these flower girl illustrations, it's not really surprising that my jewelry would take on a literal floral theme. It would be impossible for me to pick a favorite illustration from this collection, but the calla lily girls provided a design focus for me. I adore cala lilies and these girls are pure delight!

Sisters, Calla lilies and watercolor on paper, 2014

The Earrings

I have always loved graceful calla lilies. When I saw these lily bead caps in a lovely little bead shop in southern Oregon last year, I fell in love with them but had to be content with just buying one pair. If there had been more than that, I would have bought them all. These earrings practically made themselves. The shades of blue in the lapis and the Peruvian opal captured the spring sky and the ocean. 

On the same buying trip, following the same lily theme, I was drawn to these acrylic cala lily beads. Usually working in gemstones, glass, and metal, I'm not sure what prompted me to buy something acrylic, but they sat untouched forever. I just had no clue what to do with them. Then, on a second trip to the same bead shop, I discovered some calla lily filligree bead caps and glass briolettes, which I stuck in a bag with the acrylic beads and totally forgot about - until I saw this month's charming illustration. These are w-a-y more bling than is usual for me as a designer, but it was an interesting moment of inspiration. 

A little bit of peach . . . 

And some copper cones . . .

Now, all I need is for the cala lilies to bloom in my garden, signaling that spring truly has arrived. 

P. S.  Just as I was writing this post inspired by flowers, my dearest friend said goodbye to her mother. When I was grieving over the passing of my own parents, Bonnie and I visited a greenhouse filled with yellow flowers. I will forever remember that day and associate yellow flowers with the comfort I felt in the presence of such cheerful beauty and dear friendship. The daffs I picked today, along with the sweet flower girl illustrations inspired me to create this last set for Bonnie in hopes that they will bring her the same comfort I felt that day in the greenhouse. 

I am passing on to Bonnie this vintage sunflower button from my mom's button collection. 

I invite you to view more flower girl illustrations and all of the creative earring designs inspired by them at Earrings Everyday. Thanks again, Erin. Please know how much I appreciate this sharing of creative energy and the kind comments this community is so generous in giving all participants. This is such a heartwarming experience each month!