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!