This month’s Earrings Everyday Challenge inspiration is the harvest moon. It is when, the moon is full, bright, and almost a golden orange. It the moon that we associate with Chitra Pournami in India (in April) and the Full moon in late September/early October. Erin describing the Moon illusion, writes “That early moonrise gives the appearance that it is hanging low in the sky, so close that it looks as though you could reach out and pluck it from the sky. The increased thickness of the atmosphere at the horizon scatters blue light in the spectrum the most allowing red light to pass to your eyes which is why the hue will appear more yellow, orange or reddish.” Today, I would like to show too pairs of earrings – both inspired by the moon but in very different ways.
Harvest Moon Earrings
Here is a pair of earrings based on the Harvest moon inspiration. Textured Copper studs, soldered to brass earposts accentuated with resin tints. The color difference is not due to the tint but due to the heat patina caused by the soldering. I thought that the tint would neutralise it but it only added subtle sheen without changing the base colour. I had actually created these for a styling shoot with my mom earlier this year. However, as these are perfect for this inspiration, I just had to show them. At the same time, I felt as though I have not done enough for the challenge, I thought of making another pair. And, just like that, I went off on a tangent.
Dark Side of the moon
Word association is a technique that I often use while designing products. It helps me break out of my mould effectively. For this challenge I started playing around with the word “moon” and its associations. One such association was phrase the Dark Side of the moon, made famous by Pink Floyd. This phrase is commonly used to refer to the “far side of the moon”. In reality it is not dark as in not having light but dark as in we do not see it. This interesting phrase, however, has given rise to many artistic interpretations.
If you are a Transformers fan then you would surely come across the third movie of the franchise – the Dark of the moon. One may wonder whether they simply left out the word”side” in the title so as not to get into a copyright tangle with Pink Floyd. Alternatively, it could also refer to the dark of the moon phase (a three day period when we do not have visibility of moon from the Earth). This period astrologers say is cordial to send and receive messages of the soul.
“Optimus. All I ever wanted…was the survival of our race. You must see why I had to betray you…”
“You didn’t betray me. You betrayed yourself…”— Optimus Prime’s final exchange with Sentinel Prime
That was a shot I took of a guy dressed up as Optimus Prime at Universal Studios, Orlando last year after my transformers ride. The ride was scary as I was in the first row but so worth it to experience what they go through during chase scenes. Earlier this year, when I met my childhood friends at a friend’s wedding we all discussed the transformers ride. We had all taken it in different locations of Universal studios at different times but nevertheless enjoyed it. It was a great bonding moment us – childlike adults 😀
But when I returned from USA last year, I told my then colleague about this ride and my love for the transformers franchise. His immediate reaction was that of a mild protest. He said, “Divya, I never figured you for a Transformers fan; its such a boy thing.” Those who know me well, know that I like masculine things better than feminine things but it bothered me. I kept thinking about what could be the “girl” thing about transformers and then it struck me – shiny metallic jewelry with transforming parts.
Dark Side of the moon earrings
Coming back from the tangential road to the main inspiration, I made a pair of earrings. Okay before you get too excited, let me tell you that sadly, it does not transform. But the components have multiple holes so it has that potential. But for now, its a blingy statement pair in gray and silver. The Dark Side of the moon earrings is inspired by the moon landing sequences that you see in the movie. It has crater textures with pebeo paint, moonshine crystals and a polki stud to mimic the reflective metal of the transformers.
Maybe it would be a pair that the Silver knight Optimus prime would gift Arcee, his girlfriend (from Knights of Unicron). I realise that, that might envelop very different time periods, but then, my imagination does run very wild.
For people who dislike transformers, here is another explanation for the earrings. I made it to match my all gray matt Diwali dress to make my look more festive. Due to public demand, here is the picture of the dress with the earrings. It is actually a long solid gray kurta with tassels at the sides but I wore it as a dress. I still don’t have a pic of wearing wearing it as I think it deserves some silver footwear. Knowing me, the dress would have become by the time I actually buy matching footwear.
I can hear what you are thinking -“Why couldn’t I have just written that in the beginning of the post and been done with it?” I could have but then, wordpress keep prompting me to write atleast 300 words making me ramble on. LOL
I hope you find it interesting
Cheers
26 responses to “Dark Side of the moon earrings”
I always love to read about your process, Miss Divya! I have only a slight understanding of the Transformers franchise, but I do see the potential. Breaking down that character’s outfit into constituent parts would prove to be a very rich source of jewelry inspiration! I also love the idea of the dark side of the moon represented. It is beautiful from all angles. I would dearly love to see you in your matte grey dress Diwali dress with these beauties dangling! Thanks for playing along with me at the We’re All Ears challenge. Enjoy the day! Erin
Thanks for the interesting inspiration once again Erin. I do not have a picture, but the next time I wear them, I would surely take a picture.
Everybody’s got something they geek out about. I’m not much of a Transformers fan (I tend toward more fantasy – Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter), but I understand that fan girl attitude for something. Both pairs of earrings you shared today are exemplary examples of moon earrings. Beautiful job!!
Haaa, I am glad that you understand 🙂 I do like Harry Potter but I am yet to watch Lord of the rings or read the books. (I know, I am cringing as I type) I guess I need to be initiated into it
Both pairs of earrings are lovely! The copper ones really caught the hues of a harvest moon and while I don’t know anything about the Transformer series, they are very elegant looking.
Truth be told, off the two I like the harvest moon earrings more. I looked quite chic and modern on both me and my mom. Talk about transcending the age barrier
You lost me at the Transformers. I love the earrings. They are just gorgeous. The texture and color are perfect for this challenge.
I realised that not many like or would get transformers by the time I came to the end of the post and hence I wrote the second explanation. But it was fun to get my geek out 🙂
Oooh! I love that second pair… so pretty! I agree with Erin, now I want to see the dress. 🙂
Just uploaded a picture of the dress with the earrings 🙂
Yes can we have a picture please? What did you style those lovelies with- and start with reading The Hobbit which will ease you into The Lord of the rings – I started the Hobbit at school and still read it from time to time -better than the movIe by far
I will do that. I’ll see if my library has the hobbit. There have been a request for the earrings, I think this might be the first time I sell something right off me
I have just uploaded a picture of the dress, but I do not have one of me in it 😀
I love your different takes on moon earrings. I get quite a kick out of your transformer pair and that connection you made. Both pair are pretty and very moon-like in different ways.
Haa, Thank you I am glad that you got the connection. I didn’t think people would at first
Both pairs are beautiful! And I absolutely loved reading about the word association, and how it made you think of Transformers… I’ve not actually seen the recent movies, but I was a HUGE fan of the cartoon series when I was a kid. I think it’s so cool when designers can incorporate their different interests in their creations… thank you so much for sharing! (And yes, I think they second pair definitely looks like a gift Optimus Prime would give Arcee. *grin*)
I didn’t know about Transformers when I was a kid but when I saw Bumblebee transform I was hooked. I am not obsessed but I like watching the movies multiple times as I am fascinated with the technology. So very glad to know a fellow fan 😀
Fascinating process!
Thanks Susan, I love doing creativity exercises with jewelry
I’m not sure which pair I like the most, both are so interesting. Isn’t it funny how the mind works when applied to a challenge!
Thanks Terry, Yes, I love how my thoughts run when faced with a competition or a creative challenge. It makes me want to take part in as many as possible
I, too, think the first pair is a perfect match to the challenge and I really love it! But I also love revelations of the dark side of things and, even though not being a transformers fan, I can see the inspiration behind it. The second pair looks very sophisticated!
Thanks. The first one is my favourite as it was the first time that I made soldered stud earrings of that size and wore it a couple of times. I didnt think that a commercial ear post would actually get soldered to a copper disc. Plus it looked really good on my mom and earrings seldom do 🙂
It is always very interesting to read about your challenges and your outcomes are the prettiest ever. I love both type of earrings!
You are so kind Maya, thank you
Great details about dark-side-of-the-moon-earrings .thanks for sharing this really the content is amazing informative, interesting, which was i am looking for .