I
will show you how to make beaded earrings. This is a
great project for beginning jewelry makers!
For the earrings
pictured here I choose hearts for my main bead. You
can use any shape for your design.
Tools you will need
Chain-nose or
round-nose pliers
Wire cutter
Findings needed for each pair of
earrings
Beads
-
Different size beads, experiment with different
shapes and sizes
-
Mix colors, shapes and finishes
-
You can use semiprecious, metal
and glass beads
-
Make sure you have at least 2 of
each bead so that your earrings will match
How to make beaded earrings
Your dangle earrings
consist of a headpin with beads placed on it to make
a combination of colors and shapes. It should not be
too heavy for comfort.
Instructions
-
Arrange some beads
on the head pin. Experiment with different colors
and styles. Use spacer beads to break up
the colored beads.
-
When you like the
design, take the wire cutter and snip off the excess
headpin, but leave about a half-inch above the top
bead.
-
Now take your
pliers in your dominant hand, and hold the headpin
and beads in your other hand while pushing down
lightly on the top bead so it's out of the way.
-
Grasp the end of the headpin wire
tightly with the pliers. Twist your wrist slowly in
a circular motion until the end of the headpin forms
a small loop. You want to turn a small loop that
closes securely so the
ear wire won't slip out.
-
Don't worry if your loop
is not completely round. It doesn't have to be. When you
wear the earring, this loop will be almost invisible.
With your pliers in your hand and the ear wire in the
other hand, open the loop on the ear wire by moving the
pliers in one direction and your other hand in the
opposite direction. Open the loop just enough to fit the
headpin wire on it. Never pry or pull a loop open -- it
is almost impossible to close it properly.
Hang the headpin loop on the open ear wire loop.
Close the ear wire loop
by squeezing it with the pliers to return the loop back
to dead center, closing the circle. Test your work to
make sure the headpin won't come off the ear wire.
That's it! Make another one, and you have your pair!
I hope these instructions
helped you. If you have any questions please let me
know.
© A1 Jewelry Making Supplies
Last up dated
06/18/08
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