Understated Gold

Dateline: 10/16/00

Well, someone forgot to tell me that gold was going to be in this year! And after I spent all that time collecting silver! Oh well!!

Actually, I'll still wear my silver, and all my beads, too! But, of course, every now and then I need a pair of gold earrings. And, every now and then, I need something subtle. That's how these little beauties came about.

I saw the original in a fashion magazine. They were a solid plate of gold, and the little fringes were made of chain. I thought they were nice, but figured I could do the same using beads. Actually, I think these are cuter! And they are so easy to make, you could do up a bunch of them for gifts or for yourself! I used the galvanized gold beads, so that they may wear longer, but I sprayed them with protectant, just in case. Here's how to make your own:

You need:

Approximately 144 gold colored 11/0 seed beads

Gold Size "D" Nymo

#12 Beading Needle

E6000 Glue

Set of 2 Flat Post Backs - 5 mm

1. Begin by making four rows of square stitch, each row five beads long. See actual size pictureon the left.

2. Turn the work on it's side (45 degree angle) and run the needle down the last row you added.

3. Pick up 16 seed beads, and pass the need around the last seed bead added.

4. Pass the needle back up the other 15 seed beads, and back up through the last row of square stitch, so that the needle is coming out of the top of the piece.

5. Pass the needle down the next row and add 14 seed beads, and repeat the step above. Repeat again for the next two rows, adding 12 beads and then 10 beads. This will make fringes 15, 13, 11 and 9 beads long, with an end bead on each.

6. When you are through adding the fringes, tie off the thread and secure with a spot of clear nail polish.

7. Add the earring post with a dab of E6000 cement, and let dry overnight.

Now you have a cute and subtle pair of gold earrings!. Another reason I designed these is that I had a number of requests in my email for some small earrings. I thought this was a great idea, as so many earring patterns are for really big earrings. Sometimes, it's nice to have something a bit different. Hope you enjoy these!