I am a big wearer of silver. Almost everything in my jewelry collection is silver except for an occasioal piece of white gold. However, there are a
few outfits in my closet that call for nothing but bright, shiny classic yellow gold. Most everything in my jewelry wardrobe is big and bold, too,
since that's my style. But, like the need for occasional yellow gold, there is an occiasiona need for something a bit more subtle. That's how these
lovely little beaded earrings came to life.
I saw something similar in a fashion magazine. Of course, they weren't beaded, the flat square was made from a solid piece of gold with little
fringes made of gold chain. I thought they were nice, but figured I could do the same using gold seed beads and square stitch. And, once they were
done, I really did think that these were cuter than the originals! Plus, they are so easy to make, you could whip up a pair for every outfit in your
wardrobe in about a week!
I used 22K gold seed beads from General Bead so that they would wear longer than if I had used galvanized beads. I still 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 picture on 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 E-mail 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!
