I make a lot of basic earrings that will either go with necklaces I've made, or will match certain clothes. Some of them were made just because I liked the beads! They are pretty basic, and you can see what additions I've made to the centerpiece component. I used tiny bead caps on the amber, and nothing at all on the pearls:

I also like to dress up charms and other purchased elements with crystals. I am not content with leaving a piece "as is" after I purchase it. I am guilty of embellishing! These are some of the pieces I have added bits to, in order to dress them up to my particular taste. The fairies are everywhere, so I needed to do something a bit different, to make them mine! Same with the other two pieces.

Then there are those earrings made to match a particular necklace or bracelet. These are really easy. I just use a small section of the pattern for the larger piece. The brown pearl/peridot and the gray pearl/amethyst are made to match a "Tin Cup" necklace that uses those same beads. Of course, these can be worn without the necklace, too, and stand on their own as great earrings!

As for these next pieces, they are some that I have designed to be big and bold. A few are attached to purchased element which was originally made for multi-strand necklaces, and others are simple patterns on head pins. Fast, easy and definitely eye catching, I usually wear these alone, with perhaps a cool bracelet or a great ring.

As for instructions, probably the only thing you need to know is How to Make A Wrapped Loop. As for wires and other ideas, I like lever back wire, which are available all over the place. Rio Grande has some really cool ones on Page 96 of the new catalog. These are lever back wires with an indentation for your dangle. You can change the dangle and use the same ear wire over and over, and never need to bend the metal to do so.

Another thing you can do is make larger top loops on the head pin and put the earring dangle on to a 1 mm hoop, like these shown. It makes for an interesting earring. Usually, when I purchase a new package of Swarovski crystals, I will make two dangles to use with these hoops. Several can be added to the hoop, or a single worn alone. This is a very elegant look, and I have made some, like those shown, to match a specific outfit.

Have fun with your earrings! Make a bunch! Most of these took between 20 minutes and 90 minutes, start to finish. What better way to cheer yourself up, or get a really unique gift together in a very short time? Next time you have a disaster morning, throw on a pair of pants, a basic top, put that bad hair into a ponytail and add a pair of great earrings!