ECT TV Episode 6: How to Make Simple Earrings
Welcome ECT TV Episode 6!This week we're building on what I taught you in Episode 5 (how to make a bead dangle) and creating a simple piece of jewelry: Earrings!Here's the episode:
Creativity Booster:Here in Northeast US where I live, winter has been rough. (And I guess I should say, I'm definitely a summer girl!) The snow just isn't letting up.In England there's torrential rains.Maybe where you are, it's nice and sunny.But everyday life can still become monotonous or you can find yourself in a funk and/or creatively blocked.Here are 3 steps to help you get out of that funk:#1 Stop what you're doing.For me, when I get sad, depressed or in a creative funk, I tend to log onto Facebook and just stare. I'm not there to connect, I'm not there to really do anything. I just keep scrolling and scrolling.This isn't helpful at all. It doesn't get me out of my funk. In fact, it prolongs it.Maybe you watch TV or something else.Stop whatever it is that isn't helping.#2 Do something.Do something else. Anything. Examples: clean, organize your supplies, take a bath or shower, take a walk, meditate or even try doing something creative even if you don't feel like it.This will snap you out of the funk and into a productive mode.#3 Be creative.Do something creative or take a small step towards your creative goal. So maybe just gather up some supplies to make something (even if you don't feel like making it right now.) Doodle. Paint. Journal. Make jewelry.If you still don't feel creative. Don't force yourself. Sometimes you just will have a crappy day and that is fine. It's fine to feel how you feel. Maybe just try some self care and pampering or you just need to get through the day.Hopefully, though, you're feeling a little bit better and find a jewelry tutorial and make something!
How to Make Simple Dangle Earrings:
Materials and Tools:
- Beads * I used Blue Recycled Vinyl Disc Beads from Happy Mango Beads
- 2 Headpins - 2" 20 gauge (or whatever you have)
- 2 Earring wires (or see how to make your own below)
- Round nose pliers
- Chain nose pliers
- Wire cutters
- Another pair of pliers - another pair of chain nose, bent nose pliers or you can use your round nose pliers
*Beads: You need 2 matching beads or more. I used the beads I noted above plus 2 seed beads on each earring. Just make sure that the beads aren't too heavy and pull on your ears.Step #1
Slide one seed bead onto a headpin and then add several of the disc beads.The easiest way to use these disc beads for earrings is to pull a stack of them between your fingers and keep them in a stack. Then slide them onto the head pin.
Step #2
Add a second seed bead on the other side.Step #3
Hold the headpin in the round nose pliers, just slightly above the seed bead (approximately the length of a seed bead.)Step #4
Bend the wire around the barrel of the pliers and in between the pliers and the beads like seen in the photo.Straighten the loop so it's centered above the beads. To do this roll the pliers back.Step #5
Hold the loop in chain nose pliers. Then continue wrapping the wire using another pair of pliers. Wrap at least a few times. Cut off any excess.Make sure the wires are straight and snug. Make sure the end is not sticking out. (I give a tip in the video on how to do that!)Step #6
Open the earring wire. Make sure to open it while maintaining the circle. Do not pull the circle open. (See the video for a demonstration on this.)Step #7
Put the loop from the dangle in the open loop and close the earring wire.Step #8Repeat for the other earring.Remember you can really use any beads to make these earrings. Add 2 or 3 dangles to one earring wire. Make them to match all of your outfits!
How to Make Your Own Earring Wires:
I will admit, I bought earring wires to use in my jewelry designs forever. Even after I conquered wire wrapping, I continue to use bought earring wires. Then one day I tried to make my own. It is SO QUICK & EASY! I can’t believe I haven’t been making them all along!A few tips:
- I use a ring mandrel, but you can use a pen or marker to wrap around.
- Make them in pairs – do a step on one and then a step on the other – so they are consistent.
Materials and Tools:
- Wire, about 1.5 – 2 inches, 20 gauge (you may feel more comfortable with smaller gauge like 22 or 24 gauge)
- Jewelry file
- Wire cutters
- Round nose pliers
- Ring mandrel or some other round item: dowel rod, pen, highlighter, etc.
- Optional, but helpful: Rawhide hammer and steel block or anvil
Step #1
Cut off 1.5-2 inches of 24 gauge wire. Grasp the end of the wire with round nose pliers and create a loop. Just wrap the wire completely around one barrel of the pliers.Step #2
Wrap the wire around the ring mandrel (or pen, highlighter, dowel rod, etc.) Push both sides around.
Go a little bit around the bottom, too. (You don’t want a complete circle.)Make sure to keep the little loop straight and don’t let it slip to the side.
Step #3
Use pliers to create a bit of a bend in the wire.
File the ends of the earring wires (the part that will go into your ears) to make sure that there are no rough ends.Optional: Hammer the earring wires with a rawhide or nylon hammer so the wire will keep its shape.Have fun! I'll see you next week!------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Get future episodes right in your inbox plus get a printable PDF when you sign up for my email updates: