Judy Larson's Seed Bead Earrings, Beading. Beads. I have BOXES of seed beads that my daughter loved to work with when she was younger.

Seed Bead Earrings

by Judy Larson
  • Category: Beading
  • Technique(s): Beading
  • Skill Level: Beginner
I have BOXES of seed beads that my daughter loved to work with when she was younger. Of course, that phase did not last, so they have been sitting in the back of the closet since then. I just "found" them again, and this time when I opened the lid, all the beads looked like a party waiting to happen. I decided to make something FUN and use a lot of color! PARTY!!!

Materials

22 Gauge Round Half Hard .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-22H
  • Lesson Quantity: 6.00 inches
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $2.62
  • Gold Club Price: $1.97
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Soft Touch by Soft Flex Wire--Very Fine--.010
BDC-400.10
  • Lesson Quantity: 35.00 inches
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $8.95
  • Gold Club Price: $6.71
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5mm crimp covers
  • Lesson Quantity: 2.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 2.00 each
Sterling Silver Earwires 23mm w/Coil - Pack of 2
K19-53
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $2.28
  • Gold Club Price: $1.71
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Variety of seed beads
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
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Tools

Chain Nose Wire Pliers
G2-508
  • G2-508
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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Round Nose Wire Pliers
G2-507
  • G2-507
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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C.H.P Milano Italian Flush Cutter, 5 1/2 Inches
PLR-487.00
  • PLR-487.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $16.97
  • Gold Club Price: $12.73
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Instructions
Step 1
Read through the directions before starting the project.

These earrings are 3¼" long from the top of the ear wire to the bottom of the longest bead loop. With nine strands of beads on each earring, they can be on the heavy side. Change the number and length of the bead strands to suit personal preference.
Wire Number Cut Wire Length Bead Length

Wire 1 4 6¾" 4"

Wire 2 4 6½" 3¾"

Wire 3 4 6¼" 3½"

Wire 4 2 6" 3¼"

Wire 5 5 5¾" 3"
String beads on the beading wire. Use bead stops or tape to secure the ends so the beads do not slide off.
Judy Larson's Seed Bead Earrings - , Beading, Beads, seed bead earrings
Step 2
Slide one end of each beaded wire through a crimp tube. It is difficult to put all the wires through at once, so work with several at a time. Make all the wire ends even.
Judy Larson's Seed Bead Earrings - , Beading, Beads, seed bead earrings
Step 3
Push the crimp tube down the wires to ½" from the wire ends.
Pro Tip: It was my choice to work with wires longer than needed because they were easier for me to work with. Do what works for you.
Judy Larson's Seed Bead Earrings - , Beading, Beads, seed bead earrings
Step 4
Use a flat or chain nose pliers to flatten the crimp tube. The wires will be secure. If a larger crimp tube is used and both sets of wire ends are inserted, all the wires may not be secure after flattening the crimp tube. Using two crimp tubes provides more security as well as making the side of the earrings flare out in the teardrop shape.
Judy Larson's Seed Bead Earrings - , Beading, Beads, seed bead earrings
Step 5
Repeat Step 4 with the wires on the other end of the bead strands.
Judy Larson's Seed Bead Earrings - , Beading, Beads, seed bead earrings
Step 6
Trim off the short beading wire ends above the crimp tube.
Judy Larson's Seed Bead Earrings - , Beading, Beads, seed bead earrings
Step 7
Make a ½" hook in a 3" piece of 22 gauge round wire. Split the beaded wires, 5 on one side and 4 on the other, near the crimp tube and insert the hook. Follow the same process to insert the hook into the other end of the crimped together beaded wires.
Judy Larson's Seed Bead Earrings - , Beading, Beads, seed bead earrings
Step 8
If using crimp covers: Form the wire ends around the two flattened crimp tubes. If using a cord ends: Wrap the short hook wire once around the longer wire and trim the excess wire off.
Judy Larson's Seed Bead Earrings - , Beading, Beads, seed bead earrings
Judy Larson's Seed Bead Earrings - , Beading, Beads, seed bead earrings
Step 9
If using crimp covers: Fold the crimp cover over the crimped beading wires, making sure to keep the beading wires out of the crimp cover seam. Trim the 22 gauge wire tail at the top of the crimp cover If using a cord ends: Slide the wire through the hole in the cord end, pulling the wire tightly to seat the crimped wires inside the cord end.
Judy Larson's Seed Bead Earrings - , Beading, Beads, seed bead earrings
Judy Larson's Seed Bead Earrings - , Beading, Beads, seed bead earrings
Judy Larson's Seed Bead Earrings - , Beading, Beads, seed bead earrings
Step 10
Make a wire wrapped loop with the wire tail. Wrap back up the shank of the wire wrapped loop if a thicker look is desired (done on both earrings here).
Judy Larson's Seed Bead Earrings - , Beading, Beads, seed bead earrings
Step 11
Attach earring findings.
Judy Larson's Seed Bead Earrings - , Beading, Beads, seed bead earrings