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Judy Larson's Threader Earrings, Contemporary Wire Jewelry. Findings, Clasps, Components, Tumbling, Tumble, Tumbling Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design. Judy Larson shares a simple earring project with a fun creative twist.

Threader Earrings

by Judy Larson
  • Category: Contemporary
  • Technique(s): Making Findings, Tumbling, Butane Torch Techniques, Design
  • Skill Level: Beginner
Judy Larson shares a simple earring project with a fun creative twist. These Threader Earrings are easy to make, but the real challenge came from mixing color and asymmetry for a bold, eye-catching look.

The result is a modern design that proves stepping outside your comfort zone can pay off.

Materials

Sterling Silver Threader Earring 3 inch - Pack of 2
K19-105
  • Lesson Quantity: 2.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $7.16
  • Gold Club Price: $5.37
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Sterling Silver Threader Earring 4 in. - Pack of 2
K19-106
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $6.06
  • Gold Club Price: $4.54
Out of Stock
Sterling Silver Head Pin 24GA w/ 1.5mm Ball 2 1/2 inch - Pack of 10
K8-27
  • Lesson Quantity: 10.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $11.52
  • Gold Club Price: $8.64
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Swarovski Crystal Beads - Variety of sizes and shapes (recommend 3,4,5 or 6mm)
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asst beads & pearls
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Charms - Variety to choose from
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Add All Items to Cart

Tools

5 Inch Bent Nose Pliers
G2-125
  • G2-125
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $3.97
  • Gold Club Price: $2.98
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Xuron Flush Cutter - Pack of 1
G2-504
  • G2-504
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $29.95
  • Gold Club Price: $22.46
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20 X 15 Inch Padded Work Mat
MAT-620.00
  • MAT-620.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $14.95
  • Gold Club Price: $11.21
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Optional Tools
Deluxe Soldering Kit
G15-5
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $116.97
  • Gold Club Price: $87.73
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WireJewelry Pro-Series Single Barrel Tumbler, Jewelry and Metal Polishing Kit, Includes 1 Pound of Jewelers Mix Shot and 8 Ounces of Shinebrite Burnishing Compound
G25-1-KITSS
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $182.60
  • Gold Club Price: $136.95
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12x12 Inch Rubber Mat
MAT-500.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $24.95
  • Gold Club Price: $18.71
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Instructions
Step 1

A Little Lesson in Asymmetry

A woman once came up to me to tell me how much she loved the asymmetric earrings she was wearing. "They go with absolutely everything," she said, "and they're such great conversation starters."

When I made them three years ago, I remember worrying that no one would like them. Multi-colored? Asymmetric? Neither one is exactly in my comfort zone. I almost talked myself out of making them.

But on her, they were fabulous - bright, lively, and perfectly suited to her effervescent personality.

And that's the beauty of this design. Sometimes the pieces we're unsure about are the ones that shine the most. So if asymmetry feels a little bold to you, consider this your gentle nudge to give it a try.
Judy Larson's Threader Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Findings, Clasps, Components, Tumbling, Tumble, Tumbling Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, They go with everything and spark great
Step 2

Getting Started

Assemble an assortment of 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm pearls, gemstones, and crystals. Test that your 24-gauge headpins fit smoothly through the bead holes before beginning.

If making your own balled headpins, cut wire slightly longer than your intended finished length (6-12mm extra).
Judy Larson's Threader Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Findings, Clasps, Components, Tumbling, Tumble, Tumbling Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, bag of headpins
Step 3

Create Bead Stacks on Headpins

Slide beads onto each headpin to create approximately 1 inch (25mm) of stacked beads.

For an asymmetric look:

  • Create one grouping in brighter tones

  • Create another grouping in softer pastels

  • Vary bead sizes and arrangement between sets

    • Keep each drop visually balanced but intentionally different.
    Judy Larson's Threader Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Findings, Clasps, Components, Tumbling, Tumble, Tumbling Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, stacked beads
    Step 4

    Form a Wrapped Loop Above Each Bead Stack

    Follow the directions for connecting wire wrapped loops in Wire Basics-Wrapped Loops and Links to connect the bead drops to the ring on the bottom of the threader earrings.
    Pro Tip:

    I did it this way for seven of the eight earrings before I realized that the ring on the bottom of the threader earrings was an open jump ring-DUH!

    If that is the case with your threader earrings, then just make a simple wire wrapped loop at the top of the beads, open the jump ring, add the drop, and close the jump ring.

    Either way, easy peasy.

    Judy Larson's Threader Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Findings, Clasps, Components, Tumbling, Tumble, Tumbling Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, wire wrapped loops
    Step 5

    Now for the fun part!

    There are four pairs of pretty earrings.

    By switching out an earring in one pair for and earring from the other, each pair goes from pretty to a subtle WOW.
    Judy Larson's Threader Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Findings, Clasps, Components, Tumbling, Tumble, Tumbling Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, four pairs of earrings
    Judy Larson's Threader Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Findings, Clasps, Components, Tumbling, Tumble, Tumbling Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, swapping pairs
    Step 6

    Optional Variations and Embellishments

    Threader earrings are highly customizable.

    Consider adding:

  • Sterling silver charms

  • Minimalist metal drops

  • Seasonal or symbolic charms

  • Additional bead accents

  • Diamond or crystal focals

    • Keep added elements lightweight to maintain comfortable wear.
    Judy Larson's Threader Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Findings, Clasps, Components, Tumbling, Tumble, Tumbling Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, Cross
    Judy Larson's Threader Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Findings, Clasps, Components, Tumbling, Tumble, Tumbling Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, Peace
    Judy Larson's Threader Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Findings, Clasps, Components, Tumbling, Tumble, Tumbling Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, Bird
    Judy Larson's Threader Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Findings, Clasps, Components, Tumbling, Tumble, Tumbling Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, Shiny heart
    Judy Larson's Threader Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Findings, Clasps, Components, Tumbling, Tumble, Tumbling Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, Matte heart
    Judy Larson's Threader Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Findings, Clasps, Components, Tumbling, Tumble, Tumbling Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, Music note
    Judy Larson's Threader Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Findings, Clasps, Components, Tumbling, Tumble, Tumbling Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, Shell
    Judy Larson's Threader Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Findings, Clasps, Components, Tumbling, Tumble, Tumbling Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, Star fish
    Judy Larson's Threader Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Findings, Clasps, Components, Tumbling, Tumble, Tumbling Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, Snow flakes
    Step 7
    And don't forget diamonds-because they are forever!
    Judy Larson's Threader Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Findings, Clasps, Components, Tumbling, Tumble, Tumbling Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, crusade-cross-2
    Judy Larson's Threader Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Findings, Clasps, Components, Tumbling, Tumble, Tumbling Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, crusade-cross
    Judy Larson's Threader Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Findings, Clasps, Components, Tumbling, Tumble, Tumbling Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, love
    Judy Larson's Threader Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Findings, Clasps, Components, Tumbling, Tumble, Tumbling Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, star
    Step 8
    What will you add to a pair of threader earrings-symmetric or asymmetric drops? Add photos of your finished projects to the Wire Jewelry Facebook Page!
    Judy Larson's Threader Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Findings, Clasps, Components, Tumbling, Tumble, Tumbling Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, final pairs

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