- Melissa Sprenne
- Thursday, May 05, 2022
Learn how to make a pair of floral earrings, just like the ones we've made in Ballentine's MakerSpace! Below, you'll find a list of the necessary tools and materials, as well as instructions.
If you'd like to try making a pair but don't want to invest in your own set of tools, feel free to visit Ballentine's MakerSpace during one of our open crafting times. See Richland Library's Events page for times and dates. We've got all the tools you'll need - just bring your own beads!
TOOLS
- A pair of round nose jeweler's pliers
- A pair of chain nose jeweler's pliers
- A pair of jeweler's wire cutters
MATERIALS
- A pair of French hook earwires
- 2 eyepins
- 6 headpins
- 8 small crystals (4 or 6mm) - 2 of one color, 6 of another
- 2 acrylic floral bead caps (about 25mm)
- 2 fancy filigree bead caps that will fit over the top of your flower beads
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Slide one small crystal onto each of the headpins - 6 in all - and form a wire wrapped loop above the crystal. If you do not know how to make one, search YouTube for "wire wrapped loop tutorial" and you'll find quite a few videos showing you how.
The lengths of these headpins do not have to be the same: you're creating the stamens of the flower and having different lengths of these dangles is visually appealing. Also, you only need to wrap the loop once, since this part of the dangle will be hidden inside the acrylic flower.
2. Open the loop at the end of the eyepins. When opening these loops, do not pull them apart! This will distort the circle and you won't be able to get it back into shape nicely. Instead, twist it open. For a visual of this, go to YouTube and search "opening an eyepin." Add three of your crystal dangles to each eyepin and close the loops.
3. Assemble the components. First, slide on the acrylic flower, open side towards the dangles. Next, add the fancy filigree bead cap and one of the remaining crystals.
4. Create a simple loop or a wire wrapped loop just above the crystal on each eyepin.
5. Open each of the earwire loops the same way you opened the loops on the eyepins. Slide one of the completed flower assemblies onto each earwire and close each loop.
6. Show off your new jewelry! If you'd like to share a photo online, please tag #RichlandLibrary in your post!
- Monday Morning Makers is a drop-in program that happens every Monday at Ballentine from 9:30am to 11:30am and is for all ages: families, teens, and adults. Some days, there will be a simple art or craft project to work on. Some days will be Tinker Days where we will get to play with things like motors or microscopes. We will always have drawing and coloring supplies available. You may also work on a personal project using our tools and equipment - just be sure to bring any consumable materials you need for your project.