Future Generations Earrings Instructions Designed by Artbeads
These carefully crafted earrings hold just as much wonder as a nest woven by a doting mother bird and will catch everyone's eye. They take just minutes to make and are a great gift for someone welcoming home a new generation.
Step one: Pull out approximately 2 feet of 22 gauge brass non-tarnish artistic wire from the spool. Do not cut the wire from the spool. Thread three Unicorne Beads cream with black and brown speckles glass teardrops onto the wire and slide them 8 to 9 inches down the wire. Cross the wires, creating a small loop, to hold the beads together in a cluster.
Step two: Use the open wire end to make a few wraps around the cluster of beads. Weave the end of the wire through the spaces between each bead, through the holes of the beads and around them for a secure hold, pulling down tight each time. Leave about a tail end about ½ inch long.
Step three: Using the wire end that is still attached to the spool, begin wrapping around the cluster of beads and the wire from Step two. Keep the weaves loose to create some kinks and bends for a more natural look. Be sure to make some passes with the wire around and through the backside as well. Continue to wrap the wire around the cluster until you are satisfied with the size of the "nest."
Step four: String one 12x8mm tourmaline green delicate leaf onto the ½ inch wire tail from Step two. Use chain nose pliers to create a bend in the very end of the wire tail. Fold this bend over completely to form a kinked end so the leaf bead does not fall off. Use the chain nose pliers to tuck the end of the wire down into the center of the nest and manipulate the wire for desired placement of the leaf.
Step five: Use round nose pliers and chain nose pliers to create visually appealing kinks and waves in the remaining wire. Snip off the wire and tuck any remaining ends down into the center of the nest.
Step six: Attach one satin hamilton gold-plated French hook earwire with ball and coil to one 5mm satin hamilton gold-plated 18 gauge open jump ring. Connect the jump ring to an outer piece of wire on the nest. Watch our Handy Tip video to learn how to open and close a jump ring if you need help.
Tools and Supplies Used:
ZambaPro® Round Nose Pliers (TOOL-108)
ZambaPro® Chain Nose Pliers (TOOL-106)
Side Cutters - Semi Flush (TOOL-131)
22 Gauge Brass Non-Tarnish Artistic Wire, 8 Yard Spool (AWR22BRS8)
List of Components:
Unicorne Beads Cream with Black and Brown Speckles Glass Teardrop Strand (BS-0126, qty 1)
Satin Hamilton Gold-Plated French Hook Earwire with Ball and Coil (EAR-0014, qty 2)
5mm Satin Hamilton Gold-Plated Open Jump Ring - 18 Gauge (FIND-0824, qty 2)
12x8mm Tourmaline Green Delicate Leaf (CR-LF002, qty 2)
These are fun alternatives to those listed above:
Unicorne Beads White with Amber and Black Speckles Glass Teardrop Strand (BS-0129)
22 Gauge Bare Copper Artistic Wire, 8 Yard Spool (AWR22COP8)
TierraCast Copper Niobium with 3mm Copper Bead Earwire (NCO-5128-08)
Czech Glass Bead Medium Leaf Turquoise/Picasso (CR-LF072)