Last month we learned how to make a beautiful two toned right angle weave bracelet using pearls and purple beads.  This month we’re going to make a pair of earrings to go with that bracelet.

Materials:

·         8 off white pearls 6mm in size

·         12 contrasting beads 6mm in size

·         A small bunch of #11 seed beads in a matching color to the contrasting beads

·         One pair Sterling Earwires

·         One skein embroidery floss, to match seed beads or other stringing material if you wish.

Step 1:  

If using Embroidery Floss pull out a strand about 21” long.  Separate into two sets of three threads.  Thread on a beading needle on each end then thread on one purple, one pearl, one purple and one pearl bead

Step 2:  

Fold your beads over your finger so the pearl bead is first in line... 

Step 3:  

...then run your needle through the bead while holding the thread tight so you don’t pierce the strand of thread already in the bead.

Step 4:  

Pull your threads snugly.  Try and have a similar amount of thread on each side.  Doesn’t have to be exact, just close.

Step 5:  

Now string on one purple bead and one pearl on one thread and one purple bead on the other thread

Photo 06

Step 6:  

Run the “one bead” thread through the pearl on the other thread and snug down.  You can now see the pattern emerging.

Step 7:  

Repeat steps 5 and 6 one more time

Step 8:  

String on 10 seed beads.  You may use more if you wish but keep it an even number.  This is the top where your earwire will go so you want the same number of beads on either side of it.

Step 9:  

Now bring that beaded thread down and pass the needle through that top pearl and pull snug

Step 10:  

Make a single knot up tight to the pearl.  Make sure it’s between the pearl and last seed bead

Step 11:  

Bring that same needle down through the adjoining purple bead...

Step 12:  

...add two seed beads...

Step 13:  

...pass your needle through the next purple bead...

Step 14:  

...add two seed beads and pass the needle through the last purple bead.

Step 15:  

Add 10 seed beads like we did at the top. 

Step 16:  

Bring your needle around to the other side and go through that first purple bead...

Step 17:  

...add two seed beads and go through the middle purple bead

Step 18:  

Take the needle and thread that are coming out of the top pearl and pass through the purple bead next to it.

Step 19:  

...then run it through the pearl in the center

Step 20:  

You should now have one thread coming out of a side purple bead and the other one coming out of the middle pearl

Step 21:  

Take the thread coming out of the purple bead and add two seed beads

Step 22:  

Now go through the next purple bead...

Step 23:  

...and then through the top pearl...

Step 24:  

...and down through that next purple bead.

Step 25:  

Here’s where you will want to make a double overhand knot.  Make sure all your threads are on the upper side and not under those seed beads as it appears here (shown by that little arrow).

Step 26:  

Be sure to pull your knot snug just not so tight you buckle your piece.  Then take one needle and run it through the center pearl...

Step 27:  

...and take the other needle and go up through the purple bead above...

Continue weaving your thread ends through a couple more beads pull snug and clip as close to your piece as possible.

Now make your other earring in the same way as you did this one.

Add your earwires to the top and you’re done.  Make sure the knots are on the back of your beadwork when you put the earwires on.