Note: Components and tools listed within this INSTRUCTIONS box and the printer-friendly PDF, if available, may have been discontinued since
this project was published. Refer to the PURCHASE COMPONENTS and TOOLS AND OTHER SUPPLIES sections for current availability.
Tip: If your ears are not sensitive, try 20 gauge German style wire as a less expensive alternative.
- Pick up 1 fern link and press firmly around ring mandrel between size 8 and 9 marks. The loops of the link should be about 7/8" apart.
- Adjust hoop shape slightly if needed to align loops.
- Curve 1 piece of wire around mandrel at size 8 mark.
- Use round nose pliers to curve 1 end up (to outside of curve) into a simple loop about 1/8" in diameter.
- Attach loop to wide end of curved fern link.
- String 1 spacer, 1 gemstone bead, and 1 spacer onto wire and slide them to loop. Place 1 bead bumper onto wire and slide down to beads to secure them in place.
- Use round nose pliers to make a curve in the other end of the wire 1/8" from the end. Adjust curve and length as needed for earring to open and close well.
- Use cup bur or emery board to gently file down sharp edges of wire end.
- Optional: place wire portion flat on a work surface and hammer lightly with a rawhide mallet if work hardening is desired.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: (scroll down for purchase options)
- BMB-126 - Connector Link, Fern Leaf 40mm, Antiqued Pewter, by TierraCast (1 Piece)
Project uses 2 piece(s). You will need 2 package(s).
- BMB-114 - Metal Bead, Daisy Spacer 3mm, Antiqued Pewter, by TIerraCast (50 Pieces)
Project uses 4 piece(s). You will need 1 package(s).
- SPX-M3FB - Dakota Stones Gemstone Beads, Hubei Turquoise Blue Green Round AA Grade, Round 4mm (15 Inch Strand)
Project uses 2 piece(s). You will need 1 package(s).
- BMP-0108 - Beadalon Bead Bumpers, Oval Silicone Spacers 2mm, Silver (50 Pieces)
Project uses 2 piece(s). You will need 1 package(s).
- WSS-22035 - Sterling Silver Wire 20 Gauge Round Half Hard (5 Ft)
Project uses 4 inches. You will need 1 package(s).
RECOMMENDED TOOLS:
- XTL-5032 - The Beadsmith Wire Looping Pliers - Concave And Round Nose
- XTL-5450 - Xuron Jeweler's Super Fine Pliers Chain Nose Flat Nose
- XTL-5600 - Sharp Flush Cutter Pliers - For Cutting Beading Wire (1 Piece)
- XTL-9021 - Solid Steel Ring Sizing Mandrel Wire Wrapping Tool
- XTL-0131 - Wire Rounder Tool With Wooden Handle 1.8mm Cup Bur