Retired - Pumpkin Petal Earrings

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.

1. If you are new to brick stitch, please watch the video: How to do Circular Brick Stitch on the Interior of a Form. Using what you have learned in the video, begin by cutting four feet of beading thread, or as much as you are comfortable working with, and thread your needle. Tie your thread onto the bottom center of your pear shaped link in the same manner as shown in the video.
2. Follow along with the video to create three layers of brick stitch, working your way inward on the link in the following order: Matte Iris, Buttercream, and Seafoam (see photo for reference). While the shape of the link is different than shown in the video, the weaving process will be the same. Once you have completed weaving these three layers, tie off and weave in your thread.
3. To weave the innermost layer of your earring, please watch the video: How to Add Flower Petal Embellishments to Circular Brick Stitch. Using what you have learned in the video, begin by tying three feet of new thread onto the seafoam layer of your weaving, attaching your knot to a thread bridge approximately thirteen beads up the side of your earring from the bottom center of your link.
4. String on one pumpkin seed bead, one 4mm Austrian crystal crystal pearl, and one pumpkin seed bead. Stitch these three beads onto the seafoam layer of your weaving in the same manner as shown in the video. Thread your needle back up through the adjacent seafoam bead, and repeat this step five more times to add a total of six pearls onto your link (see photo for reference).
5. Once your pearls are stitched onto the seafoam layer of your bead work, continue weaving pumpkin seed beads in brick stitch up one side of the pear shaped link and down the other, until you return to the first pearl you added. Thread your needle up through the pumpkin seed bead adjacent to your pearl, add on six more pumpkin seed beads, and thread your needle down through adjacent pumpkin seed bead on the opposite side of your pearl. Continue adding six pumpkin seed beads around the edges of each pearl in this manner, as shown in the video. In this case, your petals will fit together more tightly, naturally creating an overlapping effect. Tie off and weave in your thread.
6. Finally, use pliers to open the bottom loop of your earring hook the same way you would open a jump ring. Attach the earring hook to your completed earring at the uppermost point of your pear shaped link, fitting it carefully between the stitches of your bead work (see photo for reference). Close the loop. Enjoy!

• FCO-112 - Pear Shaped Open Frame Link, 48x33mm / 18 Gauge Thick, 1 Piece, Sterling Silver
  Project uses 2 pieces. You will need 2 packages.


• FEA-016 - French Sparkle Ear Wire, with Loop End 21mm Long, 4 Pieces, Sterling Silver
  Project uses 2 pieces. You will need 1 package.


• DMRR-2029 - Miyuki Round Seed Beads, 11/0 Size, 8.5 Gram Tube, 2029 Fancy Frosted Pale Seafoam Blue
  Project uses 1 tube. You will need 1 package.


• DMRR-2035 - Miyuki Round Seed Beads, 11/0 Size, 8.5 Gram Tube, 2035 Matte Metallic Khaki Iris
  Project uses 1 tube. You will need 1 package.


• DMRR-0577 - Miyuki Round Seed Beads, 11/0 Size, 8.5 Gram Tube, 577 Opal Buttercream Silver Lined
  Project uses 1 tube. You will need 1 package.


• DMRR-2041 - Miyuki Round Seed Beads, 11/0 Size, 8.5 Gram Tube, 2041 Special Dyed Pale Pumpkin (Yellow-Orange)
  Project uses 1 tube. You will need 1 package.


• SWP-4003 - Austrian Crystal, 5810 Round Faux Pearl Beads 4mm, 50 Pieces, Creamrose Light
  Project uses 12 pieces. You will need 1 package.


• XCR-1280 - FireLine Braided Beading Thread, 4lb Test and 0.005 Thick, 15 Yards, Crystal Clear
  Project uses 14 feet. You will need 1 package.

• XTL-5614 - BeadSmith Tools, Thread Snips 4.25 Inches Long, 1 Piece