Skyward Sparrow Earrings

PROJECT E8035
Designer: Alexandra Smith
Skill Level: Intermediate
A sterling silver sparrow soars against a soothing sky of circular brickstitch in this earring design using graduated blue hues of Miyuki 11/0 delica seed beads.
Instructions

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.

By following the instructions below, you will make one earring. Repeat all instructions to make the second earring.
  1. If you are new to circular 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 4 feet of beading thread, or as much as you are comfortable working with, and thread your needle. Tie the thread onto your link as shown in the video.
  2. Follow along with the video to create seven layers of brick stitch, working your way inward on the link in the following order: Royal Blue AB, Cyan Blue, Light Sapphire, Agate Blue, Light Sapphire, Cyan Blue, Royal Blue AB (see photo for reference). Tie off and weave in your thread.
  3. To attach your earring hook and bird charm, use pliers to open the bottom loop of your earring hook the same way you would open a jump ring. Slide on your brick stitch link by gently fitting the loop of the earring hook between two Royal Blue seed beads along the edge of your link. You may find it helpful to use an awl or tweezers to gently create a space between two of the beads along the edge of your link in order to fit the loop of your earring wire onto the hoop. Then slide on the loop of your charm so that the charm lays against the brick stitch facing forward as shown in the photo (if your charm comes with a jump ring, remove it first). Enjoy!
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: (scroll down for purchase options)
  • PND-3807 - Sterling Silver Charm, Flying Sparrow Bird 19mm, 1 Piece, Silver
    Project uses 2 pieces. You will need 2 packages.

  • FCO-109 - Large Circle Open Frame Link, 25mm Diameter / 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.

  • DB-730 - Miyuki Delica Seed Beads, 11/0 Size, 7.2 Gram Tube, 730 Opaque Light Sapphire
    Project uses 1 tube. You will need 1 package.

  • DB-1137 - Miyuki Delica Seed Beads, 11/0 Size, 7.2 Grams, Opaque Agate Blue DB1137
    Project uses 1 tube. You will need 1 package.

  • DB-1138 - Miyuki Delica Seed Beads, 11/0 Size, 7.2 Grams, Cyan Blue Opaque DB1138
    Project uses 1 tube. You will need 1 package.

  • DB-165 - Miyuki Delica Seed Beads, 11/0 Size, 7.2 Grams, Opaque Royal Blue AB DB165
    Project uses 1 tube. You will need 1 package.

  • XCR-1280 - FireLine Braided Beading Thread, 4lb Test and 0.005 Thick, 15 Yards, Crystal Clear
    Project uses 8 feet. You will need 1 package.

RECOMMENDED TOOLS:
  • XTL-3006 - Beadsmith English Beading Needles Size 12 (4 Needles)
  • XTL-0373 - Tulip Premium Scissors, Gold Handle 5 Inch, 1 Pair
  • XTL-5514 - Beadsmith Jewelry Fine Round Nose Micro Pliers
  • XTL-5511 - Beadsmith Jeweller's Micro Pliers Chain Nose Flat Nose
  • XTL-4003 - Beadsmith Bead And Pearl Knotting Fine Point Steel Awl
  • XTL-4000 - Beadsmith Bead And Pearl Knotting Tweezers
Additional Information
Theme Summer, Spring, Pets/Animals
Ingredients PND-3807, FCO-109, FEA-016, DB-730, DB-1137, DB-1138, DB-165, XCR-1280,

Purchase Components

Purchase the components needed to make this project. Change quantities as needed to make multiple pieces. Tip: Save this project to your wishlist to easily return to project instructions.
Sterling Silver Charm, Flying Sparrow Bird 19mm, Silver (1 Piece)
You will need 2 package(s).
1 package = 1 Piece.
$3.49 / Package | SKU: PND-3807
Large Circle Open Frame Link, 25mm Diameter / 18 Gauge Thick, Sterling Silver (1 Piece)
You will need 2 package(s).
1 package = 1 Piece.
$3.47 / Package | SKU: FCO-109
French Sparkle Ear Wire, with Loop End 21mm Long, Sterling Silver (2 Pairs)
You will need 1 package(s).
1 package = 2 Pairs.
$4.39 / Package | SKU: FEA-016
Miyuki Delica Seed Beads, 11/0 Size, #730 Opaque Light Sapphire (2.5
You will need 1 package(s).
1 package = 1 Tube.
$3.75 / Package | SKU: DB-730
Miyuki Delica Seed Beads, 11/0 Size, Opaque Agate Blue DB1137 (2.5
You will need 1 package(s).
1 package = 1 Tube.
$3.75 / Package | SKU: DB-1137
Miyuki Delica Seed Beads, 11/0 Size, Cyan Blue Opaque DB1138 (2.5
You will need 1 package(s).
1 package = 1 Tube.
$3.75 / Package | SKU: DB-1138
Miyuki Delica Seed Beads, 11/0 Size, Opaque Royal Blue AB DB165 (2.5
You will need 1 package(s).
1 package = 1 Tube.
$3.75 / Package | SKU: DB-165
FireLine Braided Beading Thread, 4lb Test and 0.005 Thick, Crystal Clear (15 Yards)
You will need 1 package(s).
1 package = 1 Spool.
$6.95 / Package | SKU: XCR-1280
Earn Reward Points Earn Reward Points with your purchase of project components or tools.

Tools and Other Supplies:

The Beadsmith English Beading Needles Size 12 (4 pcs)
Tulip Premium Scissors, Gold Handle 5-Inch
$29.15 / Package | SKU: XTL-0373
The Beadsmith Jewelry Fine Round Nose Micro Pliers
$6.29 / Package | SKU: XTL-5514
The Beadsmith Jeweller's Micro Pliers Chain Nose Flat Nose
The Beadsmith Bead And Pearl Knotting Fine Point Steel Awl
The Beadsmith Bead And Pearl Knotting Tweezers
$2.79 / Package | SKU: XTL-4000

Related Video [VIEW ALL VIDEOS]

Accessible Options For closed captions/subtitles, click the CC icon on the video player after starting the video.

You recently viewed

Clear recently viewed