Ball and Chain Earrings

Skill Level: Beginner/All

Technique: Components

While I was undecorating my Christmas tree, a hook configuration came out of one of the glass balls, which made me think. This earring design is basically to share the "idea" of a stopper hidden within a bead. Think about using this idea when attaching larger beads to necklaces, while eliminating extra wraps previously needed for security. Change the size and style of beads and the spacers or bead caps used, vary the lengths of chain and have fun with this new "stopper" technique!

Materials

• 22-gauge square half hard wire, 4-½"
• 2  8mm beads (metal or crystal)
• 2  6mm beads (metal or crystal)
• 6  8mm spacer beads or bead caps
• Chain, six 1" pieces (may vary based on the style of chain you choose)
• 2  ear wires

Tools

• Chain nose pliers
• Round nose pliers
• Wire cutters
• Ruler
• Fine point marker

Instructions

1. Straighten, measure and cut the 22-gauge wire into two pieces, each 2 1/4" long; one piece for each earring. On each wire, measure and mark 1/2" from one end. At each mark, use round nose pliers to form a cotter pin or keyhole shape as shown.
   
   
2. Slide three pieces of chain into each loop.
   
   
3. Measure the length of wire at the short end of the keyhole shape. Trim it so that it will not extend above the top of the 8mm bead.
   
   
   
4. Hold the short end of the wire close to the main wire and slip on a spacer followed by the 8mm bead. Push the spacer and the bead tight to the loop. Add the next spacer, a 6mm bead, and the final spacer. Use the remaining wire at the top of the last spacer to form a simple loop. Attach this new component to your favorite ear wires or posts and make another to match it.
   
   

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