Tassel Earrings

Designed by Sonja Kiser ©2010

The herringbone design has been around for some time. By combining a simple herringbone wrapped bead with chain, "bling" happens! With every little movement these earrings catch the light causing lots of sparkle. Feel free to express your own creativity when making this design. Try using different types and colors of beads and change the metal to generate new looks that suit your personal style.

Tip: Make both earrings at the same time, working one step on one earring and then the same step on the other.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Technique: Herringbone Variation

Materials

• 24-gauge round dead soft jewelry wire, 33"
• Two 8mm faceted round beads
• Chain, 11"
• One pair ear wires

Tools

• Flat Nose Pliers
• Chain Nose Pliers
• Needle Chain Nose Pliers
• Round Nose Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Ruler
• Extra-fine point marker

Instructions

1. Straighten, measure and then cut two 16-inch pieces of 24g round soft wire. From one end of each wire, measure down 2-inches and mark. Working with both wires as though they were one, use flat-nose pliers to make a 90° angle (bending both wires at same time).
   
   
2. Working with one wire at a time, at the bend just created, make a wrapped loop. Use the tail to continue wrapping down the stem approximately seven wrapped turns, to measure 3/8-inch under the loop. Trim wire and tuck in the end.
   
   
   
3. Put an 8mm round bead on the long wire. From the bottom of the bead, measure down the wire 3/8" and make a 90° bend (opposite the wrapped loop end).
   
   
4. At the 3/8" bend, use round nose pliers to make a loop. Do not wrap it in yet!




5. Cut 10 pieces of small chain 1" in length (five pieces per earring). Thread 5 pieces of chain onto the loop. Wrap the loop closed, being careful not to catch the chain in the wraps. Do not cut this wire!
   
   
   
6. Hold the bead and bring the remaining wire up along the side of the bead, around to the end, opposite of the chain wraps just made. Weave the wire around the front and then to the back, and back to the front, making a complete circle, ending with the wire headed down the other side of the bead. Turn the work upside down; repeat these procedures to add additional weaves.
   Hint: Need a Herringbone Weave refresher? Take a look back at the Herringbone Bracelet!
   
   
7. Continue weaving until there are 4 or 5 complete weaves around the bead. Check to make sure the number of weaves on each side of the bead is the same. Wrap the wire a couple of times around the loop to secure, trim and tuck in end.
   
   
   
8. Attach to ear wires.
   
   
   

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