Stocking Fillers from Stash - Hoop Earrings Tutorial

I am almost afraid to mention the word, as every time I do in real life it evokes a sigh of dismay, but there is no denying that it is time to start thinking of Christmas! For those of us who craft, this often involves planning and making our own gifts, as well as the torture of Christmas shopping on the High Street. Every year I vow to do mine online from the comfort of my own home, but I never do.

As I have a bead stash to bust, I have been thinking about quick and easy gift ideas to make myself and to share with the readers of this blog in the hopes that all of our stashes will be a bit smaller by the 25th December. I have been wanting to write tutorials for some time and I thought now was a good time to start.

For my first tutorial I have chosen a simple pair of simple hoop earrings that I have made many times, I hope you like them!

You will need;
Beadalon stringing wire
1 pair of earwires
2 crimp beads
6mm fire polish beads (FP)
Size 11 seed beads (11)

Tools; Wire Cutters, Crimping Pliers, Round nose Pliers

1. First cut a piece of beading wire 7 inches long, thread on 1 FP and 1 11, repeat 8 times then thread 1 FP.


2. Thread 1 crimp bead onto one end of the wire, pass the opposite wire through the crimp bead to form a circle.

3. Pass both wires through the FP next to the crimp bead and pull tight.

4. Crimp the bead and trim the wire ends.

5. Attach an earwire.

Repeat steps 1-5 to create a second earring.

I have assumed a knowledge of basic techniques such as crimping, if you are just starting out you can find instructions here -> http://www.beadstylemag.com/en/How%20To/Basics.aspx

or alternatively you can contact me if you have any questions and I will be happy to help!

Well, there it is, my first ever tutorial! I hope you like it and find it easy to understand. As always any comments would be appreciated and if you do use the tutorial to make some stocking fillers for your friends, we would love to see pictures! You can add them to the OTTBS Flickr pool here http://www.flickr.com/groups/1455268@N20/

Happy Christmas Beading!

Sarah.