Alpine Flower SuperDuo Earring Tutorial

Created by: Amy Mickelson

Designer Tips

• Thread needle onto comfortable length (36-48”) of bead cord and condition. Depending on the type of cording you choose, you may want to double it.
• Add 12 beads to the cord (alternating between one size 11 seed bead, and one SuperDuo).
• Leave about a 3-6” tail, form a circle and tie a surgeon’s knot to secure.
• Go back through all the beads a second time, bringing the cord out through a hole on a SuperDuo.
• Bring thread back through the top hole in the same SuperDuo.
• Add 1 SuperDuo (in second color), 1 size 11, and 1 SuperDuo (in second color) and string cord through top hole of the next SuperDuo (from the previous row).

• Continue to add beads like the previous step all the way around, and again bring the thread through the work a second time to provide stiffness and extra security.
• Bring thread through the top hole of a SuperDuo (which has a seed bead next to the bottom hole).
• To create a loop for the earwire, add one size 11, five size 15’s, one size 11 and pass through the top hole of the next SuperDuo.
• Add a SuperDuo (same color as the two duo below it in the previous row) and pass the thread through the top hole of the next Duo from the previous row. Add one size 11, one SuperDuo (in the second color), one size 11 and pass through the next Duo.
• Repeat this last step all the way around, and pass the thread through all the beads a second time for security and to add stiffness to the design.
• Weave extra thread and tail thread back through the design and cut the excess.
• For a fancier pair of earrings, add a crystal briolette with two size 15s on each side, on the opposite end from the earwire loop.

• Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF)

Suggested Supplies

• 1 tube [use 20] #20-260-1242 Czech Glass Seed Bead, SuperDuo Two-Hole, 2.5x5mm
• 1 tube [use 36] #20-260-1602 Czech Glass Seed Bead, SuperDuo Two-Hole, 2.5x5mm
• 1 tube [use 10] #20-226-904 Miyuki Seed Bead, size 15/0 - Metallic Gold Color
• 1 vial [use 48] #20-228-222 TOHO Glass Seed Bead, Dark Bronze, size 11/0, 2.1mm
• 2 each #06-010-13-(color of your choice) 13mm Swarovski Crystal Pendant Briolettes
• 1 tube [use 60-72"" purple color] #61-719-03 The BeadSmith Super-Lon, D, Summer Flowers - Summer Flowers Assortment
• 1 pkg of 144 [use 2] #34-362-7 Antiqued Copper Plated Ear Wire, French Hook, Plain
• 1 pair #33-960 Wire Keepers, white

Tools

• 1 pkg of 25 [use 1] #65-000-10 Beading Needle, Size 10
• #69-271-03 EURO TOOL Glitter, Chain-Nose Pliers
• #69-023 Thread Heaven Thread Conditioner and Protectant® - or - Beeswax
• #69-043 Tool, Scissors, Extra-Large Loop
  
• #66-214-06Beading Mat (optional-keep beads from rolling away from you while you work)