Bead Curtain Earrings Tutorial

Learn to make unusual chain fringe earrings with a dash of crystal. FREE Jewelry Tutorials. No blinkin ads. No login required.

Created by: Rita Hutchinson

Designer Tips

The bead pod just barely fits the 3.2mm ball chain. You may have to do some extra pushing to get the first ball into the opening.
Do not precut the ball chain - slide the end ball into the pod, then cut to length. Using the remainder, slide the end ball into the pod next to the first one, and cut one ball longer. Repeat 2 times, then cut each of the lengths of chain one ball shorter for a graduated fringe appearance.
When all 7 lengths of chain are in the bead pod, bend the end shut to trap the chain in place. Both ends may need some slight adjusting.
Wire wrap crystal bead, sandwiched with bead caps, directly to the bead pod, and wrap other end with the loop perpendicular to the first. For detailed instructions on making wire-wrapped loops, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF)
Open loop on earwire and slip onto finished earring. Twist loop closed.
Repeat.

Suggested Supplies

1 pair #88-105-05-0 Vintaj Natural Brass Creative Bar, Bead Pod, 24x7mm
1 pair #34-063-41 Niobium Earring Hook Findings
2 each #05-000-08-182 Round Swarovski 5000 Faceted Round Beads, 8mm
** or other favorite 8mm crystal bead, Czech faceted firepolish bead, smooth round glass bead, smooth or faceted round gemstone bead, or even an 8mm gemstone bicone! **
3 feet (use about 30") #40-080-01-32-6 Antiqued Brass Plated Steel Ball Chain By The FOOT, 3.2mm
1 spool (use about 12-16") #46-400-30 Artistic Wire Copper Jewelry Wire, 20ga, 45ft - Antique Brass
1 strand (use 4) #26-840-33-AB Antique Brass Plated Shallow Bead Cap, 6.5mm -- Limited Stock
(alternate bead caps #43-110-6m #88-100-01-0)