La Fortuna Earrings Tutorial

Created by: Summer Melaas

Designer Tips

• Tie 1 yard of One-G beading thread onto the hoop, leaving a 2-3" tail.
• Using ladder stitch, stitch on 5 size 8 seed beads:
  • Place 2 beads on the thread. Pull down to the hoop. Wrap thread around hoop and go back into the inside size 8 seed from hoop side, then out.
  • *Add 1 size 8 seed, wrap thread around the hoop and back into the 8 seed that was just added from hoop side, then out.
  • Repeat from * 2 more times.
• Once you begin the fringe, make sure to pull your thread taught but not too tight. This will help the fringe to hang softly and not too stiff looking.
• Start the fringe where we left off above.
  Coming out of the end size 8 seed bead, add 1 size 11 seed, 1 turquoise crystal, 1 size 11 seed, 1 size 8 seed, 1 size 11 seed, 1 peridot crystal, 1 size 11 seed, 1 size 8 seed, 1 size 11 seed, 1 rose peach crystal, 1 size 11 seed, 1 size 8 seed, 1 turquoise briolette bead, 3 size 11 seed beads. Skip over last 3 size 11 seed beads added, and run thread back up through all beads and into existing size 8 on the hoop.
• Add 3 size 11 seed beads and go into the next size 8 seed on the hoop. This little ruffle of 11 seed beads will cover the thread showing on the front of the hoop.
• Add 3 size 11 seeds, 1 turquoise crystal, 1 size 11 seed, 1 size 8 seed, 1 size 11 seed, 1 peridot crystal, 1 size 11 seed, 1 size 8 seed, 1 size 11 seed, 1 rose peach crystal, 1 size 11 seed, 1 size 8 seed, 1 turquoise briolette bead, 3 size 11 seed beads. Skip over last 3 size 11 seed beads added and run thread back up through all beads and into existing size 8 and 1 size 11 bead (on top of the 8 seed) on the hoop.
• Add 2 size 11 seed beads and go into the next size 8 seed on the hoop.
• Add 5 size 11 seeds, 1 turquoise crystal, 1 size 11 seed, 1 size 8 seed, 1 size 11 seed, 1 peridot crystal, 1 size 11 seed, 1 size 8 seed, 1 size 11 seed, 1 rose peach crystal, 1 size 11 seed, 1 size 8 seed, 1 turquoise briolette bead, 3 size 11 seed beads. Skip over last 3 size 11 seed beads added, and run thread back up through all beads and into existing size 8 and 1 size 11 bead (on top of the 8 seed) on the hoop.
• Add  2 size 11 seed beads and go into the next size 8 seed on the hoop.
• Add 3 size 11 seeds, 1 turquoise crystal, 1 size 11 seed, 1 size 8 seed, 1 size 11 seed, 1 peridot crystal, 1 size 11 seed, 1 size 8 seed, 1 size 11 seed, 1 rose peach crystal, 1 size 11 seed, 1 size 8 seed, 1 turquoise briolette bead, 3 size 11 seed beads. Skip over last 3 size 11 seed beads added and run thread back up through all beads and into existing size 8 and 1 size 11 bead (on top of the 8 seed) on the hoop.
• Add 2 size 11 seed beads and go into the next size 8 seed on the hoop.
• Add 1 size 11 seed, 1 turquoise crystal, 1 size 11 seed, 1 size 8 seed, 1 size 11 seed, 1 peridot crystal, 1 size 11 seed, 1 size 8 seed, 1 size 11 seed, 1 rose peach crystal, 1 size 11 seed, 1 size 8 seed, 1 turquoise briolette bead, 3 size 11 seed beads. Skip over last 3 size 11 seed beads added and run thread back up through all beads and into existing size 8 on the hoop.
• Loop thread over the hoop and back into the 8 seed and some of the fringe. Tie off the thread in between two beads. Weave thread away from the knot and cut off excess thread. Place needle on the tail thread and tie off that thread also.
• Repeat all steps for other earring.

Suggested Supplies

Please note: Swarovski has exited the DIY market, and the shimmer colors are no longer available. However, Preciosa's AB colors are lovely in place of the shimmer colors originally used in this project.

• 1 10-gram pack (use 40 beads) #20-108-1703 TOHO Glass Beed, Size 8 (3mm), Gilded Marble Turquoise
• 1 tube (use 106 beads) #20-111-990  TOHO Glass Beed, Size 11 (2.1mm), Gold-Lined Aqua
• 1 dozen #05-328-04-660 Swarovski 5328 Faceted XILION Bicone Beads, 4mm - Peridot Shimmer 2X
• 1 dozen #05-328-04-409 Swarovski 5328 Faceted XILION Bicone Beads, 4mm - Rose Peach
• 1 dozen  #05-328-04-647 Swarovski 5328 Faceted XILION Bicone Beads, 4mm - Light Turquoise Shimmer 2X
• 1 dozen #05-040-06-413 Swarovski 5040 Briolette Beads, (Rondelle) 6mm - Light Turquoise
• 1 pair  #34-663-20 TierraCast 14kt Gold-Filled Earring Hook Findings, Plain
• 2 each #44-050-75-42 12kt Gold-Filled Jewelry Link, Round, 28mm
• 1 spool (use about 3 feet) #61-004 TOHO One-G Nylon Beading Thread, 50 yards - Beige
• 1 pair #33-960 French wire keepers (optional)

Tools

• #65-000-12 Beading Needle, Size 12
• #69-043 Scissors, Extra-Large Loop

These earrings are inspired by the Costa Rica colors from Swarovski's Crystals Around the World program. Learn professional jewelry-making techniques with FREE Jewelry Tutorials at rings-things.com. No blinkin ads. No login required.