Scrap Chain Tassel Earring Tutorial

Created by: Amy Mickelson

Designer Tips

If you buy spools of chain for various projects, you inevitably end up with scrap pieces. These left overs are too short for necklaces or maybe too fine a style to use for bracelet projects. And if you're like me, you may have a bag of random lengths you don't want to throw away. This DIY project creates a pair of tassel style earrings in less than 30 minutes.
Since you are using scraps, and mixed metal jewelry remains in fashion, you don't need to make each earring using the exact same pieces or length of chain.
For each earring, mix and match 3 pieces of scrap chain, each about 10-12" long. I chose two styles: a fine flattened cable chain (#40-099-09-7), and a ball chain (#40-889-6). I found that finer chain works well, so you don't end up with a bulky looking knot.
For each earring, slide the three pieces of chain through an 8mm jump ring, and center them.
Grasp all pieces of chain (3 on each side, or six pieces) in one hand, and hold the jump ring with your thumb and index finger of the other hand.
Wrap the chain pieces around the middle finger of the same hand holding the jump ring, creating a loop of chain.
Remove your finger from the loop, and pull the jump through the loop from behind creating an overhand knot.
Pull the knot tight.
Finish by attaching ear wires of your choice to the jump rings. New to jewelry-making? See Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF) for most secure way to open and close jump rings and other loops.

Suggested Supplies

1 spool [use 2 10-12" pieces] #40-889-6 Antiqued Brass Plated Ball Chain, Footage, 1.8mm, 100ft
1 [use 4 10-12" pieces] #40-099-09-7 Antiqued Copper Plated Drawn Flattened Cable Chain, Footage, 1.1mm
1 ounce [use 2] #37-167-6 Antiqued Brass Plated Jump Ring, Round, 8mm
1 gross [use 2] #34-362-7 Antiqued Copper Plated Ear Wire, French Hook, Plain