What started it all???

I was searching the internet looking for instructions for making a pair of earrings for my father's "lady friend". I used to make bead jewelry (eons ago), but none of that was really catching my fancy. Then I saw a pair of beautiful earrings made of jump rings. I could do that! I had worked with jump rings many times before and already had lots of the tools needed. From there it exploded! By "it" I mean "everything". I researched designs, bought supplies, made a few pieces, got an Etsy account and opened a shop.
But how do I motivate myself to come up with new designs? I don't want to just make the same few pieces over and over again.
Answer: I have decided to take part in a "Pair-A-Day-For-A-Month" Earring challenge. I'll make a new pair every day for all of January. Follow along with me to see if I can really do it. If I can, maybe I'll start a "Bracelet-A-Week" project next!

Monday, January 23, 2012

Day 23

Centepede Earrings:
Quick and easy units that can be used in varying amounts to create any length of chain.

 
Materials used:
2- hematite ear wires
16- 20 gauge, 4mm silver jump rings
10- 18 gauge, 11mm silver jump rings
10- 6mm black nickel beads.

Instructions:
Step 2
Step 1-  Close all of the 4mm rings and open all of the 11mm rings.
Step 2- Weave a bead and 2 of the 4mm rings onto an 11mm ring and close.
Step 3- Weave a bead onto an 11mm ring. Working from the front, weave that ring through the left 4mm ring bottom to top and through the right 4 mm ring bottom to top. Before closing, add 2 4mm rings.
Step 4- Repeat Step 3 3 more times. On the last ring, instead of adding 2 4mm rings, add ear wire.
  

Step 3
Experience Level: Beginner
Approximate Time: 20 minutes










Another very adaptable design. It would look cute in a variety of bead colors or combinations; as well as ring sizes (as long as the beads can slide on the wire) and colors. This weave has just enough bend to it that it would make a great choker style necklace. I just might have to try that...

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