Make Multi strand Earrings

 

 

Create these multi-strand earrings as a thank you gift for your bridesmaids, or make them for yourself out of crystal.

It is your choice as to how many beads and what type of beads you use and how to space them.

What you need

• Tiger tail wire about 50cm



• Crimps



• Clam shells/charlotte



• Earring hooks



• Selection of 4 and 6mm beads



• Round nose pliers



• Flat nose pliers



• Cutters

Method

Cut the tiger tail into lengths of 3, 4, 5 and 6cm (cut two of each length).

Make two piles of wire one for each earring.

Gather together one bunch and make sure that ends all match on side.

Slip a crimp over the four wires right at the end of that wire bunch and flatten the crimp with the round nose pliers.

Slip the other end of the bunch, which will be all different lengths into the clamshell finding, going through the hole that is located in the bend of the clamshell dome.

Position the closed crimp inside the shell with your pliers so that it sits sideways (this will allow you to close the clamshell).





Attach the hook end of the clamshell to the loop on the earring hook and use the round nose pliers to close the hook.



It should now look like the picture below.



Select from an assortment of 4 and 6mm beads, start with the longest strand on one of the earrings, place the first bead or beads towards the top of the wire, and secure in place with a crimp bead underneath.

Place another bead further down the wire, and secure with a second crimp bead.



Repeat for the other strands.

Note:  Be careful not to place too many beads at the top of the earrings where all the wires meet. Stagger the bead placement over the four strands so that the shape is not distorted by have too many beads in the same place at the top.



To make the second earring copy what you have done on the first one, pay particular attention to the crimp placement and not the beads, as they can sift.