Supplies:
Small mica tile
2 polymer clay disk beads
2 Swarovski rhinestone 8mm balls
2 brass eyepins
2 brass earwires
4 copper spacers
2 brass 4mm jumprings
Directions:
1. Cut the mica with scissors into 4 small rectangles. Use a two-hole metal punch to create a hole in each mica rectangle. Attach two of the pieces together with a small jump ring. (I cut one slightly smaller than the other and cut the top edge at an angle.)
2. On the eyepin string a spacer, disk bead, spacer, rhinestone beads. Trim wire and form a loop.
3. Attach to jump ring. Attach earwire.
The secret ingredient in this design are sheets of mica. Mica is a naturally occurring mineral that has been laminated into flexible sheets. The grade of mica used for scrapbooking and crafts is thick enough to use as charms for earrings. Although I wouldn’t recommend it for jewelry that would take a lot of stress, like a bracelet. And I would treat any jewelry made with mica with extra care when storing to make sure it doesn’t get bent or cracked. It is heat and water resistant. I cut the mica tiles with regular scissors, which gave them a frosted edge look.
Supplies: Rhinestone balls and mica sheets, Ornamentea. Earwires and eyepins, Bello Modo. Disk beads, Humblebeads.
Jeannie
December 11, 2009 at 8:56 pmHeather your disk beads are so beauiful. I love making earrings with them. The mica sheets are a cool addition. I came upon those at Ornamentea quite by accident. You have to see them in person to appreciate them.
kittysmomster
December 12, 2009 at 1:12 amI want you to know that you have totally ruined my Christmas! The earrings are so absolutely gorgeous, beautiful, fabulous, etc., etc., that until I get a pair, I'll be miserable. Oh…love them!!!!!! But, do you think that as someone who has never done more than string macaroni with the kids that I could make them? Nevertheless, I have to have them. Thanks so much. Kitty
rosebud101
December 12, 2009 at 2:03 amThose are wonderful earrings! I'm going to have to try those! Thanks for the tutorial.
Alice
December 12, 2009 at 1:49 pmThese are beautiful! I love the mica, such an elegant touch.
Does the mica have sharp edges, and can they be filed smooth?
Christine Damm
December 12, 2009 at 4:26 pmHeather, another one of your great ideas– both for the earrings and the tree! The mica is glittery but not glaringly so and it fits right into my decorating scheme! Thanks!
Cindy Lietz, Polymer Clay Tutor
December 15, 2009 at 12:45 amHeather, I always love your designs! Earthy, simple, beautiful and oh so wearable!