It’s that perennial ‘winterval’ problem: how to make festive earrings that aren’t too, er, festive. I know there are some who are happy to go for a splash of red, green and gold when celebrating on Christmas day or at a work’s do. There is also the popular alternative of something more understated featuring symbols of the season – snowflakes, holly, stars. But, what if you want something that is striking and (dare I say?) party-ready, while subtly seasonal, and suitable for year-round wear. That’s a lot of boxes to tick! But the design I’m sharing today could be an answer. All you really need, aside from your art beads, is some short lengths of chain and some three-to-one connectors. There’s a huge selection of the latter available out there – you can go as simple or as lavish as you like.
(l-r: The Paris Carousel; Finding Your Element; Legendary Beads)
You may well already have some in your stash. If you find the ones you have a little plain you could always try adding patina – to co-ordinate with the rest of the earring perhaps?
But what are we making? These…
As you can see, it’s a relatively simple construction. I’ve grunged up my connectors which were some large vintage copper ones. But this is totally optional – you might prefer plain copper, for example. The only remaining consideration is what art what beads to use. Here I’ve used a pair of
Linda Newnham‘s icicle-like, frosted lampwork headpins, topped with some spacers and tiny sparkly crystals. The size of connectors will determine how wide the central art bead(s) can be. You don’t have to opt for long, thin focal beads. You could take some smaller art beads or charms and mix them with other beads to form stacks or columns in the centre. The chain and the centrepiece are all attached to the connector with 4-5mm jump rings. This first pair can serve here as a kind of blueprint. Once you have the basic idea you can be as elaborate as you like.
The connectors in this pair are some very unusual little vintage fairy/angel(?) figures that were linked together in a chain. There’s a loop on each hand, but also another on the foot, from which I’ve hung a winter-y white
Scorched Earth drop. I’ve added more vintage connectors at the bottom of the chain, wrapped round with some pearl-y seed beads, and I’ve hung a little faceted glass drop at the very bottom.
I think either of these pairs of earrings would be great for the holiday season, however you really could wear them all year round. Such earrings also make for great gifts: how much nicer to get someone something they can feel winter-y in, yet can be worn in all seasons!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,
Claire
www.somethingtodo.etsy.com
www.somethingtodobeads.etsy.com
www.somethingtodowithyourhands.com
