Fringy Pearls and Leather Earrings - Free Project

Happy December, my friends!
Over the next couple of weeks, I will be posting some free jewelry projects. I hope you will enjoy them.

Fringy Pearls and Leather Earrings

I love the look of pearls and leather together. These earrings are quick and easy to make for gifts or for yourself. I also love how this earring project uses crimp cord ends in a unique way!

Fringy Pearls and Leather Earrings 

Erin Siegel 

Materials:  

12 silver 6mm potato fresh-water pearls 

2 copper 7x6mm rice fresh-water pearls 

2 antique silver-plated 12x6.5mm pewter crimp cord ends 

14 sterling silver 2” headpins 

6” of Black 2mm leather cord 

1 pair of sterling silver ear wires 

Tools:  

Wire cutters 

Chain nose pliers 

Round nose pliers 

Scissors

Instructions:  

1: Use 1 headpin to string 1 silver pearl; make a double wrapped loop, making sure to make a loop large enough to string onto the leather. Repeat 5 more times. Use 1 headpin to string 1 copper pearl; make a double wrapped loop, again, making sure that your loop in large enough to fit on the leather.  

2: Cut the leather piece in half. Using one 3” piece of leather, string 3 silver pearl dangles, the copper pearl dangle and 3 silver pearl dangles. 

3: Bring the leather ends together and insert them into the crimp end finding. Crimp the crimp end with chain nose pliers. Attach an ear wire to the loop of the crimp end finding. Repeat steps to make the second earring. 

Resources: 

Ear wires: Miss Fickle Media. Leather and crimp ends: Artbeads.com.

Belle Armoire Jewelry

"Bohemian Knotted Jewelry"

Belle Armoire Jewelry Winter 2012

I am so excited and thankful to have my work featured in Belle Armoire Jewelry. It's a real honor to be among the pages of this esteemed magazine! Belle Armoire is known for high quality, high-end art jewelry. Amazingly talented, distinguished jewelry artists have graced the pages of this publication. Some of them are fellow jewelry friends I have had the pleasure of meeting. Even though I am a published author of a successful jewelry-making book, I never thought I would see my work in Belle Armoire. I like to stay humble. It keeps me grounded :) Seriously, I just didn't consider what I do to be a "fit" for the magazine...I'm still not sure. I can imagine other jewelry designers may feel the same way as well. Don't be afraid to submit your creations, you may be surprised!

 

African-Inspired Cuff and Del Sol Bracelet

I thank editor, Cynthia Levens, from the bottom of my heart for extending out an invitation to me to submit my jewelry and giving me this opportunity. My article in the Winter issue entitled "Bohemian Knotted Jewelry" looks so beautiful. It's a very proud moment for me. I even had the photographer inquire about buying one of my pieces that appears in the article as well. I'm absolutely flattered. That is the first time a publishing staffer has ever wanted to purchase my work. She must see so, so many incredible pieces through her lens. To want one of my pieces? Well, that feels really great. She did a fantastic job with the photos of my jewelry in the magazine and the rest of the staff did a wonderful job putting it all together!

Bohemian Knotted Earrings Collection

 

For all those interested in learning more about my knot work, pick up a copy of the latest issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry. You'll find step-by-step instructions for my Modern Bohemian Necklace, African-Inspired Cuff, Del Sol Bracelet and three pairs of earrings from my Bohemian Knotted Earrings Collection.

My friend and book co-author Lorelei also has a few jewelry pieces in this same issue. I'm so glad we are both a part of it together! Her pieces appear in the Boutique Gallery of Jewelry and they look awesome. Congrats, L!

 

  Belle Armoire Jewelry Winter 2012

On newsstands now!

Bodhi Day Necklace TUTORIAL

Much of my jewelry designing is influenced by foreign cultures and countries. I'm drawn to and intrigued by other cultural ideals, concepts, imagery, symbols and styles from all over the world. I am always thirsty for all kinds of knowledge and I have a health curiosity for things near and far. I love learning about how others live their lives around the world and why they do what they do. I can channel an experience of anything and travel to far off places through creating jewelry. That is one of the many reasons why crafting and creating is such an important part of my life.

The concepts and ideology of most eastern cultures resonate with me in particular. Recently, I was inspired by some research I did on a Buddhist holiday called Bodhi Day. On Bodhi Day, December 8th, people all over the world celebrate the Buddha's enlightenment and teachings. The Buddha attained enlightenment while sitting under a bodhi tree, which is a revered symbol in eastern cultures.

 Bodhi Day Inspiration Board

Buddha head, bodhi leaf, yoga tree pose, multi-colored lights, Buddha sitting under the bodhi tree, Buddha and bodhi tree, bodhi leaf lights.

During Bodhi Day celebrations, it is customary to string multi-colored lights about the house. The multiple colors represent the many pathways to enlightenment, all of which are valid and respected. The lights are turned on beginning on the 8th of December and continue for the next 30 days. Candles are also lit at night to symbolize enlightenment. For many, the day is spent being mindful, meditating and practicing yoga. To learn more about how Bodhi Day is observed, visit here.

For November, I designed a necklace for Ornamentea.com inspired by what I learned about Bodhi Day.

Bodhi Day Necklace
designed for Ornamentea.com.
CLICK HERE to go to my FREE tutorial.

If you'd like to make your own Bodhi Day necklace, Check out my TUTORIAL at Ornamentea.com. This necklace would be a great piece to wear to yoga class, during meditation or any time you want to reflect and be mindful. Also, would make a great gift for yoga lovers on your gift list or anyone wanting a little bit of zen in their lives! So, feel the zen, say OM and make the Bodhi Day Necklace.
Namaste.

Ingredients:

- 1 Buddha head bead
- 1 yoga tree pose charm
- 1 filigree leaf charm
- 3 Czech glass 6mm beads
- 2 Czech glass 4mm beads
- 4 3" headpins
- jump rings
- 2 fold-over ends
- 1 spring ring 9mm clasp
- 2" of open extender chain
- 16" of white 2mm leather cord
- 2 yards of 4-ply Irish waxed linen cord in EACH color: garnet, orange, petunia and plum

Tools:

- Scissors
- Ruler
-Pair of chain nose pliers
- Round nose pliers
- Wire cutters

 

1. Close up all the jump rings and set aside. Use 1 headpin to string one 4mm bead, the Buddha head and one 6mm bead; form a wrapped loop. Use 1 headpin to string one 6mm bead; form a wrapped loop. Repeat once more. Use 1 headpin to string one 4mm bead; form a wrapped loop. Set all dangles aside as shown.

2. Bring all the cord ends together; insert all the cord ends into 1 fold-over end; close up the fold- over end as shown.

3. Use one strand of linen to wrap around the leather cord and the 3 other linen cords for ½" as shown. Repeat step, alternating the linen colors until the leather cord is completely covered. Once you have wrapped 6" down the leather cord, string on a jump ring. Pass the cord through the jump ring once more and continue wrapping. Add a jump ring along the cord at 1" intervals after the first one as shown.

4. Trim the linen cords and insert the leather and linen into the other fold-over end as shown.

5. Use a leftover piece of linen cord to tie the Buddha dangle onto the center jump ring with a square knot. Trim ends. Attach the yoga charm and filigree leaf in the same matter on either side of the Buddha dangle.

6. Attach the 6mm bead dangles to the remaining jump rings.

7. Attach the clasp to the ring of 1 fold-over end. Attach the piece of chain to the ring of the other fold-over end. Attach the 4mm bead dangle to the free end of chain.

Book Review and GIVEAWAY: Leather Jewelry

Leather Jewelry: 30 Contemporary Projects by Nathalie Mornu

I'm giving away an author SIGNED copy of Leather Jewelry by Nathalie Mornu. Head on over to the Art Bead Scene blog to read my book review and enter to win!

Good luck

and

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gypsy Ways Necklace Project

Gypsy Ways Necklace

A quick and easy bohemian-Inspired leather necklace featuring art beads by Heather Powers, Elaine Ray and C-Koop beads. Check out my FREE project tutorial over on the Art Bead Scene Blog!

And just for kicks, I put together a fun outfit to pair with the necklace:

Modern Gypsy by erinsjewelry featuring romantic soles

Ears To You Earring Blog Hop

Collection of earrings designed to be donated to Ears To You organization

I'm participating in an earring blog hop hosted by jewelry designer, Amy Freeland of Copper Diem. Amy organized this earring hop to benefit a non-profit organization called:

Ears To You.
 Read my FULL post over at the Art Bead Scene blog. It's my turn for 'Studio Saturday' and you could win a copy of my Bohemian Knotted Earring tutorial. So, come visit me over on ABS!

This is a blog hop.

Copper Diem
My Addictions
Beads, Tea and Sweets
Juls Beads
Fabric of my Life
Blogging Business Artisans
Jeannie's Blog
Lorelei's Blog
One Kiss Creations
Backstory Beads
According to Katie
Cherish Designs
Beads: Rolling Downhill
Falling Into The Sky
Garden Path Beads
Antiquity Travelers
Sissy and Jacks
Erin Siegel Jewelry/Art Bead Scene
Northwood Creative Studio
SilverRose Designs
Dreamin of Beads/SAS Jewelry Design
Cabe Woman
Summers Studio
Honey from the Bee
Shaiha's Ramblings
Mama's Got to Doodle
Beads for Busy Gals
Tanya McGuire
Creative Atelier
  Thanks for joining me and happy hopping! 

Crystal Blossom Necklace and Earrings TUTORIAL

 Designed for Ornamentea.com

I'm really enjoying my gig as an Ornamentea contributing designer. It is SO MUCH FUN coming up with jewelry designs to share with the beading community. I love making hip, stylish jewelry I would wear myself and working with the supplies from Ornamentea makes that easy. So, now it's time to share my jewelry tutorial for October. I created this Crystal Blossom Necklace and Earrings set using hammered brass rings, Irish waxed linen cord and Swarovski crystal briolettes. The necklace is long and makes a perfect accessory for flowy tops and sweaters. The earrings can be worn with the necklace or they can make a statement all on their own. The set I made is appropriate for Autumn with these colors, but you could easily play around with the colors of waxed linen cord and crystal drops to create a different look. I would make a set for every season! Find all the materials and FREE TUTORIAL here. I hope you enjoy my jewelry tutorials just as much as I enjoy making them.

Ingredients for the necklace:
- 14 faceted 6x10mm crystal drops
- 1 hammered 33mm naked brass ring
- 1 yard of antique brass cable chain
- 2 antique brass 3x4mm oval jump rings
- 24" of Irish waxed linen

Ingredients for earrings:
- 14 faceted 6x10mm crystal drops
- 2 hammered 33mm naked brass ring
- 2 antique brass jump rings
- 48" of Irish waxed linen
- 1 pair of posts with backs 
Tools:
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Chain nose pliers

 

1. Use linen cord to form an overhand knot around the brass ring, leaving a 1/2" tail as shown.

2. Use the long end of the cord to form 2 half inch-hitch knots around the ring and the cord tail as 

shown. Trim short tail.

 3. Form 10 half-hitch knots around the ring. String 1 crystal drop and form 3 half knots around the ring as shown. Repeat 6 more times. 

 4. Form 10 half-hitch knots around the ring. Form an overhand knot after the last hitch knot. Trim close to the knot and press it down against the back of the ring as shown.

 5. Use 1 jump ring to attach the ring to one end of the chain. Repeat with the second jump ring and the free end of chain.

For the earrings:
1. Repeat steps 1-4 above for each earring.

2. Attach a jump ring to hammered ring. Connect the jump ring and ear post together as shown. Repeat step for the second earring.