Basic Beaded Earrings

Have you been searching for how to make basic beaded earrings? We can help with that. First things first,  this technique to make basic beaded earrings is not just for earrings. This technique is a stepping stone to many different projects with an array of designs. If you're interested in making jewelry, this technique is essential for future projects.

This is one of two techniques needed to learn to master the basic skills of bead stringing. The other technique is used to create bracelets or necklaces. You need to understand both methods to create an array of jewelry.

Combine the techniques with the assortment of supplies, manipulating different beads, and you will have countless possibilities for projects. Add your own style and flair and the design possibilities are endless.

Confused?

Let us explain.


The technique for making earrings is called a single loop or a plain loop. It's not the technique itself that makes an earring, an earring. What you are actually creating is called a 'dangle.'

From there, the only thing that makes earrings, earrings, is a finding called an 'earring wire.'

Once the earring wire is attached to the dangle, then you have an earring.

That makes sense, right?

Now repeat the same process, and you will end up with a complete pair of earrings.


But what if we don't want a pair of earrings? Let's look at this differently and go another step further. 

Use this technique, the single or plain loop, and create another dangle, then add a different finding. Now that same dangle may become a bookmark or a key ring, or even a zipper pull.

Now let's use the same technique again, add the dangle to a chain or a cord, and you created a pendant necklace. It's the same technique with a different look. 


Are you beginning to see the value of this technique? These are just a few examples. Can you begin to imagine the possibilities?

Then let's learn this technique using basic beaded earrings as our project. These other examples will be projects for another time. Let's start at the beginning by learning first how to create the single/plain loop.

To get started, here is what we will cover...

Basic Earring Supplies

Shown here are the supplies you will need for your first basic earrings. There are actually only two components you will need to accomplish this project.

  • headpins
  • earring wires

Along with some decorative beads of your choice, that is it.

SUGGESTED READING: If you haven't read the basics of beads, we encourage you to do that now. Simple. Basic. Introduction level.

Promise to come back and finish this page. 

Next, we'll cover...

Basic Jewelers Tools

As discussed in the basic jewelers' tools section, only 3 pliers are needed for any beginner project. 

  • Chain Nose Pliers
  • Round Nose Pliers
  • Wire Cutters

For the basic beaded earrings, we will be using all three of these necessary tools.

Visit that basic jeweler's tools if you missed it, need a recap, or just a refresher on this topic. You will see the tools in use.

Basic Earring Beading Tutorial

The basic earring beading tutorial will be the step by step guide through the process. This specific technique sometimes takes a little practice. Let us reassure you that you will get there with continued practice, and the more you practice, the easier this technique becomes.

If you are ready, let's go through that process of actually learning to create the single or plain loop first by unfolding the dangle's basic construction and understanding what goes behind it. Let's look at... 

Jewelry Anatomy 101
Basic Beaded Earrings

Jewelry Anatomy 101 is the process that breaks down the method, looking at what goes behind putting this jewelry together. This allows you to catch the 'concept' of how jewelry is made...working backward.

We begin by looking at a finished piece of jewelry and dissect it. This style of instruction has been effective with all our students; it anchors the process. Are you ready?

Here is our first question...Are these two items pictured here made the same way?



Chandelier Earrings


Pendant Necklace

Would you be surprised by the fact they are created in the exact same way using the actual same process? If you read the intro above, then it's not a surprise to you anymore. The next question?

How do you go from this...

...to this?

earring-findings

Let's look at that, shall we?

The beads are strung onto something. That something is a jewelry component called a finding. A closure needs to be created to hold the beads in place.

But...what does that closure look like?

Step 1: Beads are strung.

Step 2: The single loop secures the beads in place. Now it is a dangle.

The next and final step: Add the finding to convert the dangle.

Depending on the finding will determine what the item becomes. Since we are talking basic beaded earrings, we add a fish hook style earring wire to the dangle to make the earring.

Is this looking doable?

Move forward with the step-by-step process, learning how to make the single/plain loop to finish your first pair of basic beaded earrings. 

You can do it!


What's Next?


If you are now ready to move on...let's first learn and understand each component needed, found on the next page...

Basic Earring Findings

See you there...