I tried a new thing. That's not news actually because I'm always trying new things. This new thing did NOT end up in my little drawer of failed, tried things though. Tube earrings with fringes!
These earrings are peyote stitch, beaded flat and then fringed and zipped into a tube. Now, you can add the fringe before you zip it into a tube or after. I've done both and adding the fringe before I zipped it up seemed to lead to less tangling. Just my opinion.
Fringes are not hard but you do have to use a soft thread, not Fireline, or it won't hang properly. Using a heavier bead at the bottom helps too. I use a drop bead. That little bit of extra weight helps to give your fringe a little swish.
This project was beaded using Miyuki Delica size 11/0 beads and the fringe is beaded in the same beads. I like how they stack so nicely.
My chosen thread was Miyuki Size B thread because I happened to have it on hand and Fireline is not an option.
The tube portion is a quick project but I will warn you that the fringe portion often takes longer than the actual tube. I don't know if it's just because I can be clumsy at times or if that's true for everyone.
I know you are going to ask how you attach the beaded earring to the ear wire. I use a small beaded loop in size 15/0 seed beads. I stitch up through one of the top beads, add 5 to 7 size 15/0 seed beads and bead down into the bead opposite which creates a little bridge that I attach the ear wire to. Other people will use a wire guardian like this. I only had silver on hand when I beaded these.
These earrings are worth the time it takes to create them. I don't wear fringed earrings normaly but I wear these! You can find patterns for this style of earring here.
~Bead beautiful things~