Easy Beaded Post Hoop Earrings

by Judy Larson

Category: Contemporary
Technique(s): Beading
Skill Level: Beginner

These J-hoop earrings are so gorgeous that they should be difficult to make. However, they are SO EASY that you won't be able to quit making them!

Materials

20 Gauge Round Full Hard Argentium .940 Silver Wire

H19-20FH

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
Price: $4.48
Gold Club Price: $3.36

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4mm or smaller beads

Lesson Quantity: 40.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 40.00 each

silver crimps

Lesson Quantity: 2.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

Sterling Silver Earnuts Regular Corrugated 5.5mm - Pack of 4

K19-32

Lesson Quantity: 2.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $2.12
Gold Club Price: $1.59

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Tools

4-1/2 Inch Magical Crimping Pliers for Bead forming - Pack of 1

G16-36

G16-36
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $19.95
Gold Club Price: $14.96

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C.H.P Milano Italian Flush Cutter, 5 1/2 Inches

PLR-487.00

PLR-487.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $16.97
Gold Club Price: $12.73

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Chain Nose Wire Pliers

G2-508

G2-508
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $32.95
Gold Club Price: $24.71

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Steel Hoop Mandrel

MAN-214.00

MAN-214.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $28.97
Gold Club Price: $21.73

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Wire Rounder Set, 3 pieces

G14-20

G14-20
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $13.95
Gold Club Price: $10.46

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Instructions

Step 1

Read through the tutorial before starting the project. Follow all safety precautions pertaining to the tools and supplies being used and the space you are working in.

The idea for these earrings hit while photographing how to use Magical Crimping Pliers. Since the color of the wire shows through the beads and I wanted sparkle with little to no tarnishing, I chose to work with Argentium wire.

Judy Larson's Easy Beaded Post Hoop Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Beads, easy beaded post hoop earrings

Step 2

Cut two 4" pieces of 20 gauge round full hard wire for each pair of earrings. Half hard and dead soft wire will not provide the stable shape that full hard gives. You may choose to make a small ball on the end of each wire, or make a very small loop.

Step 3

Curve each wire into the general shape desired. The center section on the Large Wrap N Tap pliers was used for these wires. Use what you have. Make sure the curved shape for each pair of earrings match. Add any number of small beads desired.

Step 4

Slide a 2x2mm crimp bead onto each wire end.

Step 5

Push the crimp bead tightly against the beads. Crimp the crimp bead using the Magical Crimping Pliers.

Step 6

Use flat or chain nose pliers to bend the wire beyond the crip bead at about a 30 degree angle.

Step 7

Shape the beaded section in any manner desired.

Step 8

Trim the wire beyond the crimp bead to just a hair over 3/8" in length.

Step 9

Use a cup bur and fine sanding pads to refine and smooth the cut end of the earring post.

Step 10

Add ear nuts to each earring.

Reviews

Judy Larson

My philosophy has always been "I will never live long enough to learn everything I want to learn, go everywhere I want to go and see everything I want to see!" So, what I make and how I create it is always changing and evolving. I was born shortly after WWII to parents who grew up during the Depression. They always had a "we can do it, we can make it" attitude which rubbed off on my two younger brothers and me. My brothers are amazing and can make and do ANYTHING! When I was a little girl, my mother gave me an old carved cigar box, which I cherish, filled with pop beads, wooden beads and yarn for stringing. That was the beginning of my jewelry making journey.

On a visit to the Grand Canyon when I was a young woman, I was fortunate enough to help a Native American silversmith sand cast my first silver bracelet and bezel set a large turquoise nugget on top. I was in love, hook, line and sinker! While working full time and having a family here in northern Minnesota, my artistic endeavors slowed down but never stopped. I am an artist, scrapbooker, seamstress, woodworker and jewelry artisan. Now that I am retired, I am able to indulge in all my hobbies. However, there just never seems to be enough time in the day to do it all, but I try!

I have been teaching community education beginner and intermediate jewelry making classes since my retirement. Many of my students have been bitten so hard by the jewelry making bug that they say I have turned them into monsters-they just can't get enough. Making jewelry, seeing something take shape from small bits and pieces, is so rewarding that I hope it brings out the "monster" in you, too!