Small Good Things

Hello sweets! We are officially having no summer here in UK (the number of times I wore T-shirt/no sleeves during June and July: 5), but that doesn’t stop me from feeling the summer vibe – yet. So, as my moral support, I created this feather hoop earrings that’ll make me brave enough to go out in summer dress (with goose bumps, of course) and say peace :)

What you’ll need:

• 2 feathers
• 3 different types of beads (I’m using 1 sodalite, 2 moonstones, 2 labradorite)
• a pair of hoops
• 2 headpins
• chains, 4cm and 8cm
• beading wire, about 15cm (I’m using 24 gauge Artistic Wire) or 2 foldover clamps

(not in the photo)

• pair of flat-nose pliers, round-nose pliers and wire cutters

Instructions:

1) Cut the wire into 7cm length, and wrap it tightly around the feather a few times. If you are using foldover clamps, simply attach them to the tip of the feathers using flat-nose pliers, and skip to step 4.

2) Using round-nose pliers, make a loop at the tip of the feather.

3) Wrap the wire around the feather a few times again, cut the excess and squeeze down the tip to make it lie flat.

4) Add a bead to a headpin, and bend it at a 90 degrees angle.

5) Grasp the end of the headpin with round-nose pliers, then twist it in a circular motion until it forms a small loop.

6) Repeat step 4&5 to thread all the beads.

7) If you are using top-drilled beads or drop beads, thread the bead to wire (about 10cm).

8) Twist the wire twice above the bead.

9) Trim the shorter end of wire, create a loop above the twist using round-nose pliers, then wind the wire around 3-4 times below the loop.

10) Cut the excess wire and squeeze down the top to make it lie flat.

11) Add feathers, chains and beads to a hoop. For the other hoop, add one bead. And… you’re done!

Voila, my favourite summer earrings done!

I love all these gem stones, but if I have to pick a favourite it is moonstones (the white, translucent stones) – they are absolutely beautiful! When I bought the feathers I was a bit worried that they might look cheap – but I think these gems added classiness to them.

By the way, I’m working on a maxi skirt at the moment (and am having a mild disaster) to complete my summer look. What’s your summer must-have? Hope you enjoyed the tutorial and are having proper summer!

I’m linking this post on Today’s Creative Blog, Home Stories A 2 Z, Katie’s Nesting Spot, Sassy Sites!, The Shabby Nest and Flamingo Toes; make sure you check them!