Earrings – Tree Branch

Step 1: String one carnelian bead onto the middle of one length of wire. Pinch the wire together about ½ inch above the bead as you twist the bead to for the first branch. Separate the two wire tails above the first bead.

Step 2: Add another bead to one end of the wire, and hold it in place ¼ to ½ inch from the top of your first branch. Bend the wire back on itself and pinch the intersection where the wires meet. Twist the new bead to form the second branch.

Step 3: Bring the two wires together and pinch about ½ inch above the intersection of your first two branches. Twist the existing branches.

Step 4: Add a third bead to the piece of wire opposite your second branch. Repeat Step 2 to form a third branch.

Step 5: Repeat steps 3 and 4 to form your final branch.  Pinch the two wires together ¼ inch above the final branch intersection and twist the branches.

Step 6: Grip the two wires at the top of the twisted section with your round nose pliers, and wrap the wire around the nose of the pliers to form a loop. Center the loop above the earring.

Step 7: Thread the small loop at the base of your first lever back ear wire onto the wire loop at the top of the earring. Hold the loop with your chain nose pliers as you wrap the remaining wire around the base of the loop several times. Trim any excess wire and squeeze the wire ends into the wrapped wire with your chain nose pliers to prevent poking.

Step 8: Repeat steps 1 to 8 to make your second earring.

Once completed, you can bend and kink the wire branches to give them a more natural look. These earrings can be make with any color of wire and any teardrop shaped beads.

This project was submitted by Lydia Schrandt. To see more of her work, visit lydiasara.etsy.com.