Fleurs de cristal earrings

SUPPLIES

pair of earrings

• 24 7 x 4 mm crystal briolettes
• pair of 10 mm padded post earring findings with holes (jewelrysupply.com)
• Supplemax illusion cord, .010, or flexible beading wire, .010
  
   

INSTRUCTIONS

1. On 12 in. (30 cm) of illusion cord or beading wire, pick up three briolettes, leaving a 4-in. (10 cm) tail. Go through the first briolette again, forming a tight ring.

2. Pick up three briolettes, and go through the first briolette again, pulling the new ring tight against the first ring. Repeat twice, for a total of four rings.

3. Arrange the briolettes so that the four briolettes with the cords crossed through them are in the center, and the remaining eight briolettes fan out around them. Snug up the beads as much as possible. Tie the working cord and tail together with a square knot.

4. Go down through one hole of an earring post, and up through the other hole. Pull the cord over the top of the flower. Tie the working cord and tail together with a square knot, pulling the cord down so it is nestled invisibly between the briolettes.

5. Repeat step 4, but tie a knot with the working cord and tail before crossing over the beads, pulling both ends tight to hide under the beads.

6. Repeat steps 4–5 until the earring is secure, taking care to pull the cord down under the briolettes, so it remains invisible. Finish with a surgeon’s knot, and trim the ends under the beads.

7. Repeat steps 1–6 to make a second earring.