How to Make a Pair of Beaded Star Earrings

Beaded earrings are a great starter if you are new to beading, and this project doesn’t require much in the way of supplies. You can make these earrings around the holidays, If you use colors like gold and silver, or red and green, they can be very festive.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Size 11 seed beads in two colors
• Size 11 beading needle
• Size D beading threat
• Beeswax

1. Cut a piece of size D thread 12- to 18-inches long.

2. Run the thread over your chunk of beeswax, then thread it through your beading needle.

3. Tie a knot in the end of the thread, leaving a tail of 1 or 2 inches.

4. String 12 beads onto the thread and then take your needle and push it through the last bead next to the knot. This will create a circle of beads.

5. String 3 seed beads in your second color and then push your needle through the third bead from the bottom. You will be doing this every other bead from the bead you just put your needle through. This first this will create a little triangle.

6. Repeat Step 5 until you get all the way around your circle. Thread your needle up through the beads until you come out of the top bead on your first little triangle on your first row.

7. Instead of 3 beads, we are going to string 5 beads. String your first 5 beads and then take your needle and push it through the top bead on the second little triangle.

8. Repeat Step 7 until you have completed the circle for the second row.

9. Push your needle through the beads until you weave it up through the third bead of the first 5-bead set.

10. Now string 7 seed beads onto your needle and push your needle through the third bead in the next 5-bead set.

11. Repeat Step 10 until you have gone the whole way around the circle again.

12. You should now notice a discernable star pattern. Thread your needle through several rows of beads so that your star will not unravel. Once you verify that it will not unravel, cut the end.

13. Add an earring hook and you're done with your first beaded star earring!

14. Repeat Steps 1-13 and create the second earring.

Tips & Warnings

• Switch colors on each row. This will help you to keep track of your pattern and make your earrings pretty.
• When you've completed an earring, consider burning a small knot in the end of the thread close to the beads. This will provide extra protection from unraveling.
• Purchase your supplies at a store that specializes in beading, or at a Native American powwow, this way you will be sure to get high quality materials.
• Be careful when you're burning down the knot. Fire can discolor your beads. Keep the thread in the flame for only a second so the beeswax on the thread melts down into a knot.