Earrings with Tensha Beads

A captivating Christmas crimson- and emerald-colored earring project featuring Tensha beads is a great idea for group classes, gift-giving and craft fair sales.

String one of each onto one gold-plated ball headpin:

• 6x2mm antiqued gold pewter rondelle
• 16mm red Tensha round
• 6x2mm antiqued gold pewter rondelle
• Emerald green glass rondelle
• 6x2mm antiqued gold pewter rondelle
• 6mm light siam satin crystal bicone

Using the round-nose pliers, grasp the headpin above the crystal bicone bead. With your free hand, bend the top of the wire over the barrel of the pliers, to form a 90 degree angle.

Place the pliers into the angled section, vertically, so one barrel is above and one is below the wire. Bring the wire up and over the top barrel of the pliers so it is now facing down at an angle.

Reposition the pliers so they are horizontal again, with one barrel in the loop and one out and to the right. With chain-nose pliers, or your free hand, grasp the tip of the wire and direct it behind the length of wire extending below the loop you just created.

Grip across the loop with a pair of chain-nose pliers. Grasp the tip of the wire with flat-nose pliers and wrap it around the straight length of wire, starting from below the loop and working toward the beads, making approximately three tightly wound wraps. Using the side-cutting pliers, trim any excess wire, then press in the cut end with chain-nose pliers.

Using the flat-nose pliers, grasp the open side of the loop on the earwire and gently twist it open (similar to opening a jumpring). Pass the open loop through the loop formed above the beads. Close the loop.

Repeat Steps 1 - 6 to complete the second earring.