Challenge 2012 (Day 10) - 365 earrings in 365 days

Day 10!  Double digits, baby!! 

For today's earring extravaganza, i thought i would try forming wire into a shape reminiscent of earrings i had back in the day.  Back in the day in my case equals the late 60's and early 70's in San Francisco, so think hippies and beads and love is all you need.

I started with 22gauge copper core colored wire in a lovely ice blue but i didn't have the beads on hand to finish out the design so i switched over to 20gauge copper wire.  Forming the wire free-hand was a bit of a challenge and it took me a couple of tries to get it close to right.  I could have used a jig - homemade or otherwise - but a) i didn't have one on hand naturally and b) i like the look of wire that's been worked over a bit.

Ninety minutes later (could i be any slower?) i had two fairly similar wire shapes and then it was "just" a matter of finding the beads to complete the design i had in mind.  I finally settled on black drops and black and turquoise seeds.  KISS, right?  (Keep It Simple Sister)

Choosing the drops meant i had to do the briolette wrap again but i think i've discovered a little trick.  Let me work it out a bit more and take a few photos, and i'll share it. 

Then i used simple loops to attach the 3 seed beads.  When i make double loops, i like to have the loop faces alternating directions.  To achieve this lofty goal, have the first loop facing you when you start to form the second loop. 

And that's all there is to it.

Supplies:
(2) 6-inch pieces of 20gauge copper wire
24gauge copper wire to attach the beads
(2) black glass teardrop beads
(18) 11/0 seed beads in black (12) and turquoise (6)
ear wires

I used my handy bailing pliers to form the "chandelier" part of the earring and then the usual assortment of flat nose, round nose and cutters to complete the job.  I kinda like these.  Terry said they looked elegant.  Sweet!  And, just 355 pairs left to do!  Go me.

Have you found our group on Facebook?  Search for "earrings!!!" and join up so you can post photos of earrings you've made.  I'd sure like to see what you all are creating!!

Happy trails to you until we meet again.