This clever design uses bugle beads and seed beads and is a lot simpler than it looks!
Bugle beads really lend themselves to bold, geometric shapes, and originally I was going with something triangular, but it evolved into this diamond, almost art deco style shape. You can substitute the size 10 seed beads with size 11, but they do produce a squarer shape.
You will need:
-Nymo beading thread or 0.25 Supplemax
-8 x 7mm bugle beads
-10 x Size 8 seed beads
-26 x Size 10 seed beads
-2 x 5mm jump rings
-2 x fishhook earrings
-Chainnose pliers
-Scissors
-Size 10 beading needle*
*if using Nymo or similar use a size 10 beading needle. If using Supplemax no needle is required.
How to:
1.Cut a comfortable length of beading thread, and thread on 1 x size 8 and 3 x size 10 beads, leaving a 15cm tail.
2.Take the thread back through the size 8 seed bead in the same direction
3.Pull the thread tight and add on 1 x bugle bead
4.Repeat the bead pattern twice more, so 1 x size 8 and 3 x size 10 beads go back through the size 8 then add on a bugle.
5.This time is slightly different; add on 1 x size 8, 2 x size 10, 1 x size 8 and 2 x size 10. Go back through the 1st size 8 and add a bugle bead.
6.To pull the design together, go through the size 8 added in step 1
7.Take the thread around the shape again, in a figure of eight; going through the bugles and size 10 seed beads around the bottom, then through the size 8 at the op, around the . This pushes the larger size 8s into the middle and creates a smoother, more diamond like shape.
8.Tie off both ends of thread with a couple of knots, take the tail through the next bead and cut off the excess.
9.Open a jump ring and use it to link together the top size 8 seed bead and the loop on the fishhook. Repeat all steps for the other earring!
If you have a go at making your own bugle bead earrings, or have any questions feel free to comment below or message me on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook! And if you really like my tutorials, I’d love for you to sign up to my monthly email! Happy Making!
Lovely design and you nicely explained. Good!
Thank you, always makes me happy to know people like my designs 🙂
I just finished making these with red beads (love the turquoise but have a lot of it). They are pretty and you were right, they are easy to make.
Brilliant! Glad you had a go at making them! Emma
Thank you fot this simple but stylish design. Have made several using black and gold bugles
You’re welcome! And black and gold is always a excellent combination in my book.
Can’t wait to make these they are beautiful!!
Thanks! You will have to send me a photo! Emma x
Sweet!
Thanks! Emmma x
Very easy and quick to make. They are extremely light in weight. Had fun making them
So pleased you had fun! And yes, they are super lightweight to wear! What colours did you use? Emma
Since I basically have only strung beads by hand(including the smallest seed bead) I’m not that familiar with beading needles. Could I just do this pair of earrings by hand? Thank you for your time.
Hi Karen! The beading needles will make it far easier, especially when you have to thread through a bead your have already gone through once. However, you could try stiffening the end of your thread with a little super glue or nail varnish to help. Let me know how you get on! Emma
I am going to try these tonight thank you
What is an 8 by 7 bugle bead??? I thought they were long and thin, not chunky. I like these earrings.
Glad you like the earrings! I meant you need 8 Bugle beads that are 7mm in length, hope that’s makes more sense! Emma
Cute earring but I cannot find 2×5 mm jump rings on line. Am I doing something wrong or can you send me a link?
Sorry to confuse you Wendy, it is just two normal 5mm jump rings, Emma
These look like something I want try as my first project, thank you so much. Anita
love the pattern but would like them longer. Would they look ok putting two together? Or would you have a suggestion? thanks
Yes, I think it would look great having two together! Or you could add a length of chain between the beaded section and the earring to make it longer
where can i find 7mm bugle beads? and can you use twisted bugles?
I’m based in the UK, and got my bugles from http://www.mailorder-beads.co.uk. They do both the Gutermann brand and Preciosa, including some twisted, which would look lovely and sparkly!