DIY Spring flower earrings

This pair of earrings will be a lovely addition to your spring outfit! Make it with Albina Manning in no time and you give it as a gift for Easter, Mother's Day or just because! 

To make a pair of earrings like these, you will need:

- 6mm Swarovski bicone crystals - 2

- 4mm Swarovski bicone crystals - 2
- 10mm Swarovski filigree flower -2
- 2" eyepins - 2
- Earwires -1 pair
- Chain nose pliers, round nose pliers, wire cutters

1. Slide one 6mm and one 4m Swarovski crystals onto an eyepin. Make a loop just above a 4mm crystal. Make sure that both loops are in the perpendicular planes.

2. Open the loop by the 4mm crystal and slide an ear wire on. Close the loop.

3. Open the second loop, by 6mm crystal. Slide a filigree flower on and close the loop.

Your first earring is done!

4. Make the second earring in the same manner. 

 If you would like to see these instructions step by step follow this link:

Have fun making earrings!

Summer giveaway

Since I am a member of the Russian Artists Etsy Team I'd like to make an announcement: we are doing a new giveaway on the Russian Artists Etsy team blog right now!


These poppy flower earrings are so beautiful that you will be the center of everyone's attention, no doubt!


Please visit our blog and follow the rules. Leave your comments and the poppy flower earrings from beautiful Ukraine will be yours!

Summer earrings giveaway

There is a lovely giveaway at Russian Etsy Team Blog going on right now, these lovely grapes earrings. Aren't they perfect for the summer?


So come take a look, leave a comment and maybe, you will be the winner!

New giveaway

The cutest giveaway ever! Would you like to win them? If you would, please visit Maria's blog and sign up for her giveaway!Good luck!

Tutorial: Spring Flower Earrings

Spring Flower Earrings by Albina Manning 
Copyright 2010 Albina Maning

Please do not distribute, lend or copy. Do not mass produce. Please always give credit to the Teacher*

www.around-beads.info

www.aroundbeads.etsy.com

This lesson shows how to make 3-D (three-dimensional) spirals and use it for making earrings, pendants, etc.

Materials:

· 15” (38cm)* of 18 ga Round Soft Wire

· Jump rings -2

· Ear wire -2

* The length of the wire depends on the mandrel’s diameter and the number of coils.

Tools:

· Chain nose pliers

· Wire cutters

Round mandrel (or pencil)

Step 1:

Clean and straighten the 18ga wire (you can work from the spool). Start coiling the wire end around the mandrel.

Step 2:

Make 6 full coils around the mandrel. Cut the wire.

Step 3:

Remove the spring from the mandrel and using flash cutters cut one end as shown.

Step 4:

Make the second cut on the other side of the coiled wire, directly across from the first cut.

Step 5:

With your fingers, start opening the coils from just one side (outside). Both cuts have to be on the inside of the spring (see red arrows)

Step 6:

Continue forming the spring circle. The wire cuts have to meet each other and be very close.

Step 7:

Make sure that all six “rays” are evenly spaced

Step 8:

Using jump-rings, attach the ear wires

Variation: you can make 7-coil flower as well

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial!

* Published with permission of Albina Manning

Interview With A Star - Anastasia at BlueberryCream

When it comes to the jewelry I like natural materials, simple shapes and a hidden meaning in every piece. When I saw this shop on Etsy I almost instantly fell in love with it’s unique jewelry designs! Beautiful silver, copper & brass earrings, bracelets & necklaces – I love every single item!

So I’d like to introduce Anastasia to you today, a wonderful jewelry maker & Etsy seller from the BlueberryCream shop.

Q: Please tell us a little bit about yourself

A: My name is Anastasia. I was born in Moscow, Russia. Currently I live in Connecticut with my husband and my daughter.

Q: How long have you been creating? How did your journey in art and creativity begin?
A: A few years ago I had trouble at work. About the same time a friend took me to a local New Age store, where I found a wide variety of amulets and talismans. Normally I wouldn’t even notice something like that, but at that time I bought one of them. Later I went to Michaels and found tons of stone beads, findings etc. I realized that I can make things similar to what I saw at that store. So I bought a few things and made lucky charms for myself and some friends. One thing led to another, and here I am. It became my creative outlet, an escape from work, if you will.

Q: How would you describe your style? Have any other artists etc influenced your style?
A: Not sure. I am constantly evolving, so different artists/things influence me at different times.Q: What items do you carry in your shop?
A: I carry sterling silver, (solid) copper and some brass jewelry. I also use natural gemstones to complement my pieces.Q: What items in your shop do you most enjoy making and why?

A: I like making OOAK pieces. But they require inspiration.

Q: Do you have a favorite item you have made?
A: This one wasn't bad:
Q: Do you take custom orders?
A: Yes, but within reason. There are things that maybe too complicated or time consuming that I wouldn’t do.

Q: Where would you like to go with your business?
A: Nowhere, really. I am just enjoying the process of creating things.

Q: Why will people love your items?
A: I have absolutely no idea:)

Thank you so much, Anastasia, for being here with us today!

To see beautiful Anastasia’s creations please visit her Etsy shop today!