Hello, lovely readers!
Summer is here and I am again bit by the beading bug. I think it is a good bug, what do you think?
For many months I have been wanting to make a version of the Claire Earrings from the free tutorial (HERE) provided by The Beadworkers Guild (UK) during International Beading Week (IBW).
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| My Version of Claire Earrings |
Claire Earrings were designed by talented British designer Chloe Menage, who is a permanent IBW Ambassador. Her website is www.pinkhot.co.uk and her page on Facebook is https://www.facebook.com/pinkhotjewellery She is also on Instagram and YouTube.
I have downloaded the pdf tutorial, but I also have watched the YouTube video (HERE). Both are very good, but I do not agree that you can make a bezel with 32 Toho seed beads for a 14 Swarovski rivoli. I had to reduce to 30 Toho seed beads so that I could "capture" the rivoli. There is a clear difference in size between Miyuki 11/0 seed beads and Toho 11/0 seed beads. From my research, these Miyuki are 2.0 mm and the Toho are 2.2 mm. You can see the difference in size in the two following images.
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| A 14mm Swarovski rivoli bezel made with Toho seed beads (LEFT) versus Miyuki seed beads (RIGHT) |
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| The difference in Toho 11/0 seed bead size (LEFT) from Miyuki 11/0 seed bead size (RIGHT) can be noticed at naked eye |
The problem that arises from this difference is that you can not make the four-arm star decoration, which is really is a pity because it is gorgeous and it makes a difference in the details.
I love this pair of earrings, it is an elegant yet modern design. For those wondering and curious, I have used Swarovski Aquamarine rivolis, Miyuki 11/0 Metallic Gunmetal Iris 456 (it is neither blue nor green), 3mm Cobalt AB druks and Toho 15/0 Silver Nickel plated. I also have used a very small amount of Toho 11/0 Mat Iris Teal 706 for some contrast. My tassel is shorter than the original one.
I hope you like this design and version, if you do tell me in the comments.
Much love to you,
Ana
