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).
 |
| 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.
 |
| A 14mm Swarovski rivoli bezel made with Toho seed beads (LEFT) versus Miyuki seed beads (RIGHT) |
 |
| 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
Excellent job!!!
ResponderEliminarThese are beautiful, Ana! Vintage style with modern flair. It's good that you shared your experience concerning the materials - it may help many people.
ResponderEliminarPerfect earrings, good idea with fringes!
ResponderEliminarThanks for making my project, I'm glad you like the finished design and love the colour choice you went with. Thanks for your feedback about using Toho beads. I used Miyuki for all my samples here but have previously successfully used Toho for similar bezels. If you wish to use them in future you could try using 4 rows of size 11 instead of 5, and adding an extra row of size 15 in the back, and reinforcing this row - this can often make a big difference to a bezel's fit. Tension and bead finish can play a role in how a bezel fits too. Happy Beading! Chloe x
ResponderEliminar