DIY Beaded Crystal Teardrop Earrings.

When it comes to jewelry, there's nothing like a pair of eye-catching ear candy to amp up an ensemble. Luckily, creating your own statement earrings isn't expensive (or rocket science). This tutorial, inspired by an $88 pair of earrings at Anthropologie, is extremely beginner-friendly, and it will also only set you back $10–15. To top it all off, you'll get some awesome practice using traditional jewelry-making tools and techniques. What's not to love?

(Image: Finished beaded crystal teardrop earrings)

Things You'll Need

• Clear seed beads
• Crystal beads (variety of shapes, sizes, and colors)
• Earring hooks (2)

• Crimp beads (4)
• Beading wire 
• Jewelry pliers 

(Image: DIY Beaded Crystal Teardrop Earrings)

Tip

• Your best bet is to use a variety of bicone and faceted crystal beads ranging from 4-8 millimeters. This is the perfect opportunity to use up those leftover beads from past projects.
  

Step 1

Cut a strand of wire measuring at least 8 inches long. Slide on one crimp bead followed by an earring hook. Position both components 1/2 inch from the end of the wire.

(Image: DIY Beaded Crystal Teardrop Earrings)

Step 2

Take the end of the wire and insert it through the crimp bead. Move up the crimp bead until it is under the earring hook.

(Image: DIY Beaded Crystal Teardrop Earrings)

Step 3

Place the crimp bead between the flat portion of the pliers. Squeeze tightly.

(Image: DIY Beaded Crystal Teardrop Earrings)

Do not trim the loose end. This excess wire is an essential part of the next step.

(Image: DIY Beaded Crystal Teardrop Earrings)

Step 4

Add your desired sequence of beads.

(Image: DIY Beaded Crystal Teardrop Earrings)

Remember that excess wire? Insert this end into the first few beads along with the main strand of wire. This will add extra security to the structure of the earring.

Tip

• Before stringing beads onto the wire, plan everything out by determining a specific order. This way, you can make sure that you have enough of each type of bead on hand. The more beads you use, the larger your teardrop will be.
  

Step 5

Continue adding beads. Choose a bead to use as the focal point. Larger beads work best for this.

(Image: DIY Beaded Crystal Teardrop Earrings)

Step 6

Once you add a focal bead, repeat the pattern in the opposite order. End with another crimp bead, but don't use your pliers to flatten it just yet!

(Image: DIY Beaded Crystal Teardrop Earrings)

Step 7

Insert the end of the wire through the loop of the earring hook. You will see the teardrop shape start to form.

(Image: DIY Sequin Drop Earrings)

Step 8

Bring the end of the wire through the last crimp bead you just added. Insert it through a few beads as well.

(Image: DIY Beaded Crystal Teardrop Earrings)

Step 9

Place the crimp bead between the flat portion of the pliers and squeeze tightly to close.

(Image: DIY Beaded Crystal Teardrop Earrings)

Step 10

Trim the excess wire to complete one teardrop earring.

(Image: DIY Beaded Crystal Teardrop Earrings)

Step 11

Repeat to create a second earring. You can use the first earring as a reference for the sequence of beads.

(Image: DIY Beaded Crystal Teardrop Earrings)

Your new baubles are ready to rock n' roll! These earrings are excellent for dressing up even the simplest of outfits. They're also extremely easy to bring from day to night.

(Image: DIY Beaded Crystal Teardrop Earrings)

Source:ehow