beaded raindrops earrings

Measure and cut 36" [91.4 cm] of beading thread from the spool and thread a size 10 beading needle. Bring the needle down the thread approximately 10" [25.4 cm], then fold thread over. This project is worked with a single strand.
TIP: For a diagram, click here.

String four size 6/0 seed beads and bring them down to the bottom of the thread, leaving a 6" [15.24 cm] tail.

Go back through the first two beads added. Pull tight to form a square.

Go back through the third and fourth beads added.

Pick up two more size 6/0 seed beads. Turn and go back through the third and fourth beads. Pull tight.

Turn and go through the last two beads added.

Repeat Steps 5 and 6 until you have six stacks of two.

Pick up two size 6/0 seed beads in a contrasting color. Go through the second stack of beads in your laddered column.

Turn and go through the third stack of beads in your laddered column.

Pick up two more size 6/0 seed beads. Go through your fourth laddered column. Come up through the next column, add two beads, and go down through the next column.

Turn and go through the two beads above the bead your thread is exiting.

Repeat Steps 8-11 with your second next contrasting color. Step up at the end of this row.

Repeat Steps 8-11 in your first contrasting color.

Repeat Steps 8-11 in your main color.

Pick-up eleven, size 10 seed beads, one size 6 bead (in first contrasting color), one size 10, one size 6 (in second contrasting color), one size 10, and one size 6 (in first contrasting color), then eleven more size 10 beads. Go through the next size 6 bead. Turn and go through the next bead in the row.

Repeat Step 15 two times. Continue through all the beads above.

Weave to exit one of the two center beads of the top row. Pick up six, size 10 seed beads (or optional wire guardian instead of the seed beads). Go down through the next 6/0 bead. Come back up though the 6/0 bead and all the 10/0 bead above, reinforcing this connection. Repeat once more.

Weave in your working and tail threads by following your existing thread path for a few stitches. Trim remaining thread using flush cutters or precision scissors.

Using chain nose pliers, laterally open the loop on an ear wire. Attach to the top loop or to wire guardian and close the loop in the same, lateral motion. Repeat for the second earring. 

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