Free Design: Tiny Bow Earrings

Aren't these tiny beaded bows the cutest? We love how they are framed by a sparkling crystal above them. We think they would make perfect bridesmaids gifts, or birthday gifts, or Christmas gifts ( make red ones for a Christmas bow!). It's fun the way the seed beads sit slightly differently with every bow you make, making each one unique. Enjoy our free project, and enjoy making your own jewellery! ( Be warned, these are so lovely to make, once you start, its hard to stop! )

What we used for the pearly white bows pictured above ( scroll down to the bottom to see the other colour ways we made!)

2 x Clear Crystal Stud with loop ( Scrollbacks included ) ( STU05-10 )

2 x Size 8/0 White Pearlescent Seed Beads ( P802 )

5g x Size 11/0 White Pearlescent Seed Beads ( P1102 )

White Beading Thread , we used KO Thread ( KO02 )

Tools Required

Size 13 Beading needle ( ND13 )

A sharp pair of scissors ( SCIMX )

Instructions

Legend A = Size 11/0    B = Size 8/0 

TIP- As with any bead weaving design you need to make sure you don't get in a tangle, but with this design we found it super easy to get our thread looped around the bits of the bows it shouldn't!

1. Take a stretched length of beading thread, we used approx 60cm, thread on to your needle. Pick up 1A, pass through the loop of your stud, pick up 1B ( photo 1 ) leaving a 15cm tail

2. Loop around - miss the B - pass back through the loop of the stud, and the A ( photo 2 )

3. Pass back through the loop of the stud, through the B, back through the loop of the stud, and through the A ( photo 3 )

4. Making sure you have a good tension to keep the beads snuggly either side of the loop of the stud, position the B so it's sitting straight, tie two overhand knots ( photo 4 ) 

5. Pass back through the loop of the stud, and through the B ( photo 5 )

6. Pick up 13A, loop around and pass back through the B ( photo 6 )

7. Pick up 13A, loop around and pass back through the B ( photo 7 )

8. Pass through the thread path of the previous two steps again 

9. Pass through the next A ( the A at the bottom half of the bow you've made) ( photo 8 )

10. Pick up 14A, loop around, miss out the end A, and pass back up through the 13A ( photo 9 )

11. Pass back through the A you exited from in step 9, through the B, and through the first A on the other side of the bow ( photo 10 ). Do not pull the tension too tight, if you would like a bit of movement in the dangly parts of the bow. Or pull tight if you would prefer them more rigid.

12. Repeat step 10 ( photo 11 )

13. Pass back through the B

14. Pass around the thread paths again, secure your thread and trim.

15. Thread your needle onto the tail, pass back through the loop of the stud, through the B, then pass around your thread paths, secure your thread and trim ( photo 12 )

16. Repeat all the steps again to make a matching pair!

Carry on making in other colours.....

Spring bows....

Valentine's Bows...

Christmas Bows...

Bridal silver Bows...