Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
on “Make a Wire Wrapped Bead Link”:“I was trained to use a pair of chain nose pliers to manipulate the wire being…” read »
on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:“I agree -- E6000 is the absolute best!…” read »
- on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“I don't use epoxy on any of the jewelry I make, plus depending on the temperature…” read »
- on “Using Vintaj Patinas”:
“I just taught a class with middle school children and one painted on a silver piece…” read »
on “Adding a Focal to Patricia Healey Chain”:“Absolutely Gorgeous! I can't wait to use this!…” read »
- on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“I need 1 egg for 50…” read »
- on “Making a Fish Tail Braid”:
“This is great! My mom didn't know what to do with my thick curly hair so…” read »
- on “Using the Sliding Square Knot”:
“How much cord do you use for the knot?…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I want to string the wool beads together with elastic thread in a needle. Which…” read »
on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:“Love the instructions, but which stretch cord are you using? I don't see one like it…” read »
- on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“No photo, sorry. I'm really in a bracelet "phase". I tried figuring this out on my…” read »
on “Using Colourful Soul Jewelry Pop-Outs & Ultimate Paints”:“Vintaj came out with this line in July. I am glad to see LB is selling…” read »
on “Using Colourful Soul Jewelry Pop-Outs & Ultimate Paints”:“*Squeaks with excitement* …” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“You carry the most beautiful beads, bar none. I tie a surgeon’s knot for more security,…” read »
- on “Using Vintaj Patinas”:
“Has anyone tried to use the patinas on coins?…” read »
- on “Using The Magic Finding”:
“Where can we buy the magic finding. It is not in your product list.…” read »
- on “Quick and Easy Ornament Hangers”:
“These are so pretty. I've been looking for a "template" for ear wires/cuffs. I think these…” read »
- on “Hammering Texture on a Blank”:
“Do you sell textured hammers and blocks I can't find?…” read »
on “Using a Hand Punch”:“Can I use it to open holes in Saint medals???…” read »
on “Using a Leather Cord Crimp End”:“A good starting point for necklaces would be 2mm(ideal for .5"-1.5" pendants). For larger pendants(1.5"+) 3,…” read »
on “Using a Crimp Cover”:“To cover a sz 2 crimp tube, 4mm would be ideal. 3mm would fit, but it…” read »
- on “Using a Leather Cord Crimp End”:
“Hi, I am new to working with leather and end caps or any other finishing findings,…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“What size of a crimp cover would you use, for a size 2 crimp tube?…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“Excellent tutorial and superb photos. Cute bracelet!…” read »
- on “Coloring Metal with Alcohol Inks”:
“I just started working with alcohol inks. Most people who use the medium use Krylon Kamar…” read »
on “Crystal Clay”:“Tried to be good…” read »
- on “Non-Identical Twins”:
“I have always loved this idea! It really resonates with me. Interesting to see…” read »
- on “String a Guru Bead on a Mala Necklace”:
“I, too, need to know how to attach a tassel to the guru bead.…” read »
- on “Wire Wrap a Bail on a Teardrop”:
“thank you. I've always wanted to try this…” read »
on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:“I made one bracelet for my granddaughter and one for myself. They are easy and…” read »
on “How to make a paper bead”:“Interesting that paper beads are "in" again... Nearly 50 years ago, crafters (including my grandma) were…” read »
on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:“Because of the constant abuse they usually get, glue is not an ideal hold for jump…” read »
- on “Wrap Loom Basics”:
“Moogie is right, if you need an answer from Lima you'll need to use the customer…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I’ve read in other tutorials to cut the elastic cord length needed and lightly pull each…” read »
- on “Using the Square Knot”:
“Perfect illustration and instruction for a knot-challenged brain …” read »
on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:“These look like fun to make bracelets, and even more fun to wear.…” read »
- on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:
“I completely fell in love with the color of these little LillyPilly sheets and ordered my…” read »
on “The Simple Wire Bracelet”:“Nice tutorial. For me, I would need more visual. The camera needs to be closer…” read »
on “How to set a Nunn Design Glass Dome”:“Beautiful design!…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“Tip:If I have miss judged my project, I have found I can use a crimp cover…” read »
I’ve always resisted symmetry in my jewelry, so I’ve been thrilled to see the recent emergence of asymmetrical earrings in fashion.
My goal with the 5 earring designs below is to show that each earring in a pair can be different, but still look balanced hanging from your ears. I definitely found designing these earrings more difficult than designing a standard pair of matching earrings, but it was way more fun! Earrings are usually simple. If you put the same exact components on each side, they’re perfectly balanced. When you take away the matching components, you have to pay careful attention to the weight, color, and texture of each side. You’ll want to make sure you have a nice selection of similar (but not identical) components to choose from. I used everything from feathers and ceramic birds to sparkly crystals and wire. I also incorporated some ribbon. I love the texture it brings to a design and have been addicted to using it in everything lately. I’ve been wearing matching earrings all my life, so I can’t wait to put these non-identical twins into my ears.
Check out the earrings below in the Design Gallery!
Natural Disco Earrings
Swirling Seaform Earrings
Floating Feathers Earrings
Whimsy Bird Earrings
Brush Strokes Earrings
Read the comments (or add your own)
Add your thoughts!
On Aug 18, 2011 at 4:25 pm #
Alice P says:I love these! My hubby doesn’t ‘get’ asymettrical jewelry, but my customers do! The Whinsy Bird Earrings are so sweet!
On Aug 21, 2011 at 10:20 pm #
J Derby says:I’ve been doing asy’s for so long now, I’m thrilled when someone else does it, too, so I don’t think I’m ready for the asylum alone!!!
On Aug 25, 2011 at 3:06 pm #
JoAnn M says:Great idea….now I know what to do with those odd number of beads left over from other projects
On Sep 22, 2011 at 8:22 pm #
D Nester says:I love asymetrical also! These are one of my favorites that I made!
On Nov 23, 2011 at 3:38 pm #
ScarletBegonias says:very cool!
On Nov 25, 2011 at 7:19 am #
H Boyd says:I’m just beginning to get into asymetrical. My daughter is always a little sceptical when I tell her it’s meant to be like that, when she tries to even it up. I think I may be too modern for her.
On May 11, 2012 at 3:03 pm #
sewcreative says:I love these !! I made a pair using resin, and earrings with small round frames.
I had an blue egg pic on one side and a bird on the other. Just in time for Spring.
On Jul 04, 2012 at 8:30 am #
S Crowell says:I love these design ideas. I have 3 peirced holes in left ear and one in right and have not worn matching earrings for a VERY long time. It drives my sister crazy, ha! I get LOTS of comments on my earrings (good way to showcase and get sales). Great post.
On Sep 13, 2012 at 11:38 pm #
jrkrbrown0419 says:My ears are pierced 7 x’s (one in upper ear cartillage and 3 on each ear where they are supposed to be LOL). I usually mix up the earrings not because I want to just because my hair is long, if I don’t have my glasses on I can’t see what I’m doing and because I like to be different from everybody else. Here’s to mixin it up!!!!WOOOOOOOOO
On Apr 04, 2013 at 11:18 pm #
Laurel p says:I love this idea!
On Apr 17, 2014 at 7:12 pm #
Brenda O says:I have worn different earrings for a while…a lady in Savannah, Georgia told me once I was a piece of Art….LOL..
On Aug 24, 2014 at 9:12 am #
Crazy Basenji Lady says:I love it! I made a lovely pair of earrings for my sister-in-law. She brought them back to me complaining they didn’t match. Just took them and let her pick from what I had made to replace. Some people don’t understand art.
On Apr 01, 2018 at 10:53 am #
C Zwick says:These are all brillant! I have not matching sets all ready to put together when I saw these. The new old trend “Wabi-Sabi” this fits right in. And they speak to me. I love not being ordinary! Thanks for all the inspiration you provide!
On Apr 01, 2018 at 11:51 am #
S Gibson says:I’ve always had a “thing” about earrings having to match — my new idea is for those BOLD enough to wear ONE spectacular EarUno — check out htpps://www.gibsongrafe.com/t/EarUno
On Apr 16, 2021 at 1:21 pm #
T Lehr says:I have always loved this idea! It really resonates with me. Interesting to see how it affects other people. Some notice and others do not! Just another little way to show our UNIQUENESS! Art is in the beholder!