The Design Gallery
Follow along with step-by-step beading projects and share your designs with beaders around the world—it’s quick & easy!
Chatter
on “Brass and Agate”:“This necklace is awesome and shows your whimsy and musical look! I love it! The…” read »
- on “Just Playing Around”:
“Aahhh that's a very pretty necklace. The tassel gives nice balance. Is that what they…” read »
- on “Suggestions”:
“I don't know what your décor is in your home, but why not make some…” read »
on “What would you do?”:“To be honest Robin, I agree with you that the lava necklace is ugly. The piece…” read »
on “Black Cats”:“Thanks for you kind comments, everyone. I still consider myself an amateur at chainmaile, and the…” read »
on “What would you do?”:“I think that everyone has contributed wonderful ideas for every one of us who bead. …” read »
on “Black Cats”:“What a fun necklace! The chains kind of remind me of cats claws. Looks hard to…” read »
- on “Just Playing Around”:
“LRC - I agree with Pam. Beautiful pendant. Chain tassel is nice also. Never seen a…” read »
- on “Suggestions”:
“Hmmm... kind of draws you in like a black hole or a tornado. It's fun to…” read »
on “Saltwater Sun Necklace”:“So pretty!…” read »
- on “Brass and Agate”:
“Love, love, love!…” read »
- on “Black Cats”:
“Cool cats! I love it!…” read »
- on “Brass and Agate”:
“Wow LRC - Love this necklace. First thing I thought of was a sine wave. Love…” read »
on “What would you do?”:“I'm kinda late to the conversation but putting the work away for a bit really works…” read »
- on “Mixed Media”:
“Robin - Yeah - Lemon Lift with extra lemon squeezed in. I'm gonna get some too.…” read »
on “Suggestions”:“Wirewrap with cupchain inside, daggers outside? Or fill inside with two-hole square tiles with a button in…” read »
- on “Black Cats”:
“Love your design- I love all things cats and beagles! Your chain is awesome and…” read »
- on “Mixed Media”:
“Bigelows! Lemon Lift- it’s been awhile since I’ve had it- hope they still have it! …” read »
- on “Black Cats”:
“Cool cats definitely fits these two necklaces. I like that they can be worn together or…” read »
- on “Brass and Agate”:
“Beautiful necklace! It looks lightweight for summer.…” read »
- on “Just Playing Around”:
“That is a pretty pendant! The piece definitely looks vintage.…” read »
- on “Suggestions”:
“Maybe string some beads on it, add a loop on top and attach it with a…” read »
on “Brass and Agate”:“Wow, this is so feminine and pretty! Love those swirls and droplets.…” read »
- on “Black Cats”:
“Cool idea to make necklaces from earrings! Those are some "Cool Cats"!…” read »
- on “Black Cats”:
“Those are some CATS! Love, love, love them and the chains too. Wish I…” read »
on “What would you do?”:“I agree with putting it away for a week or so. If you pull it out…” read »
- on “What would you do?”:
“MM - no worries, my friend! I so appreciate everyone’s comments. I like honest thoughts-…” read »
- on “Branching out”:
“Thx guys! Y’all are awesome- love blogging with y’all!…” read »
- on “Sneeuwman Necklace”:
“Actually, I did manage to guess what it was.…” read »
- on “Sneeuwman Necklace”:
“Becky - I had to look this one up also. But is it upside down? But…” read »
- on “LAPIS LAZULI FAN AND PEARLS”:
“HH - Very pretty. Would love to see a close up. Nice work.…” read »
- on “Forbindelse Bracelet”:
“Ok Becky - I had to look up Forbindelse - now I know. Simple but pretty.…” read »
- on “Mixed Media”:
“LRC- I'll see if I can find some Lady Grey - I find the Earl…” read »
- on “Saltwater Sun Necklace”:
“Elaina - Your design is so pretty and light. The sunstone chips really look good with…” read »
- on “What would you do?”:
“I'm with Tomasina about it not needing to be fixed. But if you just want…” read »
- on “Branching out”:
“Robin, my box is not well defined and the playground is huge but I will gladly…” read »
- on “Amethyst Point Bracelet”:
“Stunning design! Gorgeous and very dramatic. What is the wire gauge used for the…” read »
Whimsy Bird Earrings
About this design:
These earrings are part of a series of earrings I have put together called "Non-Identical Twins". In this series, I explore how to make earrings match or go together without having to be identical. The birds in these earrings are captured in different moments within their day. One earring shows the bird dancing on the branch, while the other shows the bird sitting on her nest. Each earring dances on the ear with little surprises like the twirls of wire and sparkle of crystal, or the ribbon that turns into the branch.
What you’ll need: (buy products below)
- 2 Kylie Parry Ceramic Copper Patina Birds
- 2 Vintaj Naturall Brass Willow Branches
- 27 Crystal Faceted Rondelles 4mm
- 2' Rusty Bucket Hand-dyed Silk Ribbon
- 1 Beach Stone Pebble
- 3 3" head pins
- 2 ear wires
- 11 1" head pins
- 2 Czech Glass Bellflowers
- 3 Vintaj Natural Brass Etched Jump Ring 9.5mm
- 13 Vintaj Natural Brass Jump Ring 4mm
Additional Images:
Helpful Hints:
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Hint 1: The ribbon can be made to look like a tattered branch by knotting it all the way down. |
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Hint 2: I made a nest under the bird out of ribbon by "stitching" my headpin through the ribbon, zigzagging about 8mm apart. Then I put the bird on the headpin squishing the ribbon down into a nest. |
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Hint 3: To balance the branch that the bird is sitting on, I made sure to have something weighting down each end. I used the bellflower to introduce some color and added sparkle with a few crystals hiding in and around the flower. On the opposing end, I created a twirling branch made from a headpin with crystal, stitched ribbon, and a few jump rings. |
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Hint 4: To make the twirly headpins, string the beads you want onto a 3" headpin. Create your wire wrapping loop as you normally would, but instead of trimming off the remaining wire, coil it around your round pliers or a tiny straw or tiny stick. Voila, instant whimsy! See Tip: Wire Wrap a Charm |
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Hint 5: It's important to use almost the same components in each earring. This keeps them from being too busy and will keep them well balanced. |
Buy Products from this Design
You are viewing all 5 items.
| Package of 6 | $1.60 |
| Package of 2 | $0.95 |
Vintaj Natural Brass Etched Jump Ring 9.5mm - 15 gauge
BACK IN STOCK!
| Package of 12 | $4.45 |
Rusty Bucket Hand Dyed 100% Silk Ribbon 7/16"
BACK IN STOCK!
| per foot | $0.70 |
Vintaj Natural Brass Jump Ring 4mm - 21 gauge
BACK IN STOCK!
| Package of 36 | $2.75 |
You are viewing all 5 items.
On Aug 18, 2011 at 2:19 pm #
Mary - Sweet Chick says:I absolutely love these Ali!! All your components and special additions make these great “Earth girl” earrings!
On Aug 18, 2011 at 3:40 pm #
1flowerchild says:These are wonderful, Ali! I love the “nature” look of these earrings!
On Aug 19, 2011 at 11:15 am #
FaeryGoth Chick says:Beautiful earrings!
On Aug 19, 2011 at 12:41 pm #
Eeka Mouse says:These are great, and I love the asymmetry.
On Aug 19, 2011 at 7:55 pm #
Fenya says:How cute are these?!!! Very talented artist!
On Aug 20, 2011 at 9:54 am #
D D Mystic Chick says:these are so cute! really like how all the different elements came together!
On Aug 22, 2011 at 8:52 am #
Chicky Zee aka Alice says:Beautiful earrings!
On Aug 25, 2011 at 7:49 am #
Linda Talbott says:I love your birdie “Non-identical Twins” earrings. They are wonderful, and you really pulled it off.
On Oct 11, 2011 at 3:09 pm #
Florecita Farm says:These are adorable!
On Oct 13, 2011 at 3:59 pm #
thejoyfulgem says:I love these! (and asymmetrical designs). Good Job.
On Nov 11, 2011 at 9:54 am #
never enough beads says:I love these! Funky and Fun.
On Jan 01, 2012 at 1:52 pm #
S Burns says:Very creativde. Not only did you make a pair that goes together but each stands on it’s own.
No one could walk by these without making a comme nt
On Jan 16, 2012 at 1:54 am #
Cindy K says:Awesome earrings. Very creative.
On Feb 13, 2012 at 12:37 pm #
S rowland says:very inventive! keep your imagination turned on!
On Mar 05, 2012 at 9:49 pm #
Rozanne D says:These earrings are so unique and whimsical. They inspire me to be more creative!
On Apr 05, 2012 at 10:41 pm #
A ibarra says:Ali you are so creative, a true artist!
On Apr 19, 2012 at 9:07 pm #
K Koornneef says:What cool earings….so much like something I would do….meaning that they don’t have to be the some…I love different and earings that are not always identical. Thank you so much for the idea. You helped release the creative juices out of me!!!! So appreciate it!!!
On May 26, 2012 at 2:35 pm #
bette4art says:I have just joined Lima Beads (great name!!) and found your work. You are so inspiring and authentic. I work in many mediums and these earrings are kindered to what I do. You rock!
On Jul 25, 2012 at 12:01 pm #
Veronika M says:Fantastic! You are the best! This is one of my favorite and I know now how long and hard to learn this skill. Thank you for this beauty!
On Jan 10, 2013 at 6:39 am #
doggiedoodoo says:you have a beautiful imagination – I am so inspired by your jewelry – such a flair for the artistic – sooo important to stunning one of a kind jewelry -
On Mar 29, 2013 at 9:07 am #
Francesca C says:amazing
On Mar 29, 2013 at 5:05 pm #
Sondra G says:Order some of the materials today… Can’t wait to make these sweet earrings.
On Aug 23, 2013 at 1:50 am #
Empty Nest Chick says:Ali, I love the freedom you allowed your imagination in designing these earrings! They’re wonderful!
On Sep 18, 2016 at 3:09 pm #
Dianaeve says:Where can I find those adorable ceramic birds?