Ximena Hoop Earrings Tutorial
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Ximena Hoop Earrings
Designer Cynthia Deis
Brushed aluminum chain is transformed with Alcohol Inks and a bit of fancy threading into a rill of shimmery metallic ribbon along the base of these hoops. The Swarovski crystal dangles add a bit of color and sparkle without overwhelming the design.
Ingredients:
- 14 inches aluminum roll chain, cut into 4 9-link sections and 8 5-link sections- 12 antique brass jump rings, 7 mm
- 1 pair gold plated hoops
- 12 Swarovski crystal dangles
- 1 pair Swarovski crystal posts
- 2 antique brass jump rings, 3x4
- Alcohol ink
Tools:
- Round nose pliers- Chain nose pliers
- Wire cutters
- Paint brush
- Waxed paper
1. Place the chain sections on a sheet of waxed paper. Using the paint brush carefully coat the chain sections with alcohol ink until the desired color has been achieved. Allow the chain to dry for 10 minutes. Any excess ink can be removed and cleaned up with rubbing alcohol.
2. Thread a 7 mm jump ring through the ring on one of the Swarovski dangles and close securely. Repeat to attach jump rings to six of the dangles. Set aside.
3. Note that each hoop has a flattened end. Feed the rounded end of the hoop through the links of one of the 9-link chain sections so that each chain link is attached to the hoop. Thread the hoop through the jump ring on top of one of the Swarovski crystal dangles. Repeat this threading one 5-link section, then one crystal until you have threaded a total of five crystals onto the hoop. Finish the hoop by threading on 9-link section onto the hoop. Take care that all crystals face the same direction.
4. Using the chain nose pliers bend the rounded end of the hoop up ½ inch from the end. Thread the bent piece through the flattened end and use the round nose pliers to create a loop.
5. Open the jump ring attached to the remaining Swarovski dangle and fit the ring through the loop you have just created. Close securely. Use a 4x5 mm jump ring to attach the post to the top of the loop. Repeat steps 1-5 to create second earring.
