Free Pattern - Silver Moon Earrings

This was actually one of the very first earring patterns that I ever made but I hadn't posted about it before because I didn't have any good photos of them. You see, I made them for a gift so I couldn't get a better photo until I had a chance to make another pair. They're the black ones below. The pattern is from Jaycee Patterns. (site is no longer available) I see this pattern pinned on Pinterest all the time but I don't think I've ever seen any other photos of them other than the one on the pattern. Since the pattern is free, I hope that this post will inspire everyone to try it out and post some photos of their earrings on Pinterest. It's easy, quick and fun to make. The earring in the photo on the left is one of my very early samples made as directed by the pattern.


I have to admit that it was a challenge to come up with color combinations that I liked because of the design and the kinds of beads that are used. I had to find a combination of 8/0 seed beads, 3mm druks and 4mm bicones that all went well together. I've always liked the black ones but I think that the yellow Picasso earrings might be my new favorites.

When I made them this time around, I decided to tweak the loops at the top a little. I kept having trouble getting the the loops to come out nice and even when they were longer so I cropped them down and added an 8/0 seed bead for a jump ring to go through for attaching the wire. They still look almost the same as the original pattern but the jump ring allows the earrings to move more freely when you're wearing them.

Here's another little tip for this pattern: 

After you make your earrings, press them flat under something heavy for a few hours or overnight. Make sure that you protect them first by covering them with a soft cloth or paper towel. Flattening gives them a nice crisp appearance. They're fine as they are but I think you'll see a slight difference after pressing them.

Click HERE to download the free pattern from Charlene's bead shop site.

After making the three pairs of earrings I'm posting today, I came up with eight more color combinations that I will post over the next week or so plus a fun little surprise at the end. Oh, and while I'm thinking of it, I've found that some 3mm druks are a bit bigger than others and sometimes the larger ones can cause the earrings to warp slightly. If you find that happening, the solution is to add six seed beads to each "petal" instead of just five. Doing so doesn't affect any other part of the pattern but it results in nice, flat earrings.

• 11/0 seed beads Toho "Hybrid Antiqued Metallic Black" (TY-11-Y0503) *
• 8/0 seed beads Toho "Hybrid Antiqued Metallic Black" (TBRD8-Y503)
• 8/0 seed beads Miyuki "Dark Bronze" (8-457D)
• 4mm bicones "#C47" (Beads One)
• 3mm druks "Bronze"

* This color also goes by the name "Hybrid Jet Bronze Picasso" (11-Y506). Although the color numbers are different, they're identical. I know this because I have some of each.

• 11/0 seed beads Miyuki "Dark Bronze" (11-457D)
• 8/0 seed beads Miyuki "Dark Bronze" (8-457D)
• 8/0 seed beads Miyuki "Hybrid Opaque Yellow Picasso" (8-4512)
• 4mm bicones "Colorado AB - #C26 AB" (Beads One)
• 3mm druks "Dark Travertin"

• 11/0 seed beads Miyuki "Antique Silver-Nickel" (11-464A)
• 8/0 seed beads Miyuki "Antique Silver-Nickel" (8-464A)
• 8/0 seed beads Toho "Silver-Lined Milky Nutmeg" (8-2114)
• 4mm bicones "Amethyst AB - #C12 AB" (Beads One)
• 3mm druks "Metallic Amethyst Matte Luster"

I might not be posting quite as often for a while once I've posted all of these earrings. It's the time of year for making Christmas goodies so most of the projects that I'll be making will be for gifts. Since I won't want to spoil the surprise, I won't post about them until after the holidays.