- 8/0 seed beads Miyuki "Duracoat Gold" (4202)
- 11/0 Miyuki Delica beads "Duracoat Gold" (DB1832)
- 11/0 Miyuki Delica beads "Opaque Black" (DB10)
- 11/0 Miyuki Delica beads "Opaque Red" (DB723)
As you can see, I decided to go with the version with gold beads around the edge. Read my previous post about my sample earrings HERE.
People have been asking me how to keep these leaf earrings from losing their shape over time. I brush clear nail polish on the backs of them and it makes a huge difference. After the first coat dries, I gently shape them if necessary before brushing on another coat. I've noticed that the longer I wait to coat them, the more coats they will need. The nail polish is the most effective if you brush it on just after making the earrings while the stitching is still firm.
Watch Jill Wiseman's YouTube video tutorial HERE to learn how to make Russian Leaf earrings similar to these and download her free PDF HERE.
You can buy Delica beads at Red Panda, Aura Crystals, Supply Emporium and Baubles & Beads.
NO MORE THREAD HEAVEN
I found out yesterday that they are no longer making Thread Heaven. I've depended on Thread Heaven for conditioning my beading thread for almost as long as I've been beading. I do have a small stash of it but I will eventually need to come up with an alternative. You may still be able to find it here and there until shops sell out of it. Red Panda still has a pretty good supply HERE.
Have any of you used the new Thread Magic? If so, does it work as well as Thread Heaven? It's more expensive but it looks like there might be more of the product in the container than comes in Thread Heaven but it's hard to tell from the pictures.
I use bee's wax as a conditioner. Cut a hunk off while making a candle and it works great.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda, for letting us know that Thread Heaven is going to be discontinued.
ReplyDeleteI have not tried Thread Magic yet.
Hi Ana. It's nice to see you again after such a long time. I have a huge stash of Thread Heaven so it could be years before I try Thread Magic.
DeleteA product that I use for stiffening beading is Protecta Clear made by Everbrite Inc.
ReplyDeletewww.protectaclear.com. It is absolutely perfect. It does not leave a shine but makes the project much more stiff. You can add another coat if you don't want any movement at all.
Thanks for the tip.
DeleteWould have been nice to know how to make this exact design :( JW's one is plain so not much help.
ReplyDeleteIn a later post, I posted the color chart and a PDF file that tells when to pick up each color. Go to THIS post.
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