Who hasn’t dreamed of owning a pair of luxurious Oscar de la Renta tassel earrings? While these stunning accessories might be on our wish list for a future lottery win, there’s no need to wait to add a pair of beautiful tassel earrings to your collection. Why? Because you can make them yourself—easily, affordably, and with a personal touch!
Not only will you end up with a unique accessory, but the process is also fun and creative. Plus, when you wear them and get compliments, you can proudly say, “Thanks, I made them!” Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your very own DIY beaded tassel earrings.
What You’ll Need:
To get started, gather the following supplies:
- Seed beads (colour of your choice)
- Rhinestones (flat-backed, with a spot for attaching a jump ring)
- Silver tassel caps
- E6000 glue (a strong adhesive perfect for crafting)
- A small piece of felt (for attaching the tassels)
- Flat earring posts (about 10mm)
- Nylon beading string
- Beading needle (open-eye, non-pricking recommended)
- 6mm jump rings
- Needle-nose pliers
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Thread Your Beads
Start by threading your seed beads onto a length of nylon beading string. For each tassel, you’ll need multiple strings of beads. Each string should be twice the length of your desired tassel. For example, if you’re aiming for a 3-inch tassel, make each string 6 inches long. I used around 70 beads per string for my earrings. Loop the ends of each string back through several beads to secure them.
Depending on the size of your tassel cap, you’ll need several beaded strings. In my case, I used 7 strings per tassel, so 14 total for the pair.
2. Tie the Beads Together
Once you’ve threaded your strings, tie them together in the middle with a sturdy piece of beading thread. Ensure that each string hangs evenly to avoid a lopsided tassel. This may take a couple of tries, but it’s worth the effort to get the balance just right.
3. Attach the Tassels to Felt
Now, take your tassel cap and trace a small circle onto a piece of felt. This will serve as the base to attach your tassels. After cutting out the felt circle, sew the tied middle of your beaded strings to the felt. This step is crucial, as it creates a secure connection between the tassel and the cap.
4. Insert the Tassels into the Cap
Apply a small amount of E6000 glue to the inside of your tassel cap and to the top of your felt piece. Gently insert the tassel into the cap, making sure the felt is snugly inside. Use a toothpick to press down on the felt and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat the process with your second tassel and set them aside to dry.
5. Prepare the Rhinestones
While the tassels dry, it’s time to work on the earring posts and rhinestones. Add a dot of glue to the flat back of each earring post, and attach it to the back of each rhinestone. Again, let the glue dry completely before moving on to the final assembly.
6. Connect the Rhinestones to the Tassels
Once everything is dry, you can assemble your earrings. Use a 6mm jump ring to attach the rhinestone piece to the top of each tassel. Use needle-nose pliers to close the jump ring securely.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your very own pair of DIY beaded tassel earrings! These earrings are incredibly affordable to make, costing only around ten dollars, and they look just as fabulous as high-end designer pieces. The best part? You can customize them with any colours, bead styles, or rhinestones you prefer, making them a truly personal statement piece.
Whether you’re making these earrings for yourself or as a gift for a friend, they’re bound to be a hit. So grab your supplies, get creative, and start beading your way to stylish, handmade accessories!