Beads to Make Cherry Charms

Get all the beads you need to make these cute little cherry charms for earrings. A beginner-friendly beading project. Perfect for summer picnics!

This listing comes with all the beads (cherries and leaves) you need to make 10 cherry charms (5 pairs). The beads are all glass from Czech (Preciosa) or Japan (Miyuki).

The head pins and jump rings are not included. 21 gauge head pins at least 1 inch long for the small cherries and 1.5 inches long for the large cherries are recommended. Thicker head pins will not fit through the holes of the large cherry leaf beads. They may with the small cherry "leaf" beads, but I have not tested it. For the jump rings, 21 gauge, open, 6mm (outer diameter) or larger is recommended. You may also consider using stainless steel jump rings due to their strength. 

How to Make (see photos):

1. Straighten the head pins, if necessary. Thread a red bead onto a head pin. Repeat for the second cherry.
2. Use round nose pliers or the 1-step looper tool to create loops, leaving a portion for the stem. For the small cherries, I leave about 0.25 inches (distance from top of bead to bottom of loop). For the large cherries, I leave about 0.5 inch. To make sure the stems on each cherry are even, I like to measure and make a mark with sharpie. You could also add green bugle beads or seed beads for the "stem" and add the same number for each cherry.
3. For the small cherries, open the jump ring and thread a leaf, a cherry, the second cherry, and the second leaf in that order. For the large cherries, open the jump ring and thread a cherry, the second cherry, and a leaf in that order. Be careful when adding the leaf bead. You will need to open the jump ring widely. It may take a little finagling to get the leaf onto the jump ring. Don't push too hard and risk ruining the jump ring.
4. Close the jump ring and attach it to an ear wire.

IMPORTANT: If you plan to use sterling silver or gold-filled head pins and jump rings, please practice with less expensive base metal findings first. Especially if you're new to making loops. 

Please note this listing is for the beads only. These are NOT finished charms or earrings. The head pins and jump rings are NOT included.

WARNING: These beads are small. Please keep them away from young children to prevent choking and other potential harm.

PLEASE READ ALL BEAD DETAILS BEFORE PURCHASING. Photos may be enlarged.