Simple Wire and Crystal Ribbon Earrings

I recently heard from my high school friend Kristy who was planning on running a race in California to raise money for cancer research.  When I saw Sandra Lupo's wire earring project, I immediately bought some half-round silver wire and a 5mm rose Swarovski crystal pearl to make a pendant version for Kristy.  As much as I loved the original earrings, I wanted to give my friend some flexibility in wearing this design.  By adding a closed jump ring , she can wear the ribbon like a pendant on a simple chain or cord.  She could also add an open jump ring and lobster clasp and attach it to a jacket zipper for her final victory lap.--Michelle Mach, Beading Daily editor

The Story Behind "Remembrance Ribbon Earrings"

Designer Sandra Lupo shares the story behind this week's free project from Step by Step Wire Jewelry:

"My design for my Remembrance Ribbon Earrings was an emotional response to devastating illnesses that have touched my life recently.

My first hand experience of getting my ribbons out there was launched by a local effort at Tracy Lynn Salon, Sea Bright, New Jersey, in October 2007.  Fight Back Friday was the theme for the month, with a portion of salon proceeds every Friday going to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.  An end of month cocktail party with silent auction was held.  I made several pairs of ribbon earrings and made bracelets with ribbon charms.  The event was an incredible success for all, both on a financial and emotional level.  The Salon will again host the events this October.

Today and for the past two years, my mind dwells on my dear friend Jerilyn’s long fight with ovarian cancer. Wishing there was something I could do to ease her suffering,  I focus my sadness on making remembrance earrings and charms with dangling teal crystals, the color of the ribbons worn for ovarian cancer.  The smallest efforts can mean so much in the long run."

New Project:
Remembrance Ribbon Earrings
by Sandra Lupo

Make these wire ribbon earrings for charity or for gifts.  Use different color crystals or beads to represent different causes close to your heart. This beginner/intermediate project from Step by Step Wire Jewelry uses half-round silver wire and rose-colored crystals.  The free period for this project has ended.  The instructions for these earrings are available for purchase in the store.

About the designer:  You can see more of Sandra Lupo's designs in Step by Step Beads, Step by Step Wire Jewelry, and the new book Wire Style.  Learn more about Sandra on her website, www.sandsstones.com.

Share Your Ribbon Jewelry Photos

Have you made a ribbon-inspired project?  Whether you created a version of these wire ribbon earrings, the awareness ribbon pins (charity fundraiser has ended, but you can still buy this pattern), or another ribbon-related project, I would love to see a photo!  Please send me a high-quality JPG and let me know if you made it in honor of someone special.  I will share photos in an upcoming issue of Beading Daily.  If you would like to participate, please send an email to bdsubmissions@interweave.com and put "Ribbon Project" in the subject line.  Deadline for submission is October 15th. 

Free eBook
Making Wire Jewelry:  6 Free Wire Designs from Beading Daily

Create 6 stunning wire jewelry projects (2 wire necklaces, a wire bracelet, 2 pairs of wire earrings, and a wire ring) with this free eBook that contains step by step wire jewelry instructions for each project.  Jewelry designs range in difficulty from beginner to intermediate and use a variety of wire work techniques, including spirals, coiling, wirewrapping, hammering, and twisting wire.  Download Making Wire Jewelry:  6 Free Wire Designs from Beading Daily

Free eBook:
Making Jewelry with Beading Daily:
How to Make Earrings: Five Free Jewelry Projects

This free earrings ebook, Making Jewelry with Beading Daily: How to Make Earrings: Five Free Jewelry Projects, includes five earring patterns that use a range of techniques (simple stringing, wirework, simple metalwork, seed bead netting and fringe) and a variety of materials (silver, copper, seed beads, crystals, pearls, gemstones). Both beginners and more experienced jewelry makers will find at least one beaded earring design that will inspire them to catch the handmade earring craze!

Michelle Mach shares free projects every Friday on Beading Daily. If you have comments or questions for Michelle, please post them on the website.

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