Dawnmorningstar’s Weblog

This and the previous earring, the Halloween Spider, are an easy to make diamond shape.  They are done using the Comanche Weave technique which is also known as Brick Stitch, Apache Weave, and Bedouin Stitch.

I strongly recommend that, if you are unfamiliar or new to this technique, the basic stitch should be practiced until you are comfortable doing it.  You may even want to do your practicing with bugle beads.  Even though this design uses seed beads, there is no difference in the technique, and the bugle beads are easier to manipulate.

An understanding of how much tension is needed as well as a good deal of nimbleness with your fingertips must be developed.  Since it is much easier to learn how to do the basic stitch with bugles, it will be less frustrating if you are a beginner.

The photo above was taken on the macro setting of my camera and is oversize.  To get a better idea of what the earring will actually look like, get up from your chair and step back from the computer about 15 feet.  There. . . see.  It really does look like a poinsettia.

The four colors I used in making the beaded earring were Gold, Red, Green, and Yellow.  When I made up the pattern I could not find a color comparable to Gold, so I chose the olive green as a close alternative.  The Gold is used as a background color.  You should feel free to use any color you like or that will coordinate with your Christmas outfit.

Happy Holidays!