This colorful pair of Beaded Lizard Earrings are a miniature version of the popular camp craft!
Remember the adorable color-changing beaded lizards I shared a while back? Well, turns out I couldn't stop making them. However, I ran out of pony beads, so I whipped out my seed bead collection and wondered if I could make miniature ones. After I finished the first one, I realized it was the perfect size for an earring and couldn't wait to let you know all about it! These Beaded Lizard Earrings are so fun and easy to make, and are certainly an accessory that everyone will be complimenting you on. Of course, they also make a fantastic gift!
To make your own Beaded Lizard Earrings, you will need these supplies:
- Clear Beading Cord
- 2 Earring Hooks
- Beading Needle (optional)
- 4mm Seed Beads (two colors)
- Main (green): 26 beads
- Accent (pink): 20 beads
- 2 4mm Black Seed Beads
First, you need to cut two lengths of clear beading cord measuring about 12 inches. Fold the cord in half, and tie it to the end of the earring hook using a Larks Head Knot. Repeat for the other earring.
If you've never made beaded lizards before, they might look complicated. Don't worry at all! I promise that they are easy to make, and I will walk you through every step of the process. Plus, you can always refer to the image above to use as a pattern to help you along.
Thread both ends of the cord through the first bead. Then, separate the ends of the cord to thread two beads onto the next row: bring the end of each cord through the pair of beads and out the opposite sides.
The next row will be added the same way as the previous one, but this time add two black beads with the colored one in the center. Bring the ends of the string through the row of beads and out the opposite side. On the next row, add two colored beads, and bring the string ends through to the opposite sides and pull it tight.
This next step is adding the arms to the little lizard! Lay the ends of the string out, and add two main colored beads (green) and then three accent beads (pink) to each side. Bring the end of the string back down through the two arm (main color) beads, and then pull the string tighter so that the fingers create a triangle-like shape.
The next couple of rows are similar to the previous one, but add two accent beads in the middle instead of one. Weave the string ends through both rows. For the next row, it's exactly the same as the one before! Add three beads: two main color with one accent in the middle.
Now the earrings are ready to wear and/or gift! They are incredibly lightweight, and add such a fun pop of color. Once you make the first lizard, the next ones you make will come together MUCH more quickly.
Just for fun, I made another pair of beaded lizard earrings using 2mm seed beads instead of the 4mm. The size of the beads make this project slightly more challenging, but not too bad! They were a lot of fun to make, and they are so itty bitty!
Once the lizard belly is completed, add two back legs. You will string these exactly the same way as the front legs.
Add one more row of 2 beads in the main color. Then, you can create the tail by adding on one bead at a time.
You can make the tail as long or as short as you'd like. I made mine using an accent bead first, and then alternated so that it was a total of 4 beads: 2 pink, and 2 green.
Once you get to the end of the tail, make sure the string has been tightened evenly all the way through the lizard. Tie the string into a tight knot against the last bead, and then tie another knot to keep it secure. Trim the ends close to the knot.
Here's a comparison of the size of the two pairs of Beaded Lizard Earrings. I love them both, and had so much fun with this project! If you're feeling crafty, I definitely recommend that you give this a try. It's great for teens and adults alike, and make a creative gift for those who like quirky accessories.
As always, if you make any of these projects for yourself, I'd love to see your creations! Tag me on Instagram and Facebook, or leave a comment/photo on the project pin on Pinterest! #AFMCrafts
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