Victorian Duos Earrings Tutorial

Prep thread & start Cut ~3.5 ft thread, thread needle, add a stop bead or tuck the tail as Marissa does. Work from the center of your assembly so beads won’t slip off. String the centre cluster (starter row) Pick up the core pieces in this order so a small cluster forms: pairs of StormDuos + a DiscDuo + another pair of StormDuos + another DiscDuo (you’ll see the shape on the bench). Pull everything down and then pass back through the whole assembly to seat it. Reinforce the core Go through all beads in that center cluster at least 2 more times (3 total passes recommended) so the little unit is tight and stable. Add the crystal connectors In each gap between the StormDuo pairs add: 15/0 → 4 mm crystal → 15/0. These sit in the little spaces between the StormDuos and form the visible crystal row. Anchor to the DiscDuo / StormDuo tops Before each DiscDuo place an 11/0, pass through the second hole of the DiscDuo, then add another 11/0 and pass into the top hole of the next StormDuo. This ties the crystal row into the upper structure and stabilizes the shape. Add the decorative edging / picots On the 15/0 that sits before each crystal add a decorative trim: 3 × 15/0 → 11/0 → 3 × 15/0 (this creates a tiny pointed arch). On alternating points you can swap the middle 11/0 for an 8/0 for a chunkier look. Repeat around both sides/top & bottom so the component gets a lacy frame. Connect the side groups into one unit Sew through the related 15/0 groups (you’ll have sets of 6 small seed beads across the join) and then pass through the corresponding 11/0 to pull the trims together — this tightens the whole ornament and prepares the top connector. Make the ear-wire loop (or use a wire guard) At the top 11/0 add 6 × 15/0 to form a beaded loop, then pass back through the same 11/0 multiple times (2–3 passes) to reinforce. Optionally replace the beaded loop with a small wire guard if you prefer that finish. Sew down to the bottom 11/0 for the dangle Follow your thread path down through the center beads to the lower 11/0 where the bottom component attaches. Keep tension neat and avoid catching fringe threads. Build the lower / bottom component From the bottom 11/0 pick up StormDuos in pairs (the S-orientation Marissa shows), add short stacks of 15/0s and occasional 11/0 or 8/0 spacers, and include an 4 mm crystal where indicated. Work mirrored pieces on left/right so the shape cups the crystal. Attach the teardrop dangle At the very bottom: add 3 × 11/0 → teardrop (enter narrow end, exit wide) → 15/0, then pass back up through the teardrop and surrounding beads and reinforce the pathway (repeat passes) so the drop sits snug and won’t flip. Final reinforcement & tidy Go back through the main structure and any weak single-thread areas; Marissa likes to run extra passes so everything feels sturdy. Tie a small knot or two where the threads meet, bury tail by stitching under bridge threads, then melt/trim with a thread zapper. Attach ear wires & finish Open the ear-wire loop (or insert the wire guard), add the ear wire, close. Check the earring for any floppy beads and add extra reinforcing passes if needed. Repeat the whole process for the second earring.