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Flutterby Earrings Tutorial

The Flutterby Earrings tutorial walks viewers through crafting a butterfly-shaped earring component using IrisDuos, MiniDuos, PieDuos, and seed beads (11/0 and 15/0). The design mimics butterfly wings, using PieDuos arranged in mirrored arcs with IrisDuos at the center and MiniDuos to form connecting points. Once the shape is formed, the piece is outlined with delicate 15/0 beads to create definition, sparkle, and dimension. The project finishes with a wire guard and ear wire attachment, making it lightweight and wearable.

Step 1: Choose Your Materials

Step 2: Watch the 
Video Tutorial

Flutterby Earrings Tutorial
The designer's suggested colors & materials:
  • PieDuo Beads - Pastel Bordeaux, 8 Beads
  • IrisDuo Beads - Metallic Olivine 7x4mm, 2 Beads
  • MiniDuo Beads - Crystal Full Amber (Polished Brass) | 2x4mm, 4 Beads
  • Miyuki Seed Beads - Duracoat Galvanized Champagne 11/0, ~1 Gram
  • Miyuki Seed Beads - Duracoat Galvanized Champagne 15/0, ~1 Gram
  • Athenacast Wire Guard Protectors - 4.5x4mm Premium 24kt Premium 24k Gold Plated Plated Stainless Steel, 2 Pieces
  • Athenacast Earwires - Simple Ball 20x10.5mm | 21g Premium Real Silver Plated Brass, 2 Pieces
  • Step 3: Need More Help? Follow these Steps

    steps

    Quick Project Steps

    Create the Base Butterfly Frame: Pick up the following in order: 1 × PeiDuo → 1 × 11/0 → 1 × IrisDuo (hole 1) → 1 × 11/0 → 1 × PieDuo → 1 × MiniDuo. This creates the top half of the butterfly. Build the Lower Wing: Continue adding: 1 × PieDuo → 1 × 11/0 → 1 × IrisDuo (hole 2) → 1 × 11/0 → 1 × PieDuo → 1 × MiniDuo. Stitch through the beads to form the butterfly body and wing arc. Add the Wire Guard: Exit the top PieDuo. Add:1 × 15/0 → 1 × 11/0 → wire guard → 1 × 11/0 → 1 × 15/0. Stitch back into the PiDuo and reinforce the loop 2–3 times. This will be the attachment loop for the ear wire. Outline the Wings with 15/0 Beads: Exit a PieDuo on the outer edge. Add: 3 × 15/0 beads for the inner arc, then 6 × 15/0 beads for the outer curve of the wing. Stitch into the next PieDuo or MiniDuo to anchor the curve. Repeat this around each wing section. Mirror the Second Wing: Travel through the MiniDuos and IrisDuo to reach the other side. Repeat the same 15/0 embellishment pattern for symmetry: 3 beads for top curve. 6 beads for lower arc. Ensure both sides are balanced in stitch tension and bead count. Attach the Ear Wire: Slide your ear wire onto the wire guard. Make sure it hangs with the butterfly wings facing outward. Tie Off and Secure: Weave through surrounding beads to reinforce. Tie half-hitch knots discreetly and burn or trim thread ends.

    Step 5: Need Any Extra Materials?

    • Potomacbeads Beading Ruler | Ultimate | Crystal | 9x3"
    • Thread Zap II
    • BeadTec Beading Needles Sizes 10, 11, 12 | Mix Pack of 6
    • Plastic Caliper Tool - White
    • BeadTec DragonThread - Crystal/White | Size 6 (Medium) | 50 Meter Spool
    • BeadTec DragonThread - Green | Size 6 (Medium) | 50 Meter Spool

    Step 5: Need Any Extra Materials?

    BeadTec Beading Ruler | Advanced | 6x3"
    Flutterby Earrings Tutorial
    PotomacBeads Pliers - Round Nose Pliers

    Step 6: Choose Your Next Project

    • Learn how to create beautiful and artistic RounDuo Bangle Stacker Bracelets in this DIY jewelry-making tutorial. Using RounDuo or RounDuo Mini beads paired with 11/0, 15/0, and 8/0 seed beads, this video will guide you through each step, from selecting materials to finishing with a clasp or continuous bangle design.

      Read More

    Step 6: Choose Your Next Project

    • Glasgow Rose Embroidered Pendant - DIY Jewelry Making Tutorial by PotomacBeads
    • Glasgow Rose Embroidered Pendant - DIY Jewelry Making Tutorial by PotomacBeads

    Watch Anna Tonnesen as she provides detailed step by step tutorial instructions to learn to embroider with beads. Create the Glasgow Rose pendant or create your own masterpiece of DIY jewelry following this project tutorial. Learn how to lay out your embroidery project, cut and shape your surface, sew on beads, apply the backing and seem the sides of the piece.
    • Comet Earrings - DIY Jewelry Making Tutorial by PotomacBeads
    • Flower Gem Earrings - DIY Jewelry Making Tutorial by PotomacBeads
    • Embroidered Rings - DIY Jewelry Making Tutorial by PotomacBeads

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    Item Description

    The Flutterby Earrings tutorial walks viewers through crafting a butterfly-shaped earring component using IrisDuos, MiniDuos, PieDuos, and seed beads (11/0 and 15/0). The design mimics butterfly wings, using PieDuos arranged in mirrored arcs with IrisDuos at the center and MiniDuos to form connecting points. Once the shape is formed, the piece is outlined with delicate 15/0 beads to create definition, sparkle, and dimension. The project finishes with a wire guard and ear wire attachment, making it lightweight and wearable.

    Designer's Material List

    The designer's suggested colors & materials:
  • PieDuo Beads - Pastel Bordeaux, 8 Beads
  • IrisDuo Beads - Metallic Olivine 7x4mm, 2 Beads
  • MiniDuo Beads - Crystal Full Amber (Polished Brass) | 2x4mm, 4 Beads
  • Miyuki Seed Beads - Duracoat Galvanized Champagne 11/0, ~1 Gram
  • Miyuki Seed Beads - Duracoat Galvanized Champagne 15/0, ~1 Gram
  • Athenacast Wire Guard Protectors - 4.5x4mm Premium 24kt Premium 24k Gold Plated Plated Stainless Steel, 2 Pieces
  • Athenacast Earwires - Simple Ball 20x10.5mm | 21g Premium Real Silver Plated Brass, 2 Pieces
  • Project Steps

    Create the Base Butterfly Frame: Pick up the following in order: 1 × PeiDuo → 1 × 11/0 → 1 × IrisDuo (hole 1) → 1 × 11/0 → 1 × PieDuo → 1 × MiniDuo. This creates the top half of the butterfly. Build the Lower Wing: Continue adding: 1 × PieDuo → 1 × 11/0 → 1 × IrisDuo (hole 2) → 1 × 11/0 → 1 × PieDuo → 1 × MiniDuo. Stitch through the beads to form the butterfly body and wing arc. Add the Wire Guard: Exit the top PieDuo. Add:1 × 15/0 → 1 × 11/0 → wire guard → 1 × 11/0 → 1 × 15/0. Stitch back into the PiDuo and reinforce the loop 2–3 times. This will be the attachment loop for the ear wire. Outline the Wings with 15/0 Beads: Exit a PieDuo on the outer edge. Add: 3 × 15/0 beads for the inner arc, then 6 × 15/0 beads for the outer curve of the wing. Stitch into the next PieDuo or MiniDuo to anchor the curve. Repeat this around each wing section. Mirror the Second Wing: Travel through the MiniDuos and IrisDuo to reach the other side. Repeat the same 15/0 embellishment pattern for symmetry: 3 beads for top curve. 6 beads for lower arc. Ensure both sides are balanced in stitch tension and bead count. Attach the Ear Wire: Slide your ear wire onto the wire guard. Make sure it hangs with the butterfly wings facing outward. Tie Off and Secure: Weave through surrounding beads to reinforce. Tie half-hitch knots discreetly and burn or trim thread ends.