DIY: Crystal Ball Earrings

Everybody needs a pair of sparkly earrings, right? So why not make your own!

Materials:

24 small crystal beads

Clear fishing line

Stud earring components

Glue

Optional: beading needles

Here, I am using a different, darker line because it is easier to see than the clear fishing line.
Start by cutting a piece of fishing line that is approximately the length of your forearm. Thread on four crystals. Hold the fourth crystal close to one end of the line, take the other end of the line and thread it through the crystal in the opposite direction. Pull the lines tight so that it creates a 'circle' of beads.

If you find it hard to thread on the crystals, attach beading needles to the end of each line.
Now, thread one crystal onto each end of the line.

Thread on another crystal, holding it close to the end of the line. Take the other line and thread it through the crystal in the opposite direction. Pull the lines tight.

Add another crystal to each of the lines. Thread on another crystal, holding it close to the end of the line. Take the other line and thread it through the crystal in the opposite direction. Pull the lines tight.

 Thread one more crystal onto each line.

Take one line and thread it back through the first crystal. Take the other line and thread it through the first crystal in the opposite direction. It should kind of look like a bow. Kind of.

Pull the lines tight so that the crystals curl up into a little ball. Right now the ball should be pretty squishy and flimsy. If you were to trim the lines it would just fall apart.

To finish the ball: continue threading the lines through the crystals in exactly the same way as you created the ball. Thread the lines around the entire ball.

Trim the lines close to the crystals. Make another ball with the remaining twelve beads.

Put a big glob of glue onto one stud earring pad. When I say big, I mean BIG! Find a flat area on one of the balls and squish the earring pad onto it. You want the glue to go inside the ball and between the beads. Repeat with the other ball and let your new sparkly earrings dry over night.