Adriana Earrings by BeadsMagic – Free Beading Pattern Review and Variations
When I was teaching myself how to bead, one of the first patterns I ever successfully made were the beaded Adriana earrings from BeadsMagic.com. I loved the first pair I made so much, I wore them all the time and I think they’re still visible in my LinkedIn headshot. I love this earring pattern so much, I’ve made (and worn) several variations.
Adriana earrings supplies:
- 11/0 seed beads
- 4mm bicone beads* (6 per earring)
- 6mm pearls** (6 per earring)
- OPTIONAL, extra pearl and crystal drop
You’ll also need a slim beading needle suitable for 11/0 beads, and thread. I used Beadalon Supplemax monofilament illusion cord 0.25mm and collapsible eye needle.
*You can experiment with using other roundish 4mm beads. I’ve used tear drops successfully, but suspect round beads would work too.
** You can experiment with using other roundish 6mm beads,. I’ve also been successful using a 4mm bead plus two 11/0s on either side.
*** You can also size up your 4 and 6mm beads to 6 and 8mm
What I love about the Adriana earrings pattern:
- I found the diagram is easy to follow, even as a beginner.
- The colour combinations you can do here are endless! You can go monochrome, you can use different colours for each size bead, you could even do a rainbow with your bicones. I’m quite partial to a colourful bicone with white imitation pearls and metallic seed beeds, custom chosen to match any outfit or occasion.
- You can size this pattern up really nicely using 6mm bicones + 8mm round beads. You can also use bicones that are the same size, but add two 11/0 beads around each one on the outer ring to fill out the pattern.
- I get SO MANY compliments when I wear these
- The pattern is free 😊
Variations on the Adriana earrings pattern
I don’t love making the embellishment at the top or the fringey bit at the bottom, luckily we can make the pattern without these parts.
To replace the top embellishment, I usually add an 8/0 or 6/0 seed bead with a jump ring attached. This makes the main component sit higher next to your cheeks when you wear it.
On my first attempt at the pattern I ended up with a variation that has three fringes, and for that I finished the main component, then added each fringe individually using Good Thread, which drapes very nicely. The fringe uses bugle beads, seed beads, and either bicones or chip gemstones.
I also made a variation with an extra row of seed beads between the pearls, which makes a nice starburst shape. I made this pair specifically to match a red dress, and I love how it turned out.
