How to Make Your First Pair of Quilled Native American Styled Earrings

Learning to make your own jewelry can be one of the most rewarding gifts you give yourself. Many people like Native American crafts, but don't know how to do them, or they think they must find someone who is Indian to teach them, or maybe they are worried that if they aren't Indian that no one will teach them. All of these are no reason to not learn how to create your own quilled Native American styled earrings. As long as you are clear with those who ask that you are not Native American if you aren't then you'll be fine. It is a crime in some states to call your Native American styled crafts Native American unless you are an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe.

To create your first pair of quilled Native American styled earrings you will need a few things such as, 4-8 prepared quills that are about the same length, size 11 glass seed beads in colors you like, 2 small round pieces of leather, a long thin beading needle, I suggest one that will work with size 11 seed beads, bees wax, and size D nymo beading thread. All of these supplies can be purchased online or at a bead store.

Step 1: Cut some thread about the length of your arm, and run it over the top of the bees wax. This will strengthen your thread and help prevent breakage while you are working. Don't be surprised if occasionally some little pieces of wax break off and stick to the thread, just remove them; this is normal.

Step 2: Thread your beading needle. You can use a threader that you can buy at most beading stores or just thread it by hand which is what experienced beaders do. The head on a beading needle is very thin so don't be surprised if it takes you a moment or two to get your needle threaded properly.

Step 3: Tie a small knot in the end of your thread once you've threaded your needle.

Step 4: Take your needle and pull it through the bottom middle of one of the little pieces of leather until the knot catches. Trim any thread hanging from the knot.

Step 5: Pick up 6 seed beads in your chosen color(s). When they are part way down the thread, take your needle and pull it through the bottom three seed beads. This will give you the loop for the top of your earring which you can attach whatever type of hook you want. Pull the loop down the thread until it is resting on top of the small round piece of leather. Put the needle back down through the 2^nd set of 3 seed beads and down through the leather, then pull it tight. This completes the loop to put your earring hook on, and prepares you for the next step.

Step 6: Depending on how long you want your earrings string some seed beads on your thread and then a quill. Be very careful when piercing the soft interior of the quill with your needle. Once you start, you can carefully pull the quill down the needle and onto the thread until it is resting against the beads. Add some more seed beads, another quill, and then an equal number of seed beads as when you began. This will complete the first loop.

Step 7: Push your needle through the leather and back up through the first set of the 3 seed beads that comprise the first half of your loop on top, pull your thread tight, but not to tight, until the loop is completed. You can create as many loops made out of seed beads and quills as you want.

Step 8: To complete the first earring thread your needle back down through the 2^nd set of 3 seed beads on top and back down through the leather. At which point you can choose to thread your needle back through all the hoops to strengthen it or not. I usually do it at least once and then either cut the thread, or tie it off. I suggest tying it off just to be certain it can't unravel.

Step 9: Repeat the first 8 steps for your second earring.

Step 10: Add whatever type of earring hook is appropriate for you and you're done!

These are some of my favorites earrings to both make and wear because of their uniqueness. I hope you find this tutorial for your first pair of quilled Native American styled earrings fun and useful! Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions.