Quilled Jhumka With Soutache

Quilling is great fun and a feast for your creative side. Quilling a Jhumka is super easy.  The great thing about a Quilled Jhumka is that you can try many designs and create one according to the outfit and or your requirement.

For all those who do not know what a Jhumka is – it’s a bell or dome shaped earring that is traditional to wear and adds ethnicity to any outfit.

A Jhumka can be fashioned in any way you want- small to large, Decoupage with design of your choice, Hand painted or using liquid embroidery.

My favorite is when I get to play with beads and stones and ball chain etc. you can make a new design every time you make one.

Soutache method of attaching beads to the Quilled Jhumka is a bit tricky but the end result is worth the effort. Let us begin

Things required for making a Quilled Jhumka with Soutache are

1.       5mm  strips in your favorite color

2.       Headpins

3.       Beads, bead caps and bead spacer of your choice

4.       Pearl beads( you can try glass beads or silver or golden balls)

5.       Ball chain

6.       Scissors

7.       Beading needle and thread

8.       Glue

9.       Mod Podge/ Varnish

10.   Quilling tool

11.   Quiling coach

12.   Quilling mould

13.   Brush

14.   Scissors

15.   Pliers

·         Step 1:

Take 7 to 8 Strips of 5mm and attach them end to end. Making a long strip, start rolling them from one end with the help of slotted tool and Quilling coach. Make a tight coil and flatten it out with the help of coach

·         Step 2

With the help of the mould, make a dome shape. Make sure they are smooth and equal in size.

·         Step 3

With the help of brush or finger spread out Glue under each dome. Make sure the layer of Glue covers every part of the inside of the dome. TIP: Don’t apply a thick layer.

·         Step 4

With help of brush apply Varnish or Mod Podge, it not only hardens the dome but gives a gloss to your Quilled Jhumka. Let it dry completely TIP : Use a Needle tool or tooth pick to hoist the dome.

·         Step 5

Use ball Chain and attach it on the tip of the dome.

·         Step 6

Using a beading needle or any normal needle bead some pearl beads. Once you have enough length apply some Glue and make sure that you put these beaded thread on top of the Glue. Make sure that the thread doesn’t stick on the dome. Wait till the beads stick and then pull the thread. You will be amazed to see the finished look.

·         Step 7

Repeat Step 5

·         Step 8

Insert the headpin in the dome and using your choice of bead caps etc roll the tip of the pin and attach it with ear hook.

Repeat the same step with the other dome.

TA-DA… a pair of Jhumka is ready. I was really excited to see the end result. I was so proud of myself for finishing and all in one go. I know it takes some practice to bead and stick it on the Jhumka, but I just loved the finished piece.

Try one for yourself now....