There is something deeply joyful about giving new life to simple materials. In this week’s studio tutorial, Sherry walks you through a beautiful transformation. She takes ordinary cotton fabric and turns it into shimmering, foil-kissed beads for earrings.
If you love slow crafting, quiet afternoons, and the satisfaction of making something truly your own, you’ll feel right at home with this project.
Step 1 — Prepare Your Fabric with Gel Medium
- Begin with a cotton print and a stencil. Click her to get Sherika Originals Acrylic Paper Bead templates.
- Brush gel medium (Mod Podge works beautifully) across the stencil.
- Apply enough to fill the design without letting it pool.
- Lift the stencil and allow the pattern to dry completely. It will turn clear when ready for the next step.
Step 2 — Apply Your Foil
- Lay foil sheets across the dried gel medium.
- Reuse foil pieces until all the shine has been lifted.
- Cover the fabric with parchment paper.
- Run it through a hot-foil machine, or use a warm iron or laminator.
- Let the fabric cool, then peel the foil away. The design will appear as a soft, metallic impression—subtle and luminous.
Step 3 — Roll Your Fabric Beads
- Cut your fabric into long triangular strips, just as you would for paper beads.
- Use a bead roller or make a simple one by folding stiff wire in half and sliding the ends through an empty pen barrel.
- Keep the fabric centered as you roll so the bead stays even.
- Add a dot of glue to secure the final edge.
Step 4 — Seal the Beads
- Stand your beads upright in a piece of foam.
- Brush them with liquid polycrylic or your preferred bead sealer.
- This strengthens the bead and gives it a gentle sheen.
- Allow them to dry thoroughly before moving to the assembly stage.
Step 5 — Build the Earrings
- Cut two equal lengths of tarnish-resistant wire—about five inches each.
- Form a loop at one end, slide on a bead, and create a second loop on the other side. Wrap the wire above and below the bead for a polished finish.
- For a cleaner, more modern look, you may use end caps and strong adhesive instead.
- Attach your ear hooks by twisting the loop open, sliding the bead component on, and closing it again.
Once finished, you’ll have earrings that feel both handmade and beautifully refined—all beginning with a simple piece of fabric.
If you'd like a ready-made pair, the design created in this tutorial is available in the shop.