No Hassle Tassels

A little bit country, plus one part grunge, add a dash of Parisian sophistication, and you've got what Marc Jacobs equates to "the joy of dressing up" with his Spring 2009 collection. And dress up we will! While many designers took the minimalist approach to reflect the economic downturn, Marc laughed in its face. With models sauntering down the catwalk in tiered skirts, over embellished bags, lurex belts, and armfuls of bangles, Mr. Jacobs definitely took the more is more approach to dressing. No item of his collection screams for attention more than the enormous tassel earrings that dangle dangerously close to the shoulders. And although every business around the world is downsizing, there is no reason your accessories should!


What You'll Need:
Two tassels
Two earring posts
Two head pins
Safety pins (approximately 30)
Jewelry wire
Various color/size beads
Hot glue
Scissors

Start by attaching the earring post to the loop of head pin, which will serve as the base of your earring. String a large bead or stone onto the head pin, then push the pin through the top center of the tassel. Flip the tassel over and put a dot of hot glue on the underside of the head pin. Then slide a bead onto the pin so it sticks to the glue. This bead will be hidden by the fringe, but ensures the tassel will not slip off the post. Snip off any excess length of the pin.


Next, open the safety pins, slide on your decorative beads, then close the pins. Take about 12" of jewelry wire, and begin sliding on the safety pins, alternating with round beads. I added a plain safety pin next to every beaded one to achieve a fuller look like the Marc earrings. When there are enough safety pins to cover the circumference of the tassel, loop the wire through one of the round beads forming a circle.

Slide the circle over the base of the tassel and pull tight.

Twist the two ends of the wire together, snip off the excess, then hide the knot underneath the beads; as they would say in Paris, vous êtes finis!

These ornate tassel earrings will surely lift your spirits - and ensembles - for the remaining months of winter!

xx,CC