Mad Men Week: How to Make Betty Draper Francis' Earrings

One of the things I love most about Mad Men is how costume designer, Janie Bryant, reuses pieces of the main character's wardrobe.  One of my favorite pieces on the show this season was Betty's earrings she wore to a formal event with Henry.  While watching one of the behind the scenes videos, I realized that Betty wears these earrings in Season 3 (Souvenir) as well.

These earrings, which were quite popular during the mid to later half of the 60s, are pretty easy to make.

Here's what you'll need:

1.  jewelry wire cutters (I used mine as needle nose pliers too)

2.  earring posts with a loop for dangling attachments (I found some vintage ones at the thrift store, but new ones are readily available at your craft store)

3.  head pins with a bottom large enough to hold your bead

4.  large round beads (Betty's are pearls, I chose rhinestones instead)

5.  fine silver chain

-optional-

needle nose pliers | jump rings | crimping beads

Thread your bead onto the head pin and mark where you want to cut it, leaving enough room to make a ring (about a half inch or so, depending on the size of your bead).

Cut the head pin.

Measure how long you want your chain to hang and cut.  Mine is about 1.5 inches.

Bend the top of the head pin to create a loop.  Place your chain inside and secure closed.

Open the loop on the post.

Loop the chain through and secure closed.  Repeat for matching earring.

If you buy your findings on sale, this project will cost you about $10 or less.

This project not your cup of tea?  Here are a re few pairs for sale right now on etsy:

1  |  2  |  3  |  4 

ALSO!

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