Materials:
Alacarte Clasps™:
  1 yd. each 6mm WireLace®—Rust/Merlot, Black/Aluminum, or Navy/Brass
  1 pair Nickel-free Crystal Ear Wires*
  2 4mm Bell End Caps
CRYSTALLIZED™—Swarovski Elements:
  2 14mm Cosmic Triangle (art. 4737)—Crystal Volcano, Crystal CAL "V" SI,
     or Crystal Tabac M
  2 21mm x 11mm Chessboard Button (art. 3093)—Crystal Volcano, Crystal CAL "V" SI,
     or Crystal Tabac M

Additional Supplies:
Basic beading supplies, chain nose pliers, split needle (or 3 in. of beading wire), toothpick, two-part epoxy (all-purpose and clear-drying), wire cutters or sharp scissors

*The Volcano earrings shown are a bit different. Instead of using the Crystal Ear Wires, you can use a pair of Nickel-free 4mm Cup and Ring Posts (available through Alacarte Clasps™), each set with a CRYSTALLIZED™—Swarovski Elements 6mm Top-drilled Bicone Crystal (art. 6301) in a coordinating color. See instructions for details.

Sources of Supply
Alacarte Clasps™| (800) 977-2825 | www.alacarteclasps.com
CRYSTALLIZED™—Swarovski Elements | www.create-your-style.com

Instructions (for one earring):

1. Thread a 9-in. piece of WireLace® through the Cosmic Triangle. With the ends even, tie a snug square knot on the outside edge. (Note: There are two steps for a square knot: First, with the right strand, go right over left and under [Fig. 1a]. Then, with the left strand, go left over right and under [Fig. 1b]. Tighten.) Repeat with a 9-in. piece of WireLace® in the second color (Fig. 2).
2. Add a Chessboard Button by dividing the strands and threading one side through the holes (Fig. 3).
3. On the reverse side (shown as tan), thread the other strand through the same hole. Use a split needle or a piece of beading wire folded in half to pull the WireLace® end through (Fig. 4). Pull tight and tie a square knot on top. Repeat for the other strand. (Note: The knots should be snug and centered on the top edge of the Button so the crystals will stack vertically.)
4. Though it is not necessary, it is helpful to secure the Crystals to something in order to maintain a slight tension on the strands as you braid. Divide the strands in half to begin the four-strand braid as shown (Fig. 5). (Note: The strand colors have been changed slightly in the diagrams for clarity.)
5. A four-strand braid is ONE basic move that alternates sides: Always starting with the outside strand, go under two strands and back over one strand (Fig. 6). Tighten the strands to remove any gaps in the braid.
6. On the alternate side, repeat Step 5 (Fig. 7). Continue alternating each side until the braid is about ¾ in. When finished, gently squeeze the knots with chain nose pliers to create a smooth transition from the Crystal into the braid.
7. Use a toothpick to mix epoxy according to manufacturer's instructions. Saturate all the way around the braid ½ in. from the top of the Crystal. Let dry, then cut in the middle of the glued area. (This will help keep the ends of the braid together and will create a solid nub to attach the End Cap to.)
8. Test to make sure that the glued nub end fits into the End Cap. If needed, gently squeeze to adjust or taper the tip of the braid by trimming slightly on an angle. Fill the End Cap ¾ full with epoxy, and then slide it over the end of the braid. (The glue should seep out a tiny bit.) Let dry.
9. To finish with a Crystal Ear Wire, slip the completed earring onto the loop of the Ear Wire. Bend the loop to close the gap, or leave it open so you can reverse the earring to show the back side of the Crystals. To finish with a Post, use epoxy to glue a Top-drilled Bicone Crystal into the cup (hole side down). Rotate the split ring on the Bell End Cap, attach the Post, and close.