Jet Circle Earrings - DIY Jewelry Making Tutorial by PotomacBeads

Product reviewed

Jet Circle Earrings DIY jewelry kit/tutorial (PotomacBeads subscription box kit). The video walkthrough shows how to make “jet circle earrings” using specific bead sizes and tubular peyote stitch construction.

Key features mentioned

• Project type: DIY beaded earring (loop/ring style) built with tubular peyote stitch.
• Bead sizes used (core of the design):
  • 11/0 seed beads: used as the larger “center”/structure of the ring
  • Delica beads: smaller beads that create the “wheel/caving in” effect
  • 15/0 seed beads: even smaller beads for additional edging/shape
• Thread options: black Dragon thread, with guidance that 6 or 8 size works; 5 is also “doable” (smaller thread).
• Thread amount guidance: start with roughly 5 feet (you may begin with slightly less).
• Stitch/shape concept: the design gradually transitions from larger beads (11/0) to smaller beads (Delica, then 15/0) so the sides pull in, forming a wheel-like curvature.
• Build includes two loops/rings: make a first loop with peyote, tie it off, then start a second connected loop (the tutorial notes you can make multiple if desired).
• Finishing components: wire guards and ear wires; the kit includes plain ear wires.

Pros (as described)

• Readable/adjustable sizing: loop size can be changed by altering bead counts (example: use even counts like 42, 46 for different tube sizes).
• Consistent shape effect: using Delicas and 15/0s creates a strong wheel/caved-in look.
• Flexible personalization:
  • Top loop size can be made larger/smaller by adding or reducing rows.
  • No strict “top/bottom” focus (11/0s are kept off the top so the bottom becomes the focus).
• User-friendly construction once started: Delica rows “go pretty quickly” after the initial track/structure is established.
• Kit value/extra materials: mentions enough beads to make a matching ring or additional pieces (“a lot of extra beads”).
• Sewing strength: peyote is described as surprisingly stiff, so a knot may not even be necessary (though it is tied off in the steps).

Cons / difficulties mentioned

• Thread behavior/technique sensitivity: pull thread, not needle to avoid damaging the thread running inside the needle.
• Beginner friction: starting the second loop can feel “a little awkward” at first, but improves quickly.
• Attention to recording/connection step: the presenter forgets to show a step when connecting loops on the opposite side—suggesting you benefit from careful tracking.

User experience notes (how it feels to make/use)

• Step-by-step method using bead counts and “step up” instructions common in peyote work.
• Emphasis on tight pulls and carefully seating beads to keep excess thread minimal.
• Finishing requires some choices:
  • Decide which direction the loop hangs (wire guard orientation).
  • Reinforce and route to achieve the desired front-facing look (larger ring forward).

Comparisons made

• No direct comparisons to other specific brands/models of earrings or other bead kits.
• The only “comparative” guidance is internal, such as:
  • changing loop size via bead counts
  • using different thread sizes

Notable numerical details (counts/ranges)

• First loop base: pick up 40 (11/0 seed beads).
• Tube sizing adjustment: use counts like 42, 46 (even count guidance).
• Later row structure (bottom half concept):
  • Delica rows: described as three rows of 20 (with 60 beads all together on one side, and three rows of 20 on the other side in the described approach)
  • 15/0 rows: two rows of 15/0 seed beads (optional third row mentioned)
• Second loop start:
  • 36 beads; optionally 38 or 40
  • 36 ÷ 2 = 18 beads per “half row” (used in the peyote pattern explanation)
• Overall loop example: sample piece described around 6–7 rows total of peyote on the top loop.

Concise verdict / recommendation

A good DIY project for someone comfortable (or willing to learn) tubular peyote stitching, with clear customization options for size and shape. The kit appears to offer good material value (extra beads and potential to make additional matching pieces). Expect a mild learning curve during second-loop setup, plus careful handling of thread and pulling technique.

Unique points, by aspect

• Kit / subscription / value
  • Subscription box kit
  • Link to add all materials to cart
  • Extra beads for more than one piece
  • Promotion mentions “three kits each month”
• Materials
  • Bead sizes: 11/0, Delica, 15/0
  • black Dragon thread
  • Thread size options
• Technique
  • tubular peyote stitch
  • step-up behavior
  • tight pulls
  • “wheel” shape created via bead-size transitions
• Custom sizing
  • Adjust loop size via bead counts and row counts
  • Optional additional 15/0 row
• Finishing
  • wire guards + ear wires
  • kit ear wires are plain
  • orientation determines how earrings hang
• Practical warnings
  • Pull thread not needle
  • second loop may feel awkward initially