Add a little sparkle to your day with this adorable beaded butterfly ring! Made with seed beads and wire, this dainty DIY ring is surprisingly easy to make — and the results are seriously cute.
Whether you’re crafting one for yourself, gifting it to a friend, or making matching rings at a sleepover or birthday party, this butterfly design is the perfect combination of sweet and stylish. You can customize the colours, adjust the size, and create your very own fluttery accessory in no time!
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How to Make a Beaded Butterfly Ring
Materials:
- 16 gauge jewelry wire
- 24 gauge jewelry wire
- Seed beads (2mm; 2 colours)
Watch the step-by-step video tutorial:
Instructions:
Step 1: Find what you need
- Gather your supplies and materials.
Step 2: Make the base ring
- Wrap 16 gauge wire around a ring mandrel, leaving about 1 inch overlap. We recommend wrapping the wire half a size larger than you need.
- Cut the wire and then use round nose pliers to bend the end of the wire in to the center of the ring.Repeat on the opposite side. Then push the ends of the wire in, creating 2 small loops that point out.
Step 3: Make the butterfly
- Now cut a piece of 24 gauge wire to be 14 inches long.
- String 20 seed beads onto the wire. This colour of beads will form the butterfly’s wings.
- Push the beads so they’re at least a few inches from the end of the wire. (This length will be used later to connect the butterfly to the ring.)Then form a loop with the beads, twisting the wire together a few times to secure it in place. This is the first wing.
- Add 20 more beads to the long end of the wire and let them fall down next to the first wing.Make another loop and twist the wire in the same place you did before, so the loops (wings) are across from each other.
- String 20 more beads onto the wire, making another wing. Repeat again to make the fourth wing.Ensure all the twists are in the middle, and arrange the loops so they look like butterfly wings, 2 on each side.
- Now add 5 seed beads of a darker shade or complementary colour.
- Let the beads fall down next to the wings and wrap the wire around the center of the butterfly, so the darker beads form the body.Then move the shorter wire down, so that each end is pointing in a different direction (one facing up, one facing down).
Step 4: Connect the two pieces
- Set the butterfly on top of the ring you made earlier, in the section in-between the 2 loops. The wire ends should be at the top and bottom of the ring.
- Wrap each wire end around the overlapped section of the ring 3 to 4 times, placing the wraps underneath the butterfly.
- Now make 5 to 6 wraps around the single layered section of the ring, next to the loop. Repeat on the other side.
- Then cut the excess wire and use flat nose pliers to pinch the ends into the ring.
- Adjust the shape of the butterfly so the wings are even. You can leave the wings open in a loop, or pinch the ends so they’re more pointed.
- Your beaded butterfly ring is complete!
Helpful Tips:
- Want a smaller butterfly? In our tutorial we used 20 beads on each wing, but you can make a more delicate version by using just 12 beads. It’s a great option for younger kids or for a more subtle style!
- Use the right wire sizes for best results: We recommend using 16-gauge jewelry wire for the ring base — it’s sturdy and strong enough to hold its shape. For wrapping and shaping the butterfly, 24-gauge wire works beautifully because it’s flexible but still sturdy.
- Plan your bead colours before you start: Choose your favourite colour, or lay out your beads in advance so you can visualize your butterfly’s wings. You can even test a multi-coloured pattern on a piece of wire first before making your actual ring.
- Work on a non-slip surface: A small bead mat or even a folded tea towel will help keep your beads and wire from rolling away while you work.
How do I know what size of beaded butterfly ring to make?
The easiest way to find your ring size is to wrap a piece of string or thin strip of paper around your finger, right where the ring will sit. Mark where the ends meet, then measure the length with a ruler. You can use that measurement with a ring size chart or line it up on a ring mandrel to find your size.
If you have a ring mandrel, great! You can build the base of your butterfly ring right on it to get the perfect fit. But if you don’t, no problem — just use a marker, glue stick, lipstick tube, or anything round that’s close to your finger size.
Will the wire ends on this butterfly ring poke my finger?
They shouldn’t — as long as you tuck them in properly! After finishing your ring, use flat nose pliers to gently press the wire ends into the inside of the ring band. This helps flatten them against the wire and prevents any sharp edges from sticking out or scratching your skin.
In all the rings we made, none of the wire ends caused any discomfort, but it’s always a good idea to double-check. If you’re worried, you can also gently file the ends with a metal nail file or use a drop of clear nail polish or jewelry glue to smooth things out even more. A little extra care makes the ring comfy and safe to wear!
Can I use this butterfly design for other DIY jewelry?
Yes, you can definitely use this beaded butterfly design for more than just rings! Once you’ve made the butterfly shape with wire and beads, you can easily turn it into a pendant for a necklace, a charm for a bracelet, or even glue it onto a hair clip or bobby pin for a fun accessory.
To make it into a charm or pendant, form the extra wire into a loop at the top of the butterfly. You can also wrap it around a jump ring so you can easily connect it to chains, keyrings, or clasps.
The design is super versatile — so feel free to get creative and turn your butterfly into whatever sparkly accessory you like!
Making your own beaded butterfly ring is such a fun way to mix creativity with a little everyday sparkle! With just some wire, a few beads, and a bit of patience, you can create a delicate accessory that’s completely one-of-a-kind.
Whether you’re crafting solo, making friendship rings, or adding a handmade touch to your outfit, these fluttery little rings are sure to bring joy. So grab your supplies and let your creativity take flight — your next favourite piece of jewelry is just a few beads away!
Here’s even more DIY jewelry ideas:
DIY Chainmail Bracelet Patterns
How to Make Rhinestone Earrings
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