Purple Lamp Bead and Puffy Rondelle Link Necklace and Earrings

I was just starting to like Creative Beadcraft, I had just placed another order, despite this kit arriving 3 weeks after I ordered it. Two emails later it finally arrived with no explanation as to why it was late.

Though kit number 157 was complicated to put together, after my practice with the other kits I found it straightforward technically. Except for a few problems...

 Here's some of what was on my lap as I was working

First link, eyepin with crystal rondelle (more puffy ones :))

I then realised I needed to sit at my desk to assemble this one as I needed a bigger working space. 

 Adding the first lamp bead with a headpin and small silver bead. 

 All the lamp beads added 

 Finished necklace, I'm pretty happy with it.

 Then I decided to make the matching earrings.  I don't normally make earrings, as I tend to wear everything I make and I can't wear earrings because my ears have healed up from years of not wearing earrings.

This is where I need to whinge. The lamp work beads sent were a bit shoddy.  One had a weird extra hole in it and two were over drilled so the holes in them were massive and even with the little silver bead provided they didn't stay on the headpins. I used these ones for the earrings and luckily had some slightly larger silver beads in my big leftover bead box from when I did my evening class.

The instructions to make the earrings made NO SENSE. Complete rubbish, no way you could make an earring from them, I just used the picture on the sheet a a guide and did it my own way. They came out quite nice but I imagine an absolute beginner would be confused and unable to finish them.  I have ordered again from this company but just components not kits as I think they are overpriced (especially as you can get the weirdly written instructions on their website!) and buying just components is a lot cheaper. But it has been a good learning experience and I am glad I pushed myself to do it!

Finished earrings