(c) Sandra I. Smith
May not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the author.
Supplies Needed: (Photo 1)
Seed beads
Two 8-mm faceted beads, glass beads, fetishes, or other interesting beads
Earwires, posts, or clipons
Beading needle
Beading thread
Beeswax (Optional)
Clear craft glue (Optional)
These are simple and quick-to-bead earrings that can be easily completed in an evening. The focal point of the earring is an interesting or showy bead in about the 8-mm size. The focal bead can be any type of bead that you find attractive. It can be whatever size and shape you desire. I have used plastic faceted beads, ceramic beads, fetishes, and old world beads.
The loops are made from seed beads. I usually use size 11 beads, but any size will work. I generally make two - four loops, with 20 - 60 beads in each loop. Because the focal beads I have used have been fairly small, I've found that four loops is the maximum that will look attractive. How many you use will depend on the size of the focal bead and seed beads you are using, as well as what looks attractive to you. It doesn't take long to add an extra loop, and it is easy to remove it if you decide you don't like it. I have also found that a loop of less than 20 beads is too round and stiff to hang well. Other than that, the loops can be as short or long as you would like them to be.
If you like large earrings, you can also mix other types of beads in with the seed beads in the loops. I usually make all the loops the same size but that isn't necessary. If you do make the loops different lengths, try varying the lengths by increments of ten. That is, one loop would have 20 beads, the next loop would have 30 beads, the next loop would have 40 beads, etc. You may also vary the colors within the loop.
One effective combination I use is five black beads, five red beads, and five white beads, repeated until the desired length is achieved. Or you may make each loop a different color. Especially when I'm using fetishes for the focal bead, I'll make one loop turquoise, one loop black, and one loop white. There is almost no end to the ways in which you can personalize the loops.
Regardless of what you use for the focal bead and what you decide your loops will look like, the technique of making the earrings will remain the same. The following instructions should work equally well for left-handed and right-handed persons. An earring with four loops using 40 beads in each loop will take approximately two feet of thread. Be sure you are using nylon beading thread. Size A or 0 is a good size to use, especially if you are making a long loop.
I generally prefer to run my thread over beeswax before I start beading. I think this keeps the thread from tangling. Some beaders prefer to not use beeswax, as it usually leaves a residue on the first few beads. Try it both ways and decide which you prefer. I prefer to use a size 12 beading needle. Larger needles will work fine if you are using larger beads.
The first part to make of the earring to make is the hangar. Pick up six beads with the needle and thread. Slide the beads to near the end of the thread, leaving a tail of about two - three inches. (Illustration 1) Holding the beads between your thumb and forefinger, take the needle and thread through the beads a second time. Pull the thread tight, so that the beads form a small circle. Tie a small, single knot using the tail end of the thread. (Photo 2; Illustration 2)
Now take the needle and thread through the focal bead from top to bottom. The hangar should be sitting on top the focal bead. (Illustration 3) String on as many beads as you want in the first loop. (Illustration 4)
Take the needle and thread back through the focal bead and one side of the hangar. Hold the tail end of the thread out of the way so that you don't catch it with your needle or get it entangled with the main thread. Pull the main thread tight enough to eliminate any gaps in the loop. Try to not pull it so tight that the loop is stiff--the loop should swing freely. (Photo 3; Illustration 5)
Now take the needle and thread through the other side of the hanger and down through the focal bead again, being careful to not catch any beads from the first loop with the needle.
You are now ready to add the second loop, which is made in the same way as the first loop. Pick up the desired number of beads and go back through the focal bead and hangar again. Continue until you have made all the loops. (Photo 4)
When you have completed the last loop, take the needle and thread through the hangar only. Then tie a small double knot using the main thread and the tail end of the thread. Finish taking the main thread through the focal bead. Thread the tail end of the thread on the needle and take it through the focal bead also. Clip off both pieces of excess thread, being VERY careful not to cut through one of the loops. (Photo 5)
Glue isn't necessary for securing the knot. Sometimes with odd shaped focal beads, such as fetishes, the hanger wants to turn off-center. If necessary, I use a small amount of glue to keep the hangar centered. If you are using fetishes or other asymmetrical beads, make sure you make one earring facing left and one earring facing right. Add earwires, posts, or clipons to the hangar, and you are finished. (Photo 6)
These go together so fast, you can probably complete another couple pair before bedtime!
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