Step 3: Bugle Bead Foundation Earrings
Step 3: Bring the needle back up through all of the dangle beads except those chosen for the bottom loop. In our pattern we are using the 6 silver seed beads for the bottom loop, so you will insert the needle into the bottom black seed bead and then up through all the rest of the dangle beads. Continue back up through the first bugle bead in the foundation row.
Adjust the thread tension in the dangle so that the beads swing freely and flow together. The beads in the dangle should not be tight or bunched up, nor should there be thread showing between the beads. You want to find a nice, middle tension that will allow the dangles to hang and move freely; you don’t want a curl in the dangle. It may take some practice, but by the time you are finished with this first pair of earrings, you will have a feel for the exact tension you need in order for the dangle to hang perfectly.
Your beads should look as pictured above. One thread going into the top of the top bugle bead and another coming out the top of the same bugle bead.
At this point you should have determined which of the dangle beads will be used to form the bottom loop. This can be any number, from one on up, with three being quite common. Each pattern I will show you has a suggested bottom loop, but this can be changed, if desired, to something you like better. Sometimes it’s fun to use something besides a seed bead for the bottom center bead in your loop. Experiment with things like a 3mm silver bead, a 3mm faceted crystal bead, or a 2mm pearl in a coordinating color.
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