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Project Info:
Level: All Levels
Estimated time: 3-4 Hours
Freewheeling and acrobatic, the Jitterbug is a swing dance with electric energy. It’s as fresh and exciting today as it was when it was popularized in the 1930’s and 40’s, and it’s easy to see how this jazzy style caught on. Bring the vintage vibe out with our Jitterbug earrings, featuring shades of verdigris green and burnished gold with Picasso green turquoise accents.
In the tradition of some of the earliest Beadshop projects, we chose to release The Dancer as a video-only tutorial, with no accompanying handout. We felt that this project was easiest to demonstrate “in person” and that photos wouldn’t be as direct. We know that your time is valuable, so we kept the video short, under 20 minutes. Also, we understand that some beaders prefer to choose their own colors. With that in mind, here is the “Project Recipe” for The Dancer Earrings, so you can choreograph your own creations. Find the step by step video by clicking on the “Video” tab above, and have fun!
You will need:
2 toggle loop components
2 ear wires
1 tube 8/0 seed beads
1 tube 11/0 seed beads
1 strand 3mm fire polish beads
Beading thread: We use and recommend Hana or KO Beading Thread
Size 10 or 12 Beading needle
Additional tools required: Thread Snips, Tape Measure, Chain Nose Pliers
Jitterbug
Project Map
Phase 1: Tie beading thread onto loop component and begin circular brick stitch with 8/0 beads around toggle loop. You should have 16 beads.
Phase 2:Begin second row with one 11/0 and one fire polish bead. Alternate between 11/0 and fire polish beads and stitch all the way around the base row. You should have 11 fire polish beads and 12 11/0 seed beads.
Phase 3: Begin with two 11/0 seed beads and then follow the pattern: One 8/0, one 11/0, one 11/0, one 8/0, one 11/0, one 11/0, repeat all the way to the end of the second row. You should have 11 8/0 seed beads.
Phase 4: [not pictured] Weave in ends, trim thread, and attach ear wire. Wear and enjoy!