DIY Tutorial: Customized Earrings
I’ll be the first to admit I’m not a crafty person. In fact, I was the girl who always dreaded arts & crafts during summer camp.
However, a few weeks ago, I noticed my friend had some adorable earrings with printed elephants on them. When I asked where she bought them, she told me that she made them herself! After she gave me a quick rundown of how to make the earrings, I vowed to put my reservations aside and create my own DIY earrings.
So now loyal CF readers, I’d like to share with you how to make your own unique earrings. Here are three easy steps for making customized DIY earrings:
What you’ll need:
- Paper that you want your earrings to be made of
- A pair of earring hooks (available at craft stores)
- 2 jump rings (available at craft stores)
- Pliers
- Mod Podge or a similar sealant (available at craft stores)
- An X-Acto Knife or scissors
- Paint brush (optional)
- Glue stick (optional)
How to make it:
Step #1
Before you start, you’ll need to find some sort of paper with a design on it that you like. It can be wrapping paper, a picture from a magazine — or if you’re artsy, you can even draw your own design! For my earrings, I used a design found on a blank greeting card.
Next, cut out the paper into the shape and size you want your earrings to be. It can be as big or as small as you’d like — it’s up to you! If your paper is really thin, though, you may want to glue a thicker piece of paper (like cardstock) onto the back of your earrings to make them sturdier.
Step #2
Now it’s time to cover the paper discs with sealant. This will protect the earrings from water damage as well as any rips or tears. I used Mod Podge, but you can use any sealant you want. To apply the Mod Podge, use a paint brush and make sure you apply it in a thin, even layer. (Follow the instructions on your bottle if you use another brand of sealant.)
Wait for the sealant to dry (about 10-15 minutes) then flip the piece over and seal the other side. Repeat the same process on the other paper disc.
Next, you need to punch a hole through each disc in order to place the earring hooks. I used the tip of my X-Acto knife, but you can use any sharp tool you have. Just make sure the hole is the same size and in the same place on each disc.
Step #3
Finally, it’s time to assemble the earrings. Use pliers to open a jump ring, then thread it through the hole you made in the paper disc. Next, take one one of the earring hooks and place it through the jump ring. Close the jump ring with the pliers and repeat the process to the other earring.
Voilà! You’ve made your own, one-of-a-kind customized earrings.
The Finished Product
Feelin’ crafty?
What do you think of this DIY project? Will you be making some of your own? Are you a fan of DIY jewelry? Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts!
Posted on on October 31, 2010 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: DIY, Earrings, Jewelry, Tutorial
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Mah
This is brilliant!! I’ve been thinking about starting to make my own jewelry, but I didn’t really know where to start until now. So awesome, I can’t wait to try it.
Lenu
Oh my god, I love this idea. I surely will make some earrings myself. I really like unusual jewelry, so this is a perfect way to get what I want. :)
Charlotte - University of Birmingham
this is so cool!! i am so trying this!!
Charlotte xxx
B
Woah! I can’t wait to try this!
Cath
I made something similar a while ago: http://www.love-tears.net/craft/?p=410, I love them :) And everyone told me how much they liked it!
Suzi
That’s a super versatile and amazing idea! I’ve seen something similar for making pendants.
Yufei
I love this! Your friend is so creative for thinking of this! Where did you get the photograph of the typewriter?
Misae
I like that! I like that a lot! I was actually looking for ideas to make using these make anything into a clip earring converters – http://fs.hn/7w – and I love the way that the ones you made are so statement and so fun. It’s given me heaps of ideas!
Mod Podge Amy
These are awesome! I love.
Denise
I like the idea behind this DIY project. But I think I would probably cut clipping in a different shape and maybe putting some kind of a border around it. Otherwise, it’s a really cute project!
Victoria
Awesome idea!! It’s so simple and you could make so many different designs, a DIY actually worth doing :)
Erica
I love these! My best friend always wants new earrings for Christmas, and these will be perfect! I could make customized ones for all my friends! Thank you so much for the creative idea.
Princess IQ.
I love this craft work. Am inspired. I’ll make it for me and my friends and family. Thanks a lot.