Paper Earrings that Look Like Seashells

Learn how to make paper earrings from cardstock that are both sturdy and lightweight – you can create them in any shape you like! Seal with Mod Podge.

Skills Required: Beginner. You’ll have to know how to use a die cutter and basic jewelry tools. It’s quite a simple project once you get the hang of those things.

Hello friends! It’s Aki again from Minted Strawberry, swinging by for another tutorial. As you know, I love DIY jewelry and fashion crafts! This time I’m showing you how to make paper earrings that look like seashells, but you can make them any shape you like.

Summer is in full swing – it’s so hot out all the time now! One of my favorite activities to do in the summer is go to the beach – I love the water, swimming, the breeze, the sand and most specially collecting shells and driftwood.

Last year I spotted some seashell cross-section necklaces on my beach adventures and they looked so pretty!

I forgot about them soon after until recently when I was collecting shells. And while I can purchase them online, where’s the fun in that?

I decided to make paper earrings out of cardstock; it’s more affordable than purchasing them online and you won’t have to worry they’ll break easily!

Let me know show you how I made these shell earrings . . . then you can take the same idea and customize them in any shape you like. If you’ve never made earrings before, you’re going to have fun. Here’s how I did it.

DIY Paper Earrings

Gather These Supplies

• Die-cutter
• Cardstock
• Template – download here
• Mod Podge Matte
• Mod Podge Silicone Mat
• Liquid Gilding or Spray Paint
• Mod Podge Hard Coat or other sealer
• Earring hooks
• Jump rings
• Flat nose pliers
• Paintbrush

Step 1. I drew a sketch of a seashell cross section on Adobe Illustrator and transferred them to my Silhouette program to cut them out. You can draw your own, or download the shell template I have made, or choose something from the shapes available in your die cutter program.

Since I was using cardstock, I cut about seven pieces of ‘shells’ for each earring, each measuring about 2.5″ in height. You can definitely make them bigger or smaller – I just prefer them bigger.

Step 2. For a perfect cut, you may want to double-cut your pieces as they are somewhat detailed.

Step 3. Using a foam brush or spouncer, use Mod Podge to adhere your ‘shell’ layers together. You will want to add the back layer and front layer last.

The Mod Podge Silicone Craft Mat actually helps with this step as your shell pieces won’t adhere to the surface if you are using the mat.

Step 4. Wipe off the excess glue in the nooks and crannies of your shell piece using a thin object such as a sewing needle, pin, or even a safety pin.

The photo above shows how thick each earring will be after seven layers of cardstock – I’d say it’s pretty sturdy after this point! Make sure to sandwich your pieces between two big books while they’re drying to encourage flattening of the pieces.

Step 5. Now it’s time to paint your paper earrings – I really have a strong preference for metallic colors, so I used liquid gilding to color them copper.

I used brass at first, but switched to copper after one coat. Coat them with Mod Podge Hard Coat or Mod Podge spray sealer to seal and strengthen them when finished.

Step 6. Now make some pearl links – thread one pearl bead onto an eye pin, cut off the excess wire and loop the end to secure the bead on the eye pin.

Step 7. Attach your pearl link using a jump ring on the circle on top of the shell.

Step 8. Finally, attach your pearl link to the earring hook and you are done!

I totally love how pretty these paper earrings look in person – the photos do not do them justice! These shells are a great and affordable addition to any summer wardrobe. They look very abstract and organic, and I am in love.

They make the cutest gifts too. Especially Mother’s Day gifts!

What shapes would you use? What color would you paint them in? I’d love to hear in the comments!

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5 from 2 votes

Paper Earrings

Learn how to make paper earrings using a die cutter or a craft knife – seal them with Mod Podge!

Prep Time30 minutes mins

Active Time2 hours hrs

Dry Time2 hours hrs

Total Time4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Yield: 1 pair of earrings

Cost: $2

Equipment

• Earring hooks
• Jump rings
• Flat nose pliers
• Paintbrush(es)
• Books
• Silicone craft mat

Materials

• Die cutter and vinyl
• Cardstock
• Template or artwork
• Mod Podge Matte
• Gilding or craft paint
• Mod Podge Hard Coat or spray sealer

Instructions

• Draw a sketch of the shape you want to use or select something from your die cutter’s library. Cut seven pieces of the shape for each earring (a total of 14) out of cardstock. Make sure that you include a hole in the same place at the top of each piece.
• For a perfect cut, you may want to double-cut your pieces. If the edges don’t cut perfectly, tidy them with a craft knife.
• Using a foam brush or spouncer, use Mod Podge to adhere the cardstock layers together. Let dry.
• Remove the excess glue in the nooks and crannies of your earring using a thin object such as a sewing needle or pin.
• Sandwich the paper earrings between two big books while drying to encourage flattening of the pieces.
• Use liquid gilding (or acrylic paint) to paint both earrings. Paint multiple coats if needed and let dry.
• Make the pearl jewelry links. Thread one pearl bead onto an eye pin, cut off the excess wire, and loop the end to secure the bead on the eye pin.
• Attach the pearl link using a jump ring on the circle on top of the shell. Attach the pearl link to the hook. Repeat with the other earring to finish.

Notes

Costs for this project vary greatly depending on what supplies you already have on hand.

I hope you enjoyed this paper earrings tutorial! Don’t forget to visit any of the links down below and to be inspired with more projects like this! Happy crafting, friends 🙂

• Make Seashell Ornaments the Easy Way!
• Decoupage Earrings Made with Mod Podge
• Make DIY Lace Earrings (Three Easy Steps!)
• Fun Handmade Earrings from Clay
• DIY Drop Earrings in Copper & Gold