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how to make earrings at home using paper
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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
Active Time2 hours
Dry Time2 hours
Total Time4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 1 pair
Cost: $2

Equipment

Materials

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.
    Seashell shapes layout in Silhouette Studio
  • 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.
    Cut paper seashell shapes from cardstock
  • Using a foam brush or spouncer, use Mod Podge to adhere the cardstock layers together. Let dry.
    Applying Mod Podge to the top of a paper seashell shape with a foam spouncer
  • Remove the excess glue in the nooks and crannies of your earring using a thin object such as a sewing needle or pin.
    Remove excess glue with a pin
  • Sandwich the paper earrings between two big books while drying to encourage flattening of the pieces.
    Cross section of a paper earring showing thickness
  • Use liquid gilding (or acrylic paint) to paint both earrings. Paint multiple coats if needed and let dry. Coat them with Mod Podge Hard Coat or Mod Podge spray sealer to seal and strengthen them when finished.
    Painting paper seashell shapes with Martha Stewart brass liquid gilding
  • 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.
    Jewelry tools with a pearl bead and gold findings
  • 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.
    Attached ear hook to the top of the earring

Notes

Step 1: 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.