Layered Wood Earrings

How to make wood earrings using under 20 dollars in materials and some basic woodworking tools. This project is fun and doesn't require a high degree of woodworking experience. If you can use a drill and sandpaper, you're good to go.

This project does, however, take some time. The key considerations are: Gluing - minimum 24 hours. Sanding - 3-5 hours. Finishing - if using oil, several days.

You will get the best results if you work patiently, particularly with the sanding. I spread it out over many days.

DISCLAIMER: Power tools are dangerous. If you haven't used a drill before, please ask someone knowledgeable to help you. Wear appropriate safety gear. I am not responsible for any injury or damage you incur while working on this project.

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Step 1: 1.) Materials and Tools

These are the materials and tools I used. You can find more information about them in the other steps. I encourage you to try different wood types and/or jewelry fitting finishes (gold, silver, etc.).

SAFETY (first)
- Glasses: Protect your sight. A pair of sunglasses is better than nothing, but I recommend something impact resistant (look for the "ANSI Z87" rating on the lens).
- Mask: A cheap dust mask works, but I recommend a dedicated sanding mask - these have a thicker filter, stiffer shape, and an exhale valve. They also last longer than the flimsy type and cost less than $4.
- Leather glove: Used for step 5.

Wood
- 24 x 3 x 1/8th inch piece of Cherry and Bubinga (one each): $7 each at Woodcraft.

Jewelry Parts
- Wire and Ear Hooks: I used 20 gauge hematite coated wire and matching hooks which cost $5-8 at Michaels (most craft stores should have them). NOTE: Some people are allergic to common jewelry metals like nickel and gold. If the wearer is, look into "hypo allergenic surgical steel" earring hooks and wire.

Other
- Wood Oil Finish: I used Watco Rejuvenating oil. I know it's for "rejuvenating," but I figure it's similar to any other oil finish.
- Glue: Any regular woodworking glue works. If you haven't used a your glue in a while, or stored it outside during winter, get a new bottle. Do not use "quick tack/setting".

Tools
- Wood saw and miter box
- Drill: I used a hand drill and got accurate results. A drill press may be used, but it's not necessary.
- Cheap hole-saw drill attachment: Use the type that has various cutting rings (see picture). It should be able to accept two cutting rings simultaneously. You could use two separate hole-saws, but it may be more challenging.
- 6 inch clamp: For layering wood. I only had one, and it worked fine, but there's no harm in using more.
- Brush: For glue application.
- Needlenose/ fishing pliers: For bending the earring wire.
- Various grit sandpapers. I used 100, 150, 200, and 320, because that's what I had.