Introduction: Coffee Bean Earrings

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Peak up your ears with super-cute coffee bean earrings : )

Step 1: Materials and Tools


I'm not always a fan of shiny silver jewelry, but in this case, bright silver sets off the coffee bean more nicely than a matte or gunmetal finish.

Materials
2 Coffee beans
2 Crystal beads (4 mm)
2 Silver hook wires
2 Silver bails
2 Silver headpins or wire (20 gauge)

Finish
Shellac (or another type of finish if you prefer)
Denatured Alcohol
Wire

Tools
Dremel with 1/32" bit
Rounded pliers
Wire cutters
Metal file

Step 2: Drill Beans


Use Dremel to drill tiny holes close to the end of each bean.  Even if you are very careful, plan on having a few break!

Step 3: Shellac


Adding a finish to the beans will not only add a shine, but will also preserve and strengthen the little guys.
  • Mix shellac with denatured alcohol, stir and allow to sit for a few hours before using.
  • Hang each bean from a thin wire and dip into shellac
  • Allow to dry for 20 minutes and dip again
  • Repeat 3 - 5 times

Step 4: Crystal Bead


  • Use round pliers to shape one end of a headpin into nearly a complete circle
  • Add crystal bead
  • Cut
  • File end if needed
  • Shape other end - leaving the circle a little bit open for the next step

Step 5: Assemble Earrings


Simply connect all the pieces...
  • Place piece from Step 4 on hook
  • Attach bail to the other end
  • Hold bail with pliers and line up with the hole drilled through the coffee bean
  • Gently close bail with pliers, leaving enough space to allow bean to move a little
Complete!