Introduction: Recycled Cardboard Earrings

About: I love to work with my hands. Mostly I knit and crochet but I have dabbled in all kinds of crafts. Making things makes me so happy! I love seeing something beautiful take shape in my hands. Also I love taking …

I love to recycle things. Also I adore cool and unique earrings. So I decided to make my own cool unique earrings out of cardboard! These earrings are fun but simple so you can wear them with almost any outfit. I've worn them with dresses and also just a shirt and pants and gotten so many complements!

Note: For these earrings I recommend use Mod Podge because it works as both a glue and sealer and it also drys clear.

Supplies

You will need:

  • a small piece of corrugated cardboard
  • 3 different size circle templates
  • pencil
  • scissors
  • tapestry needle
  • foam brush
  • Mod Podge
  • two earrings hooks and two jump rings
  • jewelry pliers

Step 1: Trace and Cut Out Circles

First we are going to trace and cut out our circles.

When ever I need to trace a perfect circle I always go to my kitchen. Kitchens have an endless supply of circular things to use for tracing. For this project I just grabbed 3 different size bottle lids from my medicine cabinet.

Trace 2 of the large circles, 4 of the medium circles and 4 of the small circles onto your cardboard and cut out with scissors.

Step 2: Glue Together and Seal

Now you will glue your circles together with Mod Podge.

Using your foam brush take each small circle and glue it to the middle of a medium circle. You will now have 4 medium circles with the small circles glued onto them.

Then take 2 of the medium circles and glue each one onto a large circle. Let that dry for a few minutes and then flip them over. Now glue your 2 remaining medium circles onto the back side of your large circles.

Don't worry if you get glue all over your cardboard it will dry clear.

Now take your tapestry needle and poke one small hole near the top of each large circle. These will be for adding your earrings later.

Next we will seal your cardboard to protect it. Take your Mod Podge and apply a generous coat of glue all over your cardboard. When the front is dry, flip over and coat the back. Again don't worry if your glue is uneven looking. It will all dry clear.

Note: I used Mod Podge gloss finish so my earrings were very shinny once they dried. You can use what ever sheen you want.

Step 3: Add Earring Hooks

Once your cardboard is all dry you can add your earring hooks.

Use your pliers to open a jump ring and add your earring hook. Then put the jump ring through the hole you made in your cardboard. Use the pliers to close your jump ring. Repeat with the other one.

That's it. Now go out and enjoy your fancy new earrings!

Thanks for reading!

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