At first I was a little skeptical about this paper clip idea. I sent an early version to a friend to make sure it didn’t look like a complete craft fail. It’s kind of nice to have someone help with the gut check (and she’s not shy when she hates something, like my DIY collar idea).
Now I love them. And with Valentine’s Day just a couple of days away it’s not too late to make these super easy earrings. Even better, I didn’t spend a dime on them.
My first versions simply wrapped the paper clip with different types of string. Yarn was the easiest to work with but it turned out a little fuzzy. I also tried a thin pink rope I got a while back at Home Depot. The hot pink color worked but not the nylon material. Embroidery thread ended up having the nicest, cleanest look. I used one strand from a bundle that cost 17 cents.
A bit of glue is very helpful. After trying craft glue and E-6000 I found Unique Stitch to be the easiest to apply and it disappeared nicely after drying.
After breaking a dozen paper clips trying to get them into a traditional heart shape, I found a super duper easy, asymmetrical shape that turned out way cooler. Just open up the paper clip and bring the points together.
Start by tying a knot and dabbing a little glue to hold it into place. Start wrapping over the bigger side first because it’s easier when you can slip the string through the middle. Where the heart comes together can be tricky. I glued the first few wraps on the second side and then wrapped it again to make sure the metal was covered.
When you finish wrapping, tie another little knot, cut off the end and dab a bit of glue. Attach an earring hook (you can steal them from an old pair of earrings) and you’re ready to go.
After I made my wrapped versions I found cool triangle shape earrings here. (I did not search for heart earrings because, really, I don’t want to know if dozens of people have already had this idea!) Wrapping more thread through the middle made them even niftier.
12 Comments
I am seriously impressed. These don’t even look homemade – they look awesome!
I love these earrings! I wonder how hard it would be to shape a paperclip into a shamrock. lol :) I featured you on my Friday Friends! on my blog. I hope you’ll come check it out. Thanks for being willing to share your cute ideas.
These are super cute! And who doesn’t have paperclips at home?
These are so cute and fun! I made friendship bracelets when I was a kid (and sold them at school!) and I *still* have all that embroidery floss in my craft room. :)
Oh man, these are adorable. And I know how you feel about refraining from searching for something….when I come up w/an idea, I don’t want to know if 10000 other people came up with the same or a similar idea ;)
OOOh I love this.
Very clever! I’ve seen paper clips made into hearts but never earrings and with the pretty red string!
And the good ideas come rolling in again! How have we managed without you all this time?
Anne xx
Wow! They look great! Love the criss-crosses through the middle.
Ok how fun are these?! You are so creative!!
Jo-Anna
I adore this! What a fun project! You always have the best jewelry tutorials, love this one!
Welcome back, Stephanie! You look great and your bump is so cute! :) These earrings are super cute!