Earrings are a fun and easy DIY jewelry project that can be customized with all kinds of different beads, charms, and found objects. Using clay beads is a great way to create lightweight, colorful earrings with a handmade look. With just a few simple jewelry making supplies and techniques, you can design your own stylish clay bead earrings.
Gathering Supplies for Clay Bead Earrings
To make clay bead earrings, you first need to gather some basic jewelry making supplies:
- Polymer clay or air-dry clay - Sculpey and Fimo are popular brands. Choose an assortment of colors.
- Clay shaping and cutting tools - These include roller, cutter, sculpting tool, etc.
- Earring wires or fishhook ear wires
- Jewelry pliers - Round nose and chain nose pliers work best.
- Jump rings - Get small 4mm jump rings to connect the clay beads to the earring wires.
- Clear nail polish or jewelry glue
- Embellishments like seed beads, charms, chain, etc. (optional)
- Earring backs
- Jewelry findings like bead caps, head pins, eye pins, etc. (optional)
Making DIY Clay Beads
Making your own clay beads gives you total control over the shape, size, and design. Here are some tips for working with polymer or air-dry clay:
- Condition the clay by kneading and rolling to soften it up before shaping.
- Roll thin "snakes" and cut into small pieces to make round or oblong beads.
- Press the clay into a mold to create molded bead shapes. Let dry fully before unmolding.
- Use a roller tool and cutters to flatten out slabs and cut uniform clay shapes.
- Get creative with colors by blending and layering the clay. Add patterned scrap clay canes.
- Texture the clay using silicone molds, stamps, or impressions from found objects.
- Use an eye pin, toothpick, or skewer to pierce holes for stringing before baking.
- Bake clay according to package directions. Let cool completely.
Designing Clay Bead Earrings
There are many design options for turning your clay beads into wearable earrings. Consider the size and shape of the beads as you select your earring wires and components.
Dangle Earrings
Dangle earrings allow your colorful clay beads to take center stage. String beads onto a head pin to create a dangle for the fishhook earring wire. Or, connect multiple bead dangles using jump rings for atiered effect. Add spacers, chains, charms or wire wraps between the clay beads. Finish with a bead cap over the last bead against the ear.
Hoop Earrings
Turn clay beads into hoop earrings by stringing them onto an earring hoop frame. Use pliers to open and close the hoop's built-in clasp as you add the beads. For a more secure fit, you can glue the beads in place with clear jewelry glue or clear nail polish.
Stud Earrings
For simple stud earrings, glue a clay bead directly onto the post of a stud earring back finding. Or, use a head pin to attach the bead to the earring post. Glue a second, decorative clay bead on top to create layered studs with visual interest.
Post Earrings
To make post earrings, slide clay beads onto an earring post finding. Arrange beads, spacers, and charms in a desired order along the post. Secure the clay beads by applying clear nail polish or jewelry glue to the tip of the post before inserting the earring back.
Finishing Clay Bead Earrings
Add the final touches to complete your homemade clay bead earrings:
- Apply a coat of clear nail polish or jewelry glue over the beads for added durability and shine.
- Attach earring backs to all posts for comfort and security.
- Consider adding decorative bead caps, chain, or charm dangles. But avoid excess weight.
- Display your finished earrings on a jewelry stand or card to showcase your handiwork!
The wonderful thing about clay bead jewelry is that you can create endless variations to match your personal style. Try combining different shapes, colors and textures for unique earrings every time. Start simple with uniform beads, then move on tolayered patterns, molded shapes and mixed media embellishments as you build your jewelry making skills. With an assortment of colorful clay beads and earring findings, you'll be ready to make fun DIY earrings to show off.