Graffiti Glam Earrings

graffiti glam earrings

Here’s a quick and easy project I whipped up using gift cards! OK, ok…I admit it, I actually stole these gift cards. I figure it’s not the worst thing I could do; however, you could ask them if you could have them, which is what I’ve done on a couple of occasions. You could also use old membership cards or the like. It’s not that hard to find those plastic cards, ya know?

I wanted to create a fun, recycled project and I love the thickness and clean lines I can create with these cards. Word to the wise, though…cutting into them, I couldn’t get a clean shape (like a star or heart) with scissors. If I had used an exacto, I could have achieved better results. Anyway, here’s what I did to create them!

Graffiti Glam Earrings

Supplies:
– Plastic gift cards
Tulip Soft Paints in various colors
Tulip Glam it Up Crystals
Tulip Cordless Heat Setting Tool
– Spray paint in desired color
– newspaper
– Straight pin
– Corner rounder tool
– Scissors, exacto, or paper cutter
Collage Pauge Instant DecoPauge (sparkly)
– paintbrushes/toothbrush
– small jump ring
– ear wires
– round nose pliers

Instructions:

1. Lay plastic cards down on newspaper. Spray one side according to can instructions. Once dry, flip over and spray other side. Let dry.

2. Take sharp knife or scissors and scrape off (sparingly) lines into paint to reveal card design/colors below (kinda like scratch art).

3. Cut card into desired shape. Use corner rounder (if desired) to create contoured corners (this will also help it from poking you while wearing).

4. Load paint brush with paint and flick onto shapes in random design. I actually brushed some on in certain areas and wiped it off to add additional coloration. Let dry.

5. Apply Sparkly Collage Pauge on top to add gloss and sparkle. Smear over all areas with your finger or foam brush. Let dry.

6. Apply crystals in desired patterns using heat setting tool.

7. Poke hole using a straight pin at top of each earring. Loop jump ring through hole and close. Then attach ear wire.

8. Proudly wear your recycled creation!!

Hope you enjoyed this project. It was fast and fun and a great way to get the grungy/glam look that is so popular these days!

Until next time Swellions!!!

Alexa

It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that bling!

ring and earring set

A fun and quickie post today! I am really going to focus in on making most of my gifts for my friends (my fam is a whole other story), but I made this little ring and earring set in 10 minutes tonight and for only around $5 in all!

It always cracks me up when scrapbook mags and décor mags say, “Make this for under $10”. Well, in order to make it you have to have the initial tools to do it and those cost a heck of a lot more than the actual supplies. So, it was about $5, but I already have the tools and supplies to make it.

I really do recommend this type of idea, though. The initial purchase of some basic pliers, wire, glue (my fave is E-6000) and ring blank to make this is an AWESOME investment. You can buy these things and make hundreds of gifts! I’m totally all about the buttons! This one cost around $3, but a lot of times you can get a giant plain and decorative button bin of them at the craft store for $5. Also peruse the clearance aisles for 25¢ button deals as well. They can be a big steal. Also, you can find these big prisms for the earrings at a lot of craft stores, but I actually found mine in the ornament section at Wal-mart. Keep your eyes peeled for things you can turn into jewelry! I’m always scouting out little doo dads that would make cool jewelry. Now, I will admit, these things are REALLY big, but my friend Molly (who I am making them for and who I know doesn’t read my blog) will love them. She doesn’t mind wearing heavy earrings in the name of style. I think she will love wearing this little, or should I say BIG? bling set.

Oh, and for all those looking for ring blanks, you can get a slew of them for cheap at
Art Chix Studio! You may want to stock up. What a CHEAP & EASY gift idea for all your friends, family, and co-workers. Everyone who I know smiles when they see my stash of colorful rings I make…from young to old!

OK, I promise not to use so many UPPERCASE fonts next time Swellions!

Until next time!

Alexa