DIY Ball Post Earrings
However, due to wearing them all the time, I have lost a bunch of mine. Unfortunately, when you look in stores, you have a very limited color choice unless you want to fork out a lot.
With this problem, I came up with a solution of how to make my own ball post earrings. I can make them as small as I want and in whatever color I want. I encourage you to try this Instructable if you get tired of trying to find the perfect earrings for that outfit or occasion!
**METAL ALLERGY WARNING: If you have a metal allergy, be cautious in your choice of wire. I am using 316L stainless steel which has a very low chance of causing a reaction, but it may for some highly sensitive people. You can also try copper or brass. I don't recommend artistic wire because the color plating could rub off while being worn.
Supplies
1. Wire in gouges 20, 21, or 22. I am using 22 gage 316L stainless steel.
2. Wire cutters
3. A ball post earring you already own to help you determine your wire length.
4. Metal file for smoothing the cut wire ends.
5.Round nosed pliers
6.Earrings backs (I found that the little silicone/rubber stoppers work best)
7.Clay in the color of your choice OR clay and then paint in the color of your choice*
8.A tool to help you smooth the clay into the shape you want.
9.Varnish and brush to apply it.
- You can use colored clay, uncolored air dry clay with a paint in your color choice, glitter, glow-in-the-dark, whatever you want!
Cut the Wire Length and File
TIP: You can measure the second wire's length against the first wire you cut so they are even.
File the sharp ends of the wires until you can run your finger over the wire end and not feel any sharp spots.
You don't have to file both ends; only one end will be poking out and uncovered. Just make sure you know which end is filed and which is not!
TIP: Holding the wire with your pliers is a bit easier.
Make a Loop and Add Clay
Next, take the round nosed pliers and make a small loop on one end of the cut wire. Check it against your existing earring so you don't use too much of the wire in making the loop. This loop will give our clay something to hold on to when it is baked/dried.
Next, take a tiny amount of clay and form it into a ball around the loop you just made. I find it works best if I use a tool to help me smooth the clay into the shape I want.
Do the second one the same way. Set them aside to dry, or bake as your clay instructs.
Varnish
After your earrings have dried or been baked, it is time to varnish. If you are using polymer clay that you bake, you can skip this step. If you are using air dry clay you need to varnish your product.
I like DecoArt's Duraclear in Gloss or Satin.
Easy Style, Save Your Money
You can make as many of these as you want and save money!
True, the initial cost of the wire and clay are more than you would pay for a set of this type of earrings, HOWEVER, if you make several pairs you will have saved yourself money in the long run. You can make them as gifts for other people and perhaps you will go beyond the simple ball post earrings and into some other styles of post earrings.
Have a wonderful day!