LOOKING 4 SOMETHING?

Honestly WTF

DIY Shell Earrings

Posted by on

The chilly climate has hardly deterred me from incorporating a bit of tropical flair into my winter wardrobe. Inspired by Kelly Wearstler‘s metallic shell earrings from her upcoming spring collection, I’ll show you how to transform a couple of simple shells into a pair of beachy stunners. Vamos a la playa!

You’ll need:

Start by placing the shells on a paper bag or plate. Spray a nice even coat on one side and allow to dry completely before spraying the backside.

Use the pliers to open the loop of the eyepin. Slip the quartz component onto the eyepin and close the loop shut.

Measure about an inch of the way down and trim eyepin with a pair of wire cutters. Squeeze a dollop of E6000 glue onto a disposable plate or spoon.

Using the pliers to grasp the loop of the eyepin, immerse the pin into the glue until it’s well covered. Slip the pin into the backside crevice of the shell, making sure the loop is perpendicular to the cross section.

Use a toothpick to add additional glue if necessary. Allow the glue to dry for at least an hour and then attach the other side of the component to an earwire.

Repeat the same steps to complete the pair.

And you’re finished before you can say Sally sells seashells by the seashore!

(all images by HonestlyWTF)

92 Comments

  13. Viveca    January 9, 2013

    So pretty! My parents have loads of shells, collected in Oman, so I might have to try this!

  14. Em    January 9, 2013

    Those look gorgeous! I’m sure too we can try with different varieties of shells. Might need to sneak to the beach to see if I can find any :)

  38. missusb    January 9, 2013

    I may just have to go and get my ears pierced!
    Fab.u.lous

  43. Malibu PR Gal    January 9, 2013

    I will be mastering this DIY while watching the Oscar Noms at an unspeakable hour tomorrow morning. These are RIDICULOUS!!! LOVE THEM!!

  56. Nadia    January 10, 2013

    This looks fantastic. I have shells I collected last May in Hawaii that I have been waiting to make into earrings. This would be perfect. However, my hubbie says the gold spray paint would come off on a black outfit, or clothes in general. Have you found a way to avoid that? Or is it not a problem? Thanks!

  57. Erica    January 11, 2013

    @Nadia shells are generally pretty porous so the gold spray paint adheres nicely. The paint has not rubbed off nor has it chipped – even when I try scratching it off with my fingernail! Hope this helps. Good luck!

  60. Ange    January 12, 2013

    Pretty! I feel like they could look really cool with a small rougher quartz. I’m inspired!

  61. Inês    January 13, 2013

    Hi! Love these, they are so elegant.
    Can I make a request? Wildfox’s love potion nº9 sweater DIY would be great.
    Thanks for all the beautiful DIY, they are all very inspiring! :)

  63. Armande    January 16, 2013

    Those are really awesome earrings! Very original. I never thought of spray painting shells like that.

  67. Kelly    January 21, 2013

    One of the most gorgeous pair of earrings I’ve ever seen ! :) )

  69. Vanessa    January 29, 2013

    This looks so classy but is so simple to make! Your blog has been one of my longtime favorites for DIY ideas and has inspired me to start my own DIY blog :) Do you have any tips on how to promote a new blog to a wider audience?

    Vanessa
    http://cafecraftea.blogspot.com/

  71. Enaj    February 4, 2013

    I absolutely LOVE these earrings, I need them in my life! Is there any particular kind of spray paint that works best for this? Thanks for the excellent DIY, I will definitely be trying it as soon as I can get the supplies together :)

  75. deyna    March 24, 2013

    I’ve clicked over to the link where you bought the sea shells but i’m curious if you have to order a couple to get a “pair” as it says the shells are “assorted” which sounds like i might get a variety.

    Great DIY it looks so much more inspiring than the original. :)

  76. Erica    March 24, 2013

    @Deyna I ordered a few and hand-picked a pair of shells that matched. I’m sure you can probably contact them directly to request two of the same kind. Good luck!

Leave a Comment

© 2010-2013 Honestly Media
Pin It