January 9, 2013 109 comments By

DIY Shell Earrings

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)

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109 Comments

  1. Mira wrote:

    Wow they look soooo stunning and cool. Have to try that out too <3
    xo

    glamDevils

    1.9.13
    Reply
  2. les jolies choses by paulette wrote:

    Wonderful idea!

    1.9.13
    Reply
  3. Bonnie, Clyde and Marni wrote:

    Best DIY ever!! These earrings are pure perfection!!
    http://www.bonnieclydemarni.com

    1.9.13
    Reply
  4. Nicole wrote:

    They’re stunning!

    1.9.13
    Reply
  5. Sialsiquiero wrote:

    That its so cool! We love it!

    Sí al sí quiero

    1.9.13
    Reply
  6. Malin wrote:

    Wow! I think they look even better than the original. Great DIY!

    1.9.13
    Reply
  7. Tabetha wrote:

    Gorgeous!!

    http://aclosetintellectual.blogspot.com/

    1.9.13
    Reply
  8. Alessandra wrote:

    really nice!!!
    xxx Ale

    1.9.13
    Reply
  9. the style crusader wrote:

    Amazing! xx

    1.9.13
    Reply
  10. THE STEL STYLE wrote:

    Beautiful and fancy Diy!! looks really nice!!!

    http://www.thestelstyle.com

    1.9.13
    Reply
  11. Denisa wrote:

    Wow, that post is perfect and I really like so creative things. Have a nice day.

    http://www.fashiondenis.com/

    1.9.13
    Reply
  12. Laura wrote:

    love them !!
    check out my new post: http://www.thestilettoholic.com/

    1.9.13
    Reply
  13. Viveca wrote:

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

    1.9.13
    Reply
  14. Em wrote:

    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 🙂

    1.9.13
    Reply
  15. Enda wrote:

    are u kiddinng
    sooo cuteee!

    xo,
    Enda
    http://detailsbyenda.blogspot.com/

    1.9.13
    Reply
  16. brooke wrote:

    these are gorgeous and the gold spray paint elevates them to a high fashion look, rather than super beachy.

    http://www.insparisian.com

    1.9.13
    Reply
  17. YOLONDA wrote:

    These are gorgeous! Great job!
    ♥, Londa
    designroundup.blgospot.com

    1.9.13
    Reply
  18. Veva wrote:

    AMAZING!!!!!

    GREAT DIY!!

    KISSES

    MY WHITE IDEA

    1.9.13
    Reply
  19. Grace - Stripes & Sequins wrote:

    these are stunning! nice work!!

    1.9.13
    Reply
  20. Mina wrote:

    I love your DIYs!
    This is such a brilliant idea! Xx
    http://live-in-this-moment.blogspot.co.uk/

    1.9.13
    Reply
  21. Maria wrote:

    These are so amazing. I love anything gold recently, and this isn’t any different.
    xo, Maria
    http://www.peppermintsandpixiedust.blogspot.com

    1.9.13
    Reply
  22. Ambyr wrote:

    I love these. Such a cool idea and I like that the shells are all gold.

    xoxo
    http://www.thewrittenrunway.com

    1.9.13
    Reply
  23. Aubree wrote:

    Gorgeous! I love them.

    xx

    1.9.13
    Reply
  24. amalie wrote:

    your diys are the best xx

    1.9.13
    Reply
  25. Charlotte wrote:

    These look brilliant! Great idea!
    http://fashiongirl134.blogspot.com

    1.9.13
    Reply
  26. monkeyshines wrote:

    brilliant!

    Bises,
    monkeyshines
    http://monkeyshines-monkeyshines.blogspot.com/

    1.9.13
    Reply
  27. juliette laura wrote:

    I have so so many shells I’ve collected over the years, and so this is perfect! Great DIY!

    xoxo
    http://juliettelaura.blogspot.com/

    1.9.13
    Reply
  28. The Curvy Girl wrote:

    The are GORGEOUS!!!

    1.9.13
    Reply
  29. Sacha wrote:

    LOVE!

    1.9.13
    Reply
  30. Lindsey wrote:

    Holy Hell Raiser! I need to make these. Such an awesome DIY!!!
    xo,
    Lindsey

    http://www.caviartaste.com

    1.9.13
    Reply
  31. Renate wrote:

    Really Pretty.

    1.9.13
    Reply
  32. Novella - 9lla.it wrote:

    Oh wow!
    Your DIYS are always amazing!

    Come visit mine!
    http://www.9lla.it
    fashion – trends – DIYs

    1.9.13
    Reply
  33. Michiel wrote:

    Very cool DIY!
    Really love this blog!

    http://www.janmarcel.com/

    1.9.13
    Reply
  34. elif wrote:

    i LOVE this. so pretty!

    1.9.13
    Reply
  35. Silvia wrote:

    These are fantastic! Great idea. xx

    1.9.13
    Reply
  36. B. wrote:

    I just saw the original inspiration and wow, you guys did a great job! This is fantastic!

    Blurbs.Blog

    1.9.13
    Reply
  37. Lotti wrote:

    Great, I got so many ideas from this DIY-Hompage.
    Have a look at all my earrings.
    Also on facebook http://de-de.facebook.com/pages/Ma-Passion/175660355904212

    1.9.13
    Reply
  38. missusb wrote:

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

    1.9.13
    Reply
  39. Lejla wrote:

    Oh how pretty!

    http://lejlatravels.blogspot.com/

    1.9.13
    Reply
  40. DC2NYCo wrote:

    Amazing DIY! Gilt shells look absolutely stunning! Great job as always!

    DC2NYConfessions Blog

    1.9.13
    Reply
  41. Gigi, street style wrote:

    I love statement earrings. Stunning!

    1.9.13
    Reply
  42. Cravingforbarneys wrote:

    Love it!

    My daily outfits in http://cravingforbarneys.com

    1.9.13
    Reply
  43. Malibu PR Gal wrote:

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

    1.9.13
    Reply
  44. Lizz wrote:

    Wow so elegant! I’ll definitely have to try out!

    1.9.13
    Reply
  45. Paula wrote:

    what a great idea! I have to try it!

    1.9.13
    Reply
  46. SACRAMENTO wrote:

    This collection is totally seapunk and I love it.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    1.10.13
    Reply
  47. SACRAMENTO wrote:

    I must try the DIY, but where to get the shells???
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    1.10.13
    Reply
  48. Luisa wrote:

    oh my gosh! So beautiful!!!

    Love them <3

    1.10.13
    Reply
  49. Akvile wrote:

    these are stunning! really amazing idea! 🙂

    http://eagletouchphotography.blogspot.co.uk

    1.10.13
    Reply
  50. whatkrissydidnext wrote:

    Great idea! I have to do that!

    New post on my blog

    http://whatkrissydidnext.wordpress.com/
    http://whatkrissydidnext.wordpress.com/
    http://whatkrissydidnext.wordpress.com/

    1.10.13
    Reply
  51. Elise idees2look wrote:

    It’s wonderful, love it

    xxx

    1.10.13
    Reply
  52. Stand Out wrote:

    I’m always in love with your perfect creation!
    You’re the best blog, to me.

    http://standoutfashionblog.blogspot.it/

    1.10.13
    Reply
  53. Nadja wrote:

    omg, how stunnung! didn’t think they are DIY, looks so gorgeous 🙂 LOVE IT! definitely have to try this too, maybe in silver!

    http://www.violetfleur.com

    1.10.13
    Reply
  54. nicole wrote:

    WOW

    Lovely Idea

    1.10.13
    Reply
  55. Isa wrote:

    Beyond beautiful! Remarkably, I’ve yet to try one of your DIYs – but this might be my first!

    http://lasaloperie.blogspot.com.br/

    1.10.13
    Reply
  56. Nadia wrote:

    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!

    1.10.13
    Reply
  57. Erica wrote:

    @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!

    1.11.13
    Reply
  58. maaike wrote:

    This is fantastic! I realy want to try it out.

    http://carma-likes-loves-fashion.blogspot.nl/

    1.11.13
    Reply
  59. meixi wrote:

    I like all things shiny 🙂

    See my glitterized ombre shoes! http://thiscache.blogspot.sg/2013/01/diy-ombre-glitterized-shoes.html

    1.12.13
    Reply
  60. Ange wrote:

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

    1.12.13
    Reply
  61. Inês wrote:

    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! 🙂

    1.13.13
    Reply
  62. leny wrote:

    amazing! it looks so beautiful

    1.14.13
    Reply
  63. Armande wrote:

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

    1.16.13
    Reply
  64. Carrie Doe wrote:

    wow!!!! they are perfect! great job!

    1.17.13
    Reply
  65. Carol wrote:

    Wooo…Really stunning:)

    http://www.ccchinachic.com/products/health-and-beauty/hair-care/hair-irons/high-quality-electric-ptc-led-indicator-multifunction-2-in-1-hair-straightener-curler-iron-3535.html

    1.17.13
    Reply
  66. Deryl Jenkins wrote:

    O yeah…that’s nice!

    1.20.13
    Reply
  67. Kelly wrote:

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

    1.21.13
    Reply
  68. siboney2046 wrote:

    Hi! I’ve quoted you on my last post!

    1.25.13
    Reply
  69. Vanessa wrote:

    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/

    1.29.13
    Reply
  70. idil wrote:

    Great project!! Love it!!!

    MY JUNKY BOX

    1.31.13
    Reply
  71. Enaj wrote:

    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 🙂

    2.4.13
    Reply
  72. Vy wrote:

    You are an amazingly talented woman! I love this so much!

    2.7.13
    Reply
  73. Esther .L wrote:

    AMAZINGLY GORGEOUS <3
    SO TALENTED IDEA!
    DEFINITELY LOVE IT!

    2.28.13
    Reply
  74. Maya wrote:

    wow, waaay better than the original ones

    3.19.13
    Reply
  75. deyna wrote:

    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. 🙂

    3.24.13
    Reply
    • Erica wrote:

      @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!

      3.24.13
  76. Passport Photo wrote:

    Great DIY project. I’ll have to give this a try.

    4.14.13
    Reply
  77. Kelly Spence, editor wrote:

    Love these! I featured them in my Aquatic Jewelry Designs roundup here: http://www.favecraftsblog.com/aquatic-diy-jewelry-designs/

    Thanks for sharing! 🙂

    4.18.13
    Reply
  78. vreeni wrote:

    very good idea for my next diy project.

    i love all things from the beach

    http://freakinyou.blogspot.de/p/dyi.html

    5.4.13
    Reply
  79. Jenny wrote:

    What type/brand/color of golf spray paint have you been using? Did you find it at the craft store or a hardware store?

    7.19.13
    Reply
  80. zen wrote:

    Awesome use of seashells! I ve so many from my childhood to be used :p feeling inspired to do something with seashells on hapinesswherever.wordpress.com too 🙂

    8.24.14
    Reply
  81. Beth Clark wrote:

    Oh yes, I’m definitely making these! Great tutorial!

    http://www.thecitydweller.me

    9.12.14
    Reply
  82. Charlotte wrote:

    What kind of spray paint did you use (brand and color)? Would love to try this on some different varieties of shells! xo

    9.23.14
    Reply
  83. Jessa wrote:

    Im worried at some point the glue will no longer hold and the earring will fall in the middle of something… Any feedback for this concern? Did it detach sometime, how realizable strong is the glue for this particular setting ? Thanks in advance!!!!

    6.2.15
    Reply