(L) Leather Dangle Earrings (R) Metal Tassel Earrings

Today I decided that I wanted to wear some black and silver dangle earrings. I made two pairs in about 20 minutes (active crafting time not dry time). They're both simple and not a lot of jewelry knowledge is needed. I'm really new to jewelry myself and I must admit - it's terribly addictive!

Triangles of Leather Earrings.  You will need:

•  Leather (I purchase the bulk scraps pack from Hobby Lobby for less than $3)
• Paint pen or paint and a brush
• Hammer
• Awl (looks like a screwdriver and ice pick had a kid)
• Scrap wood
• Pliers
• Small jump ring, slightly larger jump ring
• Earring hooks

STEP 1: Take your leather and sharp scissors and cut a long, skinny triangular shape. Place that one on top of the leather to use as a template to cut around your second triangle. 

Cut out a smaller triangle to set on top. Again, make the first and use as a template to cut the second.

STEP 2: Paint the larger triangle the shade you chose. I used a silver Sharpie pen.

STEP 3: Place your hole punch at the top middle of your leather triangle. Place on your scrap wood and firmly hit the end with a hammer. Remove and check that the hole is large enough. If not, place and hit harder so that the leather goes up higher on the punch.

Do the same for your small triangles by making a hole in one of the peaks.

STEP 4: Take your smaller jump ring and open it with a pair of pliers by pushing one side away from you. Slip though the holes in your leather. Close the ring up by using the pliers to pull that side back to you. Repeat for your second earring.

STEP 5: Open your larger jump ring and connect the jump ring holding your leather pieces together and your earring piece. Use your pliers to close the jump ring. Repeat for the second earring.

You are done. This pair is ready to rock!

Metal Tassel Earrings. What you will need: 

• metal tassels (purchase at jewelry sections of hobby stores, bead stores, or try Ebay or Etsy)
• large jump rings
• large paper clips
• tiny jump rings
• spray paint
• earring hooks
• pliers

STEP 1: Take your large jump ring and open with your pliers and slide your tassel on and close the jump ring. Take your large paper clip and run through the jump ring to make a hook. Repeat for your second earring.

STEP 2: Hang your earrings by their paperclips to a line. I used my inside clothes line in the garage, but you could use a temporary line by tying some string, yarn, fishing line in between two things if you don't have access to a clothes line.

STEP 3: Spray the tops of your earrings, where the tassels meet and are capped up. Turn the earrings around and make sure to spray all sides. The over-spray will naturally hit the middle, so you don't need to actually spray that area. Repeat for second earring and allow to fully dry. 

STEP 4: Use your fingers to separate strands and do one last coat of paint on the tops. Allow to dry at least a couple of hours before proceeding.

STEP 5: Open your tiny jump ring with your pliers and string on the tassel and your earring hooks. Close the jump ring. Repeat for your second earring. It may be necessary to run your fingers through the tassel one last time to separate some of the strands.

Well, that's it for this Monday! It took my a while to get it done, but here it is! When inspiration strikes I go with it! See you on Shoesday