I am so excited to show you my latest DIY Earrings obsession! Making stunning drop earrings from soda cans! Yes, you heard me right! They look like they are made by a seasoned jeweler and I have been complemented over and over again for my earrings when I wear them.
These metal earrings are easy to make from any metal can. Once you start, you realize that there are so many beautiful metal can designs out there. The ones I am using here are actually wine cans. My friend had brought them over for a party and I just loved the color so much, I said that I will make something out of it. A day later, I created these earrings and everyone was stunned.
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Materials:
- Soda Cans. This could be from coca cola, beer, wine or any type of can you like the pattern or color
- 16 gauge wire in Gold and Silver color
- Jewelry Pliers and Cutters this is a nice set to have
- Ball head pins in Gold or Silver tone or ear wire in Gold or Silver
- Instant Glue
- Sandpaper
- Strong Scissors
- sharpie
- paper or plastic for the template
These earring might look hard to make, but are really easy. Luckily, the cans have such a thin layer of metal that you can easily cut it with some stronger scissors.
So all you need is to find some good cans and you are ready to go!
There are some really intricate ice tea cans out there that I am using right now. So much fun!
Here is a video of each step or you can follow along with the photos!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ykKlXwX8oU
First you have to look at your can and decide what the best area would be to use for your earrings. Make sure you have enough to make 2 identical pieces. If you have 2 of the same cans, even better.
Then you should make a template. I used a quarter and traced it on a piece of clear sturdy plastic from a salad container. This way I can see the design of the can through the plastic and knot exactly how to place it. But if you only have a piece of paper, that will work as well. Cut out half of the quarter design but then cut straight without cutting the full circle. Then cut off the end. The point is to not use a half circle but make the design a little longer.
Cut the can in larger metal sheets keeping in mind which parts you would like to use.
Now trace our template on the soda can. Make sure you have the same amount above the template line because you will fold the can in half to double up the metal.
Fold the metal along the edge of your straight line.
Now you can cut both layers with scissors along the half moon shape.
Then take some sandpaper and smooth out the round edge you just cut.
Now it’s time to bend the wire.
Take some 16 gauge brass or silver tone wire about 5″ long. You can also use stainless steel wire or Sterling Silver wire.
Bend it with your hands into a sort of fish shape. Lay it around your cut soda can and bend it until it fits right around it. Then mark it with a sharpie on both sides so you know where to bend it with your pliers.
Now cut them both in the middle so they almost touch each other.
Use your pliers to straighten them out.
Now just hook the can shape around the wire so it hangs from the straight edge. Add super glue between the two sides and let it dry.
All that is left now, is to add the ear wire. I made my own using ball headpins and just bend them into earwires. You can also buy pre-made ear wires if you want to safe that step.
Just attach them to the metal frame.
Now the metal can earrings are ready to wear or you can add some more details.
I added Rhinestones with super glue and pearl dangles with the headpins. I just used a hole punch to add the hole to the metal can.
Want to make more earrings! Try my Macrame Feather Earrings or Flower Power Tassel Earrings. Both are really easy to make.
Pro Tip!
See how easy that is! You can change up the size by using larger half moon shapes or even long rectangles or shorter ones for your up-cycle soda can earrings. Anything goes with this easy metal can tutorial!
I hope you have fun making these earrings. Comment below if you have any questions and show off your creations here and on Instagram #kaileacrafts