This ‘how to make flower earrings’ guest project is designed by Carol Merkl. Carol runs the Coventry metal clay Studio Accredited Training Centre where she offers a wide range of courses including metal clay Certification. The article is part of our jewellery making projects collection and is a step-by-step guide on how to make floral earrings using silver clay.
If you’re looking for earring making tips, flower earrings are the perfect starting point. Here’s a guide on how to make flower jewellery at home. Find out everything you need to know from what you’ll need, to tips and technique from our guest project guide by Carol Merkl.
How to make flower jewellery
Step 1 – Texture
The first step to making wire flower earrings is to rub some badger balm on your hands, roller and on the rubber texture mat. Remove the clay from the pack and place on a piece of Teflon or work mat. Place a spacer either side of the clay and use the roller to roll the clay. Press the rubber texture mat into the clay.
Step 2 – Shape
Next, use the calyx cutter to cut a flower shape for your DIY flower earrings. (Put any left-over clay back into the pack to keep it fresh.) Smooth the edges using a damp paintbrush. Rub some badger balm on the inside of a plastic measuring spoon and use a damp paintbrush to position the flower in the centre of the measuring spoon. Leave your flower design to dry and repeat step 2 to make the second flower.
Step 3 – Hole
Gently sand the edges of the flower using the sandpaper. Place the flowers on the rubber block and use a hand drill to drill a hole in the centre. Make the hole about 10 per cent larger to allow for the shrinkage of the clay during firing.
Fire the earrings using a butane gas torch (they should glow a pale, orange colour for at least 2 minutes) or fire in a kiln at 600C for 10 minutes.
Top tip for your earring making:
you may wish to use some kiln pillow to support the flowers while firing your DIY flower earrings. Once fired, quench in a cup of water and dry.
Step 4 – Polish and finish your flower earrings
Place on a rubber block and polish using a stainless steel brush. Continue using a burnisher or place in a tumbler to achieve a high shine finish. To complete your floral earrings, use a pair of pliers to attach the earring wires – this leaves you with the finished project of beautiful wire flower earrings.
Now you know how to make flower earrings, you can experiment with varied designs and structures. Start buying your supplies and find all of the jewellery making tools you need from Cooksongold today.
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