I am always down for good statement earrings- they’re the easiest way to make your loose, summer dresses feel like you just got back from vacation instead of just rolled out of bed (me every morning when I decide to do wake up and do work in bed instead of looking more human ✋).
I still reach for my terrazzo earrings and have my favorite Madewell pieces, but I really wanted to add an organic option to the mix. Ergo, this waveform, terracotta DIY!
You’ll Need
terracotta clay
oval cutters in 2 sizes (I use this set for most of my clay projects)
needle
jump rings
earrings posts
I freaking love working with this clay! I thought it would be polymer clay just colored to look like terracotta, but the Sculpey clay I used has a completely different feel. It’s much more forgiving with fingerprints and easier to shape. The only downside I found was that it does not respond well to post sanding. You can see how I used sanding to add texture to last year’s terracotta reindeer, but if you want a fired clay look, make sure to smooth out any bumps & ridges pre-baking.
- Roll out the clay to an even thickness. This clay can stain surfaces when wet, so make sure to work on wax paper. Cut two oval pieces with your biggest oval cutter.
- Center your smaller oval cutter with the oval pieces. While cutting out the middle, add subtle waves to the clay by bending the clay as you push out the middle.
- Use a needle to drill jump ring holes. Smooth out any ridges by gently skimming a finger or toothpick around the clay.
- Shape a ball of clay around each earring post. Fold the clay edges over the back so the post is completely covered. Gently press the clay covered post onto wax paper to flatten.
- Bake the waveform pieces and covered posts according to the clay instructions. Assemble once cooled.
Do you have a favorite pair of statement earrings or a quick way to pull a look together? My summer uniform right now is cocoon dresses and these earrings.
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Ggggrrrrrrlllllll, these are so gorgeous! And I just adore the way you photographed them! I never leave the house without earrings, I feel naked without them. Can’t wait to make these beauties to add to my collection!
Messing with a new lighting setup, so I’m glad you like them! Send pics when you do!
So you’re starting your career as a MODEL, right?!?! You look amazing in these photos!!
;D thanks Holly! I have to thank the long-suffering Instagram husband for his hard work haha.
Love these, can’t wait to make a pair! How did you attached the back??
Hey Brittney! I made little balls of clay for the top part of the earrings and wrapped those around earrings posts and baked them together! Usually, I just use E6000 though if you want to just make a disc instead of wrapping the post in clay 🙂
These earrings look amazing! What size earring post would you recommend? I have never worked with polymer before or made my own earrings so this is a new adventure for me. Thanks!!
Hey Carolina! I usually use the standard size from Michael’s or Joann’s since it’s the easiest to get ahold of quickly. Michael’s are a little smaller, so I use them for studs or lightweight pieces like this terracotta DIY (https://rstyle.me/+QweyCJ53gtndU3QO0Qi4mw) while Joann’s have a larger post base so I use them for heavier statement earrings (https://www.joann.com/hildie-jo-8-pack-gold-earring-posts-with-earring-back/15484868.html#q=Earring%20Posts&start=1)
Hey, I am from India. Can we bake this clay in microwave oven?
Hi Amruta! Unfortunately no. A microwave oven uses microwave radiation while a regular oven uses convection/heated air. Polymer clay needs the heat to set. Some crafters have been able to “cook” the polymer clay by microwaving it in water, but the results are not reliable enough for me to recommend.
I love how it breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps, making it accessible even for beginners. The creativity and craftsmanship behind handmade jewelry are truly inspiring, and this article does a great job of encouraging readers to experiment with their own designs. It’s also great to see sustainable and artistic jewelry-making techniques being highlighted. Overall, a well-written and engaging piece that sparks creativity and a love for handmade accessories.