https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/soda-can-earring • Posted by KMOM14
When I saw this project over at I knew I wanted to try it. This is a fairly simple project; the so-so part is working with the Dimensional Magic and a minimum drying time of 3 hours per layer. As I had not had much experience with jewelry making or Mod Podge, there were several disasters along the way and I will include tips I learned along the way.
When I saw this project over at I knew I wanted to try it. This is a fairly simple project; the so-so part is working with the Dimensional Magic and a minimum drying time of 3 hours per layer. As I had not had much experience with jewelry making or Mod Podge, there were several disasters along the way and I will include tips I learned along the way.
You first need to decide what part of the can you want on your earrings and choose an appropriate size coin - I choose a small "Diet Coke" logo at the bottom of a can and a nickel. Because the logo I wanted was a the bottom of the can, I pinched the can in the center of the opposite side and used kitchen scissors (I use them for craft scissors) and cut to then around the area in a square that I wanted to use for the earrings. Be careful as the cut areas are sharp.
To get the right size, I put the coin (you could also use washers from a hardware store)on top of the logo then held it in place by my thumb and forefinger and cut around the edged. I did try drawing around the edges with a Sharpie the first two times. The first time I cut inside the edges of the black mark and it cut off to much of the can. When I cut large enough to fit the coin it there was ugly black around the edges.
Use the hot glue gun put glue over the coin as uniformly as possible (don't use globs) and glue the soda can piece on top. Repeat with other coin.
To give it a glassy top image I used Mod Podge Dimensional Magic that I got at JoAnn Fabrics with a 50% coupon for $2.50. In working with this you do not want to shake it before using as it will cause ugly air bubbles. It there are any air bubbles in the medium once you apply it you want to pop them or push them to the edges as they will show up on the finished product. You also don't want to put too much on at one time as it will spill over the edges and come out uneven.
Apply thin layer to each earring and allow to dry at least 3 hours without touching. I applied a 2nd layer and allowed it to dry overnight.
Use the hot glue gun to glue the earwire to the back of the coin. I waited until the glue was firm to gently twist the earwire toward the back so it would be perpendicular. (If you pull too firmly or quickly you will break the wire.)
I used metal tape from the Home Depot on the back of the earring to not only help keep the earwire on the coin but to give it a nicer looking finish on the back.
I cut the metal tape into squares, firmly applied to the back of the earring and then cut around the edges.