Handpainted Tribal Earrings

Create Tribal Wood Earrings with Paint & Toothpicks

https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/handpainted-tribal-earrings • Posted by Sheena D.

Using paint and toothpicks, turn any wooden earrings into a global accessory!

You will need

Wood Earrings Craft Paint Toothpicks (preferably picks w/one flat side) Modge Podge Paper bag or Paper Plate (for paint) Small Paint Brush or sponge

Project Budget

Time

Difficulty

Description

Using paint and toothpicks, turn any wooden earrings into a global accessory!

Instructions

1. 

   Place small amounts of your chosen paint colors on a paper plate or paper bag. Dip the flat end of your toothpick into the paint.

2. 

   Stamp a line of small dots across the center of the earrings. **Note: the key to clean painting with a toothpick is to change them out when the paint builds up so you have more control over the paint you want to put down.**

3. 

   Stamp a line of contrasting colored dots on either side of first line. You can create smaller dots by putting less pressure on the toothpick when placing paint. To get the tiny dots, just barely touch the earring surface. You will get the largest dot right after dipping in paint. You can tap excess paint on plate if you want less.

4. 

   Use opposite end of the toothpick to create lines on either side of dotted lines. I like to think of tribal face paint designs or a hunter's shield as inspiration for this design.

5. 

   Fill in additional empty areas with more dots.

6. 

   Turn earrings upside down and paint same design on the bottom of the earrings.

7. 

   These are the completed dot and line painted earrings. Allow these to completely dry before proceeding to the next step or your design will smear.

8. 

   Use a small paint brush or sponge and evenly coat modge podge over the surface of the earrings. Try your best to use a light and even coat.

9. 

   The modge podge will look white when applying but it will dry clear and act as a sealant for the earrings.

10. 

    These are the earrings after the modge podge has dried (approx. 15-20 minutes)

11. 

    This is a second pair of earrings I created using a different design. Use the pointed end dipped in paint to block out geometric shapes.

12. 

    Use the same end of the toothpick, dip in paint and fill in the geometric shapes you outlined.

13. 

    Use the flat end of the toothpick, dip in paint and stamp dot design around the geometric shapes.

14. 

    Continue with dots until filled on to your liking.

15. 

    Use contrasting paint color to add finishing dots. Once the designed painting is dry you can coat with modge podge as shown above.

16. 

    Here are the completed tribal hand-painted earrings that are sure to stand out!