Shell Earring and Charm Bracelet Set

I got the idea to make this set when I was walking next to an old dried out pond that had lots of shells in it. I used the shells from the pond near me to create these pieces of original jewelry, now you can too!

1. Two small - medium clam shells
2. Five or more small conical shells
3. Five or more eye pins
4. Two head pins
5. Two earring hooks
6. Beads in shades of blue, green, and white (ocean colors)
7. Four small blue and white beads for earrings
8. E6000 Glue (any other superglue should work)
9. Cleaning toothbrush
10. Wire cutters
11. Needle nose or round nose pliers
12. Ten inches of stretchy string (I used Stretch Magic)
13. Sewing clips
14. Drill
15. Paper clip OR 1/16” drill bit
16. Painter’s tape

Supplies needed for this step:

1. Two small clam shells
2. Cleaning toothbrush
3. Two head pins
4. Two earring hooks
5. Four small blue and white beads
6. Needle or round nose pliers
7. Drill
8. Paper clip OR 1/16” drill bit

1. If dry and dirty, soak shells in water for about ten mins.
2. Use cleaning toothbrush and water to scrub away any dirt visible
3. Rinse and repeat until they are clean, then let them dry
4. Get out a drill and a 1/16 size drill bit (If this is not available you can make one out of a paper clip.)

PAPER CLIP DRILLBIT

1. Bend outer edge of paper clip out
2. Cut off one edge at an angle
3. Cut off the other side straight across
4. Make sure the drill bit is straight and insert it into the drill if it is too small, wrap some paper around the back that is flat

DRILLING THE HOLES

1. Drill a hole through the bottom of the shell (This process takes a while no matter the drill bit)
2. Assemble the head pins in this order: white bead, shell, (wide side facing down) and blue bead
3. When that is done, use the needle/round nose pliers to bend the top of the head pin wire at a right angle, then add the earring hook. Close the gap by looping the wire over the plier and pulling it out. (see pictures)
4. Once the loop is closed with an earring hook in it you can cut off the excess wire from the head pin.

Supplies needed for this step:

1. 5+ conical shells
2. Cleaning toothbrush
3. 5+ eye pins (one for each shell)
4. E6000 glue
5. Stretchy string (10 inches)
6. Wire cutters
7. Shades of blue, white and green beads in various sizes
8. Sewing clips
9. Painter’s tape
10. Needle/round nose pliers

1. Clean all the shells in the manner described in the earring section. Be careful around the shell's outer edges because they are very fragile. Be sure to clean the inside as well.
2. Let dry
3. Get an eye pin and a shell cut the eye pin to where it can fit snugly into the shell. You will have to bend the tip of the eye pin (NOT the eye) so it can fit.
4. Putting the cut eye pin to the side, fill the shell with E6000 and use the leftover cuts from the eye pin to push the E6000 into the open end of the shell.
5. When the shell is full, add the eye pin facing out and let dry for 24 hours
6. Cut ten inches of stretchy string (or how ever long you wish the bracelet to be with excess)
7. Put a sewing clip on one end and string on your beads and shell charms. This is the part where you have a little creative freedom, feel free to arrange your beads and shells how you like them.
8. Tie the end of the bracelet in a knot by doing a classic overhand knot three times over
9. Add some E6000 on the knot to ensure it does not come undone. Let dry for 24 hours
10. Cut off the excess string with wire cutters

Congratulations! You made your very own earrings AND bracelet!!!