How to Carve Wooden Earrings

The warmth and character of wood makes it a good choice for earrings. The steps for carving wooden earrings are basically the same as for carving other items, but on a smaller scale. Earrings can be carved from a single piece of wood or different types of wood can be glued together to create a pattern or unique design.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Scroll saw or band saw
• Drill
• Carving knife
• Gouge
• Sandpaper
• Wood finish
• Earring wire or post

Instructions

1. Choose a design for the earrings. The design could be a familiar subject, such as an animal, a geometric pattern or your own design. Allow for a place to attach a pierced earring post or wire.

2. Select the wood you will use. If you plan to use a carving knife to create the earrings, choose a type of wood that does not require the use of power tools. Basswood carves easily and is lightweight, but it should be painted or stained because it’s rather plain. Many types of wood, both domestic and exotic, are brightly colored, such as osage orange and purple heart, or have an interesting grain pattern. Try to match the wood to the design. Keep the weight of the wood and the size of the pattern in mind as you select the wood, or the earrings might be too heavy to wear.

3. Draw or trace the design onto the wood. The grain of the wood should run the length of the design. Cut out the design on a scroll saw or a band saw with a fine blade. Stay outside of the pattern lines so you have enough wood to work with when you begin carving. Cut slices from the same part of the wood to get pieces that closely match.

4. Drill a 1/32-inch hole in the wood for the earring wire, if necessary. Drill the hole as close to the top as possible without weakening the wood.

5. Carve the earrings into the shape you chose using a detail carving knife. Depending on your design, you might want to use micro gouges in addition to a knife. Use a rotary carving tool with burrs if the wood is too hard to carve with hand tools. Remove small amounts of wood until you have the shape you want. Hone the knife as you work to keep the edge sharp so the wood doesn’t tear.

6. Sand the earrings in the direction of the grain, starting with a medium or course grit, and work your way up to 400-grit paper. Fold the sandpaper to get into tight areas. The wood should be smooth when you’re done.

7. Apply a finish to the earrings. Tung oil, low gloss spray lacquer, and wax work well to protect the wood without making it overly shiny.

8. Attach earring wires to the earrings, or glue studs to the back of them.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear a carving glove to prevent injuries whether carving with a knife or a power tool.

References

• The Art of Making Fine Wood Jewelry; Tony Lydgate