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Want earrings nobody else has, or a handmade gift that looks shop-bought? These 10 DIY dangle earrings use simple findings you can pick up in one order: ear wires, jump rings and a pair of pliers. Most take under an hour, and several take less than 30 minutes, so you can make a few pairs in an evening.
The ideas start with beginner designs, move on to natural materials like wood, leather and pressed flowers, and finish with statement pieces. Each one shows what you need and how to make it, plus a link to a finished pair if you would rather buy than make. Save this post to your DIY jewelry board so you can come back for your next pair, or for your Christmas gift list.
Pick by Time and Skill
| If you have… | Make this | Skill level |
|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes and no experience | Round circle or vertical drop earrings | Beginner |
| An evening and a bead stash | Waterdrop or layered disc earrings | Beginner |
| A craft knife and leather scraps | Leather dangle earrings | Easy |
| A weekend and pressed flowers | Pressed flower resin earrings | Intermediate |
| A gift to make for someone special | Black filigree or starfish earrings | Easy |
Basic Tools and How to Attach an Ear Wire
Almost every design below uses the same three findings: ear wires (the hooks), jump rings (small metal rings that join parts) and sometimes head pins (wires that hold beads). The only tools you need are two pairs of pliers, ideally one chain-nose and one round-nose, plus small wire cutters.
- Open the jump ring sideways. Hold it with a pair of pliers on each side of the split and twist one side toward you. Never pull the ends apart, because that distorts the circle.
- Add the charm. Slide the charm, disc or bead loop onto the open jump ring.
- Add the ear wire. Slip the loop at the bottom of the ear wire onto the same jump ring, making sure the charm faces forward.
- Close and check. Twist the ring back until the ends meet flush with no gap, then tug gently to make sure nothing slips out. Repeat for the second earring, matching the direction.
Stage 1: Beginner Dangle Earrings (Under 30 Minutes)
Start here if you have never made jewelry. These designs only need jump rings and ear wires, so you will finish your first pair quickly.
Round Circle Dangle Drop Earrings
See the finished pair on Amazon
Why it works: A simple round drop suits almost every face shape and outfit, and a thin wire circle stays light enough to wear all day.
You will need: Two round connector rings or wire hoops (around 18 to 25 mm), two jump rings, a pair of ear wires and pliers.
Make it: Open a jump ring, thread it through the top of the circle and the loop of the ear wire, then close it. Repeat for the second earring, checking that both circles hang the same way.
Tip: Brushed gold or matte finishes look more expensive than shiny ones. For a layered look, link a small circle inside a larger one with a second jump ring.
Layered Disc Dangle Earrings
Why it works: Stacked discs catch the light as they move, so they look like a statement piece while staying light.
You will need: Flat metal disc charms in three graduated sizes (small, medium, large), six to eight jump rings, ear wires and pliers.
Make it: Link the large disc to the medium disc with a jump ring, then the medium to the small. Attach the small disc at the top to the ear wire with one more jump ring. Make the second earring as a mirror image.
Tip: Hammered discs reflect more light than smooth ones. If you do not have a texturing hammer, buy discs that are already hammered.
Lightweight Vertical Drop Earrings
Why it works: A straight vertical drop draws the eye downward and makes the neck look longer, which is why bar earrings work so well for work and weddings.
You will need: Two bar charms or 2 to 3 inch lengths of fine chain, two jump rings, ear wires and pliers.
Make it: Attach the top of each bar or chain to a jump ring, then link it to the ear wire. If you use chain, cut both pieces at the same link count so the earrings match exactly.
Tip: Keep the pair under about 3 inches long for everyday wear. Hollow or aluminum bars weigh less than solid metal.
Waterdrop Dangle Earrings
Why it works: Teardrop beads have a classic, elegant shape, and glass or acrylic drops catch the light from every angle.
You will need: Two teardrop beads with a top-drilled hole, two head pins or eye pins, ear wires, round-nose pliers and wire cutters.
Make it: Thread a bead onto a head pin, bend the wire at a right angle just above the bead, then use round-nose pliers to roll the wire into a small loop. Trim the excess, open the loop sideways, hook it onto the ear wire and close it.
Tip: Clear or pale blue drops look like water; deep red or emerald drops make a lovely Christmas gift.
Stage 2: Natural Material Earrings
Once you are comfortable with jump rings, try materials with texture and character. These pairs feel handmade in the best way.
Wooden Drop Dangle Earrings
Why it works: Wood is very light and each piece has its own grain, so no two pairs look exactly the same.
You will need: Pre-drilled wooden earring blanks, fine sandpaper, wood stain or acrylic paint, a clear sealant, jump rings and ear wires.
Make it: Lightly sand the blanks, then stain or paint them and let them dry. Add a thin coat of clear sealant to protect the finish, let it cure, then attach each blank to an ear wire with a jump ring.
Tip: Keep wooden earrings away from water to stop them warping. Natural stain on one side and a painted pattern on the other gives you two looks in one pair.
Leather Dangle Earrings
Shop the finished pair on Amazon
Why it works: Leather and faux leather are flexible, light and easy to cut, and they suit both denim and dresses.
You will need: Leather or faux leather scraps, a paper template, a craft knife or sharp scissors, a small hole punch, jump rings and ear wires.
Make it: Draw your shape on paper (teardrops and petals work well), trace it onto the back of the leather and cut it out. Punch a hole near the top, then attach a jump ring and ear wire.
Tip: Cut both earrings from the same template so they match. Faux leather works well for vegan gifts.
Pressed Flower Resin Earrings
View the finished earrings on Amazon
Why it works: Real flowers sealed in clear resin make a personal, one-of-a-kind gift, especially if you use flowers from a meaningful bouquet.
You will need: Small pressed flowers, open-backed bezels or silicone earring molds, UV resin, a UV lamp, gloves, jump rings and ear wires.
Make it: Press fresh flowers in a flower press or heavy book for 2 to 3 weeks until completely flat and dry. Place a thin layer of resin in the mold, arrange the flowers, add more resin to cover them and cure under the UV lamp following the resin instructions. Pop out the shapes and attach them to ear wires with jump rings.
Tip: Always wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated space when using resin, and follow the safety directions on the product label. Thin flowers like forget-me-nots and baby’s breath work best.
Stage 3: Statement Dangle Earrings
These designs look the most dramatic but use the same simple techniques, which makes them great for gifts.
Silver Starfish Dangle Earrings
Why it works: Starfish charms bring a playful, beachy feel and look good with summer outfits and vacation wardrobes. More ideas in 10 Homemade Jewelry Ideas for Creative Makers.
You will need: Two silver starfish charms, two jump rings, a pair of ear wires and pliers.
Make it: Attach each starfish to a jump ring and link it to the ear wire. For extra movement, add a small pearl or bead on a head pin to the same jump ring.
Tip: If the earrings are for sensitive ears, choose ear wires labeled sterling silver, surgical steel or titanium.
Boho Black Filigree Dangle Earrings
Why it works: Lacy filigree looks intricate but is very light, and a black or oxidized finish adds a vintage, boho feel.
You will need: Two black or oxidized filigree charms, jump rings, ear wires and optionally small beads and head pins.
Make it: Link each filigree charm to an ear wire with a jump ring. To make them more detailed, hang a small bead from the bottom hole of the filigree using a head pin and a simple loop.
Tip: Keep oxidized finishes away from harsh cleaners so the dark patina lasts. These look striking against white or cream outfits.
Hollow Cut-Out Dangle Earrings
Why it works: Cut-out shapes look bold without the weight, because the open space keeps them light and lets light pass through.
You will need: Two geometric cut-out charms (circles, arches or arrows), jump rings and ear wires.
Make it: Attach each charm to an ear wire with a jump ring, checking that the cut-out pattern faces forward. For a longer drop, add a short length of chain between the ear wire and the charm.
Tip: Brushed gold or matte black shows off the cut-out shape best. Wear them with your hair up so the design is visible. Want more ideas? See 10 Unique DIY Earring Ideas to Try.
Make a Christmas Gift Set in One Weekend
Handmade earrings make thoughtful Christmas gifts. Here is how to make several pairs in two days using the ideas above.
- Saturday morning: press flowers for the resin earrings, or use dried flowers you already have.
- Saturday afternoon: make quick pairs for friends and coworkers: round circle, vertical drop and waterdrop earrings.
- Saturday evening: stain or paint wooden blanks and leave them to dry overnight.
- Sunday morning: seal and assemble the wooden pairs, then cut leather earrings.
- Sunday afternoon: make a special pair for someone close: black filigree or layered disc.
- Sunday evening: mount each pair on an earring card and wrap them up.
DIY Dangle Earrings: Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to start making dangle earrings?
A basic kit covers almost every design in this post: ear wires, jump rings in a couple of sizes, head pins, chain-nose pliers, round-nose pliers and small wire cutters. Beginner jewelry-making kits usually include all of these plus a selection of beads and charms, which is the cheapest way to start. After that, you only need to buy the charms or beads for each new design.
What ear wires are best for sensitive ears?
People with sensitive ears usually do best with ear wires labeled sterling silver, surgical stainless steel, titanium or niobium, and many look for nickel-free findings. Plated base-metal ear wires are cheaper but can bother sensitive skin as the plating wears. If you are making earrings as a gift and do not know the person’s sensitivities, choosing hypoallergenic ear wires is the safest option.
How do I make dangle earrings lightweight?
Choose hollow, thin or open designs, such as wire circles, cut-out charms and filigree, rather than solid metal. Wood, leather and acrylic are all lighter than metal or glass. Keep the total length under about 3 inches for everyday wear, and use the smallest jump rings that still hold the parts securely, since extra links add weight.
How long does it take to make a pair of earrings?
Simple designs that only use jump rings and ear wires, like round circle or layered disc earrings, take about 10 to 20 minutes once you have the hang of it. Beaded drops take a little longer because you form the wire loops by hand. Pressed flower resin earrings take the longest, since the flowers need 2 to 3 weeks to press and the resin needs time to cure.
Is UV resin safe to use at home?
Many people use UV resin at home for jewelry, but it needs care. Wear nitrile gloves so the uncured resin does not touch your skin, work in a well-ventilated area, and follow the safety directions on the product label. Cure the pieces fully under the UV lamp before wearing them, and keep resin and the lamp away from children and pets.
How should I package handmade earrings as a gift?
Mount each pair on a small earring card, then place it in a little kraft box, organza bag or envelope. You can print simple earring cards at home on card stock and punch two holes for the ear wires. Add a short note about how the earrings were made, or what flowers are in the resin, to make the gift feel extra personal.
Shop Earring-Making Supplies
Everything you need to make the earrings above, in one place.
- Beginner earring-making kits with ear wires, jump rings, pliers and charms
- Hypoallergenic ear wires for sensitive ears
- Jewelry pliers sets with round-nose, chain-nose and cutters
- UV resin kits and earring molds for pressed flower earrings
- Faux leather earring kits with templates and findings
- Wooden earring blanks ready to paint or stain
Your Next Step
Made your first pair? Try more techniques with our 10 Easy Ways to Make Earrings at Home.
