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Create Tribal Wood Earrings with Paint & Toothpicks
Using paint and toothpicks, turn any wooden earrings into a global accessory!

Posted by Sheena D. Published See Sheena D.'s 8 projects »
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  • How to make a set of wooden earrings. Handpainted Tribal Earrings - Step 1
    Step 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.

  • How to make a set of wooden earrings. Handpainted Tribal Earrings - Step 2
    Step 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.**

  • How to make a set of wooden earrings. Handpainted Tribal Earrings - Step 3
    Step 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.

  • How to make a set of wooden earrings. Handpainted Tribal Earrings - Step 4
    Step 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.

  • How to make a set of wooden earrings. Handpainted Tribal Earrings - Step 5
    Step 5

    Fill in additional empty areas with more dots.

  • How to make a set of wooden earrings. Handpainted Tribal Earrings - Step 6
    Step 6

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

  • How to make a set of wooden earrings. Handpainted Tribal Earrings - Step 7
    Step 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.

  • How to make a set of wooden earrings. Handpainted Tribal Earrings - Step 8
    Step 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.

  • How to make a set of wooden earrings. Handpainted Tribal Earrings - Step 9
    Step 9

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

  • How to make a set of wooden earrings. Handpainted Tribal Earrings - Step 10
    Step 10

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

  • How to make a set of wooden earrings. Handpainted Tribal Earrings - Step 11
    Step 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.

  • How to make a set of wooden earrings. Handpainted Tribal Earrings - Step 12
    Step 12

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

  • How to make a set of wooden earrings. Handpainted Tribal Earrings - Step 13
    Step 13

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

  • How to make a set of wooden earrings. Handpainted Tribal Earrings - Step 14
    Step 14

    Continue with dots until filled on to your liking.

  • How to make a set of wooden earrings. Handpainted Tribal Earrings - Step 15
    Step 15

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

  • How to make a set of wooden earrings. Handpainted Tribal Earrings - Step 16
    Step 16

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

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