If you’re ever stuck in a creative rut, inspiration might be hiding in plain sight. These eye-catching circle earrings began as something completely unexpected; copper gaskets from my husband’s old obsolete paint gun. Rather than let them go to waste, I transformed them into wearable art. (Curious about that paint gun? You can also check out our post on how to paint using a spray gun).

This DIY is a great example that even the most unassuming materials can be upcycled into unique accessories!

Turn Scrap into Style

But materials are only half the story. For true inspiration, I looked to my talented friend and artist Elsa Bluethner. One of her whimsical paintings—a beautiful piece featuring women inside a birdcage—hangs in our bedroom, and I wake up to its beauty every morning. Channeling the spirit of the painting, I transformed three copper gaskets (a nod to the birdcage wires) and added dangling jade beads, inspired by a woman’s green dress in the artwork.

Materials

[If you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered (disclosure): The blue links in this post may be affiliate links. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases which we proudly donate to Alzheimer’s research. But don’t worry, you don’t pay a cent more! Thanks for helping to support our fundraiser!]

• Copper gasket rings in two different sizes – 1″ and 5/8″. The ones I’m upcycling are rolled, not flat. They are used on spray guns that have a metal baffle like these DeVilbiss Spray Gun AV-1-K5 Copper Gaskets. This kit is similar. However, they don’t seem as thin as the ones I’m using.
• Simple Green cleaner
• Vevor ultrasonic cleaner (optional)
• Two needle nose pliers
• Jump rings – 4 – 10 mm (you’ll need 6 mm and 8 mm silver)
• 6 mm brass jump rings
• Hypoallergenic earring wires
• Jade round beads and donuts –  or existing/thrifted earring drop
• Silver spacer beads
• Head pins for jewelry making

Creative Craft Hop

Before we get to the tutorial, it’s time for another Creative Craft blog hop, which I co-host with my friend Donna at Modern on Monticello. So if you are visiting from Gail at Purple Hues and Me, welcome! Weren’t her handmade Irises stunning? At the very bottom of this post, we’ll be directing you to the next stop on this venture. But don’t forget to check out the other stops too because you’ll find plenty more ideas. Be sure to drop back in throughout the week to visit them all!

DIY Circle Earrings from Unlikely Finds

How to Clean Metal with an Ultrasonic Cleaner

Before turning found metal objects into jewelry, the first step is giving them a proper clean. An ultrasonic cleaner makes that job easy peasy!

To keep things organized, we separate our metal pieces into individual ziplock bags. This helps prevent smaller parts from getting lost and keeps similar items together. We almost always clean items with multiple projects in mind. While I’m not quite sure what I’ll make with that bag of old keys yet, they’ll be ready when inspiration hits!

Fill the ultrasonic with water and plug it in. Next, mix a small amount of Simple Green with water.

Divide the solution into each bag. By the way, the bags not only organize the parts, but also contain the dirt and grime so we don’t have to clean out the ultrasonic cleaning tank.

Place the bags into the cleaner’s basket, set the timer (we usually go for 5 minutes), and let the ultrasonic waves do the work.

It’s amazing how much grime lifts off!

After the cycle, rinse everything thoroughly. For particularly grimy items, don’t hesitate to run them through a second round with a fresh batch of Simple Green.

Let everything dry before using and pick out 4 small rings and two larger ones (sizes I use are below).

Now for the fun part – assembly!

Gather Tools for DIY Circle Earrings

You’ll need silver and brass jump rings, two pairs of chain nose pliers, and three gaskets—one large (1″) and two smaller ones (5/8″).

You really never know until you try what size is going to work best for a particular project.  So to make sure I always have the right size on hand, I picked up this multi-size set of jump rings on Amazon.

Thrifted Finds

Thrifting can garner some interesting finds for upcycled jewelry too. I found this unassuming bag at the thrift store for $5.99. At first I thought the price was steep; it didn’t look like there was anything special inside.

But I took a chance. And once I got home and sorted it all out, I was pleasantly surprised to find a bunch of usable beads to upcycle – like the jade dangle earrings circled below! I’ll use those as a focal for my DIY earrings.

Assemble Circle Earrings

You’ll need four 6 mm silver jump rings, one 6 mm brass jump ring, and one larger 8 mm brass jump ring.

Here’s a numbered picture to guide you through the assembly and jump ring placement. Keep in mind, if you’re working with copper gaskets like me, to keep the rolled seam in the back so the pretty side is facing out.

• 1–2: These first two jump rings connect the smaller gaskets to the large one.
• 3: This jump ring threads through the centres of the smaller gaskets and also holds a dangle—use an existing earring or create one with jade beads on a head pin.
• 4-5: Insert the 4th jump ring through the top centre, making sure it also secures the largest jump ring (5th) that wraps around the outer edge of the large gasket.
• 6: Finally, connect the ear wire to the large brass jump ring using the remaining brass jump ring.

Likewise, make a second one!

Can you see the influence of Elsa’s birdcage painting?

Birdcages, Beads, and Beautiful Beginnings

Fun fact! Not only is Elsa an incredible artist, but thanks to a bit of matchmaking on my part (and a well-timed Facebook post), she met her husband (who happens to be Hubs’ friend) through me.

Don’t you just love it when art, friendship, social media connection and even forgotten hardware can spark something beautiful?

This is the second time I’ve had a play with these copper gaskets. I also made this vintage button necklace.

It wasn’t too long ago that I joined the Style Makers Network to learn more about jewelry making and I’m well on my way to creating enough projects to form our newest category! For more upcycled jewelry inspiration, check out the jewelry section of the blog.

Fall Into Fabulous

One of the things I love most about blogging is connecting with other makers , and this Fall we’ve created something truly inspiring together.

Grab 16 digital goodies from top creators — planners, recipes, colouring books  & more — including our Beginner Crochet e-Book!

Every dollar of our commission goes straight to Alzheimer’s research — a cause close to our hearts. Your purchase through this link means you’re not just treating yourself; you’re making a real difference.

Grab it now — the bundle is only available for a limited time! Let’s make this Fall fabulous and full of hope. 💜

Pin Circle Earrings

If you found this project inspiring or helpful, why not share the love? Pinning is a great way to support our charitable work and helps others discover creative ideas too! Just click the Pin button and save it to your favourite board; you’ll be able to find it later when you’re ready to try it yourself. Every pin makes a big difference and keeps the creativity flowing!

Now it’s time to check out Good Day Sunshine! Vintage Headboard Trellis from Cecilia at My Thrift Store Addiction. But don’t miss what the other talented ladies of the Creative Craft Hop have been up to in the list below! This group is bursting with fresh ideas, clever techniques, and inspiring upcycles you’ll want to try. Each project brings something unique to the table, so be sure to click through and check them all out; you’re bound to find your next favourite DIY!

• DIY Harry Potter Flying Key Christmas Ornament
• Handmade Nylon Iris Flowers
• Circle Earrings (that’s us!)
• Good Day Sunshine! Vintage Headboard Trellis
• DIY Scroll Christmas Tree Lantern
• How to Make a DIY Jewelry Organizer