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Sunglasses earrings redux

Sweeten up old shades into a new accessory

By Alexa Westerfield
Published: February 1st, 2008 | 7:14pm

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If you’re like me, stashed away in that accessory pile is a less than rockin’ pair of sunglasses from last season that have seen their day. Well, say goodbye to that pair of shades and say hello to a new pair of ultra fab earrings you will want to show off!

Materials

Pair of sunglasses (you can use an old pair or purchase a new pair, like I did for only $1 at a dollar store)
2 medium size beads of your choice
Sterling silver plated wire
Sterling silver plated ear hooks

Supplies

Drill with 1/16” drill bit
Wooden surface for drilling
Round nose pliers
Wire cutters
Dark permanent marker

Instructions

Using light pressure, pop out the lenses of your sunglasses. If you have trouble getting them out, gently use your pliers to pry them out of the frame
Use a permanent marker to mark a small dot where you want drill hole to go on the glass.
Lay the glass down with the curved surface facing up. Place your drill bit on the marked dot and secure the glass firmly down with the other hand. Start drilling at a slow and steady pace until the drill bit goes through the glass. If the glass is still stuck to the drill bit, you may have to unscrew it until it comes off.
Cut a 3” piece of wire. With your wire, create a small loop with a tail of about 1 1/2” for wrapping.
Wrap the tail three times around right below the loop. Cut off excess with wire cutters.
Add the bead and loop the wire through the drilled sunglass hole. Pull through and leave about 1/4” of wire from the top of the glass to the bead. Wrap the remaining wire right above glass and continue wrapping until it meets the bead. Cut off excess with wire cutters.
Add ear wire and close loop with pliers.

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. "Swelldesigner" is a graphic designer by day and a swell, crafty lady by night. She loves being creative in all ways, from photography and jewelrymaking, to trendspotting and blogging. Send her a line at her myspace page at myspace.com/swellgirldesigns and view her photos at flickr.com/swelldesigner.