Vintage Lace Earrings - DIY

Lace earrings are the perfect romantic accessory and super easy to make!  Found the perfect lacey shape but not in your fav color ... lace is also amazingly easy to dye.  In fact, for the pair I made, I dyed the originally white lace (to stark for me :) to a lovely antiqued ivory using tea!

STEP 1 (cut):  Carefully cut lace either side of the lace collar to the desired shape of your earrings.  Don't be afraid to go big ... lace is so lightweight and airy, you can get away with bolder earrings without looking over the top.

STEP 2 (dye):  I didn't particularly care for the bright white lace look and was looking for more of an antiqued looked so I dyed the lace using tea.  Heat 1 - 1/2 cups water per tea bag.  Bring to a boil for 10 minuets or until desired intensity is achieved (the longer you boil and steep the tea, the stronger the color).  Remove tea bags.  Wet lace with warm water so that it is saturated.  Place lace in hot tea, stirring frequently until desired color is achieved.  Remove lace and rinse in cold water.

STEP 3 (dry):  Remove as much moisture as you can from the lace with a paper towel.  Then fold-up in a piece of paper towel and place under a heavy book to dry completely (this will prevent the edges of your lace from curling up).

STEP 4 (assemble):  Using a round nose jewelry pliers, open the loop of your earwire and string lace onto the wire.  Repeat for other side.

STEP 4 (enjoy):  Slip your new earrings on and enjoy looking fabulous!