Transforming Scrap Piles into Profit with Laser-Cut Earrings

By Kacey Beal, Holly and Liz

I see that scrap pile in the corner. Yeah, that one over there, the one you just looked at, the one that is stacked up well over the top of your “to throw out” bucket. Do you have plans for that? Let me guess, you were thinking of just throwing it out, but your inner hoarder continues to stop you. There is so much money just sitting there, begging for your attention. Maybe you’re thinking of just burning it, watching all that money go up in flames and smoke. Maybe you’re thinking that you will finally use it for that one small project. Maybe you are thinking you will just hold onto them for a little bit longer, as you are practically a hoarder of supplies these days.

Isn’t this the life we live as laser creators? The materials cost a lot of money, so now what do you do with all the little scrap sheets of wood and acrylic that lay around each day, yelling at us from the corner, begging for our attention? Oh yeah, and don’t forget all the lasering you have to do this week that will only make the pile bigger and bigger. I know you have plans for that pile, or at least you want to make plans for that pile. Think of how much money is in that stack, hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Don’t just look at it with pity, use it! How, you ask? One word, earrings! Don’t roll your eyes. I saw you doing it. You know it is a good thought. Maybe it’s even a thought you have considered recently. One of the greatest things you can do with that scrap material is turn it into earrings.

Did you know that many online shoppers are women searching for gifts for family members, girlfriends, neighbors, teachers, coaches, and even themselves? Why not give them something that will fit no matter what size they are? One size fits all in the earring world after all! Just think of all the design possibilities. Animals, sports, holidays, lines, circles, shapes, and all the colors of the rainbow including glitter, mirror, matte, plus clear acrylic. It is never-ending. Whether you have scrap wood or scrap acrylic, I know that you can use up 99% of that sheet to make earrings. You can get about 1000 stud earrings from a single 19x12 inch sheet of wood or acrylic, each pair taking just a few seconds to make.

Here’s the low down on how to make a pair yourself. The best thickness to use is 1/8 inch or 3 mm wood or acrylic. Thicker ¼ inch, 6 mm, is doable but not ideal. If using thinner, think of layering the pieces to get thicker. Earrings can be as small as about half an inch for posts and up to three to four inches for the larger statement drops.

All you need now are some metal posts and glue (I like Starbond medium the best) for stud earrings. Be sure to sand the metal posts a little, a few scuffs with some sandpaper will do. Be sure to let the glue dry for several hours before sending it to your customer. (PICTURE B) Pliers, jump rings, and metal hooks are all you need for drop earrings. Open the jump ring with pliers, add your wood or acrylic piece and a metal hook. Close the jump ring, making the ends match together. You did it! You made earrings!

Need some inspiration? Think of all the holidays that women and girls love to wear earrings for. Christmas is huge, of course. Next is Valentine’s Day, Easter, the 4th of July, and Halloween. Then look at the sport mamas out there. They all need a pair to show their support for their kids playing. Don’t forget teachers and the corporate world too. Flowers, plants, patterns, food, and geometric shapes are great as well. One can never have enough earrings!

Are you planning on participating in a craft show or vendor event? Earrings are an easy, lightweight, and affordable item that can attract plenty of buyers. Consumers are always looking for small gifts to give. They are small enough to fit in a purse and cheap enough to buy on a whim. Create even more sales with a buy one, get one deal. Then watch your earrings roll out in multiples all day long.

So, before you toss your scrap pile in the bin, consider the possibilities. With a little creativity and effort, you can turn that pile of waste into a pile of money.

Kacey Beal is the owner of Holly and Liz. To get all your earring questions answered, you can contact her at support@hollyandliz.com or visit www.hollyandliz.com.

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