Paper Crane Earrings

This is probably the most popular pair of earrings I own. I learnt to fold paper cranes in high school. It's a skill which always seems to impress people, as well as being a good use for unwanted pamphlets. 

How it's Done:

You Will Need:

• Two squares of coloured paper. I used 5cm squares and their wingspan is 4cm when fully extended. The smaller the paper gets, the more difficult it is to work with but with steady hands, patience and finger nails of a decent length you could start with a square as small as 1cm.
• A needle and thread
• 2 Jump rings (See Vocab Tab)
• 2 Basic Hooks (See Vocab Tab)
• Round-Nosed Pliars (See Vocab Tab)

Method:

For simple instructions on how to make a paper crane click here.

Once you've made two cranes of the size you want you may continue reading.

Thread the needle and push it through the apex of the bird's back. Make sure the hole is in the center and far enough away from the top that the thread won't tear through. Tie a knot in the thread about 2cm above the crane. It's not important how big a loop you make but it is important that you can make the second loop the same size. Using a finger or pencil as a spacer when tying helps ensure accuracy, but it's still a fiddly process.

Once your loops are tied, cut the thread (leaving enough that the knot does not unknot) and pull one side of the loop so that the knot shifts to inside the bird's back where it can't be seen. 

Next attach a jump ring to the thread and an earring hook to the jump ring.

Once they are finished a coat of spray varnish or modge podge is suggested but they can survive without. 

Rating:

Patience Needed: 7/10

I think the reason for that myth that claims making a thousand paper cranes will bring you good luck came about is because anyone who has the patience to actually do it is going to have no problem waiting for a turn of fortune.

Durability: 2/10

Mine, unvarnished, have lasted months without any visible wear and tear but I am careful about wearing them when it's raining, windy or very hot. A little common sense will preserve them well.

Cool Factor: 9/10

There's something universally endearing about paper birds especially if they're little and move when you do.