Make a Simple Necklace Backer

When it comes to packaging handmade jewelry, I think it's important that the packaging reflects the style of the shop and the overall feel that the seller wants to give. For me, it's important to upcycle materials to make that packaging. I've previously shared how to make the bases for jewelry backers using thin cardboard and book paper. As well, you can find my method for creating fish hook earring cards and earring cards for lever-back earrings. But, I haven't shown you how I use the bases to make a simple necklace backer.

It really is a super simple process. Start with your basic backer base (I love alliteration!) along with a pair of scissors, a regular-size hole punch, and your necklace.

Keep in mind that the size of your backer will depend on the necklace itself. You'll want to lay the necklace out on the backer first to measure how you want it displayed. From there, punch two holes at the top of your backer, about 1/2-3/4 inch down from the top edge where the necklace chain will cross.

Use your scissors to cut slits from the top edge down to your punched holes.

Insert each side of the chain of your necklace into the slits, centering your focal piece on the backer.

If the back of the chain hangs too long, you can twist and loop it up and insert it back through the slits to secure it like I did in this quick video tutorial on the process.

Of course, you could also bag up the chain in a small baggie and staple or tape it to the back too.

These backers are ideal for shipping necklaces that I sell on Etsy as they provide a sturdy base for the necklace and bubble wrap. 

You can see the rest of how I package an Etsy order in another post if you're interested. 

For the necklaces in the booth at Southern Antiques and Accents, I find it better to use simple handmade tags that hang from the chain. I may share that process with you at another time. However, if you have any questions about how to create these Necklace Backers, please don't hesitate to let me know.

How to Make Bases for Jewelry Backers

I've previously shared a couple of quick tutorials on making earring cards for both fish hook earrings and lever back earrings.  When I made those tutorials, I think I got a little ahead of myself because I never shared how I alter the cardboard that I use as the bases for those cards. It's a fairly simple process, but I thought it would be worth sharing.

Like the other two tutorials, the entirety of it is explained in a quick tutorial you can find on YouTube.

Watch Making Bases for Jewelry Backers there, or I can quickly explain the process here. 

For jewelry cards, I like to incorporate recycling as much as possible. So, the base of them uses cardboard from old cereal and cracker boxes. I flatten and open the boxes up before cutting off the excess (the top flaps and sides that are too skinny for use). From there. I spread Mod Podge (or other thin glue) with a paintbrush over the face (image side) of the cardboard. Dictionary pages are placed on the glue to cover the images and left to dry. I suggest that you use whatever paper types appeal to you: maps, old phone books, newspaper, some of your original art, etc. 

Once the glue has dried, trim off the excess paper by either tearing or using scissors to cut it off. I then like to "whitewash" the dictionary text with white paint that's been slightly watered down. In years past, instead of the white paint, I used a combination of spray inks and bright colors to alter the dictionary paper, but I've come to appreciate the simplicity of the whitewash. The cardboard is then hung up to dry and later used as needed to back my jewelry. 

It really is an easy process, but I wanted to make sure I explained it since I have shared the other tutorials. In addition to those two, I do hope to share how I use this backer base to create large cards for necklaces. And, eventually, I'll be showing you how I pack an Etsy order to be shipped. 

Make sure to let me know if you do have any questions about any of these processes so I can clarify anything I didn't explain. I hope this inspired you to use your recycling in unique ways!

DIY Earring Cards for Lever Back Earrings

As I've already shared my method for creating earring backers/cards for fish hook ear wires, I thought it only right that I also share my easy method for making earring cards for lever-back earrings too. 

These are a little more tricky as you have to work with the fact that these are a continuous loop that opens and closes. While there are several methods, the one that works best for me involves punching two holes for each earring. I created a video for you to watch how to make your own Lever-back Earring Cards.

Simply put, I first use a normal-sized hole punch to make a hole in the thin cardboard (upcycled from cereal and cracker boxes). Just above that hole, I punch another one with a small hole punch. Then, I open the lever on the ear wires and slip them on the cards. Easy Peasy!

Again, the cardboard is just recycled from kitchen items. I cover it with old dictionary text and a whitewash of acrylic paint.

You could go in any direction with the decoration of the cardboard since it's such a basic surface. Have fun with it! I hope I've helped you see how simple displaying and packaging your earrings can be. And, don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions.

DIY Fish-Hook Earring Cards from Recycled Materials

As a jewelry-designer, there's so much that goes into each piece of jewelry. There's the designing, making, photographing, and marketing. And, then there's the packaging of each item. For each designer, these processes vary to meet their brand and budget. Since I love to upcycle and never waste anything, I've long incorporated recycled materials into my packaging. Since my methods are simple, I thought it'd be worthwhile to share some of my methods. The most basic of these is the display card for a pair of fish-hook earrings. 

I use a simple backer for both displaying and shipping my earrings. The design of this card has changed over time to a simple whitewashed paper, but the method has stayed the same for many years. And, the materials are quite basic.

I use only a small hole punch, a rectangle of altered cardboard, rubber earring backs, and (of course) the earrings. The cardboard I use comes from saved cereal and cracker boxes. After I cut them down into panels, I paste on a layer of old dictionary paper then coat them with watered-down white paint or gesso. Once it's time to make a backer, I simply cut that down to the size I need based on the earrings. This ensures that the earring cards are never too small or too large.

The hole punch I use makes a hole that is quite a bit smaller than a traditional hole punch. However, they're easy to find at most craft stores. 

I simply punch two holes at the top of the cardboard, spacing them to give each of the earrings room to be displayed.

The fish-hook ear wires are inserted into the cardboard. See how snugly they fit?

Rubber earring backs are placed on the ear wires to secure them on the card and ultimately for the use of the wearer.

Using a regular hole punch would mean that the backers and the earrings might slip off the cardboard because of too large of a hole.

And, that's it. This method is perfect for me because it allows me to recycle while injecting my own style on the backer. You might add whatever design you want on the cardboard: print something out, draw your own design, write a note to the recipient, etc. I like the whitewashed dictionary paper because it suits my vintage romantic style. 

I did create a short video to quickly show you how easy these earrings cards are to make.

Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions. Now, go out there, make some earring cards, and save the planet!