Nothing but Fluff between the Earrings

Getting my ears pierced was a rite of passage into womanhood.  I remember it very well.  I got them done at Claire's on the day we got out for Christmas break in sixth grade.  It was a momentous occasion.

It was NOT, however, "nearly painless."  It hurt for days.  My friends were liars.  All of them.

I went through a long period when I rarely wore earrings, but in the last year, since getting a pixie haircut, I have started to rediscover a love for them.  Unfortunately, I have also discovered that I can only wear sterling silver or 14k gold posts and hooks or face an allergic reaction.  Obviously, this limits me, especially when I'm looking at some of those really cute boutiques or at consignment stores where they don't know what the posts are made of. 

When Elizabeth was here recently, I was complimenting her on her adorable earrings.  When mentioned on my earring sadness, she casually remarked, "Why don't you just buy some sterling hooks or posts at a craft store and put them on earrings you like but can't wear?"

I stared at her. This girl was a genius. I mean, look at that crown.  She clearly knows her accessories.

I have been lamenting cute but unwearable earrings for years, and never once thought about replacing the offending part.  I mean, really.  What kind of DIYer am I if I don't think outside the box?

When I picked my jaw off the floor, I rushed out and bought some sterling silver hooks at Hobby Lobby.  I mostly wear dangly earrings, so I figured these were my best bet.  If you want to do this and are a dunce like me, here's what you do. 

1.  Find some earrings you love. 

2.  Using needle nose pliers, open your new hooks as well as the ones on your earrings.  I hear jewelry-making pliers are awesome, but in this simple earring surgery, Handsome Hero's needle nose pliers worked just fine.

3.  Slip the new hooks on the earrings and tighten gently with your pliers.  Stand in front of a mirror and take a picture of yourself.  Look at the picture and realize that you forgot to fix your hair today.

4.  Smile really big at the camera as if to say, "I know I forgot to fix my hair today, but I don't care, because, well, just look at my cute ears."

You just made new jewelry and it only took five minutes.

*  I would imagine exchanging posts would take some more talent, and probably some jewelry-making tools.  If/when I attempt it, I'll be sure to let you know.