DIY: Frida Kahlo Decoupage Earrings

Learn how to craft beautiful decoupage earrings that celebrate Frida Kahlo’s extraordinary artwork.

July 6 marks the birthday of the iconic artist Frida Kahlo, and what better way to honor her legacy than with a creative and personal tribute?

My visits to the Frida Kahlo Museum, or "La Casa Azul”, have left me with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for her vibrant life and work. Inspired by these visits, I decided to craft a special fashion accessory to celebrate Frida during her birthday month: a pair of decoupage earrings featuring one of my favorite portraits of the artist.

This project blends creativity with a touch of paint, and I thought it would be a fitting tribute to her spirit.

MATERIALS:

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  • Diamond square unfinished wood earring blanks, like these ones I found here.

  • Earring hooks. I hope you can find a small package of earring hooks because you just need a pair. You could also recycle and reuse some old earring hooks from some earrings you no longer use.

  • Acrylic paint

  • Glitter

  • A tiny printed image of your favorite Frida Kahlo portrait. Look online for royalty free Frida Kahlo images before printing any artwork.

  • Mod podge

  • Tacky glue

Creating Your Frida Kahlo Decoupage Earrings:

These earrings are not just a fashion statement—they’re a way to carry a piece of Frida's essence with you. The process is fun and straightforward, making it perfect for crafters of all skill levels. Here’s how you can make your own pair:

1. Paint the Wood Diamond Squares:

  • Choose Your Colors. Select a bright, fun color that reflects your personal style. For this project, I chose an emerald green that complements the background of Frida Kahlo's portrait. Feel free to use any color you love or that resonates with Frida’s iconic style.

  • Prepare Your Work Area. Set up a clean workspace with newspaper or a drop cloth to protect surfaces from paint spills.

  • Apply the Base Color. Using a small paintbrush or foam brush, apply the first layer of paint to the wood diamond squares. Make sure to cover all areas evenly.

  • Let the First Coat Dry. Allow the paint to dry completely. This usually takes about an hour, but check the paint can for specific drying times.

  • Apply a Second Coat. Apply a second layer of paint to ensure the color is uniform and vibrant. Wait for the second coat to dry for a couple of hours, or as directed by the paint manufacturer.

2. Glue Frida Kahlo’s Mini Portrait

  • Prepare the Portrait. Print or cut out a mini portrait of Frida Kahlo that fits the center of your painted diamond squares.

  • Apply Craft Glue. Use craft glue suitable for paper and wood like this one here. Apply a small amount of glue to the back of the mini portrait and position it carefully in the center of the painted diamond square.

  • Secure the Portrait. Press down gently to ensure the portrait adheres well. Smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles. Let the glue dry for a few hours to ensure it’s fully set.

3. Add a Layer of Mod Podge

  • Protect the Portrait. Once the craft glue is dry, apply a layer of Mod Podge over the top of the mini portrait. This will protect it from dust and moisture. My favorite is the matte finish, especially for projects with pictures like this one.

4. Add Some Sparkles (Optional)

  • Apply Sparkle. If you want to add a touch of glam, use Mod Podge to apply glitter over the top of the portrait. Sprinkle the glitter while the Mod Podge is still wet.

  • Cover Imperfections. The glitter not only adds sparkle but also helps to cover any imperfections around the edges of the portrait. Apply a light coat and shake off any excess glitter.

  • Let It Dry. Allow the glitter and Mod Podge to dry completely. This will ensure a clean, sparkling finish.

5. Attach the Earring Hooks

  • Prepare the Hooks. Gather your earring hooks and any small jump rings needed to attach them to the painted earrings.

  • Attach the Hooks. Once all the glue and Mod Podge are dry, use pliers to carefully attach the earring hooks to the top of each diamond square. Ensure that they are securely fastened and aligned properly.

  • Final Touches. Check for any loose areas or additional touch-ups needed. Once satisfied, your Frida Kahlo earrings are ready to wear!

I hope you love this Frida Kahlo decoupaged earring idea as much as I do. I have been wearing the earrings a lot lately and they still looks amazing. Whether you’re crafting them for yourself or as a thoughtful gift, these earrings are a wonderful tribute to Frida Kahlo and her incredible artwork.

Not only is this technique fun and straightforward, but it also offers endless creative possibilities. Enjoy the process and celebrate Frida’s legacy with a unique and personal touch!

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