It might be upsetting to break your favorite earrings. While your first instinct may be to discard the damaged object, there is an alternate method that will not only restore your jewelry but also produce a new piece entirely. Yes, you may make Kintsugi earrings using the Kintsugi method.
- What is Kintsugi?
Kintsugi is a centuries-old Japanese skill of fixing shattered pottery and changing it into a new work of art using gold, the main metal used in Kintsugi. The technique’s name is derived from the terms “Kin” (golden) and “tsugi” (joinery), which translate to “golden repair.” The scars and cracks of the fractured pottery become the focal point, transforming the object into something unique and magnificent.
If you’ve damaged your beloved earrings and want an exquisite repair solution, follow this method to create your own Kintsugi earrings. All you need are a few materials and our step-by-step guide below.
- What do you need to create Kintsugi earrings?
Traditional Kintsugi binds the earrings together with urushi lacquer and rice flour. Today, you can practice Kintsugi with readily available materials:
- Clear epoxy resin or other earrings adhesives
- Gold mica powder or liquid gold leaf
- Thin disposable paint brush
- Broken earrings
- Scrap paper
- Masking tape (optional)
- Paper bag (optional)
- Hammer (optional)
- How to make Kintsugi earrings?
Guys, it’s now time to learn how to make Kintsugi earrings. Ready to get your hands on this amazing technique? Without further ado, let’s tell you the process right now.
Step 1: Choose the earrings you want to apply the Kintsugi technique
As the first step, you have to choose the earrings you wish to apply the Japanese gold repair technique. After that, determine which Kintsugi method to use:
Crack method: Objects are put back together with golden adhesive. This is the most prevalent Kintsugi technique.
Makienaoshi method: To repair missing components, item fragments are manufactured entirely of epoxy.
Joint method: Portions from two broken earrings are combined to make a unified earrings. Finding components that fit together is the most difficult part of this procedure. To make it easier, choose one earring as the main object and supplement it with little parts from another. The fractured shards do not have to fit perfectly together because the makienaoshi method can be used to patch gaps between the two earrings.
Step 2: Prepare the adhesive
On scrap paper, mix equal parts mica powder and epoxy resin if you’re using mica powder. Because this combination cures quickly, do it shortly before you’re ready to glue the things together.
You will only need the epoxy resin for Step 3 if you are using liquid gold leaf. Step 4 will require the liquid gold leaf.
Step 3: Glue your ceramics together
Apply your adhesive to the edges of your broken earring, then push the pieces together. The epoxy resin may somewhat seep out of the earrings.
Place masking tape on one side of the earrings where the missing piece is if you’re using the makienaoshi method. Make sure it’s securely fastened to the earring. Then, using epoxy glue, fill up the missing portion.
To make building the earrings easier, glue the smaller pieces together first. Allow a minute or two for the little fragments to dry before moving on to the next step to guarantee a seamless procedure.
Step 4: Create gold lines
If you’re using mica powder to brighten the gold, sprinkle it on top of the fissures when the glue is almost dry. Place masking tape around each crack before dusting with mica powder to keep the earrings clean.
Wait until the adhesive has dry (10-15 minutes) before painting on the lines if you’re using liquid gold leaf. If you used gold mica powder, you can apply more liquid gold leaf strokes for a more pronounced Kintsugi effect.
Scrape off the heavy layer of resin with an Exacto knife for a more delicate, subtle effect. Do this before painting on the new lines if you’re using liquid gold leaf.
Wait two days for the adhesive to completely set before using the item after you’re happy with how it appears.
After your Kintsugi earrings are completed, you’ll now have a new piece of art that is made by yourself. Don’t hesitate to wear it to wow anyone who comes across you.
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