Create Faux Leather Earrings - Scan N Cut

Have you always wanted to create faux leather earrings? You can use your Scan N Cut to cut the shapes so easily. Today I have the full tutorial on how to create an earring design in Canvas Workspace, using your Scan N Cut to cut them out, and some great tips to finish your earrings ready to wear.

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Materials and tools needed

Faux leather sheet
HTV – (optional)
Earring hooks
Jump rings
Pliers – I use two pairs of jewellery pliers
Heat Press – (optional)
Canvas Workspace
Scan N Cut machine

You could cut these earrings out by hand if you did not have a cutting machine. This tutorial will focus on how to create your unique design (or you can use mine) with Canvas Workspace and your Scan N Cut

What is Faux leather?

Faux leather, also known as synthetic leather or imitation leather, is a man-made material designed to replicate the appearance and texture of genuine leather.

Key characteristics of faux leather include its durability, resistance to water and sunlight, and availability of colors and texture. Faux leather can be used for various projects, and in this tutorial, creating Faux leather earrings.

Video Demonstration

Here is a video demonstrating creating the design in Canvas Workspace, exporting it to your Scan N Cut and assembling the earrings. I know some prefer watching how things are made. Don’t forget to read on as well though. 🙂 I always think of more things to tell you when I write.

Designing the Earrings

Now, this bit is the fun part. Imagine the style of earrings that you would like to create. Do you like big ones, smaller ones, very dangly ones?

Design in Canvas Workspace

You can use Canvas Workspace to design many of your projects for your Scan N Cut. Earrings is just one of them. Plus, there is already a range of inbuilt shapes that make great earrings. I have used hearts however look through the shape section and you will find many shapes that can be used.

Want something a little different? Why not find a design or shape you love and use the Trace feature to create your own unique shapes? This is a LOT of fun. Explore a variety of designs, from floral motifs to animal-inspired shapes to captivating swirls, and let your creativity take the reins.

Now, this bit is the fun part. Imagine the style of earrings that you would like to create. Do you like big ones, smaller ones, very dangly ones?

You can use Canvas Workspace to design so many of your projects for your Scan N Cut. DIY faux leather earrings are just one of them.

Let’s take a look at the shapes you can use.

Open Canvas Workspace on your computer.
Create a new project.
Choose or design a simple earring shape or pattern using the software tools.
Adjust the size of your design according to your preference.
Save the design.

Check the left hand shape menu in Canvas Workspace for shapes that you can use to create earrings with.

Add some variations

You can use multiple variations of the shapes to create one pair of earrings. Choosing one drop, two drops, or three drops as shown above is another option. Remember to add the appropriate holes to suit your design.

You can also create your Faux leather earrings using 3 different sizes of the same shape. This can create a unique layered effect as demonstrated below with the tear drop style earrings.

Using 3 sizes of the same shape can create a unique effect.

Choosing Faux leather

There are many Faux leather patterns and designs to choose from. Colored patterned Faux, plain Faux, textured Faux, and the list goes on and on. Then choose the color you would like. This is always difficult for me as I love all the different colors.

What you choose is a personal choice. Plus, a pair of Faux leather earrings is very inexpensive to make so you could make lots of different pairs for any occasion.

Choosing a Faux leather color that suits your earring design

Adding HTV is optional

Depending on your Faux leather you may choose to create a different effect. Adding HTV to the back of the Faux leather can create a matching or two-tone effect or simply conceal a white backing on colored faux pieces.

Next, if you are planning to add HTV on the back, choose a color that compliments your Faux and your design.

Remember, when working with patterned faux leather or HTV, earrings are small, so opting for a smaller pattern can enhance your design more effectively than a large, blocky one.

Steps to add the HTV

Cut off the approximate amount of HTV that you need for your project. Match it up to the amount of faux leather you have used and press together with your heat press.

This heat press is the HTVRont Auto Press which I quite like. I use it mainly for HTV and sublimation and it does a good job. I was skeptical as far as sublimating however it has been doing a really great job of everything that I have created with it so far.

Check the time and temperature of the HTV brand you are using. There are a variety of types of HTV including hot and cold peel. Each of these may use a specific time and temp.

Choosing the matchine HTV for the faux leather

Applying HTV to the back of a piece of Faux is similar to adding HTV to other projects. Use the time and temp provided by the manufacturer of your HTV. For more HTV tips check this tutorial.

Using a heat press for add HTV to the Faux leather.

Cutting the Faux Leather

Ensure that your Faux leather is sticking to your mat properly. If you added HTV you can either remove the carrier sheet prior to cutting your Faux, or alternatively, you can leave the HTV carrier sheet on until after you have cut your earrings out.

NOTE: some HTV does not come with a carrier sheet

Place a faux leather sheet on the cutting mat, ensuring it adheres securely.
Load the cutting mat into the Brother Scan N Cut machine.
Turn on the machine and connect it to your computer if necessary.

For this project, I left the carrier sheet on and it worked quite well. The carrier sheet was placed against the mat and I adjusted the cut depth so that the carrier sheet was not cut through.

Settings

Adjust the position and size of the design on the machine’s display.
On the Scan N Cut, select “Retrieve Data” to load the design.
In Canvas Workspace, send your design to the Scan N Cut machine.

Setting Cutting Parameters

Select the appropriate cutting settings for faux leather (blade depth, speed, and pressure).
Perform a test cut if needed to ensure accurate settings.
Start the cutting process on the Scan N Cut machine.

Unloading and Detaching

Once cutting is complete, unload the cutting mat from the machine.
Gently detach the faux leather pieces from the cutting mat.

Cutting the earring shapes out with the Scan N Cut cutting machine

Assembling the Earrings

Jewellery findings

Jewelry findings are essential components in the world of jewelry making, encompassing a wide array of items such as clasps, jump rings, earring hooks, and pins. These findings play a crucial role in both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of jewelry pieces, providing the necessary structure and finishing touches.

Fortunately, jewelry findings are readily available and easily purchased from various sources, including local craft stores, online marketplaces, and specialized jewelry supply shops. Whether you’re a seasoned jewelry maker or a novice crafter, finding the right components for your projects is convenient and accessible, allowing you to bring your creative visions to life with ease.

Tools for assembling jewellery

A few tools are also required to make your Jewellery assembly easier. I have a few different types of jewellery pliers to assist me. My favorite pair are the small flat-end pliers (in the below picture on the left). Using two pairs of these pliers makes assembly easier again. I couldn’t find my second pair when I was creating these earrings (figures) and I managed with the two different types I had on hand.

The rounded ones on the right-hand side of the picture have their uses however weren’t the best choice for assembling these Faux leather earrings.

Two pair of pliers are used to open and close the jump rings. In the picture there are a set of flat nose jewellery pliers and round nose pliers. I prefer to use two pairs of flat nose pliers however I could not find my second set.

Putting the earrings together

Choosing the size jump ring can be a little trickier. I used 8mm however 6 is a good size too. Jump rings come in lots of sizes however choose the size that suits your project and that you like the look of. I chose 8mm because the heart shape has a point at the bottom and to end up with a flat, fitting design, the larger jump ring was a good choice. For single heart-shaped earrings, a smaller jump ring would be suitable.

Adding Earring Hooks

Use your tools to open a jump ring.
Attach the jump ring to the small hole at the top of the faux leather earring.
Slide the earring hook onto the jump ring.
Use pliers to close the jump ring securely.

Creating Matching Pairs

Repeat the process to create a matching earring for the set.
Ensure both earrings are symmetrical and well-balanced.

Final Touches

Trim any excess Faux leather if needed.
Inspect the earrings for a polished finish.

Joining the heart shapes together to create earrings. Pictured is the earring with the earring finds added.

Optional Steps (Customization)

There are so many choices when creating projects with your Scan N Cut. Faux leather earrings are NO different. Here are some more ideas on creating a unique design.

A. Painting or decorating the Faux leather – adding a splash of color to your earrings can make them pop. Paint suitable for fabric is available and would be a good choice.

B. Adding embellishments or studs – there are a lot of options when it comes to jewellery. Adding a stud or metal shape to your earrings is a great way of making them unique. This can be done by pressing the stud onto the Faux leather OR hanging a cute shape from the jump ring. A little dangling shape can create a lot of interest.

C. Experimenting with different colors and textures – using multiple layers and creating interest with colors is another great way to make your earrings POP. What about creating a plain shape backing and the top layer with a small shape or design cut out of it? Add a two-tone effect and Voila!

Quick Tips:

Experiment with different faux leather colors and textures.
Start with simple designs before trying more intricate patterns.
Ensure the Scan N Cut machine blade is fairly sharp and the holder is clean of excess bits caught inside. In this tutorial, I used my Scan N Cut SDX and the beige top blade (CADXHLDQ1) however you could use the black top(CADXHLD1) OR the rotary blade to cut faux leather.

Do you have a CM model Scan N Cut? No problem… these models will cut Faux leather too.

And there you have it! With Canvas Workspace and the Scan N Cut, you’ve effortlessly created stylish Faux leather earrings. Enjoy showcasing your unique, handmade accessories!

I hope you have gained some creative ideas on using Faux leather to make earrings using your Scan N Cut. While I have created earrings, some of these ideas could easily be applied to creating necklaces, bracelets, and other items of jewellery. HAVE FUN!

Happy creating,

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Tips for cutting Fabric

Are you looking for tips on how to cut fabric? Here is my tutorial on fabric cutting.

Cutting fabric with your Scan N Cut cutting machine. Main post picture.

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Create Faux Leather Earrings – Scan N Cut

Materials and tools needed

What is Faux leather?

Video Demonstration