Statement Earrings Workshop

Not since the 1980s has there been such a time for statement earrings – those flashy, dashy, shoulder-grazing pieces whose statement might be nothing more than a giant exclamation mark.

Darwin designer Sarah Martin has made more than a few statements with her stylish, handmade earrings made from recycled cardboard, and now she is taking them to the people.

The crafty artist will lead an earringmaking workshop using her signature method of varnishing cut cardboard shapes with layers of tissue and glue, then decorating them with striking patterns.

“I really like bright colours and a bold, graphic style because I’m a graphic designer by trade and have always made things,” Martin says.

Martin was making polymer jewellery to sell at her market stall when she found herself experimenting with recycled materials like cardboard boxes. She soon realised big earrings were the perfect canvas for her bright designs.

With her sister Elizabeth, the designer is currently completing an artist’s residency at the Territory Wildlife Park and finding inspiration in patterns from the natural world like feathers and leaves.

“It might be a texture or a colour combination…I really love patterns, I find it really calming to paint them.”

Working with accessible materials, Martin hopes participants will leave the workshop with the skills to make their own personal pieces, as well as one or two pairs to take home on the day.

As for the trend in jumbo earrings, Martin believes it’s not going anywhere.

“They seem to be really popular! In Darwin you can be a little bit out of the loop about what’s going on, but I’m definitely seeing it on Pinterest and other places.”

See the event listing.