Tuesday, June 8, 2021

How to Make Cicada Wing Earrings


It's cicada season on the east coast, and their buzzy bugs symbolize the start of summer!  Infamous Brood X has had a zeitgeist moment lately, but they won't be around much longer.  As the interesting insects start to die out, they can be collected and made into wonderful things, such as these limited edition cicada ear-wings!

You will also need: earring posts, needle & thread, scissors and clear varnish.


First, the dead cicadas must be collected.  A walk around any local green space will turn out hundreds of fallen cicadas and single wings.  Search for the distinctive shine and you will easily gather plenty!


Start with a pair of wings similar in size and shape and gently pierce the upper center of the wing with a threaded needle.  Don't worry about breaking, the wings are surprisingly strong.


Tie a knot over the tip top of the wing then add an earring post.  Tie three times tightly.  Finally, add a few coats of varnish such as clear nail polish to coat each side.


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