In the UK, a huge amount of cardboard is thrown away every single day. But believe it or not, you can make beautiful jewellery from cardboard. Here’s how you can make beautiful jewellery from things that you would otherwise throw away.

Step 1. Find some clean, thin cardboard, smooth cardboard works best, but you can use any type really. In pencil, draw the shapes you want on it.

Step 2. Cut the shapes out.

Step 3. Using a needle, pierce a hole where the ear wire will be.

Step 4. Paint the shapes using poster, acrylic or nail polish. Finish with a clear sealant to protect the colour.

Step 5. Add the jump rings (if necessary) and ear wires.

These earrings were made using cardboard and leftover nail polish. The earring shapes were put in the oven for approximately 3 minutes each side whilst the polish was still wet to create the bubbled effect. When you remove them from the oven, allow the polish to dry completely, put another coat of polish on the smooth side and put them back in the oven. Finish with a clear sealant