Puzzle pieces have long been a symbol of autism awareness. While the symbol is largely controversial, as it elicits both positive and negative reactions, it remains one of the most well-known images used to drive autism awareness campaigns. If you want to try your hand at creating your jewelry pieces, here are helpful step-by-step instructions.

Prepare the Supplies

The supplies will depend on what you want to do. However, for this exercise, you can try making a pair of earrings with a matching puzzle piece design. You’ll need to have the following: white acrylic paint along with other shades you like, a paintbrush, a palette, Exacto knife, hole punch or eyelet punch, eyelets, pencil, ruler, and necklace cord.

Create Your Design

Use color pencils to illustrate the design you want. Simple puzzle piece designs aren’t your only option. You can also pick out contrasting colors or draw a heart in the middle of two puzzle pieces. Print the design once you’re done.

Cut Out the Pieces

Paint over the image with white acrylic paint. Be careful not to create too much coverage or use too much water. Consider doing more than one coat of white paint. Allow the pieces to dry completely. Once that’s done, apply the different shades last. The guidelines—the design you printed out—should be visible on the material despite the white layers of paint. Now, gently go over the lines with your knife or cutter. You can scrape the surface to keep the colors from mixing.

Paint the Puzzle Pieces

Once you’ve applied different colors to the puzzle pieces, you’ll need to paint everything with a sealant. That will protect the earrings from water and will ensure that your earrings will last you a long time.

Punch and Wear

Once the pieces are dry, punch a hole on the top part of the piece. You can use an eyelet to and secure that in place with an eyelet punch. Take up the cord and feed it through the holes and create the knot. That’s it. You’re done. Be sure to assess the proper length of the cord, though. You wouldn’t want to make the earrings too long. Consider the shape of your face before you cut the cord.

Shop for Options

If you want more autism awareness jewelry options, but have no time to create more, then check out a wide selection of puzzle piece earrings. You can pick from low-cost beaded items to silver charm bracelets. The silver bracelets will cost you more, but they’re versatile and can be worn to a number of occasions. While your playful, whimsical, and home-made puzzle pieces are ideal for daily use, you can reserve the charm bracelet for special occasions.

Look for Reputable Shops

Check out credible shops for autism awareness items. If you have several sites that you follow, browse through their stocks regularly. That way, you’ll know when new pieces come in. You can also sign up for the site’s newsletter to get updates on when the new jewelry pieces are in.