Every pair of Prickly Pairs earrings tells a story, and it all starts with the paper we create.
Each earring that features artistically designed paper is handcrafted or digitally designed from scratch using a mix of watercolor, photography, and tech-savvy magic. Here's a peek behind the scenes of how our earring art comes to life.
Watercolor Abstracts
There’s something magical about watching watercolors flow. These papers are born from soft brushstrokes, happy accidents, and a whole lot of color play. Some are inspired by nature (like a sunrise over the red rock hills near home), others just unfold on the page as we paint. Simple shapes, textures, and tiny marks layer into abstract designs that feel earthy, expressive, and one-of-a-kind.
Procreate on the iPad
Yes, digital art can still feel handmade, especially when it’s created with intention. We use the Procreate app to draw, sketch, and layer wild shapes and vibrant palettes into original designs. Once the art is done, we size everything just right for earrings and have it laser printed on cardstock for that crisp, bold finish. It’s tech meets touchable design.
Photographs from Nature
Some of our papers start with a walk in the desert. We find the good stuff — sun-dried cholla stalks, lichen-covered rocks, and flower confetti scattered by the wind. We snap photos, then collage textures and colors together until they feel like a tiny landscape made just for your ears. It's nature, reimagined.
Adobe Capture App
This little app on our phone is like a creative sidekick. It lets us capture color palettes from real life and turn photos into kaleidoscopic patterns with just a few taps. That outfit you’re trying to match? Odds are, we made a paper that vibes with it, inspired by the world around us, then spun into shapes and shades that pop.
What Happens Next?
Once the papers are printed and ready, we cut each piece by hand and turn them into wearable art. ✨
Want to See the Magic in Action?
Shop Our Original Art Earrings and find a piece that speaks to your style.