Incredible Inedibles: Food as Fashion

Among the most popular food-inspired jewelry motifs are fruit, with its vibrant colors and naturally playful appeal; fast food and packaged grocery favorites, fueled by nostalgia and brand loyalty; and irresistible sweet treats. (To explore confection-inspired designs, see the article “Sugar Rush: Sweet Jewelry Treats.”) But for the savory side, you’ll find a showcase of how jewelry designers are transforming everything from comfort foods to culinary classics into fashionable styles.

"Why food as fashion?" you may ask.

Why, indeed? Perhaps it's humans' innate fascination with anything in miniature form. Mini food might remind sentimental adults of the dollhouse they played with as children—or the one they always dreamed of having—complete with tiny meals. But more than that, there’s meaning in a meal. From time immemorial, breaking bread together has been a sign of fellowship. Religious ceremonies invoke bread and wine, as in the Christian communion; a variety of foods, each with a symbolic meaning, in the Passover Seder; and many more. Food is comforting. It takes us back to memories of special people, special occasions and special places. Food can be indulgent, sensual and, obviously, nourishing.

In creating food-inspired jewelry and accessories, designers are embracing the idea of food as a symbol of luxury. Sometimes that means celebrating gourmet delicacies once reserved for the affluent; other times, it reflects a broader cultural moment in which rising grocery prices have transformed even everyday foods into objects of value.

Create a gift of someone’s favorite food. Make a line of jewelry designs as a tribute to a favorite restaurant or food tradition. There is no end to the different culinary treats that can bring inspiration to food-inspired jewelry designs.

Polymer clay is an ideal medium for experimenting with culinary jewelry designs. Available in a broad spectrum of colors, some of them even named after foods, you can create anything from meatloaf to fried eggs, Swiss cheese, loaves of bread and more.

Paint wooden beads, cardboard or white polymer clay to represent cereal and pasta boxes, take-out containers, cans of soup, jars of pickles and anything else you can imagine.

Resin is an ideal medium for preserving food items. Take caution, however: food will not last forever in resin. To create long-lasting resin pieces with real food, use dehydrated or freeze-dried food, as any moisture encased in the resin will accelerate the breakdown of the organic material.

Create in all the food groups. Create tiny fruits and veggies. Give a nod to the bread and cereal group with mini rolls, croissants, waffles and sandwiches. Have your daily dose of dairy with earrings featuring cheese drops or a miniature carton of chocolate milk as a purse charm. Or go big with an entire meal: a turkey dinner, PB&J, cheeseburger and fries or a healthy breakfast of fried eggs, bacon and toast. And it’s not just food—use charms shaped like teacups, mugs, plates, bowls and glasses in your culinary jewelry designs.

Have these designs whetted your creative appetite? Join jewelry-making experts Rose and Elaine as they show you how to turn polymer clay into delectable miniature treats! Learn how to make donut earrings with sprinkles and a pizza jewelry set complete with sauce and toppings.