Global Chic: Boho Polymer Clay Jewelry
From wallpaper to earrings, boho chic is proving to be a perennial design favorite. Boho, short for Bohemian, is an aesthetic that encompasses naturalistic and global styles. It looks beautiful on its own, or it can be mixed and matched with other trends to give an earthy, globe-trotting feel to any jewelry design. Polymer clay is the perfect option for hand-crafted components to fit this eclectic style. It can be sculpted, molded, stamped and painted to create offbeat pieces. What could be more appropriate to the easygoing, flexible nature of boho jewelry?
While boho is a mainstream trend now, its roots come from France, where the moniker, Bohemian, was given to the Roma people in the assumption that they hailed from Bohemia in what is now the Czech Republic. In time, that phrase came to include artists, writers and poets and became a popular fashion style for the hippies of the ‘60s and ‘70s. In modern times, it's come to signify eclectic design trends. Think of it like a curio cabinet. It isn't limited by any one thing or era but takes elements from all over the world and mixes them up to create fascinating pieces of jewelry.
For everyday pieces, easy-to-make pendants and drops using leafy green- and neutral-colored clays stamped with swirling plant-like patterns make for an effortless yet stylish feel. When paired with bright gold, these custom-made drops will have a polished, updated boho look that lasts all day long. They can also be a part of a weekend wardrobe when matched with a wide-brim hat and eyelet dress, perfect for the farmer's market.
If vintage is more your style, antiqued coppers and brass will impart a Victorian sensibility and when combined with less refined shapes and elements, will prevent things from becoming too formal and stuffy. Combine these classic materials with polymer clay sculpted into natural forms, like plants and animals, to evoke a connection to the natural world. Add some glass beads with soft facets for a subtle shimmer that recalls antique strands of jewelry found at a Saturday flea market.
To get a well-traveled look, clay beads made with black geometric patterns and tan backgrounds recreate motifs reminiscent of handmade cotton textiles from far-flung destinations. Pre-made polymer clay heishi beads blend well with gemstones and intricate metal beads to give a sense of an island adventure.
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