Handmade Jewelry Using Natural Materials: Wood, Seed Beads, Shells and More
Introduction
Incorporating organic elements like wood, seeds, shells, and stones creates stunning jewelry with natural beauty. Handcrafting earthy designs from these sustainable materials provides a mindful alternative to mass-produced accessories.
This guide explores working with diverse natural materials to make one-of-a-kind wood bead strands, shell pendants, gemstone wrapped rings, and other organic jewelry. Learn techniques for cutting, drilling, wrapping, and wireworking natural elements into wearable art.
Benefits of Natural Materials for Jewelry Making
Why use organic components like wood and shells to create jewelry? Here are some of the main advantages:
Sustainable Materials
Responsible sourcing of discarded organic materials has minimal environmental impact. Many can be foraged or thrifted.
Unique Textures and Colors
Natural variations in wood grain, stone banding, and shell markings make every piece distinctive.
Organic Beauty
Natural palettes and shapes create an earthy, bohemian style perfect for eco-conscious designs.
Rustic Charm
The simplicity and imperfection of organic materials results in artisanal style jewelry.
Tactile Appeal
The smoothness of sanded wood, coolness of stones, and intricate cuts of shells feel pleasing against the skin.
Meaningful Materials
Natural elements can hold personal significance, like beach souvenirs or heirloom gemstones.
Helpful Tools and Materials for Working with Natural Materials
Specialized tools assist in shaping and manipulating delicate natural materials:
Jeweler’s Saws
Fine tooth saws cut detailed shapes from wood, bone, antler, and shells. A ring saw cuts tiny shapes.
Rotary Tool
A rotary tool with micro drill bits, burrs, and sanding drums abrades and polishes natural materials.
Wireworking Pliers
Needle nose, round nose and flat nose pliers help bend and manipulate wire for wrapping stones and crystals.
Wood Sealer
Sealants like polyurethane protect porous materials like wood beads from damage.
Jewelry Findings
Components like clasps, ear wires, and head pins finish off organic elements into complete jewelry pieces.
Glue
Adhesives like E6000 bond natural items together or onto other jewelry pieces.
Techniques for Working with Wood
Fragrant hardwoods like sandalwood, maple, and oak make beautiful jewelry. Here are key woodworking methods:
Step 1: Cut Wood Pieces
Use a fine tooth saw to cut thin wood slices or blocks from sustainably sourced lumber scraps.
Step 2: Shape Edges
File and sand wood edges smooth with a rotary tool. Soften sharp corners.
Step 3: Drill Holes
Carve out center holes with a small drill bit so beads can be strung. Test on scraps first.
Step 4: Texture Wood
Add interest by cutting decorative edges with patterned blade tips or burning designs.
Step 5: Dye or Paint Wood
Infuse color by applying semi-transparent wood stains. Paint designs.
Step 6: Seal and Protect
Finish wood elements with a protective sealer or resin coating when fully dry.
Techniques for Creating Shell Jewelry
Seashells gathered from beaches transform into jewelry with these methods:
Step 1: Clean Shells
Scrub shells in soapy water with a toothbrush and rinse. Allow to fully dry.
Step 2: Cut Shells
Use a jeweler’s saw to cut shells into facets or strips following the natural shape.
Step 3: File Edges
Gently file away rough edges. Take care not to shatter delicate shells.
Step 4: Drill Holes
Carefully drill holes in inconspicuous spots so shells can be strung or wired.
Step 5: Polish Shells
Buff gently with a rotary tool and polishing pad to restore the shell’s sheen.
Step 6: Seal Shells
Finish with a clear sealant like polyurethane if drilling exposes porous interior layers.
Techniques for Working with Gemstones
Turn raw stones and crystals into rings, pendants, and beads with these methods:
Step 1: Cut Rough Stones
Use a rock saw or diamond blade wet saw to slice raw stones into slabs or cabs.
Step 2: Shape the Stone
Abrade stones into shapes like rounds, pears, or ovals with a rotary tool.
Step 3: Smooth and Polish
Progress through rotary tool polishing pads from coarse grit to extra fine polish.
Step 4: Drill Holes
Carefully drill holes for stringing or setting. Work slowly and use cutting oil.
Step 5: Set Stones
Wire wrap stones into place or set them into bezels using jewelry pliers.
Step 6: Protect Surfaces
Apply clear stone sealer or jewelry resin over polished surfaces to protect from scratches.
Inspiring Jewelry Projects Using Natural Materials
Need inspiration for eco-friendly jewelry creations? Here are beautiful ways to work with organic materials:
Wooden Bangle Bracelets
Cut thin wood sheets into oval bangles. Char the edges and finish with coconut oil for a natural polish.
Seaglass Pendants
Wire wrap found frosted seaglass nuggets into raw crystal pendants using copper wire.
Shell Chandelier Earrings
Cut strips of mother of pearl, abalone, and conch shells. String multiple pieces as dangly statement earrings.
Maple Leaf Jewelry
Preserve autumn maple leaves in resin jewelry like dome pendants, paperweights, or drink coasters.
Engraved Wood Jewelry
Laser engrave personal messages, lyrics, or symbols onto wood beads, pendants, or cuffs.
Ombre Wood Beads
Dye wood beads in gradients from light to dark. Mix with metal beads for boho chic.
Gemstone Jewelry
Wrap faceted stones like carnelian, ruby, turquoise, and amethyst in wire or bezel settings.
Tips for Making Professional Natural Material Jewelry
Take your nature-based jewelry to the next level with these pro tips:
- Source sustainable scrap materials like thrift store wood bowls or responsibly harvested stones.
- Stabilize porous materials like antler or dry wood in a resin casting to prevent future cracking or checking.
- Add patina solutions to copper findings to complement oxidized agate, turquoise, or engraved wood.
- Photograph each unique organic material to highlight the individual colors and markings in your online jewelry listings.
- Arrange raw materials into interesting still life compositions and photograph for product backgrounds.
- Describe the origin story and symbolic meaning of any natural pieces in your item descriptions.
- Follow jewelry trends by incorporating earthy organic elements into popular styles like boho, minimalist, or vintage designs.
Conclusion
Natural materials offer amazing depth, symbolism, and beauty for crafting eco-friendly jewelry designs. The imperfections and variations inherent to organic elements become desirable.
Take inspiration from the forests, beaches, and canyons. Responsibly sourced wood, shells, stones, and seeds help create sustainable jewelry and honor Mother Nature’s gifts.
With some skill working specialized tools, you can shape natural materials into stunning pendants, bead strands, statement rings, and delicate earrings. Give your jewelry line and wardrobe an organic refresh!