What is Mixed Media Jewelry?

Mixed media jewelry refers to jewelry that is made with two or more different materials. This style of design can be used with all types of jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, and anklets. Accessories such as belts, headbands, and key chains can also be designed with this method as well.

The use of different elements creates a unique look, providing endless possibilities for styling, texture, and color combinations. Because there are so many possible materials that can be combined, there is potential for some one-of-a-kind pieces. Materials that are often used in mixed media jewelry include the following:

• Chain
• Thread
• Rope
• Rhinestones
• Ribbon
• Fabric
• Gemstones
• Beads
• Stone
• Charms
• Fringe
• Tassels
• Leather
• Suede
• Wood Beads

Of course, mixed media jewelry is not limited to this list. Many creative designers have been pushing jewelry boundaries by creating pieces that bring together elements in unique and stylish ways.

What Should I Wear With Mixed Media Jewelry?:

Because there are so many possibilities when it comes to mixed media, you can wear this style of jewelry with practically anything.

To let a piece really stand out, try pairing it with neutrals and basics. If you’re looking to create a fierce statement look, take a leap of faith and wear it with prints or patterns. You’ll be surprised at the potential combinations.

You can wear mixed media jewelry as a focal piece, or just as an accent. Letting a necklace peek out from under a cardigan, button down shirt, blazer, or jacket is a great way of toning down an accessory. You can also wear it with a strapless or collarless top, letting the piece shine on its own. Bracelets can be combined with simpler, more basic bangles to balance everything out. Earrings can add pop and pendants, being very popular, is a great place to add mixed media jewelry. Where you wear mixed media jewelry can be as creative as the jewelry itself.

Mixed media jewelry made with elements such as metals and leather is perfect for rock n’ roll-inspired looks. Jewelry made with stones, charms, fringe, and rustic metals are ideal for bohemian chic ensembles. An accessory made with pearls, rhinestone and chain would compliment a cocktail dress, or even dress up a plain t-shirt in the most elegant way. There’s something for everyone when it comes to this type of jewelry, so keep an eye out for pieces that work with your style or the specific occasion. Because every accessory combines various elements, each item is more versatile and can be worn in countless different ways.

Mixed Media Jewelry Supplies

You can make art jewelry with an array of mixed media jewelry-making supplies and components! Also called assemblage art, mixed media collages together various materials to create eclectic and textural art jewelry designs. The wide range of mixed media techniques includes using found objects, creating photo memory jewelry, crafting with resins and inks, assembling paper arts, going steampunk style, making collage jewelry, and more. Here are some supplies to consider:

• Leather Bracelet Blanks: Use them as a blank canvas to make your creations.
• Silk Ribbon and Silk Cord: Use as a decorative component
• Chain By The Foot: For chain jewelry and as a decorative element
• Shop for more supplies.

The beauty of mixed media jewelry is that you have creative control of the jewelry you want to create, and there are many tutorials and patterns out there to help you get started. You will find that there is some overlap between this list of mixed media and recycled jewelry and some of the tutorials that have been assigned to other categories. If a project uses found objects and bead embroidery, it will inevitably show up on both the mixed media list and the seed bead list.

If you don’t consider yourself much of a jewelry designer, despite tutorials, there are are plenty of places to shop for mixed media jewelry without you having to lift a finger.  Etsy is a perfect place to start shopping around.