Mixed-Media Metalsmithing Jewelry Projects: Editors' Picks

✓Let the Interweave Knits Winter 2024 issue transport you to a winter wonderland of cozy knits! This remarkable edition features 14 extraordinary projects to immerse yourself in the uniqueness of specially crafted yarns.

One of the coolest things about designing and creating your own jewelry is melding multiple styles and materials to make jewelry that is unique, trendy, and reflects your personality. Mixed-media jewelry combines traditional metalsmithing techniques with fibers, leather, felt, and other unconventional materials, such as computer chips, to create dramatic jewelry with character.

Need inspiration? Check out our top mixed-media jewelry projects, and then start searching your studio for supplies! Each project is available individually or as part of the collection with all five our our favorites, so you can stretch your skills with mixed media.

Mix Up Your Metalsmithing with Mixed Media

The Interweaving jewelry project by Mary Jane Dodd — The Interweaving Earrings by Mary Jane Dodd

Mix It Up with Fibers and Metal

Fibers and metal would make a dynamic duo in Mary Jane Dodd’s colorful The Interweaving earrings. Weaving, dyeing, and metalworking are classic jewelry-making techniques, and you can practice all of them. The contrast between the materials in these earrings draws attention to the beautiful pattern! Get started by finding the materials in your studio or grabbing up pieces from your local craft store. There are so many metal and fiber colors from which to choose!

Steampunk and Resin Station Necklace jewelry project by Helen I. Driggs — Steampunk and Resin Station Necklace by Helen I. Driggs

Use Resin to Make Yours One-of-a-Kind

Combining metalsmithing with resin and vintage materials, you can create this one-of-a-kind necklace, designed by Helen Driggs. Utilize materials you have around your studio or those you find at your favorite craft store. Create your own custom resin disks and pair them with custom-created chain and found-object shapes that are easily modified to reflect your personal style. The vintage beads, buttons, and steampunk objects make this a unique way to show off your creativity and your jewelry making skills.

Leather and Metal Graffiti Necklace jewelry project by Melissa Cable — Leather and Metal Graffiti Necklace by Melissa Cable

Get Your Graffiti On

Create this colorful Leather and Metal Graffiti Necklace inspired by spray paint with just basic metalsmithing and leather skills. Mix and match metal discs, beads, crystals, and leather scraps to design a necklace that is sure to draw attention. The variety of colors and textures in Melissa Cable’s design makes this the perfect found object project for the odds and ends in your studio! You can even add a little spray paint to the project for the full graffiti feel. Get started with the materials you have on hand or hunt your favorite shops for the perfect materials to manifest your vision.

Hawaiian Lei Brooch jewelry project by Holly Gage — Hawaiian Lei Brooch by Holly Gage

Experiment with Metal Clay

Use your metal clay skills to create the tropical Hawaiian Lei Brooch by Holly Gage. You’ll mold metal clay in a custom, copper metal plate. This project utilizes a fire-in-place gem and felting fibers to match for a pin with personality! You can use the pattern and techniques as inspiration to make a brooch that fits your own style. The possibilities are endless!

Silver and Leather Earrings jewelry project by Arlene Mornick — Silver and Leather Earrings: Sheet or Clay by Arlene Mornick

Use Scraps to Make Something New

Boost your fabrication and soldering skills when you create a sandwich of two metal disks with decorative cutouts that reveal the leather between them. To create these beautiful earrings, designed by, Arlene Mornick, use materials you have on-hand: leather scraps, earring wires, clay or sheet metal. Two versions of these earrings are shown, one using sterling silver metal sheet, and the other using silver metal clay. You can compare the techniques for speed, ease, cost, and other characteristics. Let the pattern inspire you to create more variations and use up your scraps while also designing something you will love!

We hope you’re feeling inspired to try out one of these projects and grow your comfort working with mixed media. The more you play with unconventional materials, the more comfortable you’ll feel using them in your designs. Let the designs in this collection serve as the jumping off point to your own mixed-media creations!