Bohemian or "Boho-chic" is the particular style which reflects the carefree fashion approach to using less conventional materials.This imaginative style does indeed remind one of the original inspirations, the spirited nomads of Central Europe. Bohemian comes from the French word "Bohémien" for "gypsy". Boho chic jewelry makers typically love using leather, cords, lace and ribbon.
The book I recently received from Kalmbach Publishing is Ashley Bunting's uber boho chic jewelry book,
Fiber and Cord Jewelry. The book consists of 25 of her creative and easy designs. These are sorted into chapters according to material type :
Paracord, Hemp, Cotton and Naturals, Leather and Ribbon and Lace. I was particularly taken with the highly imaginative use of paracord 550 (also known as parachute cord). It was the popularity of this cord which sparked this book. But the designer wanted to veer away from the typical paracord survival bracelets many did. So she treated paracord in a variety of clever ways. She made tubes out of them as with her
Beachcomber's Wrap-Around Bracelet. Her other projects include melting and fusing them together and teasing them into tassels. The
Playful Posies brooch, a branched floral design on the cover, shows her talent for manipulating paracord!
Another favorite from the book is her
Knots and Baubles necklace because it features classic
monkey's fist knots. A pretty rendition of what is a nautical knot with a long history. 19th century sailors used to carry short lengths of rope with this heavy knot at the ends because they were handy weapons in street and tavern brawls.
She also covers how to make lovely leather flowers as shown on the cover.
The author's talent for making wonderful but easy designs is evident in her
Charm and Flare bracelet where she added dangles to leather lacing with headpins!!
There are so many pretty ribbons and lace out there. The projects in this section of the book showcases some neat ways to use them. Some examples include the sprklet ribbon brooch on the Contents page above and this Courtly Velvet wristlet design below :
One of the most fun and versatile is the final project in the book, the
Tropical Woven Bib necklace. I love how she used alternating colored hitch knots to connect and separate the base cords.
This book is a delight for Bohemian jewelry lovers. Also fun for those who are tired of stringing and those who need a little help to flex their creative muscles exploring other fun materials.
Disclosure Before You Go: ______________________________
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