Wear Your Adventures: DIY Jewelry Inspired by Travel

While on my own travels I have been inspired to share my tips for acquiring special jewelry making materials while on the go! Traveling is so wonderful for so many reasons, but I think that one of the most exciting things about traveling to new places is the opportunity to obtain some beautiful and special DIY jewelry supplies. I have been lucky enough to travel to some wonderful destinations and I almost always return home with a suitcase full of beads, pendants, charms and stones. Jewelry making materials that I have brought home from overseas travels always hold an extra special quality about them; anything I make with them will instantly remind me of the places I’ve been and the wonderful experiences I had there.

Here are some of my tips and tricks for collecting DIY jewelry making materials while you are traveling.

1: Visit markets. I almost always find beautiful and affordable jewelry making materials when I visit markets in any city. Don’t be afraid to sift through trays of assorted knick-knacks and vintage findings, you never know what treasures you might find inside.

diamonte bracelet — I got this rhinestone charm for one Euro at an Amsterdam market.

flower ring — This ring was made with a shell button that I found at a market in Papeete, French Polynesia.

2: Repurpose pre-made pieces. Sometimes I will buy beaded bracelets or necklaces that I later take apart so that I can use the materials in my own designs. If you love the beads on a piece but you don’t love the design, don’t be afraid to make that purchase… you can always dismantle it and make something super special later.

pearl and coral bracelet 1 — These pearl beads came from a bracelet that I bought in French Polynesia that later fell apart.

3: Key chains can make for wonderful pendants. Key chains aren’t usually made in the finest of materials, but if you are looking for a souvenir that you will actually use, you could try turning a key chain charm into a cute pendant to hang around your neck instead.

citrine necklace — This citrine charm was originally a key chain that I purchased in Banff, Canada.

4: Visit small or hidden stores. Smaller stores often stock all sorts of goodies that you might not normally see in larger stores or chain stores. Like markets, smaller, locally owned stores are likely to be the places where you find the real DIY treasures!

Agate necklace — I found this pretty charm in a little store in San Gimignano, Italy.

6: Just explore. Get out there are wander around, you are bound to stumble upon something wonderful to take home and turn into amazing, one of a kind jewelry designs.

8: Use your travels as inspiration for your own special jewelry designs.

You can use the colors you saw on your travels as inspiration for new bead combinations.
Look at what the locals are wearing, their everyday style could influence yours
Consider using new materials; collect fabric samples, new beads, metal charms and small decorative items to incorporate into your designs.