Category: Global Chic

Global Chic

These are channel beads featuring crystal and clay.  They are easy to make and then string on our new Global Chic tapestry cord.

Global Chic Channel Beads

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The project begins with our new Global Chic channel beads which are available is several shapes and sizes.  We also used Apoxie Sculpt, some diamond back crystals and a Crystal Katana tool.

Two Part Apoxy

Following the manufacturer’s instructions I made a small batch of clay.  It air cures, so no oven needed.

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The “channel” of the bead gives you a perfect place to add clay.  The edges keep the clay from protruding out the sides.  The wooden tool you see is the Crystal Katana.  It makes picking up the crystals easy and fast.  You can see in this image how crystals were simply embedded in the clay.

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A combination of crystal sizes also helps you to create interesting patterns.

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The two finished beads air cured for 24 hours.  Then can now be incorporated into other Global Chic designs.

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We could also pair these finished beads with some of the Global Chic Geometric Chain. Options are endless.  You can switch the color of the clay or crystals to create unique beads that coordinate with any component in this collection.

Sometimes you need to create something whimsical to wear during our long winter.

I have had this wooden doll for years.  For some reason I am attached to it, so I drilled a hole through it and made it a wearable component.

Everything you need to make the necklace is in the Outlet.  I particularly love the Butterfly pendant bails (not always in stock) and the Faux Suede tassels.

The Global Chic Woven Cotton Tapestry Cord is a fabulous way to create fiber jewelry quickly.

Take a peek at the Global Chic wall the next time you visit the store.

Learn about the inspiration behind Global Chic

The desire to explore distant lands and to experience cultural diversity is the inspiration for our product line called Global Chic.

Many of us want to feed our adventurous spirit. We want to stay connected to our urban reality without losing a sense of ethnic authenticity.

Instant online communication and visual sharing allows people to feel like they belong anywhere in the world. People discover that citizens from different nations appreciate similar colors, flavors and aesthetics.

Creative Directors and head designers from the main French and Italian fashion houses are taking inspirations from a variety of cultural groups and lands to create patchwork designs. Unswept landscapes are the background for vibrant browns, olives, oranges and yellows. Floral landscapes and natural backdrops are creating expansive views of the world we live in.

Old world tapestry has been reintroduced in fashion with substantive decorative embroidering as seen on long ponchos, dresses, bracelets and leather goods. Soft leather, gold hardware, multi colored beads, tassels and fringe highlight the goddess, gladiator and soldier attitude. Cultural prints, feathers and First Nations looks are being highlighted by American fashion brands like Ralph Lauren and Diane Von Furstenberg.

For John Bead, this urban tribal trend has been translated into a range of products, which are easy to wear, organic, sensuous, colorful and modern. This juxtaposition of ideas and diversity is what we believe will inspire designers and hobbyists to create wearable art.