One of the appeals of accessorizing is that we can use ourselves as an outlet for artistic expression, re-designing an entire look with a necklace or making a statement with a brooche. At an early age, especially in educational environments where girls are required to wear identical uniforms, jewelry and accessories are how we express our individuality.
Appropriately, the word jewelry can be traced back to the Latin word jocale, meaning “plaything”. The message, to me, seems clear: jewelry is meant to be decorative, fresh, and playful. The designers of Schmutzerland, an independent accessories and life style company, translate that message in a truly unprecedented way. Their collection of necklaces, rings, brooches, earrings, and hairpins are youthful and flirtatious while simultaneously bearing a vintage and old-fashioned feel to them. What you get from these crafty designers are pieces that are not only edgy and original, but tell a story with each unique design.
There’s no top on all the great things about jewelry. No need to launder it, press it, fold it, and, thanks to DIY-style designs like these, worry about someone else looking just like you. These are not just decorative stones and strings, these are made to stand out, with designs such as this Farewell Hot Air Balloon cocktail ring, the image made especially nostalgic behind a magnifying stone and set in a vintage style brass setting.
These inventive and personality-filled accessories are sold all over the United States, as well as Spain, England, and France. Learn more about Schmutzerland on their website and check them out this weekend at the BUST Magazine Craftacular at World Maker Faire. Click here for tickets and here for a complete list of our vendors.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SCHMUTZERLAND.COM
