Wooden Beads & Natural Plant-Based Materials for Jewelry Making
Wood, seeds, coconut, horn, bone, rattan, or raffia: natural materials lend jewelry and home decor a warmth and texture that glass or metal simply can’t match. Lightweight, matte, or raw, these beads complement bohemian, ethnic, Scandinavian, and cozy styles alike. Our selection features beads, pendants, and components made from plant-based and natural materials for your bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and home decor projects.
What kinds of jewelry can you make using natural materials?
Here are a few inspiring ideas to get you started:
- Boho jewelry: Scandinavian-style stackable wooden bracelets, long necklaces combining seeds and coconut, hoop earrings adorned with raffia pendants.
- Men’s jewelry: bracelets made of dark wood, horn, or bone beads, strung on elastic cord or string.
- Japandi-styleearrings made of wood and brass: sleek and modern, they blend Japanese elegance with Scandinavian simplicity.
- Macramé and weaving: large wooden beads slide easily onto thick cords to decorate hanging decorations, keychains, and dreamcatchers.
- Natural decor: garlands of wooden beads, wall hangings, and decorations for vases or jars in the spirit of hygge. Check out our guide to DIY hygge.
Designer tip: Wood pairs beautifully with materials like waxed cotton, leather, plant fibers, or wool pom-poms.
Our selection of natural plant-based materials
- Wooden beads: round, olive-shaped, tube-shaped, or disc-shaped; made of natural, stained, or patterned wood (leopard, zebra, etc.); ranging from small diameters to large 20-mm beads. This is the most abundant material in the category.
- Natural seeds: Exotic seeds with unique shapes and colors, ideal for ethnic jewelry and tropical-inspired designs.
- Coconut: coconut discs and flat beads—a must-have for surf bracelets and beach necklaces.
- Horn, bone, and stone: engraved or plain beads with a raw, authentic look, perfect for tribal or vintage jewelry.
- Rattan, bamboo & raffia: raffia flower and leaf pendants, rattan rings, and woven elements for statement earrings and bohemian decor.
- Cork, paper beads, and paper charms: lightweight and unique materials to think outside the box.
Are wooden beads sensitive to water?
Wood is a living material: prolonged exposure to water can cause it to swell or lose its luster. Remove your wooden jewelry before showering or swimming, and dry it if it gets wet.
Which natural beads should you choose for bohemian jewelry?
Combine light-colored wooden beads, coconut discs, and a few seeds or raffia pendants: this mix of matte textures and warm hues is the hallmark of the bohemian style. Add a touch of gold with brass findings.
Are wooden beads sensitive to water?
Wood is a living material: prolonged exposure to water can cause it to swell or lose its luster. Remove your wooden jewelry before showering or swimming, and dry it if it gets wet.