What Minimalish means (and why I chose it)

In the summer of 2024, I began creating handmade jewellery at home from polymer clay. I started with some basic shapes and tried a lot of different earring findings - some ball posts, some hooks, some with elongated and unique shapes to them. I'd make loads of different designs, maybe one or two of each, mainly inspired by what I'd seen on social media platforms like Pinterest and TikTok. I found that I enjoyed the process, but the designs I was making didn't feel quite right for the audience I wanted to attract and, while I was having fun, the end product wasn't what I wanted to wear myself.

Over time, alongside selling my existing designs at a few local markets under the name Bethany Makes, I started thinking about what I wanted my designs to look like long-term. The answer? Something simple, something reminiscent of the boho and western styles I personally love, and something that my customers can pair with their everyday outfits.

That's where Minimalish came in!

When it comes to my jewellery, I love the minimalist look - clean shapes and calm shades that go with everything in my wardrobe. The problem was that I didn't want to feel limited by it. I still wanted to be able to add a bit of me to my designs - a bit of colour, foiled details and simple additions to elevate them from dull to dazzling. For me, the ish of Minimalish is kind of the point; the way in which easy-to-wear jewellery becomes something personal to the wearer.

In terms of colour palette, I naturally gravitate towards clean white, rich earth tones and metallics. In the core Minimalish collection, you'll see shades like merlot, olive and terracotta making regular appearances; that's because they're timeless, look great with a whole range of colours, and add a touch of sophistication without drawing attention.

I want my jewellery to feel fun, but not forced. More than anything, I want Minimalish jewellery to feel easy. If you like quiet florals, Natalie or Daisy are your go-to gals. If you like western with a bit of sparkle, reach for Betty. Or if subtle studs are more your thing, you can express yourself with earthy tones of Orla or Sadie. 

The best thing about everything being handmade by me is that it's all subject to tweaks, which is great for someone as indecisive as I am! So, Minimalish might evolve as it grows, and as I develop more skills as a creator. But the idea stays the same: keeping things simple, while adding a touch of something more.

Thanks for stopping by and following my Minimalish journey!

Bethany x