Coastal jewelry has a charm all its own, sun-kissed, breezy, and effortlessly chic. But lately, there's a fresh twist on the horizon: the Coastal Cowgirl aesthetic, where sandy toes meet rugged flair. This style blends boho spirit with beachy ease, and it’s making waves in both fashion and DIY jewelry circles.
One of the most enchanting ways to embrace this trend? Combining macrame techniques with colorful, beach-inspired beads. It’s a match made in coastal heaven, macrame brings texture and structure, while beads add color, shimmer, and a personal touch. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just dipping your toes in DIY, this blog is your guide to mixing these mediums and making your own Coastal Cowgirl creations.
So grab your beads, string up that cord, and let’s dive into the dreamy world of macrame-meets-beads jewelry!
Why Macrame and Beads Are a Perfect Match
Macrame is like the blank canvas of jewelry design, flexible, natural, and grounding. When you bring beads into the mix, the design comes alive with movement, sparkle, and storytelling.
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Visual Contrast: Beads break up the uniformity of macrame knots and add eye-catching focal points.
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Tactile Variety: The softness of cord paired with the firmness of beads creates pleasing texture.
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Endless Possibilities: You can create everything from minimalist beach anklets to statement cowgirl necklaces using the same techniques.
Popular Macrame & Bead Jewelry Styles
1. Beachy Bracelets
Use neutral hemp cord with pops of turquoise or coral-colored beads for that sun-bleached seaside look. Add a cowrie shell centerpiece for the ultimate beach vibe.
2. Layered Necklaces
Create multiple strands of macrame with small accent beads scattered throughout. Layer them with different lengths to create a cascading effect that looks as good with a bikini as it does under a denim jacket.
3. Boho-Chic Earrings
Use a mini hoop or stick frame, create a fringe with macrame knots, and weave in delicate beads. Bonus points if you include tiny starfish or shell charms!
4. Anklets with Edge
The cowgirl twist shines here, mixing rough jute cord with silver or turquoise beads and adding a small charm like a cowboy hat, horseshoe, or boot to bring in that Western energy.
Tips for Combining Macrame and Beads
Choose the Right Cord
Use a smooth cord (like waxed cotton or nylon) for small beads. Larger hemp or jute cords pair best with chunkier beads.
Use Beads as Design Anchors
Place beads at the center or ends of your piece to add weight and visual focus.
Experiment with Symmetry
Try evenly spacing beads for a balanced look, or go full boho with random, scattered placement.
Mix Materials Mindfully
Combine natural elements like wood and shell with metallics like silver or brass to keep your jewelry grounded but glam.
Getting Started: Tools & Supplies
Here’s what you’ll need to create your own macrame and bead jewelry:
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Macrame Cord: Cotton, hemp, jute, or synthetic options like satin cord.
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Beads: Seed beads, glass beads, freshwater pearls, metal accents.
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Findings: Jump rings, clasps, earring hooks, and crimps.
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Tools: Scissors, pliers, a clipboard or bead board to hold your work.
Not sure where to start?
👉 Shop Jewelry Made By Me for curated Coastal Cowgirl Bead Kits featuring everything you need—from cords to charms to dreamy bead assortments. These kits are handpicked to match the Coastal Cowgirl vibe, saving you time and ensuring your pieces look perfectly on-trend.
DIY Inspiration: Jewelry Projects to Try
Coastal Cowgirl Choker
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Macrame base using square knots
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Feature a turquoise nugget bead in the center
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Finish with a lobster clasp and extender chain
Shell & Fringe Earrings
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Use gold or silver earring hoops
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Knot fringe with beige cord
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Add shells and coral-colored seed beads
Horseshoe Bracelet
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Thin braided macrame band
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Center bead: silver horseshoe charm
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Accent with blue and ivory seed beads on each side
Where Fashion Meets Freedom
Macrame and beads give you the power to craft pieces that feel personal, stylish, and totally free-spirited. Whether you're making jewelry for a weekend market, gifting friends, or just expressing your style, the Coastal Cowgirl vibe is playful, versatile, and totally DIY-friendly.
The key? Let your materials guide you. Choose textures and colors that feel like you, sunshine, saltwater, wide open spaces. With every knot and bead, you’re not just crafting jewelry; you’re creating a piece of your story.
Ready to Ride the Coastal Cowgirl Wave?
Shop Coastal Cowgirl Bead Kits at Jewelry Made By Me
Whether you're just starting out or looking for new materials to spice up your stash, our bead kits are designed to spark creativity. They’re loaded with trend-right pieces so you can start crafting the moment they hit your doorstep.
Grab your kit. Find a sunny spot. And let your Coastal Cowgirl spirit shine.
Stay creative. Stay coastal. Stay cowgirl. 🤠🌊
