Inspired Designer: Boo and Boo Factory

No matter what your style preferences, it’s hard to resist a bold splash of color, especially when it comes to accessories. Add some fun and funky shapes, and you’ve got something energizing, exciting, and totally memorable. At Boo + Boo Factory, leather jewelry artist Christina Anton combines color, shape, and texture for gorgeous and vibrant statement jewelry.

Inspirational Beading: When did you first get started with jewelry design?

Christina: I am formally trained in architecture but found myself drawn to smaller scale design. I love designing jewelry because it is one on one and I create the piece from beginning to end with a tangible object to hold in my hand. I love fashion, so it was only right for me to experiment with jewelry.

Inspirational Beading: Have you always been drawn to working with leather?

Christina: I had an old leather skirt and one day deconstructed it and began cutting it. I love the way leather holds it's shape and that it is malleable. From there, my jewelry designs progressed and now I have Boo and Boo Factory.

Inspirational Beading: Where do you look for inspiration?

Christina: I am really inspired by architecture, of course. But I love science and biology, which you can see in the patterns in my pieces. I look at a lot of art, fashion and design blogs. Everyday I try and find new works that inspire me to create.

Inspirational Beading: What’s the most interesting or unique thing about your design process?

Christina: I never sketch! I create everything on a whim. When I sit down to create something, I just start cutting, organizing colors and playing with various compositions until it feels right. I never know how a piece will turn out until it is finished.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite color to work with?

Christina: I really do not have a specific color that is my favorite. I have collected so many colors throughout the years that I cannot decide! I do love neon, in case you didn't notice from browsing my shop. I love to work with various shades and families of color. I love experimenting with color and coming up with new color combinations that I would not usually be drawn to but that I feel are fun because they are unexpected.

Inspirational Beading: What are some of your other favorite materials?

Christina: Leather, of course. I love finding new beads, bronze charms and different materials such as silicone tubing or rubber.

Inspirational Beading: What is the most exciting design in your shop right now? What makes it special?

Christina: Neon Statement Necklace Geometric Emerald Leather Color Block Triangles is my most exciting because it is a design I created when I finished graduate school. You can see the progression of the designs and how much more intricate they are becoming compared to when I first opened the shop.

Inspirational Beading: Who do you hope to inspire with your work?

Christina: I literally started Boo and Boo three years ago with some scraps of leather and 10 dollars. Today, it is my full time job and I pay rent, bills and have money left over. I hope to inspire someone to take a leap and follow their dreams. You do not have to work a corporate job for somebody else when you can be your own boss.

You can see more vivacious leather jewelry at Christina‘s Etsy shop, or check out the Boo + Boo Factory blog and Tumblr. For new design updates and more, follow along of Facebook and Twitter.

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