The Defiance She Carries — Handmade Bag Jewelry

This oversized piece of handmade bag jewelry is created with real bone beads from Africa, each carved into a skull. One version features rhinestone eyes, while the other two have the natural carved eye openings. Vintage gold resin beads and African “gold” accents add warmth, contrast, and a collected, almost ceremonial quality.

Part of Carried Stories: Adornment for the Things We Carry, a collection inspired by everything women carry through life—seen and unseen.

Materials

• Real African-sourced bone skull beads
• Vintage gold resin beads
• African “gold” metal beads
• Gold-tone findings
• Waxed linen cord
• Michaela Corning signature charm
• 1-inch carabiner clip

Details

• Charm length without clasp: approximately 4 inches
• Total length with clasp: approximately 5.5 inches
• 1-inch carabiner-style clip
• Handmade in Seattle
• Limited edition of three
• One version includes rhinestone eyes
• Two versions feature natural carved eye openings

Each piece is hand-strung using strong, durable waxed linen. Because the bone beads are carved from a natural material, variations in color, markings, texture, and shape are expected and make each piece distinct.

How to Use It

Clip it onto a handbag, tote, backpack, belt loop, key ring, or zipper pull for a bold, sculptural statement.

Care

Avoid prolonged exposure to water, perfume, oils, and harsh cleaning products. Store flat or hang from the clasp when not in use.

Adornment for the things we carry—and a reminder that defiance can be beautiful.