Kaimahi with Cool Hobbies—Becks Bain

Becks Bain has always been crafty. So when she wanted a new collection of funky earrings, she decided to make them herself.

“It’s a cool way to add personality to your look while keeping it professional.”

Food is Becks’ passion and inspiration. As a Technician in the Food Design Institute, it’s not surprising that many of Becks’ earrings are 3D food creations.

“The cakes are my favourites,” she laughs, as she shows off colourful liquorice allsorts, wriggling gummy worms, and spherical Jack-o’-lanterns.

Becks shapes the earrings out of polymer clay then bakes the clay, sands the surface, drills holes for the jewellery attachments and applies bright colours and fine detail with paint or silk screen techniques. Every tiny embellishment is done by hand, judged entirely by eye.

She hasn’t been at this hobby for long, starting in August of 2023, but has made over 100 pairs of earrings as well as keyrings. She sells the earrings at markets around Dunedin.

“There are only so many pairs of earrings you can keep for yourself!”

You may recognise Becks as the winner of this year’s Ugly Christmas Competition with a giant gingerbread person costume. She has also made a tiny pair of gingerbread people earrings, complete with frosting details.

But food isn’t Becks’ only inspiration. She also creates flowers, coloured patterns, moths, and even a set of metallic blue dragon earrings.

“To get the shiny surface I used a reflective powder to glaze the dragons. I enjoy experimenting to achieve different effects.”

Becks’ next plan is to create 3D houseplant earrings. If you want to follow her work, she is on Instagram and Facebook as Daisy Chain Crafts.

You can also watch out for her stall at local markets or get in touch to purchase earrings directly.

Kaimahi with Cool Hobbies is an ongoing series to celebrate the awesome things you didn’t know about your colleagues. If you are a kaimahi with a cool hobby and would like to be featured in an upcoming article, please contact Claire at claire.lacey@op.ac.nz