Trinket Necklaces- "Handmade Holiday" Project 005

These dainty necklaces are just perfect for any outfit. The mixed metals offer a ton of shine and subtle contrast. I love mixing metals, mainly because I am obsessed with anything shiny! You have to be careful when mixing though, otherwise the look can go a little haywire. 

These metals all work together here, because the metal type (all brilliance shine) match and the scale of the materials are all about the same. I wouldn't mix a dark, antique, dull-shine metal with a high-shine silver one, it may end up looking a little strange. Also, don't finish a piece with silver findings if you've used gold metal in the rest of the design. Keep the look consistent by finishing with the same metal you've been using.

Of course, I know there may be exceptions to my rules, there always is! That's why you should experiment and see what you like!

These necklaces when layered give a cool boho-look, but when worn alone offer delicate detailing to an outfit. These are right on-trend, with most of Hollywood ditching huge, clunky jewelry for smaller, daintier pieces. These wear like a "second skin", and it's ok if you forget to take them off before bed. Obviously, this no-fuss jewelry is popular with the busy Hollywood socialite population. Jewelry designer Dannijo has just paired up with actress Rashida Jones to create a line featuring teensy gold earrings and tiny charm necklaces, all meant to be worn every and all day.

To style these delicate necklaces, pair them with a bright print pant, simple black tunic, and contrasting bag. Add edgy combat boots to fill out the look! This is great look for shopping or walking in the city!

*Outfit Credits: Pants by Erdem, bag by Marc Jacobs, boots by Aeropostale*

Ok, let's get started….

Step 1: Gather materials. Needed are pliers and wire cutters, 4mm or 3mm metal beads, gold or silver cable chain, 28g wire, and either 20 or 18g wire.

Click here for a printable shopping list!

I used Cousin's 28g wire and Gold Elegance 14K plated chain, because the quality is much better. If you plan on giving these as gifts, I strongly suggest using Cousin's "Elegance Metals" line, because these are all either gold plated, or stainless steel, or platinum plated. They won't tarnish like ordinary chain, and make for better gifts!

You can get Cousin materials at any major craft store, but I like Michael's the best!

Step 1: Cut a 3" piece of wire. With your pliers, loop the ends.

Step 2: Cut a foot of your 28g wire. With the end, wind around the wire right up against the loop about 5 times. Add on a metal bead. Hold it against the wire, then wind the wire around the frame, right next to the bead, keeping it tight. Wind around 3 times. Add another bead, and continue this process until you reach the end.

Step 3: At the end, wind the wire around just the frame for another 5 times, matching the beginning. Then cut the wire flush. Add your silver chain with silver jump rings on each loop of the frame to finish!

These would be great to give to your cool girlfriends; they will appreciate the tiny details here and will love that they can throw this necklace on with any outfit!

I made a double-decker one by attaching each loop with a jumpring, then adding another ring to the top loop, and attaching that to the chain.

Wear one or more!

All images and tutorial copyright Allison Beth Cooling. Do not use/post this tutorial or pics without crediting me!

Mini Monogram Bracelets- "Handmade Holiday" Project 003

These are my third installment in my "Handmade Holiday" initiative. These are just so dainty and cute! My Mini Monogram Bracelets are perfect for giving to your BFFs around the holidays! These are so simple to make, and cost a minimal amount of money to get them going. Plus, no hard techniques are used in the tutorial, and they come together in five minutes! Seriously, I timed myself. The longest time will be waiting for the paint on the alphabet beads to dry!

The mix between the cute alphabet beads and more modern open circle bead frames, with the addition of a small crystal dangle all make for a customized accessory, great for wearing every day! I chose to use gunmetal chain/findings here because it contrasts the white alphabet beads and is a little more modern than a gold would have been! If you or your BFF (or whoever else you are making this for) doesn't fancy gunmetal, you can definitely change out the metal color!

I used Crystazzi crystals here for the gemstone/birthstone drops; if you don't know what gemstones go with each month, look here. The addition of this birthstone drop adds both sparkle and shine, and makes this a truly unique piece!

I tool the same color paint of the gemstone and used it to paint the alphabet bead's letter. You can use either nailpolish here or acrylic metallic paint. Adding this bit of color ties the beads together!

To style these, pair them with a casual oversize tee, baggy boyfriend jeans and cheetah sneaks. For warmth, add an oversize bright scarf. This look is great for running errands or meeting up with your friends!

*Outfit Credits: jeans and scarf from Generation Bliss, sneakers from Keds.*

These take less than 5 minutes apiece to make, and they are insanely easy to put together. The open circle beads I bought are from Cousin, and they come on a pack with open square beads as well. You can use the square beads (which fit 2 alphabet beads inside) to make bracelets that say BF for best friends if you want as well! Add a small heart charm dangle, and you've got stylish accessories for you and your friends.The possibilities are endless.

Are we ready to go?!

Step 1: Gather materials. Needed are white alphabet beads (mine from Cousin), Open circle beads (mine from Cousin), gunmetal headpins, clasps and chain, and then metallic acrylic paint or nail polish.

Have on hand wire cutters and round nose pliers.

Click here for a printable shopping list!

These materials can be found at Michaels, JoAnn, AC Moore stores or even Walmart!

Step 2: Decide what initial and what birthstone you will need. For this bracelet, I'm doing a topaz gemstone with an A, so I'm gonna need gold paint to match the topaz.

Take your gold paint and paint a small amount into the indentation of the letter, and then gently wipe off the paint not in the indentation. You can use a small rag or just your finger. The gold should be left in the A. Repeat on the other side. Let the bead dry for a couple minutes, then repeat again so that the black is completely covered by gold.

Step 3: Take your headpin and cut off the metal end; create a small loop, and attach to a piece of chain that is the length of your wrist. Thread through the hole on the frame bead, then through the alphabet bead, then through the other side.

Step 4: Bend the wire at a right angle, then create a finishing loop. Attach the other side of your chain to this loop.

Step 5: Find the center link of your chain, and undo it; add a jumpring to this link, then a jumpring and clasp to the other side of your chain. To finish, add your gemstone crystal to a headpin, then cut, loop and attach to the loop on the side of the frame.  

Cute and unique.

Elegant too. These mix playful and chic! I'm sure all of your friends will want some!

All images copyright Allison Beth Cooling. Do not use/post this tutorial or pics without crediting me!

Where do I buy my crafty materials??

Out at Michaels, searching for my next bunch of materials for my "Handmade Holiday" tutorials. 

Searching through all the Cousin materials; some of my favorites are the Elegance Metals, Trinkettes charms and of course the sparkly Crystazzi crystals. 

My next tutorial will be a boho-style necklace, perfect for all the cool chicks on your Christmas list! 

Stay tuned.....

Jubilee Bracelets-- "Handmade Holiday Project 002"

My second installment in my "Handmade Holiday" initiative; my Jubilee Bracelets!

These bracelets just sparkle and shine, and look like candies when worn. With minimal materials but maximum wow factor, these little ditties can be whipped up quick, and are great to give as small gifts for the holidays.

Just like my Arizona Sparkle earrings, these require no advanced skills to make, and you don't have to shell out a lot of money. What's great about these is that with the addition of chunky crystals and slick metal chain, they only look expensive! There is no need for a clasp on this, the stretchy cord gives enough to fit over your hand.

If you want to make these bracelets for yourself (yes, you do), these are great to add to any outfit for a bit of sparkle and shine. Pair a basic black maxi dress with a beaded, boho cardigan and comfy moccasins. Finish off with a simple zip-top purse and loads of stacking bracelets, including the Jubilee bracelets! So cool, with a bit of gypsy-meets-evening look, great for running around shopping in the city!

*Outfit Credits* Dress by ISSA, sweater by Hoss Intropia, shoes by Minnetonka, bag by Fossil.

Don't they just look like a party?!

I got all of my materials at Michaels, and these are all Cousin products. I have attached a printable shopping list under step 1 for easy shopping; all of these Cousin materials can be bought at a Michaels, JoAnn Fabrics, even Walmart and AC Moore craft stores!

I layered mine with mixed metal bracelets and bangles, even throwing in my Delicate Crystal Tassel Bracelet for good measure. Add a statement ring and you're all set!

Are we ready to go?

Step 1: Gather materials. Needed are roundnose pliers and cutters, gold/antique gold cable chain, 6 or 8mm rondelle crystals, clear stretch cord, crimps and 4mm gold crimp covers. 

Click here for a printable shopping list!

Step 2: Measure your wrist (if making this as gifts, the average wrist size is 7.5"). Double that amount, and take off 2". Cut a piece of chain this long. Cut another piece of chain this long. With about 4" of stretch cord, string on a crimp, then through the last link of each piece of chain, then back through the crimp and pull tight. Crimp the bead so that it locks the cord in place. Cut off the excess stretch cord, flush to the crimp.Take a crimp cover and place over your crimp, and close it by squeezing your pliers on it. The ends should meet and be flush and clean.

Step 3: String on five crystals to the stretch cord, then another crimp bead. String through the other two last links of chain, then back through the crimp bead, and pull the cord tight. Crimp the bead, cut off excess string, and add the gold crimp cover. Crimp shut.

You are finished!

What's great about these is that you can use different colored chain, and mix and match crystals to create truly unique pieces. I love mixing metals, because the look becomes very boho-chic!

If you really wanted a holiday look, use green and red crystals with silver chain. These are great to wear any time of the year, and I'm sure anyone would love to get these as a gift! The chunky crystals definitely remind me of candies, and the mix of rose gold and shiny gold chain, along with the coated crystals, add just the right touch to any holiday party (or everyday) look!

Enjoy and be merry!

If you share/use/post this tutorial, you must link back to me please. All photos  

copyright Allison Beth Cooling. Do not use photos without crediting me!

Arizona Sparkle Earrings-- "Handmade Holidays Project 001"

The first installment in my "Handmade Holiday" initiative; my Arizona Sparkle earrings! These earrings are were inspired the colors of the west (bright turquoise and coppery crystals) but made to fit a very chic cocktail party or soirée-type event. With that said, I am sure that nobody would feel blue if they received a pair of these as a gift!

I am thinking these would be great for teachers, counselors, or any classy lady. This is a classic design that is timeless, however the large kidney earwire addition adds a contemporary vibe!

The mix of the matte gemstone and shiny, bright crystals make for a multidimensional piece!

This design would work in any color combination, really. Just make sure your colors contrast; stick with red+green, blue+orange or yellow+purple (this is a mix of a blue hue (turquoise) and orange (the brown crystals)). Red and green would definitely give a holiday vibe!

If you want to make these for yourself (yes, you do), they'd add a great pop of color and sparkle to a sophisticated holiday party outfit. Pair the earrings with a sleek black midi dress, detailed black booties and silver python clutch. Fall and winter is all about animal print! This would be a great and subtle way to work the trend.

*Outfit Credits* Dress and clutch by Generation Bliss, shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti

The materials I used for this can be bought at JoAnn Fabrics or Michaels. I bought these materials at Michaels. They are all from Cousin; I have attached a shopping list you can print up for easy shopping. 

Step 1: Gather materials. Needed are roundnose pliers, wire cutters, 5mm crystal rondelles, turquoise gemstone beads (about 1" long), large silver kidney ear wires, and silver head pins.

To download and print a shopping list of materials, click here!
If you don't live near a Michaels or JoAnn, Cousin also sells at AC Moore stores and now at Walmart. You can find great supplies anywhere!

Step 2: String a turquoise bead on a silver headpin; create a top loop with your pliers, wrapping the extra wire around the bottom of the loop about two times; cut the excess flush with your wire cutters. Repeat with another bead, for your other earring.

Step 3: Add six rondelles on individual headpins. Bend the wire at a 90 degree angle right at the top of the bead, to catch the bead on the wire. Clip the excess wire off about 1/4" from the bend. Create loops with all the wire, but before closing the loops, add them to the turquoise bead you made in the last step. Add all six of these beads to the same loop.

Step 4: To finish, simply string on the large kidney ear wire to this same top loop of the turquoise bead. String it all the way to the notch in the earwire; this is where it will sit!

You are finished!

Package these up in little organza bags, tied with ribbon. A super cute gift!

You can make a lot of these little goodies in little time. 

These would be great even for a birthday gift, it doesn't have to be just for the holidays!

If you share/use/post this tutorial, you must link back to me please. All photos  

copyright Allison Beth Cooling. Do not use photos without crediting me!