Handmade Crystal Tassels

Finally, another tutorial!

I've made luxe crystal tassels perfect for adding to anything such as curtains/window treatments, table runners, doorknobs, or anyplace else where you want a bit more sparkle!

I've collected a bunch of different beads in different mediums; glass beads, crystals, pearls, chain, and some focal pendants. All the materials here I am using are from Cousin Corporation, and can be found at JoAnn fabrics, Michael's, AC Moore stores and Walmart.

I made these tassels for my table at the Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago portfolio show today. Yes, I am officially graduated and have a BFA in Graphic Design. I used them on the four corners of my table setup to add some glitz, glamour and fun to my station! More pics from the show follow the tutorial below.

These did take a little time to make, so be patient. These are great especially for holidays or special occasions. They add such a unique handmade touch!

This tutorial is a bit ambiguous, just because there can be so much differentiation in size and style of your tassels, I didn't put exact measurements. Just have fun and use your own judgement!

Step 1: Gather materials. I used a bunch of beads (pearls, crystals, glass beads) and chain. There is no certain amount of beads you need; I just threw together beads that complimented each other! 

Sticking to a specific color palette will help too. 

Start stringing strands of beads on beading thread (I used two strands for strength). To end, simply string back through the last bead to catch it, add a dab of glue and cut flush. MAKE SURE there is at least 3" of empty string at the top, we will be using this later. 

Continue stringing, making sure the same amount of beads are on each strand so your tassels are the same size. Make strands of pearls, crystals, glass beads and whatever other beads suit your fancy.

I used Cousin crystal drop beads, attached them to a jumpring and chain for a focal drop piece.

Gather up all the strands you want in the tassel. Then, string them all through a large-hole crystal (or other bead) and tie a knot to collect them all. Then, I poked a headpin up through that large-hole bead so that I could use it to hang the tassel with.

Finally, I cut the excess string off all the strands, and finished with a bead cap and pearl. I created a round of beads to add at the top of the tassel as well; simply string on the required amount of beads and string back through the first bead, it should pull into a round.

There is no specific formula to make these; it all depends on the length, amount of beads, kind of beads, and number of strands that are in your tassels.

Here are my finished tassels. I made them with the flexible wire top so that you can hook them places, or even wrap them onto something. Below are some shots of my portfolio show tablescape at the Hard Rock Hotel in Chicago…...

I made two flower arrangements for a bit of freshness. They had black tablecloths on all our tables but I amped mine up with a caramel-color satin overlay, where I added my tassels on the corners.

My business cards were in a silver-flaked shell dish and filled with acrylic diamonds. I had some caramel candy in there too! Of course the letterpresses cards were decked out with metallic foil and I added a Swarovski crystal flatback to the center.

I added rock details across the table with sliced agate, amethyst, quartz and carnelian to add some of my "metaphysical" vibes. Maybe the audience there though I was a gypsy or something. The other kids had their process books, mock-ups of final reports and such, and I had rocks, gems, crystals and flowers. And was wearing plenty of handmade jewelry, of course. Oh well.

I'm saving these tassels to use again. They've got all my favorite neutral colors but pack the glam factor with sparkle and shine!

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

Model Spotlight

It's time for a shoutout! Finished up a small shoot with my wonderful model Karlee D.

She's my go-to gal for glam shots of my jewelry, handmade accessories and clothes. 

We love to do a boho vibe for most of our shoots. Beachy hair and minimal makeup let accessories shine. Above she's wearing my Favorite Things Necklace (view tutorial here!) I went with a black and white photo application for more contrast.  

Such a good sport, especially when we are outside near Chicago shooting, she's wearing a T-shirt, standing in the snow, and I'm like, "one more shot, come on!" 

Here she's wearing my Isla head wrap I made using a recycled tank top and crystal embellishment from an old pair of flats.

And of course, here's boho cool at its best. We love to mix easy pieces like a white tee and distressed denim jacket with messy hair, a feather earring and totally cool headpiece! My headpiece is made with 100% Cousin materials. The copper coin charms reflect the light, while the middle emblem adds just the right touch of texture and intricacy. Great for summer festivals and just the warm weather in general! I'm lovin' headpieces now. 

So thanks Kar! Get ready for more shoots soon!

All photos copyright Allison Beth Cooling. DO NOT post these pictures without crediting me and linking to me. 

Marrakesh Earrings-Full Tutorial

Bright colors, bold textures, sparkle and shine. I was in need of some serious pop of color, and I had some bead odds and ends laying around. Plus, the Anthropologie March 2014 catalogue's theme is Morocco--delicate patterns merge with excess saturation to create a totally exotic-looking lookbook!

I love the bohemian, gypsy-like theme of the Moroccan style, so that's what I modeled these easy drop earrings after.

Most of my materials were Cousin brand, which you can find at Walmart, AC Moore stores, Beverly Fabrics stores (California), JoAnn or Michaels. Even Meijer. 

The small evil eye beads I found on Ebay.

I kept my color palette electric and complimentary, using blue and orange hues throughout for extra contrast. You don't have to go with my color scheme; other Moroccan-esque colors include magenta, reds, emeralds and even black. Choose from these colors to really push the boho vibe.

I combined the delicate cut crystals with a large gemstone bead, embroidery floss tassel for variation and finished with a cute little "evil eye" bead for a very trendy but authentically free-spirited look. 

Let's get started.

Step 1: Gather materials. Needed are pliers (round nose and wire cutters), jump rings, embroidery floss, large kidney ear wires, a mix of gemstone beads and crystals and ball-end headpins.

I specifically used:

Yellow embroidery floss

Gold ball end headpins, Cousin brand

Artistic Wire non-tarnish chainmaille jump rings from Cousin

Cousin large gold kidney ear wires

Two yellow 4mm evil eye glass beads

Two orange 4mm roundelle crystals

Two Cousin brown gemstone beads

Two 6mm gold crystal roundelles from Cousin

Two vertical drilled blue briolettes from Cousin

Two 4mm silver round metal beads

Of course, feel free to mix whatever beads you have to make a unique bohemian look! I went with a blue/orange/yellow theme. The mix of crystals, gemstones, metal and thread really give a "worldly" look that reminds me of something you'd find at Anthropologie or Free People!

Step 2: Add on a 4mm gemstone roundelle, then jumpring, then your gemstone bead. Make sure you pick two gemstones which match size and shape pretty well!

Make a wrapped top loop and use the wire cutters to cut the wire flush.

Step 3: Add these to your kidney ear wires. Then make two charms with the vertical-drilled briolettes and add these to each ear wire as well.

Step 4: Make two small tassels. I wrapped the string 5 times around my index and pointer finger. For more info, check out my Dainty Crystal Bracelet Tutorial for instructions! Add a jumpring on top of each tassel.

Step 5: Make your evil eye beads into charms and add one to each jumpring that the tassel is on. Finally, add this jumpring onto the ear wire. I finished off by adding on a 6mm roundelle then 4mm silver round to the actual ear wire (you may have to unbend the hook gently so that the beads slide to the rest of the charms.  

Finished!  

As you can see, these are quick and easy to make. The only technique needed is a wrapped loop. 

These are also great because they can match a variety of outfits, as their whole point is to look a bit eclectic and fun!

I love the evil eye beads; I literally just found them in my stash! I have more colors, so expect more tutorials with them soon.

Again, I'm mixing gold and silver here (mixed metals are some of my favorite looks!) to give a beatnik vibe and to break the rules a bit. 

You can make these on fishhooks instead of large kidneys if you prefer shorter drop earrings.

All photos and instructions copyright Allison Beth Cooling. Do NOT post pictures without crediting and linking to me.