Friday, December 25, 2015

Karma Sparkle Necklaces

Indie necklaces by Allison Beth Cooling Bohemian necklaces by Quiet Lion Creations Indie necklaces by Allison Beth Cooling

Perfectly imperfect freshwater pearls mix with Czech-cut glass crystals to create a multidimensional layering necklace. Thai silver pendants shine bright - and make them perfect for mixing with a white tee and jeans. That textural contrast is striking, and the subtle colors keep the look sophisticated.


COPYRIGHT
Because I take all photos for my blog, the images within this post are all copyright Allison Beth Cooling for Quiet Lion Creations. If you'd like permission to use a photo, email me at allison@quietlioncreations.com

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Chelsea Dagger Necklaces

DIY Spike necklaces by quietlioncreations.com

Spikes seriously never get old. If you couldn't already tell, I love anything with a dark vibe - skulls, spikes and the like. These subtly chic diy beaded necklaces combine colorful seed beads and streamlined spike pendants for a perfectly contrasted piece.

DIY Spike necklaces by quietlioncreations.com

If you're a beginner, this is a great tutorial to get started with -- it takes simple techniques, but the minimalistic quality definitely makes these pieces look luxe. Plus, they don't take long to make, meaning you can whip up these for your friends or family as well as yourself!

DIY Spike necklaces by quietlioncreations.com

I'm loving those long bugle beads- I don't work with bugle beads often but decided I should probably start. They're unexpected and definitely give a geometric quality to these long necklaces. Layer these up for spikes upon spikes!!

Let's get started.

DIY Spike necklaces by quietlioncreations.com

Step 1: Gather materials. Needed are size 11 seed beads (in a mix of colors), eye pins, 1" bugle beads (find some here), 18" cable chain, a lobster clasp, wire cutters, round nose and flat nose pliers, 4mm or 6mm jump rings and a spike charm (colorful ones here).



Step 2: Make 2 bead links from long bugle beads and eye pins. Connect these two links at the middle with a 4mm jumping. Attach a spike charm to a 6mm jumpring, and attach to the 4mm jump ring.

Create 6 bead links with your seed beads. Pick 4 colors, and then bead 3 seed beads per color, alternating colors to create stripes. Loop the ends and cut excess wire to finish these links.



Step 3: Use another eye pin, and alternate seed beads and the top loops of your 6 bead links to string on a pattern. Loop the end of this eye pin and cut excess.

Repeat with other side of panel.

Attach the top two loops of the panel to 18" of cable chain, using 4mm jump rings.

DIY Spike necklaces by quietlioncreations.com

Step 5: Attach the bottom two loops of panel to your spike dangle using 4mm jump rings.

Find the middle of the 18" chain, cut, and then attach your 6mm jump rings and clasp to finish the necklace.

DIY Spike necklaces by quietlioncreations.com

Super simple, right?

If you wanted to switch up the pattern on the beaded panel, feel free to do so. You could do a solid color if you're not into patterns too. Play around with color combinations and switch up the chain finishes like I did here for a bohemian vibe.



Like I said before, these would be perfect to make for your squad - every squad is better when sporting handmade jewelry, no?

If you do decide to make these, post a pic to Instagram and tag me @quietlioncreations - I'll repost you!!

BTW does anyone get the title? Any Chicagoans here? Blackhawks fans? Where my peeps at? Holler in the comments!
     DIY Spike necklaces by quietlioncreations.com       
COPYRIGHT
Because I take all photos for my blog, the images within this post are all copyright Allison Beth Cooling for Quiet Lion Creations. If you'd like permission to use a photo, email me at allison@quietlioncreations.com

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Sunday, December 13, 2015

Evil Eye Friendship Bracelets



These mini evil eye friendship bracelets are just the bomb.com. I always am wondering what to do with all my seed beads -- I'm not patient enough to embark on an intense woven piece, so these little charms are perfect for those who want just a taste of bead weaving.



What's awesome about these is that you can make them in a rainbow of colors, and they come together really quick. They are a new take on the old friendship bracelet pattern, and the hint of Swarovski crystal in the center dresses them up a bit. Always good.



You'll finish these string bracelets with a macrame sliding knot clasp, so they can be taken on and off, unlike those embroidery floss knotted ones. They are super lightweight and great for layering with other pieces. They give that minimal-bohemian chicness to any outfit, and the bright neon colors will definitely catch eyes!



I've got the full pattern for these beauties below, so let's get started!



Step 1: Gather materials. Needed are colorful seed beads (I used size 11), .8mm nylon knotting cord, 4mm Swarovski bicones, 6mm glass rounds (some pretty ones here and here), 4mm jump rings, 28g silver wire, scissors and wire cutters. You will also need superglue to glue the knots.



Step 2: Cut about 1.5 feet of wire. Thread on a jumpring, and then 3 seed beads. Take the righthand side of wire and thread back through the last 2 seed beads you strung on the left side, from top to bottom. Pull tight to hold. Thread on 3 seed beads to the lefthand wire, and again, thread the righthand wire back through the beads, from top to bottom. Pull tight again. They should stack upon another.



Step 3: Repeat this technique. On the next layer, thread on 5 seed beads. Then 7 seed beads. Now, to form the middle of the eye, thread on 4 seed beads, 1 accent seed bead (in a different contrasting color, one that matches the 4mm crystal you want to use) and then 4 more seed beads.

For the next layer, 2 seed beads, 2 accents, 1 crystal, 2 accents, and 2 seed beads. After that layer, reverse the order of layers, to close the rest of the eye. Look at the picture above for help!



Step 4: Close the eye. After you have made a 2 bead layer, thread on a jumpring and a seed bead. Thread back through the seed bead and jumpring, then twist the wire and cut to close. Bend this wire closure to the back and bend flush so it doesn't poke.

Cut two 2' pieces of knotting cord. Tie each to a side of the eye, and secure with overhand knots.



Step 5: To finish, cut an 8" piece of knotting cord and tie a small square knot sinnet (about 3 knots), grouping all threads together. Don't tie these knots too tight here, as this will be your sliding knot.

Cut the ends of this thread flush, and then either thread burn them or superglue. If you superglue, be very careful to not catch any of the middle strands in the glued part, or they won't move!

Simply tie off the ends and use your 6mm glass beads as accents. It helps to measure this bracelet over your wrist and find the exact length you need to leave the string, so that it isn't too big or small.

Repeat these steps over and over again to make many more!



Like I said, these come together quick - I made six of these in an hour. If you are a beginner, the first bracelet will take you longer. But once you get the hang of the pattern, you'll be able to whip 'em up! These also make great birthday or holiday gifts, and you could even add charms to the jump rings to personalize even more.



I think these would also look amazing if you used metallic seed beads, like silver and gold - it would definitely give them a totally upscale look. You could also switch out the middle crystal for a 4mm gemstone bead. Use gemstones like rose quartz, adventurine, fluorite or amethyst to give your bracelets extra mystical power!



If you make any of these for yourself and your BFFs, post the final pics to Instagram and tag me @quietlioncreations - I'll repost you!



COPYRIGHT
Because I take all photos for my blog, the images within this post are all copyright Allison Beth Cooling for Quiet Lion Creations. If you'd like permission to use a photo, email me at allison@quietlioncreations.com

friendship bracelets, evil eye bracelet pattern, friendship bracelet pattern, woven friendship bracelet, bff bracelet, beadweaving bracelet, bohemian bracelet pattern, summer bracelet pattern, string friendship bracelets

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

olympia necklace

Olympia Necklace by Allison Cooling, quietlioncreations.com Olympia Necklace by Allison Cooling, quietlioncreations.com           In somewhat of an avant garde manner, I've designed my Olympia necklace to evoke the power and force of ancient Greece. The base starts out as plastic vinyl, and I hand-cut wings to get that slightly edgy, sharp abrasiveness that I think every piece needs a little of. These two wing silhouettes get spray-painted bright gold and decorated with Swarovski AB and Volcano flat backs. The final step is gluing these panels to a choker base for a streamlined finish. Dark and light, sort of my specialty. I think the piece speaks for itself.

Swarovski compliments of Cousin Corporation / Prima Bead.

Special thanks to my model, Karlee D.
Makeup by me.





COPYRIGHT
Because I take all photos for my blog, the images within this post are all copyright Allison Beth Cooling for Quiet Lion Creations. If you'd like permission to use a photo, email me at allison@quietlioncreations.com

Sunday, November 29, 2015

mystic arrowhead necklaces

Mystic Arrowhead Necklace DIY by Quiet Lion Creations, quietlioncreations.com

These mystic-glam bohemian layering necklaces are going to be your new favorite everyday piece, trust me. The mix between rustic stone arrowheads and luxe gems makes for an interesting contrast that goes with everything from maxi dresses to a tee and jeans!

Mystic Arrowhead Necklace DIY by Quiet Lion Creations, quietlioncreations.com

It's a simple diy that really doesn't take all that long. What's best is that like most of my tutorials, you can customize them to fit your style and taste. These necklaces are a bit longer, which makes them great for layering with others.

Mystic Arrowhead Necklace DIY by Quiet Lion Creations, quietlioncreations.com

Let's get started.



Step 1: Gather materials. I used two arrowheads (you can find a big pack here and here), silver cable chain, a silver toggle clasp, 4mm jump rings, wire cutters, flat nose pliers, Beacon Gem-Tac, rhinestone chatons (or you can use flat backs!), and silky embroidery floss.



Step 2: Simply glue on your chatons to the flat side of the arrowhead. Choose any particular pattern that suits the shape of your arrowhead. Use small drops of Gem-Tac to adhere the stones. Let dry.

Cut a piece of chain anywhere from 20-28", depending on your preference. Attach 4mm jump rings to each end of the chain.



Step 3: Using your silky thread, tie the end around the notch at the top of the arrowhead. Continue wrapping for about 3 wraps. Thread the 4mm jumpring from one end of chain on the thread, then wrap tightly so it sits at the side of the arrowhead, in the notch. Repeat with the other end.



Step 4: Wrap about 3 more times, then tie off the end of the thread. Secure this knot with glue.
Feel free to dazzle these up with silk tassels, or chain dangles. You could also keep it simple using the arrowheads as stand-alone pendants. Either way, have fun with colors and arrangements of the stones to personalize these pieces!
  Mystic Arrowhead Necklace DIY by Quiet Lion Creations, quietlioncreations.com

Another idea I had with these is the idea of painting them first - use gold or silver metallic paint and completely coat the arrowhead. Then add gems as usual. Would create an even more luxe-looking piece!

Mystic Arrowhead Necklace DIY by Quiet Lion Creations, quietlioncreations.com

However you decide to make these, if you post a pic of your final piece on Instagram and tag me @quietlioncreations,  I'll repost you!

Mystic Arrowhead Necklace DIY by Quiet Lion Creations, quietlioncreations.com

COPYRIGHT
Because I take all photos for my blog, the images within this post are all copyright Allison Beth Cooling for Quiet Lion Creations. If you'd like permission to use a photo, email me at allison@quietlioncreations.com