The Quiet Lion: September 2015

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Baja Breeze Garland diy

It's definitely time for a fiesta! This Mexican-inspired decoration, complete with Swarovski crystals and yarn tassels, is perfect for setting a party-like tone to any room.

I love any decoration that's fuss-free; simply hang this from a window, drape across your wall (like I did, see below), or even put it in a tree for an outdoor fete.

It's lightweight, but packs major sparkles, and the fringe flows in the wind! Like most of my tutorials, you can choose any colors you want, and any fabric you please. I've used a boho-type printed piece, which I think adds a bit of a "pop", don't you think?!

Step 1: Gather materials. I am using thick cotton woven fabric (make sure it has the woven threads, so that it creates fringe), Swarovski Blue Zircon hot fix crystals, Jewelry Basics by Cousin sea glass beads, white yarn and E6000 glue. The Swarovski crystals were courtesy jewelry supplier PrimaBead.

Crochet a single strand of yarn until it's as long as you want your garland to be. Tie off the ends.

Start by cutting shapes out of your fabric. I alternated between triangles and hexagons. Make sure you cut the fabric so that there is a flap you can fold over the yarn, to create the "pennants". To create fringe, pull out the bottommost threads in the weave.

Simply lay out crystals in the center of each "pennant", and use a hot fix tool or an iron to set them. I did large and small triangles in the centers, to reflect the overall shape.

Simply glue on each crystallized "pennant" with E6000 glue to the yarn, folding over the flap you made in the first step. I used paperclips to help the glue hold, then removed them. Space everything out evenly!

Create tassels from your yarn, and use thin cotton thread and beads to attach to the bottom of your crystal "pennants". I just simply tied knots to finish off these beaded tassels.

I love the color combo of teal and purple - kind of unexpected, but definitely bright and bold. I will leave you with a few more inspo pics to finish!

In case you're wondering where I got those fairy lights , you can grab them off Amazon here. They are my favorite, as they are super lightweight, and since they are on wire, look invisible compared to bulky Christmas lights.

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

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

pacific tide statement necklace

Pacific Crystals Swarovski necklace by Allison Cooling

Pacific Crystals Statement beaded necklace by Allison Cooling

There's just something about water from the Pacific - I've been to both US coasts and the Gulf, and the west coast just has a certain, je nes said quoi, you could say. The water is a truer blue. Not the aqua, green- like salty seas of the Gulf, or the grayish tint of the Atlantic, the Pacific and its Pantone-like purity was mesmerizing to me. A trip down PCH, with the sunset reflecting in a dappled pattern over hued waves, reflecting tints of periwinkle and shades of midnight blue, is totally a feast for any artist's eyes. Not to mention the soft, bokeh-ed effect of surfers off in the Golden Hour distance, contrasted by precariously rocky cliffs and sharp drop-offs, the mood was definitely that of a slightly dark lullaby. Which you know I love anything that pairs salty and sweet -- a rose and its thorn.

Infused with the azure blues of the ocean, my edgy-chic Pacific Tide Statement necklace combines Swarovski crystals and sheet plastic in an unusual way. I've used said plastic to create transparent pennants, and carefully glued Aquamarine and AB crystal flatbacks in a linear pattern.

The resulting necklace is an ultra sparkly, ultra lightweight piece that oozes glamour. Using pointed pennants adds an edgier aesthetic, contrasting against the femininity of the rhinestones. That large Swarovski oval pendant is the perfect focal point, playing off the silver tones in the AB crystals. I think it's definitely a contemporary way to wear traditionally beautiful gems, don't you?!

Materials for this piece (excluding plastic) courtesy online jewelry supplies retailer PrimaBead.

A special thanks to my girl Ela C. for modeling the piece!

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Curaçao crystal choker

The bright, iridescent colors of the Caribbean simply dazzle in this choker. Octagon chandelier crystals create a caged pattern when stacked, and Swarovski mini round charms dangle daintily for dimension. Like many of my pieces, they're never complete until something a bid "edgy" is added - hence the central Swarovski Spike pendant, introducing a slightly sharp, almost dangerously-chic element. Much like the thorn of a beautiful rose, I love to mix sweet and sass for a subtly contrasted aesthetic.

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Venetian Nights Necklace

beaded statement necklace diy jewelry making

diy jewelry making by Allison Beth Cooling

Venetian Nights necklace tutorial by Allison Cooling

Venetian Nights necklace by Allison Cooling

beaded statement necklace diy jewelry making by Allison Cooling

Venetian Nights crystal necklace by Allison Cooling

If you LOVE statement necklaces, this is the perfect piece for you! This crystal filigree beaded accessory totally sparkles and shines with the cool colors of the waters of Venice, Italy. I could totally see myself wearing this, while walking down the ancient streets of "Venecia", while sipping on espresso and shopping in boutiques. Ahh,, the fantasy.

I've used embroidery floss to wrap on chunky crystals to antique filigree pieces, which gives a nice mix of texture and color. In keeping with an "antique" theme, using metallic bicones and coated acrylic beads provides a traditionally-chic aesthetic that's classically beautiful. Pair this with a simple black tunic top, dark denim jeans and booties for a slightly glammed up everyday look!

You can view the full jewelry-making tutorial for this gem on my CraftPaperScissors post here. Be SURE to check this one out! It can be customized to fit every color scheme, and is a great DIY for intermediate to advanced beaders!

Ciao!

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Crystal Tattoo Necklaces

These speak for themselves. Delicate, iridescent, invisible "tattoos" of Swarovski crystals simply dazzle and are SO unexpected. I've hand-glued each and every rhinestone in a certain pattern, creating a slinky, clingy choker that perfectly blends in with skin. Contemporary and chic, definitely great for pairing with anything black or white, to keep it stylishly simply, but oh-so sparkly.

I started by cutting strips of white mesh fabric (which is stretchy, and great at laying flat against skin), getting the pieces as wide as I'd need for my pattern. I chose a wave (great for using those blue crystals), diamond petal design (a little edgier) and then, finally, that statement "dripping crystals" arrangement. Bustin' out that E6000 glue, I hand-glued EVERY crystal on the strips, carefully following the patterns I had drawn on paper, then layered a thin sheet of plastic over so the glue didn't stick. When dry, I turned the necklace over and secured the back of the crystals with more E6000 glue so they were "trapped" on the mesh. Ribbon ends and clasps finished off the backs of the necklaces, but only after some tedious measuring to get the length just right.

Model credit: Karlee Dewan

The Swarovskis were courtesy Cousin Corporation, and you can buy your very own crystals and jewelry-making supplies on Prima Bead's website here.