Tuesday, October 27, 2015

set in stone - october lookbook

  Beaded gypsy necklaces by Allison Beth Cooling 

Grunge Fashion lookbook by Quiet Lion Creations quietlioncreations.com Beaded gypsy necklaces by Allison Beth Cooling
Fashion by Quiet Lion Creations-  quietlioncreations.com Beaded gypsy necklaces by Allison Beth Cooling Beaded gypsy necklaces by Allison Beth Cooling, quietlioncreations.com
Beaded gypsy necklaces by Quiet Lion Creations Grunge Fashion lookbook by Quiet Lion Creations quietlioncreations.com Fashion lookbook by Quiet Lion Creations, quietlioncreations.com Grunge Fashion lookbook by Quiet Lion Creations quietlioncreations.com Beaded gypsy necklaces by Quiet Lion Creations Beaded gypsy necklaces by Allison Beth Cooling Bohemian Fashion by Quiet Lion Creations- Model, Karlee. quietlioncreations.com Beaded gypsy necklaces by Allison Beth Cooling Bohemian Fashion by Quiet Lion Creations- Model, Nikoletta. quietlioncreations.com    Bohemian Goth Fashion by Quiet Lion Creations- Model, Nikoletta. quietlioncreations.com Bohemian Fashion by Quiet Lion Creations- Model, Karlee. quietlioncreations.com Bohemian Fashion by Quiet Lion Creations. quietlioncreations.com Beaded gypsy necklaces by Allison Beth Cooling Fall cemetery by Allison Beth Cooling Grunge Fashion lookbook by Quiet Lion Creations quietlioncreations.com, Model: Nikoletta Grunge Fashion lookbook by Quiet Lion Creations quietlioncreations.com Grunge Fashion lookbook by Quiet Lion Creations quietlioncreations.com Grunge Fashion lookbook by Quiet Lion Creations quietlioncreations.com
SHOP THE LOOKBOOK

Karlee
Red plaid dress, Generation Bliss.
Floppy wide-brim hat, Forever 21, similar here
Black leather bomber jacket.
Black western-style booties from Aldo (similar booties here and here).

Nikoletta
Black strappy crop top, Generation Bliss.
Striped trousers, Urban Outfitters (similar striped palazzo pants here, ecru striped pants here).
Black wool floppy hat here.
Flower kimono, LA Hearts, similar here).
Ripped tunic shirt, Urban Outfitters.
Black strappy huarache flats, Urban Outfitters, similar here.


"There's something ironically comforting about the silent stillness of a graveyard. Names, messages, thoughts and remembrances so deftly etched, set in stone. Beveled into rustic grey rock, meant to stand the test of time, weather, change. The permanence of something physically inscribed in chunks of earth acts as an ultimatum. But does it? After decades of summer heat, autumnal winds, silver twilights, frozen winters and the resulting spring growth, something happens. These once crisp markings start to fade, to chip, to disintegrate. Statuesque, kingly tombs evolve into sallow shells, as forgotten as a flitting memory. Scattered in haphazard patterns, almost littering the fiery fall landscape, a powerless ghostly tribe remains. Questions surface, as the space falls short of living up to its forever strong. Which souls occupy this space, and what are their stories? Lost forever, like dust in the wind. Nothing is permanent."

Tarot, tombs and trinkets - there's no certain rhyme or reason, and that's really the point. A Nirvana-esque aesthetic was applied to styling and staging, mixed with a good amount of my signature gypsy. Nothing matches, per say, but sort of indirectly creates a punk rock commonality. Starring in this piece are my Third Eye Suncatchers, Bohemian Rhapsody and Moonchild Necklaces, and my Free Bird Necklace. Thrown in are more layering pieces (what else?) using a mix of crystals and gemstones. Kyanite, druzy, agate, quartz, goldstone all add their very own mysticism. When complimented by Swarovski's elegance, the earthly offerings become something out of a mermaid's treasure chest. Contrasting this against a luscious fall palette of crimson, clove and pumpkin, plus gritty cement and the weathered stone of a cemetery, creates a strangely artistically-satisfying situation. When in doubt, grunge it up.

A special thanks to my models, Karlee and Nikoletta. 


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

emoji nation



Check out my sparkly Emoji Luv Necklace featured on filmmaker Christina Choe's Emoji Nation Kickstarter project! I was contacted by Christina a couple months back, and she asked me permission to use this necklace as part of her documentary project. Of course I was eager to help another artist, and gladly accepted. Along with myself, many other artists are featured (including bakers, wood artists and fashion designers), so be sure to show some support!

Head on over to Christina's Kickstarter page to read about the project and her goals!
 

Sunday, October 18, 2015

indie dainty choker diy



Sometimes, dainty sparkle and shine is all that's needed to make a statement. I'm not always a fan of dainty jewelry (I like my big beaded pieces), but love the indie vibe chokers have. These braided 90s style pieces can be worn alone, or layered with other pieces for a more bohemian look.



And all those crystal charms you see?! They're earrings. I have 13 ear piercings, and I'm always losing my pairs, whether both or one at a time. I've found a use for all my widowed earrings here, using them as sparkly focal points in each necklace.



These whip up quick, because they're simply braided. I made all those pieces you see here in an hour. I'm super impatient, so I love anything that doesn't take long to make!



Step 1: Gather materials. Needed are 4mm and 6mm jump rings, flat nose pliers, 1.5mm Chinese knotting nylon cord (in all colors!), lobster clasps and miscellaneous earring posts.

Simply cut three lengths of nylon cord that are 1.5 times the length you want your choker. Braid together.



Measure out the length you want your choker, and cut an extra half inch on each side. To finish, thread the braid through the 6mm jump ring, and use a 4mm to crimp both ends of thread- squeeze the jumpring tight to secure. With your post earring, cut about a 1/4 inch of the post off with wire cutters. To create a charm, simply use round nose pliers to loop the post over , catching the braid in, Flatten then with the round nose pliers. I did have one earring that broke, so be careful!
 

This would be a great BFF project - a total update on those cotton knotted bracelets, right?! You could also use initial beads to personalize these. Make them in all color combos -the more the merrier!



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

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Vintage whimsy Perfume Potions

Perfume Potion Vintage Necklaces by Allison beth Cooling Perfume Potion Vintage Necklaces by Allison beth Cooling Perfume Potion Vintage Necklaces by Allison beth Cooling Perfume Potion Vintage Necklaces by Allison beth Cooling Perfume Potion Vintage Necklaces by Allison beth Cooling

It's a NEW batch of my ever popular Perfume Potion necklaces. I've done Chanel Perfume Necklaces, a Miss Dior Potion Necklace and a J'adore Dior Potion Necklace - each a little different, but all "upcycled" - the most important part! I love taking empty perfume bottles (some of which are so beautiful, and beckoning to become something else!) and recycling them into glam, sparkly accessories. This time, I've got a group of five pieces, each unique and with its own character.

It's a mix of old meets new; the left three (all Dior) are more modern, reflecting a contemporary design. The rightmost two use bottles and vintage cameos I found at a flea market. A contrast of styles, but all follow the same idea. Filling these bottles with glitter, pearls, beads and metallic flake, then gluing the tops shut and harnessing them with different styles of chain turns these seemingly "unusable" bottles into something entirely new. Swarovski crystals are always welcome in my designs, and they star here in the form of flat backs and rhinestone chain. For a little bohemian touch, I always love to mix metals. Copper with gold, silver with gold, there is no right or wrong way. I think it adds a bit of whimsy, which is what these necklaces are all about!

So since this is a DIY blog, and I didn't take any step by step pics of me making these (I know, I'm sorry!), I thought I might put together a little fragrance guide. The holidays are right around the corner, and I feel perfume is always a good gift idea, no thinking involved. I mean, unless you pick something they totally hate. That would be bad. Don't worry though, I've picked my top 6 scents below- 3 clean scents, and 3 sweet scents. I feel those are the best bets- a lot of people don't like something heavy like Chanel No. 5 (but it's a classic!!), so usually something light or with a hint of sweetness works.

So basically my entire perfume collection is comprised solely of Nordstrom sample vials- I'm not cheap, I just like to "test" everything. There is nothing worse than spraying on something that gives you an instant migraine, so I always try scents out before buying. I think I've amassed about 30 vials, and am not ashamed of that; blame it on my indecisiveness. But, through my research (you didn't know I was a perfume connoisseur, did you?!) I've studied the good and the bad.

So, here are my top pics, sans migraine-inducing scents:


clean scents

Cartier Baiser Vole
You can't go wrong with Cartier, but some of their cents can be heavy. This is a "white flower" scent, which I usually don't like, but it is just so clean and crisp. It smells like a mix of lilies and fresh mountain air, and it lasts forever. Plus, the packaging is super luxe.

Versace Yellow Diamond
For anyone who loves glitz and glam, this bottle alone fits the bill. The scent is bright, smells a little citrusy to me, with hints of amber and freesia flower. Definitely a scent that reminds me of a beachy place with palm trees, sand, and summer.

Prada Milano Infusion D'Iris
This is my FAVORITE SCENT OF ALL TIME. It's in all caps because it's pretty important people. If you want perfume, you want this perfume. It's light, airy, flowery, calming, serene. Reminds me of walking in wildflowers and cobblestone paths in Rome.
sweet scents

Marc Jacobs Honey
This literally smells like honey - duh. Not a sickening sweet, sticky-type honey, but more like the deep notes of honey and sugar. It lingers at the end, and smells a bit fruity as well. Very unique!

Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf
A super sweet, cotton candy-like perfume that smells like a mix of candy and roses. Definitely feminine, perfect for those who literally love candy (like me). I love the contrasting grenade-type bottle.

Vera Wang Princess
Definitely has vanilla notes, as well as amber and sandalwood. Smells like a vanilla milkshake- mmmmmm. The bottle is great for girly girls, as it literally looks like a purple heart-shaped diamond, topped with a crystal crown.

If anyone wants to send me some complimentary bottles, feel free (jk - no, not really) - you now know my favs. But in all seriousness, I hope my creations inspire you to recycle, upcycle, and get creative with your crafting! That's what it's all about!

If you're ever wondering where I get all my props from, check your local Goodwill store - I've gotten so many dishes from them, some really pretty ones (like this blue one below) that are like 50 cents each. You can't beat it! Plus, there's something new every time I go. That cute little cupid mirror I use here was from an estate sale (those and flea markets also have great vintage finds), and I love mixing all different props for that sort of, curated chaos look. I'm leaving you with many more inspo photos to finish. Craft on, people!

Perfume Potion Vintage Necklaces by Allison beth Cooling Perfume Potion Vintage Necklaces by Allison beth Cooling Recycled perfume bottle necklaces Necklaces by Allison beth Cooling Perfume Potion Vintage Necklaces by Allison beth Cooling Recycled perfume bottle necklaces Necklaces by Allison beth Cooling Dior Perfume Bottle Necklaces by Allison beth Cooling Recycled perfume bottle necklaces Necklaces by Allison beth Cooling Recycled perfume bottle necklaces Necklaces by Allison beth Cooling

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