carnivàle sparkle sunglasses +diy

So if you frequent my blog you obviously have already acknowledged my obsession with gems. I've embellished shoes, hats, shirts, nails and more - but never sunglasses. Well, my friends, now is the time.



These faux Prada glasses (find them here) were kind of plain - and I needed a way to dress them up.So after receiving some of this great sapphire rhinestone chain from Pandahall,  I first thought of using it in a jewelry tutorial. But, why not change it up a bit? It's ability to lay flat and bend/turn made it great for gluing on these frames.



I also added Cousin M'bellish flat backs to fill in some spots, and add more glitz. You can grab these or any other flat backs at Michael's, JoAnn, AC Moore and Walmart.



So totally luxe-looking, they definitely stand out - feel free to mix up colors here. I stuck with clear crystals, but using multicolors would make for a total Carnivale-type look!



Step 1: Gather materials. Needed are sunglasses -you can get the SAME ones I used (faux Pradas) here!-, E6000 glue, a toothpick, rhinestone cup chain (mine from Pandahall here) and flatback crystals (mine from Cousin's M'Bellish line here). You could also use Swarovski flat backs, Crystazzi flat backs or other similar styles.



Step 2: Start gluing. It's super simple - with the toothpick, place a small dab of E6000 glue at the edge of the glasses frame (I started at the center of my swirl). Lay the first rhinestone on this glue- then, simply keep adding dabs of glue, and laying your chain down. Because of the shape of my frames, I did this swirl in one separate piece.



I added another piece to fill out the arms of the glasses. Repeat with other side.



Step 3: Embellish. I again glued down crystal flat backs with dabs of glue, adding a fan-like pattern to the edges of my glasses. I trimmed just the top of the lenses with another length of rhinestone chain. I cut all my chain after gluing it, to make sure I wasn't too short or too long with my cuts.



Are you digging them? I'd pair these with denim skinny jeans, a graphic tee and sneakers. Add a crystal bib necklace if you want to go all out!



I love the blue / silver combo here, adding a modernity to otherwise retro-type glasses. A black / gold combo would create a very luxe, more goth vibe. What colors would you choose?!



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

If you use this tutorial to make your own pair of glasses, post a pic to Instagram and tag me @quietlioncreations - I'll repost you!

Free Bird Bohemian Necklace Tutorial

70's hippie style meets a grungy, free-spirited vibe to create this totally killer leather and gemstone necklace.

A beaded "ladder" was made to highlight these beautiful oval turquoise tablet, tiger eye and pearly white natural stone beads. The ladder lays so nicely, perfect for pairing with a burnout sweater and leggings/boots, or even a black flowy maxi dress and strappy shoes for warmer weather. Adding a floppy gypsy hat is so totally necessary, don't you agree?!

The bright blue is such a pop of color, while the brown acts as a neutral.

Layers of chain and (cruelty-free) feathers dangling down evoke that indie, rocker vibe. I chose white chain, feathers and charms to contrast against that black (faux in my case) leather. Also, white matched those little gemstone rounds in the rest of my design.

Too bad Coachella is super over and I got the idea for this tut now, like of course it would have been so choice to make this for summer festival-style fashion, but winter can't stop me from rockin' it now.

And it can't stop you either. Read below to find out how to make your own!!

Step 1: Gather materials. Needed are:

-Flat Leather or faux flat leather cord. I found some faux leather online.

-Gemstone beads. Any color, any size, choose what you like! I used some tigers eye beads from Happy Mango Beads. There are a ton of awesome gemstone beads on their site! I also used small white rounds and bigger tablet beads (sorry, cannot remember specific gemstone, but all are from Happy Mango Beads). Seriously, you have to take a look. Great for hippie style necklaces of all kinds! 

-Beading wire. Mine was Cousin's silver beading wire.

-Some 16 gauge wire, mine again from Cousin. I used silver here.

-Silver or metallic small 3mm to 4mm beads. I used silver disc beads here. These are just for a little added shine, not totally necessary. I only used 4 beads per necklace.

-Feathers. I got mine from a cruelty-free, no-kill animal shelter in Iowa run by a rabbi. Legit. I don't want to tell you what to do, but if you do use feathers, please don't buy the ones from Michael's or JoAnn fabrics, as that just perpetuates animal torture/cruelty. Now back to the tutorial.

-Charms or amulet style beads (the Cousin disc beads and the scarab-which I didn't end up using, but just wanted to show you options). Scarab from Happy Mango Beads.These are purely ornamentation.

-2mm or small chain, mine from Cousin and not pictured in this shot.

-Pliers

-Crimp beads

-Cord ends if using feathers

-Closed jump rings (5mm or so)

_________________________________________________________

To start, ignore the middle shot in this picture. What was I doing while editing? Watching the Blackhawks game, aka a little distracted. 

Anywhoo, first you want to cut a long piece of your leather, mine like 24" or so. Fold over one end, and with the wire, twirl around a few times to hold. Cut flush and crimp with your pliers. Repeat with the other side of your leather.

Thread beading wire through that loop you just made, and string on an appealing arrangement of beads. I made sure to string on 3 closed jump rings in between my oval tablet and tiger eye beads so that I can make the horizontal "ladder rungs" and use these to connect. Be sure to do so! Highlighted in the third picture.

I also created two leather dangles, about 6" long or so- create these by simply cutting a 6" piece and repeating that loop technique used in the first step. To finish the sides of your ladder, thread the bottom of the beading wire through a crimp, these dangle loops, back through the crimp, and crimp shut. You should have the second shot in the pic.

To create the horizontal rungs, simply cut another 6" or so piece of beading wire, thread on a crimp, through the top closed jump ring you added, then back through the crimp; crimp shut. Add on another arrangement of beads, checking to make sure it will fit across nicely. Thread on a crimp, through the other side's top jump ring, then back through crimp. Crimp shut.

Repeat for each rung, using the same orientation of beads. I had three rungs.

I also decided to add some chain and feather dangles. To do so, simply add a large jumpring at the bottom junction between leather dangle and ladder side. Add on varying lengths of chain, disc charms, and feathers. I just did random lengths here, making sure to be symmetrical with both sides. Play around with lengths till you find something that suits your look! Finally, to weigh the leather down, I wove on an oval tablet bead to the bottom of the dangle with some wire. Voila!

This is my new favorite necklace. Gonna be making a lot more of these.

This being totally customizable, it's up to you to supply the creativity here. Choose colors that you love, and add amulet charms or even crystals to match your personality!

If you happen to use this tutorial to make your own necklace, snap a pic and post to Instagram, tagging me @quietlioncreations . I'll repost it! Follow me there too, for sneak peeks into new tutorials!

"Won't you fly high, free bird, yeah?!"

All photos copyright Allison Beth Cooling - do NOT post or reuse without crediting and linking to me.

Supernova Necklace

A prismatic array of full-specturm color.

I found this amazing Aurora Borealis Quartz Crystal at the Lizzadro Lapidary Museum and had to have it. The multicolored coating (read more below) is a statement on its own. 

I didn't know at first what I wanted to make out of it. I had some ideas but ultimately decided to go a simple route.

I wrapped in gold wire and attached to a 14K gold chain, finishing with 14K gold clasps and jump rings for a high-quality piece. The 14K findings were all part of Cousin's Elegance Metals line, which features affordable 14K gold, sterling silver, platinum and more supplies that add a total luxe touch to your jewelry. The dainty cable chain was perfect and held up to the high quality of the stone.

The tutorial below exhibits the steps I followed. If you have a quartz-type stone you could always do something similar!

Step 1: Gather materials. Needed are round nose pliers and wire cutters, E6000 glue, Cousin Elegance Metals 14K gold cable chain, Cousin Elegance Metals 14K gold jump rings and clasps, and Cousin 26 gauge gold wire.

Step 2: Decide at what two points you want to wire-wrap your stone. My stone had two clear high points on either side, which made it easy. If you are buying a stone, make sure it's not too heavy and has good quartz "spears" to wrap with. I created a loop on a 5" piece of wire with my pliers, then started wrapping around the spear. Wrap VERY TIGHTLY. Wrap both around the spear then back up by that first loop you made, and wrap below it to finish. Cut flush.

--Some info on the stone--

Once you've wrapped both sides, use the 14K gold wire and attach to the loops on each side. You can use a small dot of E6000 glue on the back of the stone to hold the wire.

I finished the ends by attaching jump rings and a clasp.

I don't usually like to wire wrap like this, but because of the lightweight stone and easy wrapping points  it was better than gluing on a bail!

And those who don't know what "lapidary" means-- a quote from Wikipedia:

"A lapidary (lapidarist, Latin: lapidarius) is an artist or artisan who forms stone, minerals, or gemstones into decorative items such ascabochons, engraved gems, including cameos, and faceted designs.^[1][2] The primary techniques employed are cutting, grinding, and polishing.^[2][3] Carving is an important, but specialised technique.^[3]"

^{The Lizzadro Museum in Elhmurst, Illinois is super-cool, and anyone in the area should go. Carved jade, cameos, stones and other amazing sculptures, statues and jewelry pieces are on display. The shop at the bottom also houses stones/gems galore and they are so affordable. I would recommend it to anyone!}

Delicate yet full of interesting texture and major color! I have a couple more stones I picked up the museum, so stay tuned for more pieces!

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

Five Minute Beginner Earrings

Simple and sophisticated with metal filigree accents and a mixed finish, these are some of the simplest earrings you will ever make.

All I've done here is take apart a Cousin charm pack and re-organize the charms, connecting them with jump rings. I've mixed the metal finish for a bohemian look, and used a cutout charm layered on top of another to create a 3D effect. This technique can really be used with any findings or charms you have laying around- play around with what you have to create different looks!

These are not heavy and are great for wearing to work. Plus, they took 5 MINUTES to finish. Amazing! 

Step 1: Gather Materials. You will need:

Metal Filigree Charms (I used Cousin brand)- their Metal Leaf Charms and Metal Charm pack, similar packs can be found at Michaels, JoAnn Fabrics and Walmart. 

Jumprings

Earring Fish Hooks

Pliers- flatnose

I first took the two silver filigree metal charms and attached the green crystal charm to the top (with a jumpring). For beginners, the proper way to open jump rings is by using two pliers (both flat nose for most control). Grab either side of the jumpring, with the opening at the top, and twist your right hand towards you and your left hand away from you. DO NOT EVER just pull both sides apart. This will drastically distort the ring shape and it will never look perfect again! Twisting allows for easy closing/opening without distortion of any kind.

Then, simply enough, I attached the bronze flower charm from the other pack to the same jumpring. The two charms laid on top of another. Then, I attached a silver fishhook to the top of the green crystal charm to complete. If you are using similar charm packs, try layering charms like I did here to achieve a multidimensional look! Always add a bit of sparkle with a crystal or shiny bead for that pop!

Seriously, these took you five minutes, right? That gives you extra time to play around with more beads and materials you have, to create more pairs of earrings. Love it!

Photos and text copyright Allison Beth Cooling. Do NOT re-post or use without linking back to me.

Barcelona Earrings

I'ts time for some Chainmaille.

I never, EVER usually do anything associated with Chainmaille. Reason 1: I never have any jump rings. Reason 2: I never really knew how to do all that complicated hooking and threading and twisting and what have you. 

Well, there is a first time for everything.

This is an easy Chainmaille pattern I've created for beginners and advanced 'maillers to try. I've added the addition of faceted gemstone drop beads to give a more bohemian look to an otherwise very industrial look. To prevent tarnishing, I've only used Cousin brand Elegance Metals jump rings; these are either gold or sterling plated so that you won't worry about them losing their shine. I recommend these for use in any Chainmaille pattern.  

These are great everyday earrings that aren't super heavy, but are great quality because you've used great metals. These agate faceted drops and small garnet drop add pops of color. I've used mixed metals here because I'm going for a hippie-chic look. If that's not your thing, use just one metal color. I call these Barcelona earrings because of the eclectic mix of colors, and the fan pattern that forms when you link the jump rings!

Let's get going!

Step 1: Gather materials. Needed are:

4mm Faceted Gemstone rounds (purple mix here, gemstone mix here, Swarovski here)

Garnet 3mm Rounds from Happy Mango Beads (optional)

Cousin Elegance Metals 6mm Jumprings (Gold, Rose Gold and Sterling Plated)

Cousin Elegance Metals Gold Headpin (or other gold headpins)

Cousin Elegance 14k Fishhooks

Flatnose Pliers and Wire Trimmers

To start the chainmaille pattern, open each of your jump rings packages and separate into like colors. Then, halve those groups so that you will have separated piles for each earring. 

1. Starting with the silver, open and attach a rose and gold. Close silver ring.

2. Open another silver and thread through the rose and gold. Don't close.

3.  Add a silver, rose and gold ring to the open silver. Close.

4. Open a rose. Thread through the rose, gold and silver. Don't close.

5. Add 7 rings, in alternating pattern (rose, gold, silver) to the open rose ring. Close rose ring.

6. Open a silver ring. With the leftmost rose and gold ring, thread silver through these rings and close. There should be 5 empty rings still hanging.

7. Open a gold ring. Thread through the gold of last step and the silver to the right of it, making sure to thread over the last ring (so the new ring lays on top of last). Close ring.

8. Continue this pattern; with a rose ring, thread through the silver of last round and then the rose next to it. Keep repeating, threading through two jump rings only each time, one being the rightmost ring of the last step. You should use 6 rings to finish.

You should have a "fan" of sorts, each jumpring laying beneath the other. MAKE SURE TO ALWAYS ADD EACH JUMP RING IN FRONT OF THE LAST ONE YOU ADDED, to keep that clean fan pattern. 

Simply add gemstone wrapped-loop charms to each of the 6 empty jump rings at bottom. If feelin' groovy, add a small garnet charm to the top jumpring, and finish by adding a fishhook to this ring as well.

The gemstones lay next to each other, creating a cool fan-like pattern.

These would also look great in all silver metal, with turquoise rounds for a southwestern look. Or, try all gold metal with pearl drops for a totally traditional vibe.

Maybe I'll try Chainmaille again in the future. It has served me well up to this point. What do you think?

All images copyright Allison Beth Cooling. DO NOT post images/tutorial without crediting and linking back!