Hippie Crystal Headwrap

Now, this is my kind of tutorial!

Recycled materials + Swarovski crystals + gemstone beads + tie dye = pure hippie glam.

This tutorial combines all types of beads, aka "bead soup" as us crafters call it, to create a bohemian-chic accessory that makes a statement.

It can easily be customized for all your tastes! I used tie dye fabric from a recycled skirt, but if Super Hippie isn't your preferred look, feel free to use plain black fabric or anything else your heart desires. 

This is a turban-style head wrap which is sewn shut, without elastic. You've gotta be good about measuring for this one! You'll use denim (I used it from old worn jeans to recycle) to create a stiff front panel to embroider on.

I created a starburst pattern, stemming from a focal arrangement of hexagonal vitrail (that multihued-coating which looks like a shining rainbow) chandelier-style crystals. Stemming from this is more crystal rondelles, crystal flat backs by Swarovski Create Your Style, pillow Swarovski sew-on vitrail beads, and turquoise gemstone ovals. Turquoise is a purification stone, and is associated with the third eye chakra, so how fitting to use it in a headband?! You can read more about the powers of Turquoise here! Also, vitrail is a french word associated with stained glass, so it's very fitting for describing these crystals.

I kept with a palette of purples/greens/blues here to keep it somewhat consistent! I have a few more color palette ideas too:

-Black shiny fabric with gold, silver and champagne beads for a totally flashy look

-White fabric (with lace!) and pearls, light pink beads and white crystals for a girly look

-Maybe even try brown (faux) leather with copper, turquoise and bronze beads for a "country" feel...

That rhinestone chain is easy to sew on; simply weave and catch the metal in-between the links in your weave! It gives a cool "caged" look to the beads. Lovin' those Swarovski pillow beads too. 

Super glam, right?! Oh, if you want this sign (umm why wouldn't you?!) head to my Prada Marfa Wall Art Tutorial here! Trust me, quick and easy!

Are we finally ready for the tutorial?!!

Step 1: Gather materials. Needed are:

-Fabric. My tie dye is from an old hippie skirt that I cut up.

-Denim. I used recycled old blue jeans, thicker denim.

-Crystals, beads, you name it. Get all your sparkles together to use here. There are no right or wrong beads! I used an assortment of 3mm / 4mm crystals, Swarovski sew on crystals, turquoise oval beads from Happy Mango Beads, hexagon vitrail crystals (found them randomly on Ebay)

-Rhinestone Chain. Mine from Cousin Corporation

-Flatback Crystals. Mine are Swarovski Create Your Style, which you can buy at Michael's or JoAnn Fabrics. I also used Cousin brand Crystazzi flat backs (the small blue ones)

-Thread. I used the extra strong kind, used to sew leather together.

-Glue

I first measured how wide I wanted the headband, and I cut a shape out of the denim and tapered it; You don't have to make it long enough to go around your head, because this is simply the "backing" to your embroidery to keep it stiff. I made mine long enough to sit above the ears. 

Your actual piece of fabric will need to be longer. This is the piece that has to go all the way around your head. So cut a roundabout shape to frame the denim piece with about 1/2" on each side of the denim. I'm lazy so I hot glued my denim piece to the tie dye fabric, folding the fabric over the back of the denim and gluing down. Yes, lazy. Don't cut any fabric yet. Now, flip this over and you should have a nice clean surface.

I started embroidering beads, starting with my focal point of those hexagon vitrail crystals. I layered those with other hexagon crystals and gold rondelles. I laid out my beads before I actually sewed them on, to see how I wanted my composition to go. Do the same! That way, it will save you aggravation if you end up not liking what you just sewed in! I sort of did a sunburst pattern going outwards. I used the rhinestone chain to "cage" certain beads. When I was done sewing, I simply glued on more glitz with the rhinestones and Swarovski flat backs, using E6000 glue.

The top image shows my final pattern. Wait for all your glue to dry before continuing with the next step! When it's all dry, simply fold in and sew in the raw edges on both sides. Take a small piece of fabric and use it to join  the ends, and sew shut. MAKE SURE YOU MEASURE before cutting your final piece! Make your headband snug but not super super tight.

Love the colors in these crystals!

This would look sick on beach vacations; the bright colors and someplace tropical go hand in hand!

Even wear this with an oversized sweater, leggings and ankle booties for a new-bohemian look.

Wear it with your hair up, or down. Or with a braid!

Thanks for reading!

All photos and text copyright Allison Beth Cooling. DO NOT POST OR REUSE WITHOUT LINKING TO ME AND CREDITING ME.

Sparkle Strands Bracelets

I'm on a crystal kick.

I had some Cousin brand crystals and wanted to make yet another super-sparkly accessory out of them. If you want an equally sparkly bracelet to match your Crystal Amulet necklace from my last tutorial, these are super quick to whip up. The best part is that you can make them in any color scheme you want, and they require no intense skills to finish. 

All these bracelets consist of is multiple stretch-cord strands grouped together with another strand. I loved the cool electroplated rainbow finish of the Cousin crystals in the bronze-colored bracelet, so I paired those beads with silver and caramel-colored crystals to make a cool, eclectic scheme. I was inspired by the blues and aquamarine tones to make the other bracelet, offsetting the lightness of the colors by black and deep blue crystals.

I've also included Crystazzi crystals, which give that rich color. You can also add pearls or glass beads if you want a difference in texture and material!

Be sure to follow Cousin brand on:

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Let's get started!

Step 1: Gather materials.

All that's needed are:

-Crystals. For the bronze bracelet I used a variety of Cousin brand crystals, including the 4mm bronze bicones. Also, I used these cool electroplated crystals from Cousin which were more helix-shaped. 

-Stretch cord. I am using .5mm Cousin brand stretch cord here, you can find this on Amazon and in craft stores.

-Flatnose pliers, mine are again from Cousin.

For the blue bracelet, I used a blue crystal scheme including these Cousin Crystazzi 6mm Capri blue bicones, Vitrail bicones (that cool multicolor coating), 4mm Deep blue bicones by Cousin, and 6mm light sapphire Cousin Jewelry basic crystals.

To make the first bracelet, simply cut a piece of your stretch cord that is 1.5 times the length of your wrist. Simply add your selected crystals and bead until the bracelet is as long as you need it. Add on a crimp bead, and thread the other side of cord back through the crimp, and crimp shut. Cut off the excess.

Continue making these bracelets until you have abut 5-6 strands. To group them all together, simply cut a 6" piece of stretch cord, and thread on enough crystals to go around the bracelet bunch. Add on a crimp, and crimp shut. Cut the excess off. You should have a complete bracelet!

These are great bracelets to throw on with every outfit. They add that glam factor and can be worn by themselves, or paired with other bracelets. 

The ease of these bracelets is that they are on stretch cord, so no need to try to clasp it with your other hand, which is always difficult, right?! Just be careful with the stretch cord, don't make the bracelets too tight because stretch cord sometimes has the tendency to snap if pulled tightly. Keep the bracelets a little loose and you will be all set.

All images and text copyright Allison Beth Cooling. Do not post/use images without linking back to me.