amethyst crystal belt

Please - contain your excitement. I know any of my sparkle lovers are going cray right now over this totally luxe, totally glitzy belt. And the best part? You can totally make this. Yep. It's not hard, trust me.

A "river" of amethyst glass crystals, contrasted by vintage-style gold rhinestone spacers and chunky gold chain makes for a totally royal accessory. The technique of just simply stacking these beaded charms next to another between chain, like a crystal sandwich if you will, allows for maximum sparkle and shine.

What's also great is the versatility; you can wear it as a belt, like through your jean loops, you can clasp it over a tunic top or blouse, and you can even wear as a necklace, I'll show you below. This is entirely made from Pandahall materials, which you can buy online (I've got the full list in the tutorial). No, these aren't Swarovski crystals, but they could totally pass as some. Right?!



My birthstone is amethyst, so the deep purple color totally matches my style. You could really use any color crystals, and any color chain. What's great about this chain is that it's aluminum, so it's lightweight. The crystals do get pretty heavy, so using a lighter-weight chain does help. I've also finished with a chain and crystal tassel, because, um why not?



Exhibit A: over a tunic top. Please ignore the somewhat broken hair tie on my wrist, and focus on those sparkles. Adds a totally dressy vibe to an otherwise somewhat casual outfit, right?!
Enough talk, let's begin.



Step 1: Gather materials. Needed are pliers (wire cutters, roundnose for loop making, flatnose), 5X9mm gold aluminum chain by Pandahall, 8X6mm Purple faceted rondelle crystals by Pandahall, 10mm crystal spacers (similar Pandahall ones here), a gold clasp, and either thin gold wire OR eye pins (I have headpins shown here to make one beaded dangle, so technically you'll need one headpin).



Start by making bead charms by adding a crystal, spacer, crystal, spacer and crystal to an eye pin. To make a loop on the other side, bend the eye pin at a 90 degree angle to the last crystal, and cut the wire about a half centimeter away from the crystal. Form a loop (with roundnose pliers) out of that short piece of wire to finish the charm. Keep creating these charms. I ended up with 23 charms.
Now, cut a long piece (measure around your waist and then add about 10" or so) and start attaching one side of each charm to the links (starting in the center then working outwards on both sides) ONE LINK APART. This spacing will keep everything from bunching up.



You should have something that looks like this when you are done adding all charms. Now, with a piece of chain as long as the first one, start attaching the other side of each charm, starting in the center of the chain. You should end up with a long flat panel like you see in the third image.

With the ends, simply cut each chain four links away from the last beaded charm. Then, with a single piece of chain (you can use the rest of a piece you just cut off), group the two loose ends together. Do for other side as well. It should look like the first image. I then made a bead tassel with extra chain and beads, and attached this with a jumpring to one side of the panel. For the two loose ends of the belt, attach a clasp to one side and bead dangle to the other.

** GO BOHEMIAN

So there really is no right or wrong way to wear this belt. You could put it through the loops of distressed jeans, pair it over a long tunic top (as I've done above), or throw it on with something totally hippie like a tie dye shirt. The whole point is its versatility; I've even got pics above of how it looks as a necklace. Because why not?! This would be a great accessory for the music festival season (hello Coachella, Lolla, etc). BTW, if you want to know how to make that arm cuff (on Nikoletta at the right), head over to my Crystal Armband tutorial here.
If you're not into the whole gypsy look, I'd style this with a black tunic top, leather leggings and ankle booties for a more upscale vibe. What's great is that you can make these belts in different colors; try a simple clear crystal plus silver chain for a modern palette. Or, go with black crystals and gunmetal chain for a gothic punch. You could even use gemstone beads (maybe turquoise rounds with copper chain?) for a more earthy, rustic feel. If you do follow this tutorial, be sure to post your creation to Instagram and tag me @quietlioncreations - I'll repost you!

Total luxury without the price tag. I'm thinking that some other cool combinations might be clear crystals and silver chain for a super modern look, turquoise crystals and copper chain for a southwest look, black crystals and gunmetal chain for a slightly goth look, or even use pearls instead of crystals for a vintage vibe.



Exhibit B: as a necklace. Same tunic top. Different look. You dig?

A special thanks to Pandahall for these awesome supplies! You can follow them on Facebook for product updates and more.



Hope you had as much fun making this as I did. And remember, if you follow any of my tutorials, post an image to Instagram and tag me @quietlioncreations - I'll repost you!!
All photos copyright Allison Beth Cooling. DO NOT POST OR REUSE WITHOUT CREDITING and linking to me, thanks!

Swarovski Pearled Treasure Necklace

Who doesn't love Swarovski?!

This amazingly sparkly necklace was created in less than 10 minutes (yes!) from a Swarovski kit.

This kit was complimentary of Cousin Corporation.

Cousin Corporation is now the official distributor of Swarovski Create Your Style to the craft chains like Michaels, JoAnn Fabrics and Walmart US. Congrats Cousin!

A dark smoky pendant mixes with grey and ivory pearls - the neutral tones work great here for matching with just about any outfit you've got. Pair this with a silky white blouse, denim skinny jeans and black booties for seriously chic fall style!

The Create Your Style kits are awesome for beginners (has exactly what you need and comes with instructions for putting it together) and advanced beaders, who want to make something real quick.

I'm going to be using this Swarovski Create Your Style Pearled Treasure necklace kit.

I first examined my pretties…..

Then added a pearl to each headpin.

I made looped charms. With the biggest jumpring, open it and thread the large pendant on; re-close it.

There are two more jump rings. Connect them both then add one on the largest jumpring attached to the pendant; thread on all the pearls and re-close. You should have an empty jumpring at top. Thread the rattail through this.

This should mimic what you have.

(The rattail is super crimped from it being wrapped for packaging. I steamed it with a clothing steamer to make it lay flat.) The kit says to tie a knot at top, but guess what- rattail is extremely slippery, there's no way it would hold without gluing the knot. Or, add ribbon ends and a clasp to finish.

Super simple, right?!

You'll find a ton more Swarovski Create Your Style products at your major craft or hobby store. From other kits to pearl and crystal strands and more, there's something for every beader!

If you aren't feelin' the rattail cord, try hanging this from a silver chain for a dressier look. 

More Swarovsi tutorials to come!

All images copyright Allison Beth Cooling. DO NOT post/use without linking and crediting 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.