third eye suncatcher

One of my favorite symbols is the evil eye - I'm sure if you're a reader, you've noticed that by now! The evil eye is in full focus here with my wire wrapped suncatcher! I love bohemian home decor - especially anything that sparkles and glitzes!

I made this DIY decor by first creating wire shapes from Cousin 14g wire. Wrapping on a variety of glass beads, Swarovski crystals and pearls with contrasting silver and gold wire created an eclectic palette that totally works. I connected each shape with an acrylic link, and used chain links to create a long hanger. Finishing the last dangle with acrylic shard beads gives the look a little edge - which is always necessary!

View the entire tutorial on CraftPaperScissors, here!

home decor diy, bohemian home decor, bohemian home decorating, home decorating, beaded home decor, diy boho jewelry

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

Evil Eye Friendship Bracelets

These mini evil eye friendship bracelets are just the bomb.com. I always am wondering what to do with all my seed beads -- I'm not patient enough to embark on an intense woven piece, so these little charms are perfect for those who want just a taste of bead weaving.



What's awesome about these is that you can make them in a rainbow of colors, and they come together really quick. They are a new take on the old friendship bracelet pattern, and the hint of Swarovski crystal in the center dresses them up a bit. Always good.



You'll finish these string bracelets with a macrame sliding knot clasp, so they can be taken on and off, unlike those embroidery floss knotted ones. They are super lightweight and great for layering with other pieces. They give that minimal-bohemian chicness to any outfit, and the bright neon colors will definitely catch eyes!



I've got the full pattern for these beauties below, so let's get started!



Step 1: Gather materials. Needed are colorful seed beads (I used size 11), .8mm nylon knotting cord, 4mm Swarovski bicones, 6mm glass rounds (some pretty ones here and here), 4mm jump rings, 28g silver wire, scissors and wire cutters. You will also need superglue to glue the knots.



Step 2: Cut about 1.5 feet of wire. Thread on a jumpring, and then 3 seed beads. Take the righthand side of wire and thread back through the last 2 seed beads you strung on the left side, from top to bottom. Pull tight to hold. Thread on 3 seed beads to the lefthand wire, and again, thread the righthand wire back through the beads, from top to bottom. Pull tight again. They should stack upon another.



Step 3: Repeat this technique. On the next layer, thread on 5 seed beads. Then 7 seed beads. Now, to form the middle of the eye, thread on 4 seed beads, 1 accent seed bead (in a different contrasting color, one that matches the 4mm crystal you want to use) and then 4 more seed beads.

For the next layer, 2 seed beads, 2 accents, 1 crystal, 2 accents, and 2 seed beads. After that layer, reverse the order of layers, to close the rest of the eye. Look at the picture above for help!



Step 4: Close the eye. After you have made a 2 bead layer, thread on a jumpring and a seed bead. Thread back through the seed bead and jumpring, then twist the wire and cut to close. Bend this wire closure to the back and bend flush so it doesn't poke.

Cut two 2' pieces of knotting cord. Tie each to a side of the eye, and secure with overhand knots.



Step 5: To finish, cut an 8" piece of knotting cord and tie a small square knot sinnet (about 3 knots), grouping all threads together. Don't tie these knots too tight here, as this will be your sliding knot.

Cut the ends of this thread flush, and then either thread burn them or superglue. If you superglue, be very careful to not catch any of the middle strands in the glued part, or they won't move!

Simply tie off the ends and use your 6mm glass beads as accents. It helps to measure this bracelet over your wrist and find the exact length you need to leave the string, so that it isn't too big or small.

Repeat these steps over and over again to make many more!



Like I said, these come together quick - I made six of these in an hour. If you are a beginner, the first bracelet will take you longer. But once you get the hang of the pattern, you'll be able to whip 'em up! These also make great birthday or holiday gifts, and you could even add charms to the jump rings to personalize even more.



I think these would also look amazing if you used metallic seed beads, like silver and gold - it would definitely give them a totally upscale look. You could also switch out the middle crystal for a 4mm gemstone bead. Use gemstones like rose quartz, adventurine, fluorite or amethyst to give your bracelets extra mystical power!



If you make any of these for yourself and your BFFs, post the final pics to Instagram and tag me @quietlioncreations - I'll repost you!

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

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Evil Eye Wire Wrapped Cuff

Turquoise, Green Adventurine, crystal rondelles and a Swarovski Pave rhinestone bead combine in this rustic-style wire wrapped bangle.

I've combined all three of my favorite jewelry-making materials here:  * c r y s t a l s *,  * g e m s t o n e s *, and mixed metals. The less it matches the better.

The palette here was inspired by a tropical beach sunset - the greens and blues of the ocean, plus the hints of pink from the sun. That middle sparkly pave bead was courtesy Cousin Corporation - who is the certified distributer of Swarovski Create Your Style products to all the major craft stores. Usually, that pastel pinkish-purple is not my go-to color. But it works great here!

Turquoise has a variety of metaphysical powers; relating to the Throat and Heart chakras, it is said to promote an open mind, serenity, love and communication. Adventurine gives the wearer luck, which is always good, right?!

The evil eye shape was inspired by one of my favorite symbols. There are many legends associated with the Evil Eye, and each one varies with culture. Overall, the Evil Eye is said to ward off bad spirits or ill will. It is especially popular in European countries and Mediterranean/Middle East countries, like Greece and Turkey. I have an antique golden Greek evil eye pendant that inspired this larger version.

The wire I used was also from Cousin Corporation, and I hammered it on concrete with a regular hammer because I'm into that distressed, weathered, grungy look. Especially when mixed with super sparkly, fancy-looking crystals. Oh, the contrast.

This accessory is lightweight and while the wire is still bendable a bit, it's strengthened by the hammering. It's called "work-hardening" (usually not done to totally flatten the wire, just secure it a bit ).

Gold and copper may seem strange - but I think the less it matches, the more bohemian it will look.

I originally made this to be an arm cuff (work on the upper arm)…

But it's super versatile, so I can tighten it to fit my wrist too!

I can wear in the middle too. Sounds good to me.

The wire wrapping is a little haphazard - I was making it up as I went.

I wear this with a knit poncho-type shirt, leggings and combat boots. When do I not wear combat boots? Only when I'm not wearing my Charlotte Olympia kitty flats * * *

I need to layer this up with other bracelets and rings! This would also look cool with a long tunic top and strappy sandals for a summery vibe.

Keep on watch for more cuff creations coming soon - some tutorials in the works too!

All photos copyright Allison Beth Cooling - DO NOT POST OR USE images without crediting me and linking to me!