The Quiet Lion: jewelry design

Showing posts with label jewelry design. Show all posts

Sunday, May 1, 2016

new moon X elamariie

Take 2 of my collab with Chicago blogger Ela Czupta of elamariie.com. This time, she pairs my ultra sparkly new moon choker with a casually chic ensemble, and it couldn't be more perfect.

Read her entire post (plus more) on her blog here.

Thanks for the collab, Ela!

Sunday, April 17, 2016

ice queen necklace

Ice Queen Beadwoven necklace by Allison Cooling, Quiet Lion Creations

Mix icy pink tones, shimmering bright whites and contemporary silvers to create a piece that merges vintage and modern all in one. Surely fit for any queen, agreed?

I was inspired to make this piece based off my Strawberries and Cream and Talia necklaces, where the method of madness is tangling - braiding, rather - strands of pearls and chain to give the look of a captured "mess".

Adding starburst beaded flower accents gives energy and sparkle, something that could be taken and emphasized upon in another creation - foreshadowing?

Thanks to Elle Hong Kong for the bright backdrop and my $6 flea market orchids. Most of the materials/beads I used for this necklace were from Cousin Corporation, which you can grab at any major craft retailer.

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

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Curaçao crystal choker

The bright, iridescent colors of the Caribbean simply dazzle in this choker. Octagon chandelier crystals create a caged pattern when stacked, and Swarovski mini round charms dangle daintily for dimension. Like many of my pieces, they're never complete until something a bid "edgy" is added - hence the central Swarovski Spike pendant, introducing a slightly sharp, almost dangerously-chic element. Much like the thorn of a beautiful rose, I love to mix sweet and sass for a subtly contrasted aesthetic.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Crystal Tattoo Necklaces

These speak for themselves. Delicate, iridescent, invisible "tattoos" of Swarovski crystals simply dazzle and are SO unexpected. I've hand-glued each and every rhinestone in a certain pattern, creating a slinky, clingy choker that perfectly blends in with skin. Contemporary and chic, definitely great for pairing with anything black or white, to keep it stylishly simply, but oh-so sparkly.

I started by cutting strips of white mesh fabric (which is stretchy, and great at laying flat against skin), getting the pieces as wide as I'd need for my pattern. I chose a wave (great for using those blue crystals), diamond petal design (a little edgier) and then, finally, that statement "dripping crystals" arrangement. Bustin' out that E6000 glue, I hand-glued EVERY crystal on the strips, carefully following the patterns I had drawn on paper, then layered a thin sheet of plastic over so the glue didn't stick. When dry, I turned the necklace over and secured the back of the crystals with more E6000 glue so they were "trapped" on the mesh. Ribbon ends and clasps finished off the backs of the necklaces, but only after some tedious measuring to get the length just right.

Model credit: Karlee Dewan

The Swarovskis were courtesy Cousin Corporation, and you can buy your very own crystals and jewelry-making supplies on Prima Bead's website here.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

crystal paradise skull necklace

Skulls, sparkle, silver, simplicity. This insane Swarovski Crystal Paradise skull pendant needs nothing but a bit of modern cable chain and a rhinestone headpin to compliment it's full-spectrum shine. The colors on the prismatic coating change with each turn and stroke of light - it can look sea foam green at one angle, then switch to neon magenta with hints of chartreuse with just a quarter turn. Part 80s, part punk, part goth, 100% dope!

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Ancient egypt cuff

This cuff is fully loaded! I've combined metallics, crystals, shell and a Swarovski pendant in this edgy-chic accessory. Starting with a metal cuff blank, I applied a metallic Aset transfer (Aset, also known as Isis, is the Egyptian goddess of life) and sealed it to the cuff. The center shell focal piece was made by layering two mother of pearl pieces and securing them to the cuff. I finished by adding rays of Swarovski AB gemstone flat backs, and finished with a Swarovski teardrop AB pendant.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

reverie - part 1

A while back I posted my summer lookbook preview vid and told you more of the shoot was coming!! Well, here is Part I. I'm featuring my two favorite things to make: stacking necklaces and bracelets. I'm all about that "piled-on" jewelry look, as more is always better. I've also decided to mix mediums, bead types, colors and textures together for a totally eclectic look. I've got pearls, gemstones, metal beads, crystals, shell and glass beads all together for this collection, because frankly, why not? The mood of this collection embodies a free-spirited summer vibe that can only be captured by my girl Karlee - thanks for modeling for me (again)! As always, there is more to come. Stay tuned for the FULL collection, my friends!

Styling: Allison Beth Cooling
Model: Karlee Dewan