crystal skully

Skulls and bones and the deep mahogany tones of this necklace - complete with fire opal sparkles courtesy Swarovski - mean this might be one of my favorite pieces yet.

The inspiration started with this shimmering tiger's eye skully pendant. Tiger's eye is one of my most favorite stones, as each stone transforms, depending on the angle of light.

To compliment the caramel colors in the pendant, satin pearls and 14k gold plated beads were knotted into a long mala. Adding a feather drop for a bit of whimsy finished off the piece.



To recreate the look yourself, start with a large gemstone skull pendant. You can find similar small 20mm stone skull charms here, or can get larger ones on eEbay for pretty cheap.

I used Swarovski flatback crystals in 3mm, 4mm and 5mm (plus the focal Flame stone in Fire Opal) to create the headdress. You can find Swarovski clear crystal flame flatbacks here, and Swarovski mixed color flatbacks here. I used Gem-Tac glue to adhere the crystals.




After decorating the skull with your desired crystals, knot a mala necklace using 8mm pearls, crystal accents, and golden bead caps. It's super important to use nylon cording here for a strong mala, but make sure the beads you have can go through this cord. I used 1mm nylon cord (similar here) in brown.

I actually slid on the pendant first, then knotted each side around it. For me, it was easier to gauge how long I wanted it (ended up about 28" long).

Make sure to have even amounts of beads on each side of the skull - close the necklace either with clasps or a sliding knot closure.

Finally, add a bronze or gold feather charm with a 10mm or 6mm jumpring to the nylon cord between the pendant and bead next to it.

For fun, glue some Swarovskis onto it for extra sparkle. You can't go wrong with extra sparkle.


These would be amazing in an array of colors and themes - try different stones and use the stones as the color inspiration. Aquamarine would be gorgeous with silver beads and milky white crystals. Try a black obsidian skull with deep garnet crystals and black pearls. Mix and match, it's up to you!

COPYRIGHT

Content within this post is copyright Allison Beth Cooling for Quiet Lion Creations.
If you'd like permission to use a photo, email me at allison@quietlioncreations.com

lillie necklaces

With the lightness of lace and the sheer sparkle of Swarovski flatbacks, these pendant necklaces, although small in size, truly pack a punch!
This is actually a perfect tutorial for anyone who is new to jewelry making. If you are always intimidated by DIY projects, don't fear. This jewelry tutorial is the perfect step into working with higher end materials (sterling silver / precious metal and Swarovski) and I encourage you to try it!

With some glue, filigree components and chain you can have a super sophisticated piece, perfect for both casual outfits and dressy occasions.

 

Use any color crystal flatbacks here to suit your mood. Go for light and like colors, shown here, to wear them layered. Or, choose one focal piece and make it a ravishing rainbow of hues!



I'll show you exactly how I made these three pieces, and don't worry, it doesn't take long. Just give some time for the glue to dry, and you'll be on your way. Feel free to use these pendants as earrings as well!



Step 1: Gather materials. Needed are filigree pendants (silver styles here and gold styles here), rhinestone flatbacks in multiple colors and sizes (some clear stones here and silver stones here), a toothpick and Gem-Tac, necklace chain, 6mm jump rings and flatnose pliers.

I used sterling silver bases here for an upscale look. You can grab sterling chain at any local craft store. Cousin Elegance Metals has many different chains that are pre-made for ease!



Step 2: Crystallize. Use your toothpick to pick up small dabs of glue and place on the filigree pendant. Do not use too much glue here, or it will ooze out the bottom of the pendant - not good!
You can embellish as much or as little as you want! Let the glue dry fully.



The back of the pendant should be clean, without glue webs. It helps to place the crystals fully on metal parts, instead of cutouts.
Simply attach your pendant to a premade necklace chain with your jumpring. Use flatnose pliers to help you open and close the jump rings.



Super simple, yet so sophisticated. I love how these our lightweight, and can be layered for a mix ' n match vibe! Filigree pendants come in so many sizes and shapes-- try using multiple pendants per piece for a super-shiny statement accessory.

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

gold dust and a tusk

A tribal wooden tusk, spiny oyster beads and creamy orchids - complimented by our girl J Law - makes for a deeply dark, yet surprisingly chic shoot. This necklace was simply made by stringing these natural beads onto black leather strands and finishing with a knot - I mean, not the most glamorous closure, but you can definitely get away with it.

The delicate gold dusted appearance was made using one of my favorite techniques, which I'll of course explain. Use gold or silver craft flake and lightly paint on any pendant, using clear nail polish (just a little!). Let it dry, then paint over to secure and adhere.Works on nonporous materials like gemstones and rocks too!

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

ice queen necklace

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.

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

strawberries 'n cream ♡

♡ strawberries n creamy pearls ♡

This ultra glam necklace is a beautiful mess - I like things that look somewhat thrown together - especially when it's a thrown-together mix of crystals, rhinestones, glass pearls and metallic chunky chain. I carefully wove each strand in a braid-like pattern, not too fussy, just enough to catch everything in a cluster of sorts. The large focal pearl is brushed with silver flake, for added detail. It's sort of a stray from my usual boho pieces. It's ok to stray sometimes.

The perfect piece for pairing with a crisp tee and dark denim jeans. Add sneakers -- the point is to CONTRAST the outfit. It's a deliberate choice, and one I believe is oh-so-chic. 

Photos taken with:
Nikon D5300

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