pacific tide statement necklace

There's just something about water from the Pacific - I've been to both US coasts and the Gulf, and the west coast just has a certain, je nes said quoi, you could say. The water is a truer blue. Not the aqua, green- like salty seas of the Gulf, or the grayish tint of the Atlantic, the Pacific and its Pantone-like purity was mesmerizing to me. A trip down PCH, with the sunset reflecting in a dappled pattern over hued waves, reflecting tints of periwinkle and shades of midnight blue, is totally a feast for any artist's eyes. Not to mention the soft, bokeh-ed effect of surfers off in the Golden Hour distance, contrasted by precariously rocky cliffs and sharp drop-offs, the mood was definitely that of a slightly dark lullaby. Which you know I love anything that pairs salty and sweet -- a rose and its thorn.

Infused with the azure blues of the ocean, my edgy-chic Pacific Tide Statement necklace combines Swarovski crystals and sheet plastic in an unusual way. I've used said plastic to create transparent pennants, and carefully glued Aquamarine and AB crystal flatbacks in a linear pattern.

The resulting necklace is an ultra sparkly, ultra lightweight piece that oozes glamour. Using pointed pennants adds an edgier aesthetic, contrasting against the femininity of the rhinestones. That large Swarovski oval pendant is the perfect focal point, playing off the silver tones in the AB crystals. I think it's definitely a contemporary way to wear traditionally beautiful gems, don't you?!

Materials for this piece (excluding plastic) courtesy online jewelry supplies retailer PrimaBead.

A special thanks to my girl Ela C. for modeling the piece!

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

Woven Chain Bracelet Tutorial

The Emilio Pucci Pre Sp/Su 2014 collection is so cool, I had to make a tutorial based on it. 

For this tutorial, I tried to capture the elegance with detail as seen in the collection, as well as the color palette. I used chain as well as pearls from Prima Bead. Crystals and chain/metals is what is popular now, as seen in many designers' collections including Tom Binns.

What's great about this bracelet is that it can be stacked with other bracelets to create impact! Also, it is much cheaper than anything bought in a store!

 Let's get started!

Step 1: Gather materials. Needed is fishing line (an unconventional way to string with because it is so strong), chunky chain, bead soup (a mix of crystals and pearls and/or metal beads), and a clasp with crimps. You will also need pliers.

Step 2: Take your fishing line and cut a long piece; I didn't exactly measure, mine was maybe 4 feet long. Fold this in half, and then make a Larks Head Knot on the end of the chain; make sure the chain is the length you want your bracelet. Crimp the knot onto the chain end, but don't pull the string super-tight; fit your jumpring for your clasp on through the knot and close the ring. 

Step 3: Thread on a small bead through both of the strings. Take one of the strings, and thread it under this link of chain (second pic) then, thread this same string back up through the next link on the chain (third pic). Both of your strings should be facing upward, as seen.

Step 4: Repeat the last step for every link, alternating crystals and pearls. For finishing, thread on a crimp, thread on the clasp, and thread the strings back through the crimp. Crimp shut and cut the extra fishing line.

You can use a magnetic clasp as well here, it would be easier to put on yourself!

Finished!

Make these with different color crystals or chain and layer them for a luxe look.

If you share/use/post this tutorial, please link back to me. It is much appreciated! Don't use my photos without crediting me please!