Christmas in July- Cousin 'Tis the Season Part 3

Deck the halls with a statement necklace made with pearls, rhinestones, rose beads and chunky chain!

For Project #3 in the "Christmas in July" theme is my Mrs. Claus Necklace. Cousin's new line of 2014 'Tis the Season products can be found in craft stores like Michael's, JoAnn, AC Moore and more!

I've made simple drop earrings from these rose acrylic beads, and added pearls for an elegant look.

I wove Cousin rhinestone chain into white chunky chain. I simply took the pearls and roses from Cousin's bead strand and added them to headpins, and finished off with top loops.

I attached jump rings to the chain links and added these pearl drops. Finally, I took cream Cousin Jewelry Basics pearls and added to the jump rings as well to fill out the necklace. 

This creates a jubilant piece that adds holiday cheer to any outfit! Mrs. Claus would definitely approve!

All photos copyright Allison Beth Cooling. Do NOT post/use photos without crediting and linking to me.

Christmas in July- Cousin 'Tis the Season Part 2

Hello dear.

This little deer is all blinged out, looking just like a Christmas ornament! For my second "Christmas in July" project I've made a holiday-themed pin using clay as my base. 

I took a ball of yellow clay (a little bigger than a quarter but thick) and rolled it in some gold glitter. I took Cousin's deer charm pack from the 'Tis the Season line and cut off the charm loops on either side. I pressed the deer in so that it formed a cabochon of sorts. I then took Cousin's rhinestone chain  and embedded it around the sides of the cabochon. Finally, I took headpins with pearls on them (cut to like .5") and stuck some at the top of the cabochon. To make the bottom dangle, I cut a 1" headpin and bent it into a horseshoe shape and embedded it in the bottom. 

I baked this for about 30 minutes in a toaster oven at 125 degrees. Times may vary based on what oven you are using and the size of the cabochon. Then, when cooled, I added dangles of Cousin pearls, Jewelry Basics crystals and one green statement pearl from their 'Tis the Season rose/pearl strand. I glued a pin backing to the back.

This technique could be used with all different kinds of pendant charms or even just cool things you find- have an interesting shell or sparkly rock or something? Embed them in the glittery clay and make them into pins. Add any color crystal dangles to match your theme. With Fourth of July coming, I could see a start pendant in red glittery clay with blue and crystal dangles!

This is what the new packaging looks like. Be sure to scout it out at your local craft stores!

All photos copyright Allison Beth Cooling. Do not use/post images without getting back. 

Christmas in July- Cousin 'Tis the Season Part 1

It's holiday time…..

Wha-wha-what?!! It's almost July, which means it's time for a little "Christmas in July" cheer. I've got a roundup of 5 projects I've created with a sampling of the NEW Cousin Tis the Season 2014 line. This picture above IS NOT from the new 2014 collection; I'm just totally forgot to take pictures when I had the products, silly me. The new line is going to be available at Cousin.com and craft stores like Michael's and JoAnn. Get ready for all-new packaging and products that will totally have you inspired to get crafting. From bead strands, charms and bells to pendants and more, check your local craft store starting July 1st for the new lineup.

I've got project #1 on this post. During the week, I'll post the others, so check back often.

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Project #1: "All Wrapped Up" Phone Cases

-You can really use any of the Tis the Season products, but I'll just show you what I used-

-Materials:

-Blank Phone Case

-Wrapping paper

-ModPodge, nail polish, clear varnish

-Paintbrushes

-Cousin 'Tis the Season: 

(Red Case) Gold Snowflake/Tree Charm pack, Button Tree charm pack.

(Green Case) Metal 3 Charm pack

-White Ribbon

-E6000 Glue

Directions: Simply decide on a good arrangement for your case. Start by cutting the proper size piece of wrapping paper and adhering it to the case with ModPodge (I roughed the surface of the case up a bit with fine sandpaper to help it adhere better). Make sure to rub gently to make sure all the bubbles get out. For the red case, I then sealed the piece of wrapping paper by painting over with clear gloss glaze. I took apart the tree button Cousin pack and glued all the buttons with E-6000 glue. Then, I added gold glitter nail polish around the buttons. I clipped the charm top off the big gold tree and glued it down again. Finally, I glued the star bead from the button pack to the top of the tree.

For the green case, I simply added a whole background of wrapping paper, sealing and then gluing the charm and one white button from the button tree pack. I finished by making small ribbon bows and gluing them to the top of each "ornament".

The possibilities here are endless; if you'd rather not do a full-Christmas theme, pick any holiday and run with it. Also, any size phone case will work; try your iPod case too!

Copyright Allison Beth Cooling- do not post/use tutorial or pictures without linking back.