Blog - Candie Cooper

How To Make A Statement Bracelet

January 4, 2015 By candiecooper 15 Comments

Jewelry Making How to Make Statement Bracelets with Sparkly Cup Chain

This post brought to you by Beadalon.Are you looking for a fast, instant craftification project? Are you making your own wedding jewelry or bridesmaid gifts? Do you have the winter blues and need a sparkle fix?

Jewelry Making Amazing wire cutters from Beadalon.

Jewelry Making Slide Connector Clasp for Cup Chain

Beadalon Slide Connector Clasps for Statement Bracelet

Then, boy, do I have a project for you! I’m going to show you how to make an amazing statement bracelet piece in minutes.For this project, you will need a Beadalon slide connector clasp and crystal cup chain. You can also add in Beadalon double ball chain for a new texture (I’ll show you an example in a minute).Most of the bracelets I did are in gold. I had a lot of gold metal cup chain and also gold is hot right now in fashion jewelry.The inside diameter of the clasp is 4.5mm so make sure your cup chain crystals are smaller than that.The slide connectors come in 3 lengths: 13mm, 20mm, and 25mm (basically 1/2″ to 1″).Determine the length of bracelet you want and cut the chain accordingly. I figured the clasp to take up 1″ so to make a 7″ bracelet, I cut the chain to 6″ sections. The nice thing about the slide connectors is the chain extender feature so if you need it to be longer, you’re covered.You’re going to freak when you see how fast these go together! Slide the first crystal into the tube. Repeat with the remaining chains.Once the tube is loaded with chain, fold the tab over with pliers or use your finger (like I do). Push the end down on a hard surface to get it really closed.

DIY Jewelry Making Sparkle Clasp from Beadalon

DIY Wedding Jewelry Idea Statement Bracelets

Repeat for the opposite side of the bracelet.If you want to bump up the clasp a bit, check out Beadalon’s sparkly lobster clasp.And that’s honestly all there is to it! This is the pile of bracelets I made last night.Cup chain is so fancy. Here’s a closer look at the double ball chain from Beadalon. Full story–this is only available in silver now. Don’t fall in love with the gold. Ok? Thank you and I’m really sorry I used it before seeing that. Let me know if I need to start a petition for Beadalon to bring it back. “Save the Gold Double Ball Chain” we’ll call it.

Check out Beadalon’s video for more ways to use the clasp!

Filed Under: Jewelry, Tutorials

Here Comes the Snow

January 4, 2015 By candiecooper Leave a Comment

Christmas is over. The New Year is here. You know what that means.

WINTER!

It snowed today. Not a ton, but a nice covering. A good reason to bust out my favorite snow boots and justify another cup of coffee. It’s cold. Also a good reason to make one of my favorite soups—Rachel Ray’s Asian Noodle soup. To go with it, I made a thick version of Thai peanut sauce, spread it on a wrap and toasted. Yum. Grilled thai peanut toasty. #comfortfood

I’ve hunkered down and worked up two fun jewelry making tutorials that I’ve been thinking about for a long time. Things have been so busy here the past two months (like everyone else’s past two months). Lots of work on special projects-someday I’ll tell you. Sorry to be secretive. It’s super hard!!

This week I ship out for CHA (Craft and Hobby Show) in California. If you’re going I’ll be in the Jesse James Beads booth. They are a really fun company that I love working with. There is a lot to do before then and I want to get these tutorials posted so I’m going to sign off here and get busy posting a sparkly bracelet tutorial. You’re gonna love it. I know it!

Big hugs to you,

Candie

Filed Under: Food and Drink

Make Sparkly Earrings with Stone Sett

January 1, 2015 By candiecooper 2 Comments

This post brought to you by Beadaon!

This is where it all started–the earrings Katherine Heigl was wearing on her new show, State of Affairs. I got completely distracted by the sweet simplicity of them. Does this happen to you? They were really eye catching and reminded of Beadalon’s new findings called, Stone Sett.

Stone Sett findings make it easy to set stones and CZ drops like these.

The settings come in a ton of different shapes so you can set pretty much whatever you like. Beadalon also has stunning cubic zirconia drops to fit in the settings. Ooo la la! That’s what I used to make my earrings.

Each setting will say what size CZ drop you can use in it on the back of the package to make life easy (and fool proof sparkly earrings).

These are some of the Beadalon findings I used to make the earrings above. Super easy!

Each of the findings have a clear spot where the CZ drop sits.

Then, use chain nose pliers to GENTLY squeeze the setting closed. The. End.

Ok, not really.

Now it’s time to connect your heart out. Use chains, jump rings and whatever your heart desires to construct the earrings. It can be as simple as hanging the drops on a pair of kidney shaped ear wires like this!

Done and done! How do ya like them apples?!

Pretty, right? Starting the New Year with a little sparkle is always a good idea! I hope 2015 is off to a great start for you!

Filed Under: Jewelry, Tutorials

Making Halloween Jewelry Crafts with Kids

October 24, 2014 By candiecooper Leave a Comment

For First Friday at the Wabash White House (our little gallery in town), we host children’s creative make and takes and activities. One of the things we did this month is an easy kids halloween craft making skull necklaces. I thought you might want to make your own!
You’ll need some skull beads, 20g. Artistic Wire, Jesse James Beads, pre-made ribbon necklaces or cord, a hammer and steel block, and some basic jewelry making pliers.
When working with kids, I like to keep things pretty tidy and organzied so it’s easy to see what we are doing. Is it me, or are these beads, good enough to eat?!
I buy skull beads at bead markets/festivals, but you can find them in Etsy shops and sometimes in the craft stores.
Use round nose pliers to twirl the end of the wire around in a spiral. Hammer the spiral so it stays nice and rigid.
String your beads!
Finish the end of the wire with a wrapped loop, attaching it to the ribbon before closing up the loop. Pipe cleaners would also work for necklace making. That could be really fun!
Here’s a closer peek at the tools I used. Top: wire cutters. Middle: round nose pliers. Bottom: Chain nose pliers.

Check out these cute examples that some of our guests made that night!

Filed Under: Bead Love, Kids Arts and Crafts, Tutorials

Stone Fringe Necklace

October 23, 2014 By candiecooper 2 Comments

This post brought to you by Jesse James Beads.Purple Rain….sing it with me, people!

No doubt, I am hooked on these fringe focal bead pieces from Jesse James Beads. They come in a variety of colors and stone types, ready to string into statement necklaces and I’m going to show you an idea for how to use them in your jewelry making.But before we get going, I have to show you this leaf blizzard happening in our front yard. I’m not complaining because I love wading through leaves. Hopefully the mailman feels the same.

Really, the colors of fall are so inspiring, aren’t they? That’s where I found the inspiration for the color pallet in this necklace. Ambers, plum, sparkly orange and rust, it all works together. Take a peek.You can find all of these magical beads in a kit ready to make right here from JesseJamesBeads.com!You will also need: crimping pliers, wire cutters, Beadalon beading wire (19 strand, .018 diameter), perhaps some bead stoppers, #1 crimp beads, a piece of leather (8″) and that should do it. You can find these fine tools and supplies also on JJB.com.String your focal beads separated by hematite beads (I used 3).

String 2 crimp beads, 1 hematite bead, 2 small round beads, 3 hematite beads, round bead, 3 hematite beads, round bead, hematite beads, 2 round beads, hematite beads, round bead, hematite beads, round bead, hematite beads, and round bead onto the wire. Thread the wire through the first round bead, hematite bead and crimp beads. Cinch up the loop and crimp.Slide the beads to the finished end and repeat, making a second beaded loop.Secure a new wire to the middle of the beaded loop by crimping and string the sides in desired order.

Finish the ends with small loops, just big enough for the leather to fit through.This is a nifty closure that I’m also hooked on. I don’t know why I don’t get the leaves raked? Thread the leather through both loops and tie in a bow. How about that easy and unique clasp solution!

Don’t stop here–You can attach leather, chain or ribbon to the sides of this focal front piece too!

We’re watching The Voice tonight so if there are typos or errors in this post, please direct complaints to Pharell and Blake Shelton. Ok? Ok.

Filed Under: Bead Love, Beads, Tutorials

How to Make a Bracelet

October 16, 2014 By candiecooper 2 Comments

This post is brought to you by Beadalon.Looking to add a little spice to your fall wardrobe? These DIY statement bracelets will do the trick and they only take about ten minutes each to make.
Welcome back to my work table up here in my studio nest. Admittedly, it’s gotten a little more cluttered because I moved more stuff up from the back porch. It takes me awhile to figure out where I want things, plus I’d rather be making than cleaning. Anyone with me?
So the other day I rode along with my husband to a fun little town where he had to meet some clients. I worked at a coffee shop for the first couple hours, then we explored during lunch time. Guess what we stumbled upon? A bead shop, closing, everything 50% off. It was bittersweet. I hate seeing a cute shop closing like this, but the lady was happily retiring so I guess it was bittersweet for her too. She had a great collection of Czech glass that I loaded up on and that’s what I used to make these bracelets.

You will also need some Beadalon Elasticity, perhaps some sweet charms and tassels, and metal spacer beads.
First things first, grab your chain nose pliers and add a jump ring to each charm so they are ready to string.
Open your jump ring from side to side (not like a “C”) and attach a charm. Close the ring how you opened it. This keeps it perfectly circular. Beadalon makes findings like these jump rings in a ton of metal finishes and thicknesses.
Let’s talk a little bit about beading elastic. Elasticity comes in different diameters–.8 and 1mm seen above are the two I use the most. I use as thick of elastic as I can that will fit through the bead holes so my bracelet is strong.
We all know no two beads are alike so check all your beads to the diameter of Elasticity before stringing.
Thank the Lord for bead boards. I use Beadalon’s version with the case so it stays nice and clean plus it travels well (from my studio to my lazy girl chair or even in a suitcase). Lay out your beads and charms on the outer row. This one is in inches so you can see how long your bracelet will be. Start stringing…When you’re happy with the bracelet, check the back of the Elasticity package for how to tie a secure knot. It’s helpful to slide the knot towards the beads and then pull the tails apart to cinch the knot even more.
Secure the knot with a touch of clear nail polish. Leave to dry, give it one last tug and then trim the ends leaving little tails.

I’ve been wearing these one at a time and all together with some metal bangles, comfy sweaters, brown boots, and my favorite orange scarf. Cozy.

Filed Under: Beads, Tutorials

Accessory Ideas

October 3, 2014 By candiecooper Leave a Comment

Time for another Beadalon Pinterest fashion board round up! Last month’s was all about geometry. This month we’re all about the leopard print!

I’m still hooked on those druzy beads. Big time. I’ve been wearing this faux tiger tooth piece a lot lately–see all the gold druzy beads peppered through out? Just can’t get enough! I hung the tooth and dangles from Beadalon’s stamped antique brass colored chain. Also cannot get enough of that colored chain!

Then I made some earrings with some of Beadalon’s sassy Aluminum Fabric. See you on the dance floor!

The last is a piece I made earlier that uses Jesse James leopard print bead strands strung on Beadalon champagne colored beading wire. Rawr. Suspended from satin ribbon…double RAWR!

Visit the Pinterest link above for more leopard love!

Filed Under: Beads, Uncategorized

DIY Halloween Party Jewelry

October 2, 2014 By candiecooper 4 Comments

It’s officially October people, so I’m kicking off the month with a quick Halloween Jewelry project! I love October. My husband and I got up super early to go to the store for a few things, including some pumpkins. We found some with long stems. Is it me, or is a pumpkin without a stem a little bit sad looking?
For this necklace, I used JesseJamesBeads.com bead mix in strands and funky singles along with that sassy black chain. The “bones” of the necklaces are connected with black Beadalon wire and gunmetal crimps. Take a peek!
Use this tutorial if you’re new to stringing beads on wire. It will show you how to crimp, connecting the wire to the chain.

Lately, I seem to be stuck on making slip-over-the-head necklaces and I made them two different lengths so I could wear them together. This striped bead in the next picture is one of my very favorites.
So, I’ve got a pretty big to-do list that’s calling my name. Top secret projects await. Don’t you hate teasers? 😉 You’re going to love this surprise though!

On another note: Tomorrow our children’s gallery, the Wabash White House (I know, I still need to post about this special little place!) is open from 5 to 8 pm for First Friday in Wabash. If you’re local, come get in the Halloween spirit with us!

Filed Under: Bead Love, Tutorials

How To Make Steampunk Jewelry

September 30, 2014 By candiecooper 7 Comments

This post brought to you by Beadalon. Here we are with October knocking on the door! Already! This post is going to show you the basics of using Beadalon’s new Artistic Wire Conetastic tool designed by the lovely, Sandra Lupo. This is my first tutorial from my new home office.
So welcome! I had my work table downstairs for the summer because we don’t have air conditioning. Now that it’s cooling off, I’m back up in my nest and LOVIN’ IT!!! Do you like my Ikea task lamp? I’m still in the stage of trying to keep my desk really clean. Day 3: so far so good. By Christmas it will look like a tornado went through the craft store.
Back to the Conetastic! This jewelry making tool is designed to work with Artistic Wire so you can make your own coiled bead cones. It’s a really nifty little tool! This is my first time taking it for a test drive and after sleeping on it, I have some more ideas to try.
The first thing I really liked is how compact it is. For this tutorial, I’m using it with Artistic Wire 18g. in Tinned Copper (my fave).
When you open the packaging, you’ll find awesome instructions. To get rolling, you twist open the end cap and all the parts come out. Also, I liked how heavy the pieces are–definitely a tool made to last.
There are three different cone sizes and a little wrench. The wrench loosens the pin so you can set the desired cone size in the tool and then tighten it in place. Super easy! I practiced with the tiny cone first.
It took me about 30 seconds to make one coiled bead cone. Already I’m thinking I need some silver plated Artistic Wire so I can oxidize it with liver of sulphur and then distress it to highlight all those coils. I love the liver of sulphur patina.
Wrapping the 18g. wire really made for a heavy look. Depending on your project, you might want to play with wire gauges and cone sizes to get just what you want.

When you are finished coiling, all you have to do is snip the ends of wire away from the tool and spool.
For my next experiment, I used the largest cone to make some more playful and loose coiled bead cones. That’s when DIY steampunk jewelry popped into my head. Playing with layers in jewelry making is a love of mine so these Conetastic bead cones fit right in. Here’s my first attempt with brass bead cones under the coiled pieces with glass pearls. Fail. The glass pearls just weren’t cuttin’ it.
When you are settled with the bead stack, string everything onto a regular head pin and then finish the end with a simple loop using round nose pliers.
Grab some chain nose pliers and open the loop from side to side.
Connect the Modern ear wire and close the loop. I accidentally squashed one of the coils down too much, making it look a little wiggly, but I’m ok with it.