2018 12 Days of Giveaways-Day 3

December 15, 2018 By candiecooper 1 Comment

Day 3

Hi everyone! This is Katelyn, Candie is busy shopping for our 12 days of Giveaways event so I am helping out getting this post ready for you. Today is the third day of our 12 Days of Giveaways event for 2018. This event was created to say thank you for an amazing year in business. Without all of the Canes there wouldn’t be a business.

Day 3 Giveaway:

For our third giveaway we will be giving away a set of 8 rainbow coffee spoons. Enter to win using the form below.

Don’t want to take your chances? Want to grab a set for yourself? Check out Candie’s list of gifts over on Amazon.

Fine Print:

The giveaway starts on Saturday December 15th and will expire on Saturday December 15, 2018 at midnight EST. To enter the giveaway you will need to fill out the form below. When entering you will be asked for your email address. We will not be collecting your email and adding you to our list, this is just so that we have a way to contact the winner when they are selected. There will be one winner for each day.

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Filed Under: Giveaways

2018 12 Days of Giveaways-Day 2

December 14, 2018 By candiecooper 20 Comments

Day 2

Hi everyone! This is Katelyn, Candie is busy shopping for our 12 days of Giveaways event so I am helping out getting this post ready for you. Today is the second day of our 12 Days of Giveaways event for 2018. This event was created to say thank you for an amazing year in business. Without all of the Canes there wouldn’t be a business.

12 Days of Giveaways

Day 2 Giveaway:

For our second giveaway we will be giving away a diamond ring ice tray. Enter to win using the form below.

Don’t want to take your chances? Want to grab a few ice trays for yourself? Check out Candie’s list of gifts over on Amazon.

Fine Print:

The giveaway starts on Friday December 14th and will expire on Friday December 14, 2018 at midnight EST. To enter the giveaway you will need to fill out the form below. When entering you will be asked for your email address. We will not be collecting your email and adding you to our list, this is just so that we have a way to contact the winner when they are selected. There will be one winner for each day.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Giveaways

Quick and Easy Jewelry Gifts

December 6, 2018 By candiecooper Leave a Comment

Guest Post by Debbie Blair

It happens every fall. Around September, I vow to get a jump start on my handmade gifts for Christmas. But once December rolls around, I haven’t started on a single thing. Now here we are with only weeks to go until the big day and I find myself digging through my stash for materials to make the perfect necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings for my friends and loved ones.

If you are in the same boat, read on, my friend! I’ve rounded up a list of ten favorite jewelry projects that are quick and easy to make but aren’t short on style!

10 Quick-and-Easy Jewelry Gifts to Make This Season

GOLD TUBE BRACELETS

My friend Megan—easily the most stylish young woman I know—will love these gold tube bracelets, with their leather and colorful cords paired with curved gold tube beads. The gals over at Honestly WTF have put together a great photo tutorial that details how to form the knotted ends, making them completely adjustable.

LEATHER TASSEL EARRINGS

I love love love these painted leather tassels by my friend, Candie Cooper. Brush a bit of turquoise and gold patina paint onto pre-made leather tassels, then add druzy beads, wire hoops, and ear wires, and voila! Instant chic! Find the tutorial here.

COLOR BLOCK NECKLACE

These super-sweet color block wood beads can be customized to suit any taste. Perhaps your niece loves pastels, while your BFF dons vivid patterns and hues. This project just requires a length of chain, some painter’s tape, and a handful of wood beads and acrylic paint from your local craft store. Head on over to Swallow’s Hart for the complete how-to.

UPCYCLED LEATHER CUFFS

While I wouldn’t exactly consider myself a repurposing junkie, I do love getting ideas of how to upcycle items commonly found around the house. These shabby chic leather cuffs by Make It, Love It are made by adding scraps of lace and cord to old belts that you can pick up at any Goodwill store. You can even dab on a bit of acrylic paint and buff off the raised areas to bring out the textured designs.

CHAIN COLLAR NECKLACE

What I love most about this piece is the fact that it looks way more intricate than it really is! By joining two lengths of curb chain together with embroidery floss, then adding a cup-chain trim, you get a chunky chain necklace with a dash of femininity. Get the full how-to here, including great step-by-step photos.

FRINGE EARRINGS

I can’t believe I have yet to make these fabulous fringe earrings from Candie’s archives! Grab yourself some cup chain (plus connectors), ball chain, slide connectors, and arrow charms and get to work! Whip up a pair (or two!) for yourself while you’re at it!

MOD PODGE NECKLACE

I’m not sure about you, but my decoupage projects have never looked half as sophisticated as this pretty floral necklace! You might already have all the supplies you need on hand (I know I do!). Find complete instructions here for using your favorite scrapbook paper (this is actually a seed packet from the Dollar Store!), a wood pendant, and Mod Podge.

EASY PATINA EARRINGS

Traditional patina methods sometimes intimidate me. Luckily there are great products like patina paints and inks that are easier to use—and less smelly—than liver of sulfur. But if you don’t have those at your disposal, Rebecca at the Crafted Sparrow shows how you can get similar results using acrylic paints. Check out her blog for the how-to.

OMBRE’ TASSEL NECKLACE

While this project may take a little more effort than the others on the list, it’s still super-doable, and really fun to boot! RIT fabric dye and embroidery thread are used to make a set of tassels in graduated shades (I’ve used the same method using untreated wood beads). Full instructions can be found over at Oh The Lovely Things.

GOLD ANIMAL RING DISH

Your friends will never guess that these custom ring holders are actually made from plastic animals (get the toy animals and little white bowls at the Dollar Store). Simply spray them with gold spray paint, let dry, and glue the animals to the bottom of the bowl using E6000. Check out the Taylor Bradford blog for lots of fun photos!

Any of these projects will make a great gift, and your friends and family will have as much fun opening and wearing them as you’ll have making them!

Happy crafting, and happy holidays!

Cheers,
Debbie

Filed Under: Crafting

Favorite Bohemian Christmas Décor Ideas

November 21, 2018 By candiecooper Leave a Comment

10 Favorite Bohemian Christmas Décor Ideas

Guest Post by Debbie Blair

It seems crazy to me that Christmas is right around the corner! Time to put up the tree and haul out the boxes of lights and ornaments and knick-knacky things from the crawl space.

While my own Christmas decor is considered more or less traditional, with the greenery and lights around the mantel, Santas and angels on the tree, and the nativity scene on prominent display, as an artist and graphic designer I’m drawn to the farmhouse-inspired trends and boho-chic style of decorating that are so popular right now.

Here I’ve rounded up an assortment of boho Christmas decorating ideas that embrace the carefree, relaxed, and unconventional style that defines the bohemian look, combining colorful or simple harmonious patterns in a mix-and-match style that are sure to awake your inner gypsy!

MERRY MANTELS:

Combine layers of textures, like a wooden wreath and greenery with beaded garland, and add unexpected details, like the skull that decorates this mantel from the design blog, Place of My Taste.

Not that I’m promoting a “skull” them per se, but I do love this eclectic mix of a skull with lanterns, ornaments, and stockings—even disco balls—on this mantel decorated by BFF bloggers over at Hey Wanderer. They even offer up a list of the items they used so you can get the look yourself!

ORNAMENTAL IDEAS:

This beautiful dream catcher by Dream Big Live Inspired on Etsy will liven up any space, with its golden stars and sparkly red, green, silver, and gold ribbons.

Kim from the Made in a Day blog provides instructions for making your own glitter feather ornaments using wooden feather cutouts and metallic paint pens. Head over to her blog for the how-to and to catch her boho Christmas tree reveal.

Create rustic-looking ornaments by wrapping old ornaments in burlap or frayed fabric, as shown at One Kind Design.

I love the deep jewel-tone colors and feather accents on these mini dreamcatcher ornaments from Bast + Bruin.

THE TREE:

The mix of colorful patterned fabric on this patchwork tree skirt will definitely lend a true gypsy feel to any room.

From the tassels, faux cotton stems, and mini dream catchers, to the unique peace sign tree topper, this tree by Advice From a 20-Something has an eclectic look that feels well put-together. I would add a few more colorful items instead of sticking to such a monochromatic palette, but the elements themselves represent a boho feel. And who doesn’t love the jute rug and faux fur pillows in lieu of a tree skirt!

EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY:

Harpers Bazaar offers up rustic décor ideas for the ultimate Christmas soiree. My favorite is this table runner topped with live evergreen branches, wood slices, and candles. Easy peasy!

And after you’ve decorated your perfect boho-style home, you’ll want to sit back and enjoy a cup of coffee by the fire in this cool gypsy mug from Gypsy Jule.

Whatever your style, I hope you enjoy a warm and wonderful holiday season with your loved ones!

Cheers!
Debbie

Filed Under: Party, Uncategorized

2018 Twin City Bead Bazaar

October 23, 2018 By candiecooper Leave a Comment

Hey Party People! Who is going to the Twin City Bead Bazaar?

If you’re looking for some of my favorite spots to check out while you’re in the Twin Cities area for the upcoming Twin Cities Bead Bazaar-here’s my list of low-key lake town go to’s: It will be here before we know it!

-CC

Filed Under: Uncategorized

The King and His Jewelry

October 18, 2018 By candiecooper Leave a Comment

The King and His Jewelry
Guest Post by Debbie Blair

The King:

Arguably one of the most popular, charismatic and electrifying entertainers in American history, Elvis Presley was born in poverty, yet his international stardom at a young age allowed him to go on to live a lavish lifestyle, complete with a jewelry collection befitting of the King of Rock and Roll.

Elvis started to develop his own sense of style as a teenager, influenced by the gospel singers and other musicians in Memphis, where his parents moved when he was eight years old. In the 1960s, his slicked-back hair and sideburns—a very different look from other teenagers of that era—received much criticism. Yet that famous pompadour set a national trend in men’s hair styles. During this phase of his life, Elvis made a total of 31 movies and became the highest paid actor in Hollywood.

In 1968, Elvis decided to return to his roots as a rock-and-roll singer and performed his televised “Comeback Special.” His famous black leather suit from that performance is now on display at Graceland.

In the 1970s, Elvis regularly performed sold-out shows in Las Vegas in his iconic white jumpsuits. Through the years, each jumpsuit became more elaborate, adorned with gemstones and semi-precious jewels and often incorporating a cape. You can find photos of several of his most elaborate jumpsuits online without having to travel.

Elvis’ Jewelry:

Elvis loved collecting and gifting fine jewelry, and even had a hand in designing his own jewelry. Upon Elvis’s engagement to Priscilla, he purchased a pair of matching horseshoe-shaped diamond engagement rings. Elvis’s platinum wedding band contained a row of eight baguette-cut white diamonds between two rows of eight brilliant-cut diamonds. It has been said that eight was Elvis’s lucky number. For Priscilla, he chose a large diamond surrounded by a detachable halo of smaller stones.

Photographs and footage of Elvis’s concerts during the 70s reveal his lavish diamond cross pendants, large gold chains and bracelets, huge gemstone-encrusted rings on every finger and enormous belts covered in jewels. The look, like the performer, was larger than life, and set the precedent for today’s blinged-out hip-hop and rap artists. In a fascinating Billboard magazine article you can learn about Elvis’s personal jewelry designer.

The most famous jewelry pieces designed by Elvis were the TLC (Tender Loving Care) necklaces, which he handed out to nearly every woman he met, and the TCB (Taking Care of Business) necklaces and rings, which featured a zigzag lightning bolt and inlaid with diamonds, sapphires and emeralds. The TCB necklaces were designed from a sketch that Elvis and his wife, Priscilla, drew on a cocktail napkin and were given only to close members of his entourage, special friends and executives at RCA.

In Person Viewings of Elvis’ Collection:

Graceland has held a number of auctions in recent years as part of the annual festivities commemorating Elvis’ birthday and death, and jewelry that was either worn or gifted by Elvis is often a popular auction item. You can find out what was auctioned off this year. And, of course, replicas can be purchased at the Graceland store.

You can always see more of Elvis’s style through the years online or by taking a trip to Graceland yourself.

Filed Under: Classes

Malachite: Stone of Transformation

August 30, 2018 By Katelyn Moll Leave a Comment

Malachite: Stone of Transformation

by Katie Hacker for CandieCooper.com

Are you thinking of making a transition in your life? Malachite is a good stone to support you through this transformation. Malachite is known as a healing stone that helps balance body, mind and spirit. It helps clear blockages, supports change and stimulates insight.

The color green symbolizes growth and renewal, making malachite’s striped patterns symbolic of abundance and new beginnings. You can increase its nourishing wood energy by combining it with wooden beads. Turquoise, hematite and pyrite are also good partners.

You might be drawn to malachite for its ability to help balance emotions, guard against negativity and support change. A malachite stretch bracelet is a visual reminder to check-in with yourself. What do you need to let go of so you can move forward?

Worn by ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, malachite is back in the spotlight. People are attracted to the boho vibe that made the verdant green stone so appealing in the 70s. Trend-spotters at this year’s JCK Las Vegas report that beaded bar necklaces, stacked bracelets and eye-catching pendants are giving it a fresh, updated look. People are attracted to the boho vibe that made the verdant green stone so appealing in the 70s.

Malachite is not just for jewelry. Bring the peacefulness of nature into your home by hanging a strand of malachite where you’ll often see it. Or, attach malachite to your key ring for safe travels. Malachite has a long history of being incorporated into the home.

Jewelry journalist and expert Cathleen McCarthy of The Jewelry Loupe says, “what I think of every time I see malachite (especially large pieces) is Imperial Russia, especially the Malachite Room of the Winter Palace. Also I think of Nicolai Medvedev’s intarsia boxes. Nicolai has lived and worked in the U.S. for many years but he trained in Moscow and spent a lot of time at the Hermitage. He is a master of intarsia and malachite is a primary feature of his work.”

Although malachite is known for being mined in Russia, it is now primarily mined in Africa. African malachite is particularly known its concentric patterns. Usually found near copper deposits, malachite is formed through the combination of carbonated water, limestone and copper.

If you’re going to cut malachite slabs into cabochons or other shapes, metalsmith Jeff Fulkerson says, “Malachite is a beautiful stone. It’s a copper derivative as so many stones are (turquoise, azurite, chrysocolla). When cutting it, #1 – it’s toxic, so wear a mask and ALWAYS cut wet. #2 – The lines and patterns that make it so appealing also make it ‘chippy’ meaning it tends to chip and split as you try to cut/polish it. No way around it, just go for it.”

That’s the message of malachite. If you’re ready to make a change: ready, set, go for it! Set your intention and get started. The vibrant energy of malachite will support your transformation.

Katie Hacker is the host of Beads, Baubles & Jewels. She loves gemstones and their attributes. She’s going to place a strand of malachite near her computer for productivity.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Coffee With Candie at Bead & Button 2018

May 17, 2018 By candiecooper Leave a Comment

Bead & Button is coming up soon and as always I will be hosting Coffee with Candie before the event. This year we will have CWC on Friday morning (June 8, 2018) at 8:30am in the upstairs lobby of the Hyatt hotel. Join me and other jewelry lovers for some coffee and conversation.