Stringing Magazine plus a GIVEAWAY

Jewelry Making Candie Cooper featured in Fall Stringing MagazineIt’s an honor to be featured on and in the Fall issue of Stringing Magazine!It’s been many years since I submitted designs to Stringing and I was so touched to have four designs in this issue (including the one on the cover!).  Big humble THANK YOU, Interweave/F&W Media.Stringing magazine tassel necklace how to from Candie CooperThis is a slightly different version that I’m wearing versus the one on the cover which is one of the reasons I love this design so much—You can adapt it however you like.

Speaking of design, this is definitely one from my heart.  You guys know my love for fringe…and leather…and a touch of sparkle.  I was diddling (is that really a word?) around one morning, working on classes for Jesse James Beads for Bead Fest April and I thought, I’m making myself a necklace. There is always a small (ok, really huge) collection of Jesse James Beads laying around and I have a few strands that I hoard because I LOVE them.  These teal and brown Inspiration strands were part of that hoard.  The wood beads were some I found in Tucson and Sarah from Jesse James Beads really loved them too, so they were added to the JJB site.  For me, designing jewelry is all about mixing and matching surfaces with color. This piece went together really fast.  I was in the flow for sure and that’s how I knew it was a good one (if I do say so myself…and I am)!Jewelry Stringing Magazine Candie Cooper's cover necklaceCandie Cooper featured artist in Stringing Fall issueRemember those beading videos I did with Interweave?  There is also a little feature article about those in this issue.  PLUS!  A bonus project from the Leather Cuffs video.Jewelry Making Candie Cooper and JesseJamesBeads.com projects in Stringing Fall 15 magazineMost of the projects in this issue feature beads from JesseJamesBeads.com so guess what!?!Cherries and Chocolate Giveaway kit from Candie Cooper, JesseJamesBeads.com and Stringing Magazine!You can win a kit of one of my projects in Stringing thanks to JesseJamesBeads.com!  PLUS!  Stringing magazine is throwing in a copy of this issue!cherries and chocolate kitHere’s a close up of what you’ll win.  It’s the Cherries and Chocolate kit featuring one of JesseJamesBeads.com’s soutache necklace!  Enter the rafflecopter below for a chance to win!

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How to Make a Bracelet

This post is brought to you by Beadalon.How to Make Easy Bracelets on Candie Cooper's blogLooking 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.
Candie Cooper Jewelry Work BenchWelcome 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?
Jewelry Making Easy Tassel Bracelet Tutorial with Beadalon Elasticity via Candie CooperSo 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.
Chain nose pliers for attaching charms to braceletsFirst things first, grab your chain nose pliers and add a jump ring to each charm so they are ready to string.
How to attach a charm to a braceletOpen 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.
Beadalon clear beading elastic, ElasticityLet’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.
Beadalon Elasticity in size .8mm for smaller holed beadsWe all know no two beads are alike so check all your beads to the diameter of Elasticity before stringing.
How to make an elastic braceletThank 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…How to tie beading elasticWhen 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.
How to make an elastic bracelet, seal the knot with nail polish so it stays tightSecure 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.
Charm Bracelet tutorial on Candie Cooper's Blog
Charm Bracelets on Candie Cooper's blog with Beadalon jewelry making findingsI’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.