Take a trip to Austria for this month’s destination. Find out how majestic and traditional this country is from its humble villages to intricate architecture to the majestic mountain. Plus, venture the cool hues Swarovski suggests to inspire your Austria trip along with a DIY jewelry project for you to try.

Austria

Austria may be one of Europe’s smallest countries, but it is also one of the most popular destinations in the world. Whether you’re traversing across its drawbridges or hiking up the Alps, the region’s roaring waters and crisp mountain air will greet you as if you were home. The inspiration of these pieces is derived from a multitude of Austria’s most iconic wonders — deep valleys, vast farmland, whimsical woodlands, raging rivers, and of course, its majestic mountains.

Here are some fun facts:

• Swarovski Kristallwelten or Swarovski Crystal World is located in Austria – featuring a garden, sculptures and playground!
• “Sound of Music” was filmed and set in Salzburg, Austria.
• Many of the Classical music icons were born and lived in Austria, such as Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss, Schubert, and others.
• Arnold Schwarzenegger was born in Austria
• The first zoo was established here.

Austria – Swarovski Colors

Swarovski Create Your Style, has selected three colors to depict the majestic sites of Austria:

• Crystal Clear
• Crystal Clear AB
• Denim Blue

Austria Inspired DIY Jewelry

Using a variation of round and bicone beads in the three colors, we made a chain link necklace by making wrapped loop links. Refer to our Wire Wrapped blog post on a visual tutorial.

What you’ll need:

• 22 or 24 Gauge Wire – Item used AW00025
• 11/0 Galvanized Gold Seed Bead – SB00423
• 4-8mm Round Crystal Beads (Get Suggested Qty of 6/each) – SW00514, SW00515, SW00516, SW00001, SW00002, SW00003, SW00005, SW00006 & SWZ0007.
• 4-8mm Bicone Crystal Beads (Get Suggested Qty of 6/each) – SW00401, SW00504, SW00102, SW00103, SW00104 & SW00105.
• Bracelet Sliding Clasp – Z012152
• Diamond/Charm Connector – Z016366

Directions:

1. Make a wrapped loop to one end of a 2-3 inch piece of wire. Slide on a seed bead, crystal and seed bead. Make another wrapped loop.
2. Create another wrapped loop while sliding on link you made in step 1 before completing the loop. Slide on a seed bead, crystal and seed bead. Make another wrapped loop.
3. Repeat step 2 with various different of crystals to create 7-10 links. With the last link wrapped loop, slide on the diamond link before completing the wrapped loop.
4. Make next set of wrapped beaded links, linking the diamond link in Step 3.
5. Repeat to your desired length. We made a length of 28 inches.
6. Open jump ring of the bracelet sliding clasp and link each end of your beaded links to clasp.

As an alternative, you can use 20 gauge wire and make simple loops to create your beaded links.