3 crafts you can wear!

the best kind. also they're easy & cheap.

This summer I am channeling Martha Stewart energy (the good parts). I am slowing down and creating pretty things with my hands. I am considering if I can ‘Do It Myself’ before I buy ‘It’.

As a kid I loved crafting. I was recently reminded by Lili Leaser’s post of how much joy the summer editions of the American Girl Magazine used to bring. There was always a monthly calendar with daily craft/activity suggestions on it, and a big poster to color.

But I don’t want crafts to just be a nostalgic reminder of my childhood. I want them to be a part of my day to day life as an adult as well. I don’t want crafting to feel so profound, but rather second nature.

Read on for quick, easy, and cheap (the trifecta) projects that will compliment your closet. These might be the perfect way to start dipping our toes into Martha Stewart’s world.

Glass beaded necklace

The stunning image below came across my Pinterest several months ago and I fell in love. The necklace is on display at The Art Institute of Chicago, which made me like it even more… how inspired!

A few weeks later I read about “pools of light” jewelry on Long Live. I was immediately jealous of Ashley Harris’ collection.

I sadly don’t have $1000 to drop on the real thing, but I thought I would see if I couldn’t scratch the itch with a little DIY.

What you’ll need:

• Colored cord (pick your favorite color)

• 10mm & 8mm Glass beads

• Lobster clasp

• Beading needles made it a lot easier

Step 1: Decide how long you want your necklace, double that number and add 2”. That is how long you will cut your cord. I wanted a 16” necklace so I cut a 34” piece of cord.

Step 2: Fold the cord in half, insert your beading needle, and begin stringing your beads on. I added 5-10 of the 8mm beads to both ends of my necklace to help with the weight (the glass beads can get heavy).

this is what it will look like as you bead. so we are just getting a double layer of cord around our necklace so it is stronger and the color shows up bolder through the glass beads.

Step 3: Cut your string so you can tie a double knot around the lobster clasp on both ends. It might seem makeshift, but I tugged on mine a ton to test it out and it was surprisingly durable. Or you could learn how to properly apply a clasp here. I don’t have the patience or attention to detail for that yet, maybe soon :)

this is where you cut

Paracord sneakers

Thank you Miu Miu x New Balance for reminding me paracord exists last spring.

I swapped out the laces on my sambas in an effort to add a sporty and distinguished look to my basic but love-able sneakers.

This could also look really cool if you just put the paracord through the top few lace holes, the exact way the Miu Miu collab is styled, so you’d tie two bows when you put them on.

What you’ll need:

• Paracord (there are 100 colorways to chose from)

• A lighter

Step 1: Cut your paracord to the length of your current shoe laces

Step 2: Burn the ends of the paracord so it melts then hardens. Now it will not unravel as you lace your shoes

Step 3: Thread your paracord into your sneakers

Worth noting that paracord shoe laces are a thing- I didn’t know beforehand (LOL)

Seashell hair accessories

This project was inspired by the SVNR barrette I saw on The Real Real.

Consider my version a prototype. Next time I’m at the beach I am going to hunt for the most beautiful, shiny shells and sea glass I can find. But how special is it to wear actual mementos from your vacation?

What you’ll need:

• Small beach treasures

• Barrette

• Super glue (hot glue could also work)

Step 1: Gather and wash your beach treasures

Step 2: Apply super glue to your barrette and arrange your shells (recommend wearing gloves for this part, I am currently typing this with glue STILL stuck to my fingers. That stuff is no joke.

Step 3: Let dry

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Report back if you try any of these! Lots of love to my crafty girls!

Xx, elle