DIY: Simple Beaded Necklace Tutorial

Sometimes you're in a bind and need a quick gift for someone. Sometimes you have some beads and some chain. Sometimes that turns into a present and the day is saved! Like in the case of this necklace. I just couldn't find the perfect gift so I decided to make it.

You can never go wrong with a handmade gift. People will appreciate that you took the time to make it even if they don't wear it. But, hopefully, you know the person you're trying to buy a present for well enough that you know they'd love your gift (or at least fake it). So here's a quick and easy DIY gift that you can put a lot of love and personalization into. 

Easy Beaded Necklace Tutorial

Tutorial: DIY Hanging Necklace Organizer

Maybe you're not like me and you're ahead of the game, but winter makes me not want to do a thing. I am definitely on the new-year-lets-get-organized-bandwagon, but I suck. So, it takes me forever to get anything done. I'm working through stuff slowly. First the clothes, then the jewelry, and finally the craft supplies. I've gotten as far as the jewelry! We can call that progress, right?

Anyway, I wanted to share a tutorial with you guys today on how I got all my necklaces organized for under $15. Organization on the cheap is my middle name (you have no idea how many glass jars I have saved just for this reason). When I realized my old method of displaying my necklaces was falling apart and totally ineffective, I figured it was time to make something new. Ta-da! The Hanging Necklace Organizer Tutorial was born. (Apologies in advance for the lack of photos. I need to get better at taking pictures at night)

Thursday Tutorials: Easy Summer DIYs

A little disclosure, I work for a little crafting site. I manage the social media for it as well as it's 13 other sister sites. Well working for a crafting site has its ups and its downs. The ups? I sometimes get some craft supplies for review and I've met lots of very cool wonderful people. The downs? I sometimes get some very cool craft supplies for review. Why is this a down you ask? I'll tell you why. It's because between work, the Etsy store (and the other smaller Etsy store), and this blog my time is very limited. And I realized at a meeting yesterday when we were asked what crafts we do at home that I'm less of a crafter and more of a craft supply hoarder. What do I make? Not a whole lot. What can I make? Everything!

So I've made a new mid-year resolution! Clean up my crafty crap! Now I've written some tutorials for this blog before, but I could write them way more often. Now, I'm actually going to try to (key word there is try, remember that).

Luckily, working in the craft industry I've come across a lot of cool tutorials and such. I've rounded some up for you (and me) today to get inspired and motivated! And most of all, to clear some space in my tiny, tiny apartment that is currently being overrun by fabric and yarn.

Easy Summer Tutorials

I've mentioned this before but some of you may not be familiar with my good friends over at CraftFoxes. I've written a couple articles for them and they did a little interview with me a while back, but besides being fun and awesome people, the site has a wonderful collection of tutorials.

Thursday Tutorial: Dainty Floral Drop Earrings

Today's tutorial is completely inspired by my friend Julia over at 2 or 3 Things! She did this super adorable outfit post with a pretty floral headband and inspiration struck! I thought, "Man that looks cute, but I'd probably never wear a whole headband full of flowers." And then.....

Welcome to Stranger Than Vintage

Welcome to my brand new blog! Since this is my very first post, I thought it would be beneficial for it to be a introduction one, so here goes!

Yes, the inspiration for this blog came from my Esty shop of the same name, but don't worry, I don't intend on the blog being all etsy all the time. I spend to much time on the internet for that. But I do run a vintage Etsy store because I  love everything vintage. When I think of vintage, I think of simpler and happier times. Although, I am well aware this is not necessarily true, it still makes me happy.

Here's a little glimpse into my shop:

         

I live in Chicago and that is where I find most of my merchandise. I'm also pretty awful at keeping the store up to date, so I'm hoping this blog will motivate me. 

My love of all things vintage stems from my love of fashion and interior design. Stay tuned if you love seeing photos of the runway and cool interiors and furniture. Yes, I look at this stuff in my free time. Or well, all the time. It makes me happy and if it makes you happy too then you must be just as big of a daydreamer. I hope to center my blog around all of these things because we all need to take a few minutes a day to smile. Here's a preview:

All things French. Especially southern French. I studied abroad in the south of France and now my life is a series of schemes on getting back there.

Rustic and sunny interiors;

Fashion photography and fun outfit ideas;

And, of course, any fun or interesting DIYs:

Oh, and last but not least, puppies!

Photo: Stephanie Mortellaro

I could do this forever, but I don't want to bore you. Keep me on your reading list to see more! Also, I'm still making my way around blogger, so please excuse any weird formatting for a while. Thanks!

Tell me, what inspires you?