Hardware Necklace | DIY

As much as I love fun and different necklaces like this one, I usually opt for a gold necklace. Here is a simple DIY made out of bronze washers from the hardware store.

Materials: Various sizes of bronze washers (if you can't find, spray paint normal washers), pliers, jump rings, chain. Lay out the design you want in washers. Connect washers together with jump rings.  For the sides of the design I used three jump rings between each washer. After connecting all washers, add chain!

 There you go, a simple hardware necklace!

-Courtney

One Year

Yesterday, my friend Leah reminded me that it was my one year blogging anniversary (she was reminded via Timehop, an iPhone app).

Blogging for one year? That is crazy talk...it slipped my mind because it has gone by so fast. I feel like I just started my blog last month. This year has been one I will never forget, I have learned so much (and written down most of those lessons) and made such great relationships through this little blog of mine. I used to tell myself for years "I should start a blog..." but always pushed the idea to the back of my head. Finally, one day I ventured to a local coffee shop and sat there for about 3 hours writing down ideas and drawing up mock layouts in my moleskine notebook. Four months later after lots of planning, a trip home to take photos, help from friends & family and praying, Always Rooney was launched.

If you are itching to begin a blog, start now! I began with an iPhone and a commitment. I told myself once I start I won't flake out a few months in. I knew it would be difficult at times and I am learning something new everyday but blogging has become a hobby where I highlight my many other hobbies. Whenever I feel like quitting I remind myself of why I started my blog: to share with others the passions in my life and stretch myself. This is usually enough inspiration to launch me forward again.

Overall, I am just so grateful for everyone who has stopped by to look at my blog, comment and follow along. I am humbled by this last year and looking back I know that none of this was by my own efforts but I know God has worked through me throughout this whole year of blogging. The best is yet to come!

-Courtney

5 Ways to Style a DIY

 You may remember this layered top DIY, it is super simple and very versatile. Only requiring fabric and scissors, you can whip it up in just ten minutes. Here are five ways to style the layered top:

 Layered Top belted over a crochet dress. This is perfect for summer meals by the lake or the beach, oh how I miss the beach!
Necklace & Dress: Urban Outfitters//DIY Layered Top//Belt: Thrifted

 Layered Top under jean vest. I would wear this out shopping at the market and running errands.
Necklace: Urban//Vest: Target Kids-cut the sleeves off// DIY Layered Top//Jeans: PacSun

 Layered Top styled as a scarf. I love casual clothes that I can put on without thinking too much about, I would wear this top as a scarf on lazy days or out to lunch.
Shirt: Wal Mart//DIY Layered Top//Necklace: c/o StyleLately//Jeans: PacSun

 Layered top belted over lace top & jean shorts. I would wear this to a bonfire with friends.
Hat: Jessica Simpson//Top:Zara//DIY Layered Top//Shorts: Thrifted

Layered Top over patterned skirt. I'd wear this outfit to dinner or church.
Necklace: Nordstrom//DIY Layered Top//Tank: Forever21//Skirt: PacSun

Learn to make your own Layered Top here. This list is not exhaustive and maybe when the colder months come around I can share more ways to style...but lets soak in the hot summer days for now.

P.S. that awesome picnic table and American flag was made by my sister, Alex, and brother-in-law, Aric!