While we’re already halfway done with the second semester, there’s no reason you still can’t spice up your dorm or apartment as you wait for summer to roll around. As the year passes on I’ve realized my dorm is so dull and boring and I’m tired of looking at the same old room. I’m sure many of you have the same problem. So I’ve decided to help you all by providing three do it yourself (DIY) projects that can help all of you bring life to those drabby dorm rooms (or apartments) of yours.
- The first on my list is probably the easiest and cheapest. This DIY dry erase board is completely customizable and fun to make!
What you’ll need: picture frame, paper, expo marker.
I have personally made this board and you can find cheap frames from target for around $10-15. Instead of putting a picture inside, put in some fun colored paper. Maybe something that matches your room or a funky pattern. If you really want to spice things up, decorate the paper before you insert it into the frame with your name. If you’re using it for a weekly to do list, put all the days of the week. This project is completely and 100% customizable. Use one big frame or a collage of frames for each day of the week. Remember you can put any color paper and anything you want on the paper. This can be a great way to put some fun into your room. It’s also a great gift for friends and family, just customize it with their names!
For more info on this project: Homemade White board
2.The next on my list are custom letters. This one is also really cute and fun. Depending on how you decide to make yours will determine the amount of materials and difficulty needed for this project.
What you’ll need: wooden letters, wrapping paper, mod podge, scissors, exacto knife, ribbon (optional).
To make this project, run to your local craft store (Michaels, AC Moore, Hobby Lobby, etc) and purchase some wooden letters. What letters you choose is completely up to you, maybe your initials or even sorority letters. You can also find your paper, Mod Podge, and ribbon here as well. Now once you’ve gotten all of your materials, lay out your letters and paint the Mod Podge onto the entire letter. Quickly place your paper on top and let it dry a little. Then take an exacto knife and trim out all the excess paper. For cooler effects, take another paper with a different design and layer it on top, as seen in the photos. You can stop here, but you can take ribbon to wrap certain areas of the letter, or even use the ribbon as a way to hang it up in your room! You can also use paint to paint the back or the sides of the letter. An alternative can also be just painting your own design on the letters!
For more info on this project: Letters
3. The last on my list is this cool canvas project.
What you’ll need: Canvas, Elmer’s Glue or Puffy Paint Paint. For this project take a canvas and decorate it with Elmer’s glue with funky designs or even quotes. Let it dry then paint over it with a fun color. It’s super easy and can be a unique work of art in your dorm or apartment. If you don’t want to ruin your canvas, you can try using wax paper to trace a design then use the Elmer’s glue or puffy paint to trace over the lines on the wax paper. Once it’s dry, peel it off then use Mod Podge to glue it onto the canvas! Then just paint over it with one color of paint.
For more information on this project: Cavas Project
All of these projects can be a great way to decorate your boring old room. What I love about these different crafts are that there are so many different ways you can make them. These 3 projects can be a great addition in other room or even great gifts. People love homemade gifts, especially if it’s custom made just for them! So why don’t you try one of these cute ideas? It can be a great break from school and a way to see how creative you can get. If you try any of these, tweet us your pictures: @HerCampusNCSU