Top Ten Do-It-Yourself Projects

Summer is almost here and what better way to make your lazy days feel productive than with creative and easy Do-It-Yourself (or DIY) projects.  Here is my top 10 list of DIY projects, some found through blogs, some ideas from friends, all inexpensive and effortlessly yours.  Be sure to click the pink titles for further directions!  
 
1. Braided Hex Nut Bracelet
This bracelet is super easy to make requiring only twine and brass hex nuts.  The brass hex nuts will fit right in with your other glitzy jewelry pieces while the twine makes this bracelet casual enough for everyday wear.  Who would have thought hardware could be glamorous?!
 
2. Mini Audiere
After finding this DIY I had to ask myself, what am I going to put my sunglasses in now?  Here you’ll find an easy and cheap way to turn a sunglass case into a sophisticated clutch.  All you need is a decorative drawer knob, a couple tools from your Dad’s toolbox and voila you have yourself a one of a kind clutch.  Feel free to add gems, brooches or even buttons to the outside of the case if you’re still looking to spice it up.  
 
3. Megan’s Cookies & Cream Cake Pops
This idea is from one of our very own! Megan is a second year at UVa and blogs all about her adventures in baking and creating delectable treats. Knowing me, I will probably devour these before I even got the chance to add the lollipop stick, but if you can show some self-control, the sticks will add a nice decorative touch. Definitely check out the rest of her recipes as well—my mouth is watering as I write!
 
4. Fleece Tie Blanket
This blanket is so easy (and cheap) to make and it serves as a perfect birthday present or “sratty” gift for your graduating big or grandbig! Feel free to add their initials or their sorority letters, just sew or iron them on before you begin cutting the fabric. 
Directions:
1. Wash the fabric so it doesn’t peel as much (not necessary if in a time crunch).
2. Lay the fabrics flat on top of each other and trim so they are the same size.
3. Cut out a 4-5 inch square out of paper. Lay this on the corners and cut the square out of the fleece.
4. Following the size of the cut out, cut 1″ by 4″ into the fabric (this will be what you tie). Cut both fabrics at the same time; cut the entire blanket this way.
5. Go back and tie together the corresponding fringes. Double knot.
 
5. Tie Dye
I had to include this.  What’s summer without tie dye? Whether you take a plain white tee and transform it with dye or use a black tee and bleach it, summer is incomplete without this classic DIY.  
 
6. Recycled Magazine Mirror
In terms of time, this project takes the cake, but how hard can it be rolling up magazine paper while you sit outside and soak in the sun.  This mirror is very Anthropologie looking with its ingenious use of magazine clippings to create a mirror with flair.  However, if you’re looking to simplify this project, my friend just crumpled up strips of magazine into little rosettes and hot glued them around the edge of a mirror.  The end product is still nothing short of amazing.
 
7. Memory Board
A really inexpensive way to display your priceless memories.  Simply take a canvas frame, lay the quilt batting over it, followed by your favorite fabric, leaving an extra 2 inches on the ends to staple to the back of the frame.  Finally, lay ribbon diagonally across from both directions and stick a tack or sew a button where the ribbons overlap.    

8. Around the World Coasters
Use maps from your travels (especially Study Abroad or ASB trips) to create unique coasters for your apartment! 

9. Marble Jewelry Box
A cute and creative way to store small treasures, whether it’s jewelry or your smart phone and keys.  These clear boxes are easily found at craft stores or the Container Store.  The marbles will add a nice pop of color to your dresser or nightstand. 
 
10. Blair Bands
Blair Waldorf brought the trend back, now it’s time to make it your own.  Buy a plain headband and wrap ribbon around it, add buttons, a flower pin, the options are endless.