Now that Fall semester has begun, it’s time to start thinking about how to make that boring, cramped dorm feel like home. I find decorating inspiration at Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie and Pottery Barn Teen, but things can get pricey, and “ain’t nobody got money for that.” So, for the benefit of all us broke college students, here are three easy Dorm DIYs that each cost $10 or less!
1. Tribal elephant cut-outs
This DIY is a fun way to add a bohemian touch to an otherwise boring wall.
What you’ll need
- Colored paper
- Scissors
- Twine or yarn
- Elephant drawing template
- Glue
How to make it
- Outline the elephant template on colored paper of your choice. Here’s a helpful tip: Trace the elephant on the backside, so no lines show.
- Carefully cut out the elephant.
- Repeat the first two steps on different colored papers.
- Measure out a piece of twine about a meter long, space out the elephants along the twine, and carefully glue the backs of the paper elephants to the twine.
- Hang the elephant décor by a hook to add life to the room!
2. Cat flower pot
For all of you feline fanatics, this DIY is the perfect way to keep your room playful and fun.
What you’ll need:
- Empty 2-liter plastic bottle
- Paintbrush
- Scissors
- Acrylic paint
- Flowers
How to make it
- Cut the plastic bottle about 1/3 of the way up the bottle.
- Skillfully trace and cut two triangles to create the cat’s ears.
- Paint the entire outside of the bottle white, which took about three coats for me.
- After the white paint dries, paint on the ears, nose, mouth, eyes, whiskers and paws.
- Put in your favorite flowers, and enjoy your cat planter!
3. Faux glue lanterns
This DIY gives a modern twist to your old, ordinary dorm, and it’s much easier than it looks!
What you’ll need
- Bowl
- Spoon
- Petroleum jelly
- Corn starch
- Balloons
- Yarn
- Elmer’s glue
- Water
How to make it
- Blow up balloons to different sizes, and hang them in an open area by yarn.
- Cover the balloons in a thin layer of petroleum jelly.
- Mix half of the bottle of Elmer’s glue, 1/8 a cup of water and 1/2 a cup of cornstarch in the bowl. Make sure there is a thick consistency when stirred.
- Dip the yarn in the glue mixture and carefully surround the balloon, starting vertically and then moving to horizontally.*WARNING* This part IS messy.
- After 24 hours of drying, pop the balloons, and hang the orbs to give the room a cool dimension.
Everyone deserves to have cute room décor, so why not make it yourself for a fraction of the retailers’ cost? Happy crafting!