Everyone has that amazingly talented friend who can build, design or craft just about anything, from wire jewelry holders to punchy pop art posters. She has an eye for color and a hunger for detail. Not to mention her dorm looks like something out of a Martha Stewart magazine. But now it’s time to exercise your creativity and show off your crafty side with these 15 quick and easy DIY projects. These artful ideas take very little time and cash to put together and will give you a sense of focus and accomplishment—even if you’re a total DIY newbie.
1. Pringles can amplifying speaker
This is truly ingenious. For those of us who can’t afford expensive speakers, we can remedy an old Pringles container to amplify music from our phone. This life hack will probably come in handy for late night group study sessions or laid-back get-togethers.
2. Book spine bookmarks
Don’t you dare dog-ear that paperback! Show off your brainy side with book spine bookmarks. Bonus: you’ll keep from damaging your new books with some scraps from old ones.
3. Natural room scents
Create your own fresh aromas with these natural room scents. All it takes are some citruses, spices, herbs and extracts along with a few mason jars.
4. Toilet paper roll cord organizers
This five-minute craft is cute and creative. You don’t even need detailed instructions to make these quirky cord holders; it’s that simple.
5. Shopping bag organizers
Instead of reusing your shopping bags as gift bags, try decorating your dorm by mounting them to the wall as material organizers. Keep your pens, stationary, paper clips and other office supplies within reach.
6. Six pack craft caddy
There’s no reason to trash that empty cardboard six pack container. Using hot glue, tape and other materials, you can transform this recyclable beer carrier into a craft supplies case.
7. Hanger jewelry stand
Need to organize all of your necklaces, earrings and bracelets? Hang this simple jewelry stand in your closet or on your wall.
8. Paint-dotted wine glasses
Add some flair to your weekly girls’ night by peppering your wine glasses with these fresh designs. Get the gang together so everyone can personalize their wine glass with their own pattern.
9. Scarf camera strap
This is a great DIY gift for the girl who can’t live without her camera. Simply replace her boring camera strap with a brightly-patterned scarf to create a fashionable alternative.
10. Sharpie mug
This project is so easy you’ll be amazed you’ve never done it before. Personalize your favorite blank coffee or tea mug with a Sharpie; then bake the mug to make your message last.
11. Rind seed starters
Next time you peel some fruit, save the rind to use as an eco-friendly seed starter for your next indoor organic gardening endeavor. The fruit rinds give the potting soil extra nutrients; plus, they add a pop of color to your mini garden.
12. Picture frame dry erase board
If you’re looking for a fun and cheap schedule organizer, try creating a dry erase board using just an empty picture frame and patterned paper. You can write on the frame’s glass with a Sharpie to create to-do lists and daily reminders that will easily erase with glass cleaner.
13. Headache soother
Mix peppermint, lavender, orange essential oil and olive oil to create a headache soother solution to rub on your temples and forehead. These homemade tonics are especially useful during midterms and finals.
14. Lip balm locket
With the lip balm locket, not only will you have lip balm wherever you go, but you can wear it around your neck as an adorable and practical accessory.
15. Crayon lipstick
By boiling down your wax crayons and mixing them with coconut oil and vegetable oil, you can create a shade of lipstick for every color in the rainbow.