Posts filed under 'diy'
Well it wouldn’t be a holiday if I didn’t give you a DIY post, now would it? Here is a collection of cheap (and fun!) costumes you can make yourself.
Random Accessories
TV/Movie Inspired
Inanimate Objects
October 26th, 2009
Everybody getting settled in okay?
If those cinderblock walls are getting you down–never fear! I’ve got some more great DIY ideas to spruce up your dorm room!
photo
September 23rd, 2009
Dorm decorating can be a seriously daunting task–at first glance it doesn’t seem there’s much you can do with a white cinderblock wall and some painter’s tape or rubber cement. But once you start thinking outside of the box you might be surprised how amazing–and cheap–a little DIY dorm decor can be.
Wall Paper?
If you’re not into the traditional posters-and-Christmas-lights dorm look, why not paper your walls with something a little more exciting? Cute wrapping paper and a staple gun can paper your walls in no time, inexpensive fabric can be cute and temporary, or why not make a polaroid wallpaper (like the amazing room above, found via Apartment Therapy.)
Do Over
Want the chic look of brand new decor on a serious budget? Grab a thrift-store find or a hand-me-down and some paint and get cracking. We repainted a 1979’s desk from wood-color to black, swapped out the brass hardware for some sleep silver handles, and voila, we had a modern looking desk for only about $20.
Or check out this amazing transformation (spotted via YoungHouseLove). That cute turquoise lamp was once a nasty brass throwback, but a little spray paint and it’s reborn. Without DIYing, it would probably run you $40+, but I recently saw a similar lamp at Goodwill for $7. Add in painting accoutraments, and you could probably get the whole thing done for $14!
This works with pretty much anything, too. My sweetie and I have reupholstered our old couches, sewed up a slip cover for a freebie chair and redone other wood furniture with sandpaper and paint. You can even repaint old photo frames for a new look on the cheap.
Want More?
Check out my previous post on college dorm decor on the cheap, which has links to DIY ideas and tutorials (or peruse the whole dorm category for more ideas on making your dorm your own).
And check out sites like Young House Love, my latest DIY decor obsession, for all kinds of price-range appropriate oraganization, storage, and decor ideas. I love how they transformed this don’t-paint-or-hang-anything apartment sunroom into a chic, gorgeous bedroom with only $200 (and a trip to Ikea!). I am in LOVE!
August 26th, 2009
Here’s the traditional DIY gift roundup. I wish I could say my Dad was getting one of these cool, crafty, and thoughtful things, but I’m afraid I opted for the DVD route this year. But that doesn’t mean you have to.
Remember, if you want to make this stuff for cheap, don’t forget that thrift stores are a great source for fabric, cookware, etc. DIY can get expensive if you don’t use all your resources!
Also… I know ties are a traditional Father’s Day thing… But do they really want to get ties every year? Poll your dads, the public wants to know.
Let Him Eat Cake
Does your dad like cake? Apparently there are a plethora of dads out there who do, because I came across a myriad of Dad-related cake ideas!
Customize It
If you must give Dad a shirt or tie, at least make it unique.
- Custom Handmade Tie. Dad has enough paisley–find a funky fabric or something vintage to cut up and recreate into a brand new… tie.
- Custom Screenprinted T-Shirt. Hey. You could screenprint a tie on it! But please don’t.
- Knit a Necktie. I’m not sure whose dad would want this, but I bet you know if your pop is a knitted tie kind of guy.
Digital Age
- Neoprene Laptop Bag. This suggests using an old wetsuit. If you don’t have one yourself, you could try thrifting, ebaying, or even just asking around. But make sure you clean it well, please.
- DIY Digital Picture Frame. Though not exactly cheap, this is still pretty cool, and probably cheaper than buying one.
- Star Wars Wii Case Mod. This is because my dad loves Star Wars so much. Here’s to you, Dad!
Don’t forget to give your dad a nice big hug. Or at least pass him the remote. 
photo by What’s Cooking America
June 19th, 2009
Valentine’s Day (or Singles Awareness Day as some call it) is only a week away, so you’d better get started on your DIY-ing! Remember, you don’t have to have a boyfriend or girlfriend to enjoy the day there are a lot of people in your life who need some love! Send a card off to your BFF, your mama, or anyone else who could do with some more construction paper hearts in their life. (And ladies, if you don’t have a date may I recommend gathering some girls for some Jane Austen movies and a date with Ben and Jerry?)
Now on to the DIY-ing!
Rice Krispie Treat “Kisses.” These may possibly be the most adorable Valentine ever–Rice Krispie treats shaped like Hershey’s kisses, complete with the foil wrapper! I’d suggest involving a little chocolate, too–maybe a candy coating? Mmm.
Also try:
Felt ‘I Love You’ Book. Got a lot to say? Maybe more than will fit on a Hallmark card? Whip up one of these little books to share with your sweetie and fill it up with Reasons I Love You.
Also try:
Valentine’s Mobile. If you want easy and cute in one fell swoop, this sweet little mobile is your dream date. All you need is some scissors, paper, glue, and string.
Also try:
lots of LOVE ♥
February 6th, 2009
Ah, the internet: your ticket to fabulous furniture freebies. You can find all kinds of great stuff in your area, from used pianos to desks, couches, lamps, and more. Keep a sharp eye out, and you could probably furnish your entire place for free (but you might want to plan on making some renovations to the freebies you find). A little DIY sure beats paying the price tag for customized furniture (like the cubbie cabinet above, from A Colorful Place).
Treasure Hunting
I hear these sites are a great place to search for the freebies of your dreams:
- Craigslist.org (Choose your area + click “free” under the for sale category. Keep in mind you can often find super cheap furniture in their other categories if you’re willing to spend a few bucks.)
- The Freecycle Network
AND, if you live in an apartment complex, don’t forget to scour each floor at the end of the month (when people typically move out) for discarded goods! People leave behind good stuff! (Case in point, we left behind a TV cabinet and a huge TV because we couldn’t sell them and didn’t want them in our new place!)
Also, don’t forget to let family & friends know that you are available to take their hand-me-downs.
Trash into Treasure
Once you’ve got your freebies, all you have to do is schedule in some weekend DIY time. For lots of furniture, a simple paint job or even just updating the hardware (like drawer pulls, for example) can completely change the look of a piece.
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Check out these awesome tutorials if you need a little help…
Oh! And remember, even if you find a practically-mint piece, remember to spend some time on a basic cleaning job just to be safe–and to make your mom feel better about you picking up used furniture.
January 23rd, 2009
Previous Posts
Loading ...
