Just because you’re in a college dorm room doesn’t mean you need to live in a basic box. You can have the future apartment of your dreams, in college, at a fraction of the cost. Just hop aboard the DIY train like everyone else on Pinterest and make your dorm room look classy beyond its years. I have three new DIYs for you that are easy to make and will have a big impact!
Gingham Lamp Cord
Gingham is back and how! This quirky plaid print looks great on clothes and home decor alike. So when I saw this plaid ribbon I had to do something with it. I decided to make a decorative cover for the bare wire of a lamp.
What you’ll need:
Lamp cord
1
Glue the length of the ribbon to the length of vinyl. This is to give it a strong backing. 2 yards of ribbon made us about a foot of the final covering.
2
Now cut 8″ strips of the backed ribbon.
3
Next, using your glue gun add glue to 1/2 at the end of the strip, plaid side facing up. Now make a loop by attaching it to the other end.
4
The next piece needs to be glued in a similar way but you need to pass it through the first loop before closing it. You’re essentially creating links. Repeat this process with the remaining loops.
5
When you’re done with all the links, thread your lamp cord through them, making sure you follow an even threading pattern.
Now lights on!
Faux Metallic Leather Basket
This catch all leather basket is perfect to have on your night stand or in the entryway. You can just toss your earphones and keys in here so you’ll always know where to find them on your way out.
What you’ll need:
1
We’re making a basket that is 8″ wide, 6″ long and 5″ tall. See the below above for the measurements of the pieces you need to cut. Since we want the walls of the basket to be 5″ tall, using a pencil make a light mark at 5″ from both end of the base strips.
2
If you’ve made a basket before or used a basket weave for any project this will be simple. Even if you haven’t you just have to know it’s an alternating pattern. 1 up 1 down.
3
Apply a little glue at the joints as you go along so you can have some stability and the strips won’t be able to move out of place.
4
Once you’re done with the base strips ( 3 x 18″ + 4 x 16″) you’ll need to start weaving the sides of the basket. To do this, glue the 28″ strip to a base strip at the right angle formed by the base strips. Make sure this strip is alternating with the parallel strip. For example if the strip next to it is going under, you have to start by glueing the side strip over. This is the point of the basket weave, to interlock and create a sturdy structure.
5
Repeat weaving in and out till you’re all the way around the basket and glue the end piece. You can crease the corners to give it a more defined shape. Do this with the second strip as well, making sure it’s alternating with the previous strip.
6
To finish the ends, fold down and glue the remaining on inch wither inward or outward.
Aaaaand you’re done!
Faux Leather Strap Shelves
This might be the easiest of them all. Add a sleek touch to your shelves by adding these faux leather straps. They look good and are also actually functional. Double yay.
You’ll need:
Shelf
Screws
Drill (If you don’t own a drill you can use a screw driver and do it manually)
1
Measure how high or low you want the shelf hung. The longer the strap, the lower the shelf. Our strap was about 18″. When measuring, keep in mind the strap at the back will be straight while the one in the front will be longer because it’ll be at an angle. Mark the short end and the long end.
2
After you measure, cut the strap. Cut a second piece for the other end.
3
Glue the strap about 1.5″ in. Make sure you align the marks you made earlier with the edges of the shelf. Next, glue the sides.
4
When you figure out where you want the shelf, using a drill, drill the back strap at the top and the bottom. You can have a friend help you keep the shelf straight while you do this. Repeat for the other side. Then, drill the front strap to the wall in the middle of the other. Make sure you’re shelf is straight while you do this.
Ta da!
Great Ideas
Thank you!