10 DIY Projects To Get You Through Quarantine
We’re bored. We’re uninspired. We’re getting impatient. We’re still in a phase of creating a new normal, and oftentimes, this can feel discouraging and it’s easy for us to fall out of the habits that bring us fulfillment. It’s time to get inspired! If you’ve got some extra time on your hands, which I think we all do, and are looking for ways to keep busy and put some energy into a new creative outlet, check out this list of 10 DIY projects to get you through quarantine!
1. Canvas Abstract Embroidery
This trend has been all over TikTok, and for a good reason– these canvases are so cute, so cheap, and so easy to make! All you need is a canvas (buy for less than $10 at a craft store or on Amazon), acrylic paint in a color of your choosing, painter’s tape, a needle, and embroidery floss. If you ever made friendship bracelets when you were younger, chances are you still have some of this! Tape lines across your canvas to create an abstract design, and paint one side of the canvas. Let dry. Then remove the tape, and depending on your artistic skills, sketch out your design to embroider or trace with a pencil from a printed copy. Then, punch holes a few centimeters apart with your needle, and finally, use your embroidery thread to sew it up! So cute, and so easy!
2. Boho Wall Hanging
These wall hangings are such easy dupes for those Anthropologie macrame tapestries sold for $150! All you need for this cheap and easy project is two metal rings ($3 at your craft store or on Amazon), and several different colors of yarn of your choice. Start by cutting long pieces of yarn and looping them through your hoop. Experiment with different kinds of knots, and continue tying the yarm until you are satisfied with the thickness and pattern. Then, trim the ends in a diagonal line or to form a “V” in the middle, and you’re done! You’ve got yourself a gorgeous and easy-to-make wall hanging.
3. Traced Photo Silhouette Canvas
Another TikTok favorite, these DIY photo canvases make great gifts or dorm decor. You’ll need a canvas, a paper-printed photo to the scale of your canvas, acrylic paint, a thick black marker, and a pencil. Print the photo you want to use on a sheet (or multiple) of regular computer paper in black and white ink. Place the printed photo face down and use your pencil to color on the blank side of the paper. Don’t be afraid to get aggressive with it! Place the photo face up on your canvas, and use your pencil to outline the shapes and people in your photo to transfer it onto the canvas. Remove your photo, and use your marker to outline the silhouettes on the canvas, and finally, fill in with paint!
4. Sweatshirt Embroidery
Just do it, but make it cute. Have an old Nike sweatshirt that you want to add some life to? Try embroidery! All you need for this project is a small embroidery hoop, a needle, and embroidery floss. Place your embroidery hoop around the Nike swoosh, or wherever you want to add embroidery, and either use a pattern or freehand your cute little flowers to add a feminine and girly touch to your athleticwear. Quarantine is a great time to update your wardrobe, and what better way to add life to your closet than to repurpose your old hoodies with just a couple pieces of supplies?
5. Abstract Mirror Painting
These mirrors are so cute, you’ll want to spray paint over and over again. Find an old mirror or buy one new, and use painters tape to design your layout and where you want to add color. Use spray paint in a color of your choosing and add a thick coat to the side of the mirror you wish. And that’s it! To spice it up even more, pick up an old frame from a thrift store and spray paint it gold or a color to match your design, and place it around your mirror. Not only is your decor one-of-a-kind, but all your friends will want one too!
6. Photo Collage Resin Tray
Yes, TikTok saw it first. Can you tell I watch too much TikTok? This photo collage resin tray is the perfect DIY to make as a gift or for your dorm room. Collect photos and cutouts of sayings and graphics and arrange on a painted tray. Use resin and clear glitter to set the photos, mixing the two together and pouring over the center of your tray, allowing the mixture to evenly disperse over your collage. Let set and enjoy! These trays are perfect for your coffee table to hold the little things that often get lost in your couch. Plus, they’re so cute!
7. Pressed Flower Frames
Quarantine calls for outside time, outside time calls for walks, and walks call for collecting flowers to press! Pick some dainty flowers or buy yourself a bouquet, and press a few using a heavy book or two (dictionaries work great). Get a glass frame, add some photos, polaroids, concert tickets, or anything you want to display and remember, and once your flowers are pressed, arrange them in your frame. These projects make great gifts, and are so cute hanging in a gallery on your wall or on your desk.
8. Earring Stand
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous in terms of using tools, this project is for you. You’ll need ⅛ inch plywood for the board, ½ inch plywood for the base, a table saw, a ruler and pencil, sandpaper, wood glue, a clamp, and a drill and 1/16 inch drill bit. Since this project is slightly more involved, I’ll link instructions here. This earring stand is so cute and a great dupe for the more expensive options found at Urban Outfitters. Happy woodworking!
9. Pin Banner
Is your jean jacket becoming heavy with pins? Do you seem to buy pins wherever you go but have nowhere to display them? This project is for you. You’ll need a wooden rod (a stick works great too if you’re going for a more rustic look!), a piece of canvas, hot glue or fabric glue, and twine or macrame yarn. Cut the edges of your canvas to form a “V” in the center and fold the edges over, iron, and secure with glue to create a crisp edge. Place your rod or stick at the top of your banner and fold over, securing with glue. Use your twine or macrame yarn and tie a knot on each end of the rod, attach your pins, and hang! Super easy and super cute!
10. Seashell Tealights
If your quarantine living situation allows for a socially distant beach trip, or even if it doesn’t and you have access to the internet and online shopping, get yourself some seashells, soy candle wax, and candle wicks, because that’s all you need for these adorable tealights! Melt your wax and secure your wick to the bottom of your seashell, and once a liquid, pour the wax into the shell, let cool, and trim your wick. These are so cute and so easy to make.
