The “Pintern” Summer Challenge

As you’ve probably noticed, we at Barnes & Noble College can’t get enough of Pinterest. From DIYs using miscellaneous household objects to outfit ideas to study tips, we can’t help pinning all day long (don’t deprive yourself, check out our boards!). That’s why this summer, we’re putting our pins to the test. Each week, we’ll be posting a new project and our spirited attempt at it. Full posts →

posted by Sandybn
06.14.13
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DIY Dorm: SmartPhone Amplifying Speaker

Mashable recently pinned a tutorial on making an amplifying speaker out of a Pringles can. I love this idea because I am far too cheap to spend money on an iPod docking station. I may or may not have broken my last one by knocking it off the table during an intense dance party…

This project costs less than six dollars!

What You Will Need:

1 Pringles Can (minus the Pringles and crumbs)
Toilet Paper (approximately 14 inches)
X-ACTO Knife (or scissors)
Two Binder Clips (large)
Spray Paint (any color)
Sheet of Paper
Tape

1.Eat Pringles…

2. Trace the outline of bottom of your device (any iPod or iPhone that plays music out loud) onto the sheet of paper. Wrap paper over Pringles can, aligning the traced area parallel to the end of the can about an inch away from the can’s bottom. Use the knife or scissors (carefully) to cut around the inside of the outline. You want the hole to be a little smaller than your device so it will fit very tightly.

3. Position the binder clips metal hands open at a 90 degree angle. Rest the can on top on the clips so that they act as a stand. Tape the metal parts to the can.

4. Coat the outside of the can and binder clips with spray paint. Let dry for 2-4 hours.

5. Cut 14 inches of toilet paper. Insert throughout can – you want it to be evenly distributed.

6. Insert your device into your brand new amplifying speaker and start listening to your favorite playlist.

Other fun DIY Dorm Projects:

Smartphone Projector
Decorative Book Phone Charger
Instagram Coasters

posted by Alyciabn
01.22.13
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DIY Dorm: String-It-Up Photo Display

It's a new spin on your classic picture frame.

We’re here to present you with a twist on the traditional photo frame! With our DIY guide, you’ll be able to put plenty of your favorite photographs on display, without having to find space for all of the frames. Inspired by string-up lights, this new decoration will add a personalized touch to your dorm. A few materials and some creativity on your part is all you need!

 

What You’ll Need:

1 Roll of twine or string
Clothespins, one for each photo
Paint (acrylic should work fine, I like to use a bright color!)

What You’ll Do:

1) Determine the number of photos you plan to hang up and count out the clothes pins you’ll need accordingly. Paint your first coat on the clothes pin (you may have to leave one side unpainted, for drying purposes) and let dry.

A fresh coat of paint and these clothes pins look like new.

2) While the pins are drying, decide where you want to hang your photos and cut the string or twine a little longer than you’ll need. Next, cut two more pieces (the same length). If you don’t want the string pulled taut, cut a few inches extra so it will hang more loosely.

3) Paint a second (and third if you feel necessary) coat on the pins, until it is as opaque as you would like. Let dry.

4) Knot the 3 pieces of string at one end and braid the rest together. Knot at the other end and trim the excess.

5) Using the clothes pins, evenly space the photos along the string.

Feel free to put your own spin on our suggestions! If you come up with other creative ideas for your dorm, or just want to ask a question – post a comment below!

posted by Sandybn
02.02.12
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DIY Dorm: Easy Wall Decor

It’s up to you to spice up your dorm room!  Showcase your favorite photos or just add some texture to an otherwise drab wall with our easy and inexpensive wall decor.

What You’ll Need:

- 12×12 Cork board wall squares (you can usually get a pack of 4 for under $10)
- Wrapping paper
- Tape or glue
- Scissors
- Ribbon

What You’ll Do:

The extra length of ribbon makes gluing easier.

1) Use the paper to wrap the cork board in the typical fashion. If the tape does not stick as much as you’d like, you can dot the edges of the paper with glue.

2) Snip the ribbon to be about an inch or so longer than the cork board at each end (as pictured). Place a dot of glue on the underside edge of the ribbon, drape the end of the ribbon over the edge of the board and press in place. Continue to glue the rest of the ribbon along the front of the board like you did with the DIY Lamp. Do so along as many edges as you’d like to create a border.

Who says DIY projects have to be difficult?

3) Add photos, stickers, or other mementos (Scotch tape works fine). Avoid adding anything too heavy as this will make it difficult to hang the board. Make sure your board comes with adhesives – these are very sticky but don’t leave marks on the walls.

You can make only one square or form a grid with all four! The best part about DIY projects like this one is that you can tailor it to your own preference. Let us know how yours turned out by dropping us a comment.

posted by Sandybn
01.26.12
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DIY Dorm: Revamp Your Lamp!

If you’re looking for an easy way to brighten up your room (pardon the pun), a new refurbished lampshade might be just what you need! It’s much simpler than it sounds and won’t empty out your wallet. We’re bringing you basic instructions, but don’t be afraid to get creative!

Materials:

- Ribbon of your choice (try selecting a fabric ribbon, which is easier to glue)
- Tape measure
- Lampshade
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
- Newspaper/some sort of mat to put down (to prevent a mess)

What to Do:

Step 1: Using your tape measure, measure the circumference around both the top and bottom edges of the lampshade. You will then measure out two pieces of ribbon, one that will line the top outer rim and one that will line the bottom outer rim. When measuring each piece of ribbon, add a quarter of inch at the end (for gluing purposes) and then cut the ribbon.

Overlap the ribbon and glue in place.

Step 2: Lie the bottom-lengthed strip of ribbon face down and, starting at the edge, use your glue gun to dab an inch-long line of glue. Swiftly take the ribbon and press the glued section flush along the bottom outer rim of your lampshade (you want to make sure the glue does not dry first).

Step 3: Add another dot of glue about an inch and a half farther along from the first section and press this to the lampshade. Continue gluing the ribbon around the lampshade until you reach your starting point. Overlap the ribbon and glue the last edge in place. Repeat with other ribbon along top rim.

Even lampshades deserve a makeover!

Step 4 (Optional): Continue using Steps 1-3 with as many strips of ribbon as you prefer. If you are content with just the top and bottom edges, you are finished! Add an appliqué or embellishment to give it “something extra.”

If you want to try something a bit more difficult, we found great video-style instructions on TheDIYDish.com. They’ll teach you how to cover the entire lampshade using fabric and larger appliqués – great for a crafty dorm-dweller.

As always, we love hearing your feedback! Send us a comment with suggestions or questions and let us know if there is any particular project you’d like to see.

posted by Sandybn
01.11.12
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DIY Dorm: T-Shirt Pillows

Have an overflowing stash of old T-Shirts in your closet? Before you toss them in the trash, why not consider “upcycling” instead? Turn old shirts into inexpensive decorative pillows for your dorm room - it’s easy, we promise!

What You’ll Need:

- needle + thread
- old T-shirt
- pencil or chalk
- scissors
- pillow stuffing (found at craft or fabric stores)

What to Do:

1)    Decide what size you want your pillow to be, then add between 1/2 and 3/4 of an inch to each side. This is the seam allowance.  Mark lines you will cut along on your shirt of choice with chalk or pencil (if the fabric color is light enough).

2)    Cut out the rectangular pattern along the lines you just marked to form the front piece of your pillow. Then cut the same size rectangle out (either of the same shirt or another shirt, your choice) to form the back piece of your pillow.

Follow our easy steps and these old T-Shirts will become awesome dorm decor!

3)    Place the two pieces of fabric on top of each other so that the sides you want to eventually face outward are facing in (the pillow is sewn inside-out at first to hide the seams). Use sewing pins to loosely hold the pieces together.

4)    Begin sewing at the bottom left corner upwards to the top left corner. Continue sewing your way around the pillow. Stop sewing about 3 1/2 inches before you once again reach your starting point.

5)    Turn your pillow so it is now right-side out and stuff it to your desired level of fluffiness. Then, use a needle and thread to sew the opening closed.

If you’re not quite confident in your sewing skills, College Candy gives excellent, easy-to-follow directions for those who would rather sew around an existing pillow. Once you are finished, feel free to enjoy the fact that you just upcycled an old item AND helped furnish your room in one easy project!

Be sure to look out for more Do-It-Yourself projects to come! Have any specific projects you need advice on or any areas where you could use an idea or two? Share it with us below and we’ll be happy to help!

posted by Sandybn
01.04.12
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