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!

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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.

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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.

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