Simple DIY projects can brighten your bedroom
Children and teens have a wonderful sense of experimentation with colour and design that we often lose as we grow up and become socialized to safe choices. They also love to make things for their rooms and even the youngest crafters can create wall art and decorate storage containers.
Tana Smith originally got the bug to decorate on a dime when faced with her first drab college dorm room. She wanted a unique space that was cool and fun, and set about to liven up the mood without spending a bundle.
Smith has now produced a book that features do-it-yourself projects using the simplest materials and basic skills. From ping-pong ball lights and pom-pom pillows to gilded pots and sequin curtains, Smith’s Bedroom Décor offers ideas for every age.
Here are two projects from her book to get you started:
Dream catchers are traditionally made from willow hoops.
The hoop is filled in with a loose web or netting, and decorated with sacred beads and feathers. There is a hole in the middle of the web that only good dreams know how to move through. When the first light of day strikes the dream catcher, the bad dreams that have been captured melt away.
Smith’s dream catcher, although not made with natural materials, captures the spirit of the legend. The web or netting is a lace doily fastened to an embroidery hoop.
Lengths of ribbon are hung from the hoop; beads are strung onto the ribbon and two or three feathers are glued to the end.
If you require a few words of praise to start off your day, why not make a sign that tells you what you need to hear.
Smith uses felt for her motivational pennant, as it is easy to cut into any shape you like. Purchase sticker letters for the words.
Lay out your quote on the pennant, making sure that it fits and is centred. Then remove the sticky backing and press the letters in place.
Use a foam brush and acrylic paint to paint over the letters with a contrasting colour.
The paint can be a bit messy and uneven, which adds to the creative look. Let the paint dry completely and then remove the stickers. Debbie Travis’s House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. You can follow Debbie on Twitter @debbie_travis and visit Debbie’s website, debbietravis.com.