Did you know that March is National Craft Month? Whether or not you consider yourself a crafty person, dedicating some time to a creative project can relieve depression and stress and improve self-esteem. Making some DIY home decor is also a great way to add some flair to your living space without breaking the bank. Celebrate National Craft Month by trying out some of these home decor crafts!
Crystal Suncatchers
DIY suncatchers are a fun and artsy way to add some brightness to your room, as they capture the sunlight and reflect it back onto your walls in beautiful patterns. You can make your suncatcher as simple or as involved as you want, depending on your confidence in your crafting abilities. If you believe in the healing power of crystals, you can use ones with specific properties, or you can just choose ones you think will look pretty! You won’t need many materials for a basic suncatcher—scissors, small pliers, super glue and a string or chain for hanging. Check out this suncatcher-making guide from AllCrystal for detailed instructions and more information.
Upcycled Painted Vases
Do you have a ton of glass bottles you don’t know what to do with? Upcycled painted vases are super easy, environmentally friendly and a creative way to display your plants! To prep your bottles, remove any stickers by using hot soapy water, white vinegar, rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. When choosing paint, opt for acrylic enamel paint or regular acrylic paint, as these will stick to glass the best. There are also paint products specifically labeled for glass painting. Once you have a clean bottle and acrylic paint, let your imagination soar!
Crochet Accessory Holders
This craft, while incredibly versatile and creative, does require some prior crocheting knowledge. However, as far as difficulty level goes, this is a great way for beginners to practice their skills, as it only requires being able to crochet in the shape of a rectangle. Crochet accessory holders can hold anything from earrings to necklaces to sunglasses, and they add a touch of bohemian style to any room. Check out a beginner’s guide on how to crochet if you’d like to make some for your dorm or apartment!
Punch Needle Coasters
Punch needling is embroidery’s less complicated cousin, and is beloved by both beginner crafters and experts alike. By learning just the basics, you can make anything from pillows to rugs. For punch needle coasters, or “mug rugs” as they’re creatively called, you’ll need fabric, a no-slip embroidery hoop, a punch needle tool, yarn and a template. From there, you can make coasters of any color and pattern. Be prepared to wow your guests whenever they want to set down their drinks! If you’d like to learn how to punch needle, check out a complete guide online.
We hope these ideas gave you some DIY home decor inspiration. Taking time out of your week to focus on a creative project is amazing for your mental health, and that’s why The Peel loves National Craft Month. Happy crafting!
Written By Madison Manczko ’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications