Five Dorm-Friendly Crafts: A How-To Guide
College is the perfect place to try new things. With hundreds of clubs and organizations on campus, it’s easy to discover new hobbies and interests. But let’s be real – some hobbies are just not dorm-friendly. Between the tiny space, limited supplies, and low tolerance for mess, crafting can feel impossible. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be. I’ve rounded up five fun, low-maintenance crafts you can pull off right in your dorm room – no studio space required.
1. Clay Magnets/Jewelry Tray
This one is my current obsession, and the easiest way to spice up your dorm without wrecking your desk.
What you’ll need:
Clay Sculpting Tools (optional)
Instructions:
Start by scrolling Pinterest or TikTok for inspo (seriously, it helps if you’re new). Carve off a chunk of clay – dental floss works surprisingly well for this – and roll it into a ball. Shape it into whatever you like: a mini tray for jewelry, a fridge magnet, or even just something cute for your desk. If you’re sticking two pieces together, use the “scratch and score” trick: carve crosshatches on both sides, add a drop of water on top, and press them together. Let your piece dry overnight, then paint it however you like. Finish with a coat of Mod Podge for that glossy, professional look. Voila – custom dorm décor in under 24 hours.
2. Beaded Canvas Art
The ultimate “that girl” art project - minimum effort, maximum sparkle, and guaranteed to catch everyone’s eye.
What you’ll need:
Instructions:
Begin by sketching out your design onto the canvas with a pencil. If you’re going for something more detailed, you can glue or trace a photo onto the canvas (though a hand-drawn outline looks cleaner and holds up better). Next, paint over the design (don’t stress if it’s not perfect – the paint is just a base layer). Once it’s dry, grab your wax pen and glue to start bedazzling, matching rhinestones to each color section. Let it dry, and you’ve got a sparkly piece of dorm décor guaranteed to get you compliments every time someone walks in.
3. DIY Phone Case
Dreaming of a phone case that’s unique – without the $60 price tag? Here’s how to do it yourself:
What you’ll need:
Sturdy Paper & Glue
Scissors/X-Acto knife
Stickers (optional)
Instructions:
Trace the outline of your phone onto a piece of sturdy paper and cut it out (don’t forget the camera hole)! Print or cut out photos, doodles, or designs you love, then glue them onto the paper cutout. Want to skip the hassle? Stickers are a quick, easy option that look just as amazing. Once your masterpiece is finished, slip the paper into your clear case and boom—your very own custom phone case for under $15. Chic, affordable, and guaranteed to get “Where’d you get that?!” comments.
4. Altoids Wallet
Is your purse full of loose trinkets? Don’t toss that empty Altoids tin—turn it into the cutest mini wallet instead.
What you’ll need:
Altoids Tin
Acrylic Paint (optional)
Paper
Stickers (optional)
Mini Mirror (optional)
Instructions:
This one’s all about customization, so think of these steps as inspo, not rules. Start by painting the outside of the tin with a white base coat. Once it’s dry, go wild—stickers, bows, lace, doodles, whatever screams you. For the inside, print out a fun pattern for both the base and lid. Cut it to size, coat the tin with Mod Podge, and stick the paper down. From there, it’s time to decorate! Glue in a mini mirror for on-the-go makeup touch-ups, or add photo-booth strips, mini collages, or stickers to make it extra personal. Once decorated, fill it with your small essentials (or whatever usually gets lost at the bottom of your purse). Cute, practical, and way more fun than digging through a cluttered bag.
5. Embroidery
Want to glow-up your wardrobe without spending a dime on Newbury Street? Embroidery is the perfect way to add a personal, artsy touch to your style. Whether it’s your initials on a tote, a tiny flower on your jeans, or a design that screams BC, embroidery can make even the plainest pieces look one-of-a-kind.
What you’ll need:
Article of Clothing
Embroidery Hoop (optional)
Fabric (optional, for patch-style designs)
Instructions:
First, head to Pinterest or TikTok for design inspo. If you’re using an embroidery hoop, clamp it around the spot you want to embroider (YouTube is your best friend for step-by-step hoop tutorials). Then, thread your needle and start stitching your design (embroidery tutorial here). And don’t stress about it being perfect—imperfect stitches make it look more homemade and charming. If you’d rather create a patch, embroider onto a piece of fabric first, then sew it onto your clothing. Either way, you’ll end up with a piece that feels completely personalized and way cooler than anything you could buy in the bookstore.
