DIY Projects to Cure the Winter Break Boredom Blues
Hanukkah is over, Christmas is done, and the New Year’s ball has dropped. It’s official: the winter break festivities are finally starting to dwindle. For some of you, that means you’re on your way back to school soon, and for others (like me) your break is just getting started.
But with two weeks already down the drain you’re starting to wear thin. You’ve already seen the people you’ve wanted to see, shopped all your Christmas money away, and watched all the Millionaire Matchmaker reruns you can take. So what’s a girl to do?
Well have no fear, because I’ve scoured the internet searching for fun DIY projects that are both cheap, easy, and fun to kick your winter break boredom! Interested? Read on to see all the cool (and fashionable!) stuff you can make!
Ruffle Necklace
(Photo Source: Creaturecomfortsblog.com)
The Creature Comforts blog has a super cute DIY for making a cute bib/ruffle necklace. I could totally see Blair Waldorf rocking this necklace (although I doubt she would ever DIY). Check out the tutorial here.
Alexander Wang Inspired Cutout Sweater
(Photo Source: Theseams.blogspot.com)
Trang from Behind the Seams (who we did a Brilliant Blogger on a little while back), made an awesome Alexander Wang-inspired cutout sweater that is both sexy and chic. Want to make your own? Check out the tutorial here!
Detachable Shoe Chains
(Photo Source: Fabsugar.com)
If you’re like me, and love boots, you’ll love FabSugar’s tutorial on detachable shoe chains. They add a little bit of personality to your boots, without breaking the bank.
Rope & Rhinestone Earrings
(Photo Source: Psimadethis.com)
I am loving PsIMadeThis’ take on ear bling. They made a fabulous DIY tutorial for Rope and Rhinestone earrings that is so simple I’m wondering why I didn’t think of it myself. Check out the tutorial here- and make sure to check out the rest of the blog (they have lots of cool DIYs)!
Jeweled Collar Necklace
(Photo Source: Theglamourai.blogspot.com)
The Glamourai has a DIY for a deliciously gorgeous Bib Necklace that could easily be paired with a plain white tee for a chic Upper East Side look. Check out the tutorial here!
Shredded Tee and Puff Skirt
(Picture Source: Childhoodflames.blogspot.com)
For you rock and roll rebels out there, Camille of the fashion blog Childhood Flames has made two awesome DIY tutorials: one on shredded tees, and one on a cute and simple puff skirt. I love the shredded tee DIY, although it takes a little bit of time (but you can just work on it while vegging out in front of the TV), and the puff skirt is so simple and easy, it makes me wonder why anyone would blow 20 bucks on a similar one from UO or Forever 21.
Detachable Ruffles for Heels, Flats, and Shoes
(Photo Source: Lovemaegan.com)
Let your inner Steve Madden come out by trying out this super creative Detachable Ruffle tutorial by DIY blogger Maegan of Lovemaegan.com. You can make the ruffles and then pair them with strappy sandals, heels, or flats. So creative!
One Shouldered Tee-Shirt
(Photo Source: Kingdomofstyle.typepad.co.uk)
This simple yet stylish DIY for a one shouldered tee-shirt will literally take you 5 minutes to make. Pair it with some black skinnies for a edgy look, or tuck it into a skirt for a chic, sophisticated look!
Other DIY Ideas
- Dye or tie-dye some of your old sweatshirts or shirts (I’m going to be dyeing one of my old American Apparel sweatshirts!)
- Make thank you cards for all those people you got gifts from this holiday. While it’s not a wardrobe makeover, it’s an easy (and fun) way to make someone’s day a little better.
- Dig up some of your old jewelry and try and reinvent or update some pieces. (It could be as simple as switching up a chain, or changing something from a necklace to a bracelet – be creative!)
Thoughts?
Did any of these DIYs pique your interest? Which ones are you going to be doing this break? Do you have a suggestion for a DIY? How do you kill the winter break boredom blues? Whatever your thoughts, let me know in the comments!
Posted on on January 3, 2010 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Boredom, DIY, Fun, How To, Projects, Tutorials
Like this post?
Comment Rules: CF is a positive place and our comments section is no different. Constructive criticism is fine, but if you're rude, we'll delete your comment. Please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name and do not put your website in the comment text, as both come off like spam. For more info, see our 
Reggie
These are all fun ideas. I was going to buy some ribbon or lace and make thicker straps for some of my summer dresses with skinny straps so they were more flatter and I could wear a bra with them.
Jennifer
Jeeze, if only this had come out a week sooner. I’m headed back to campus this evening to start school on the 5th. The 19th to the 5th is not a long enough vacation in my opinion, but boredum has made my desire for something to do stronger than my desire for more nothing to do so . . .
Natalie
Great inspirations! I just recently did some of my own DIY projects this winter break. Since headbands are such a hot trend right now but I didn’t want to spend $15 for a single headband, I decided to make my own.
I just gathered some of mine and my mom’s old brooches, hairpins, earrings, etc from home. Also I bought some lace, ribbons and decorative buttons and just glued them on to thin, simple headbands that I bought from Walmart (4 for $3.50).
I made 4 adorable headbands and one decorated hair ribbon for under $10!
la petite fashionista
i love this post! great resources. i’ve been very into diy’s lately. i made a rhinestone bib necklace last month, so much fun :)
Colleen - NYU
Awesome idea for a post! So useful, I’ll definitely be trying some of these out. Great job =]
kaylee
i just shreaded a tshirt, and it looks great! also, its a prety good way to turn a stained white hanes into a trendy top
Brittany
Amazing ideas! I have been wanting some heels with ruffles but couldn’t see the practicality of spending a bunch on shoes that wouldn’t be worn as much. But it I can make the ruffles myself and just attach them to shoes then why not?
Emily
Puff skirt, here I come! Who cares that I’m back to school tomorrow? There’s always time for new skirts. Beyond excited.
I use skinny headbands, shred some newspaper, and wrap newspaper around them, then I craft a bow out of newspaper and glue it on the headband, and finish it off with a few coats of clear acrylic paint to semi-waterproof it. It’s actually really adorable; I make them for friends sometimes!
BreaD
School starts next Wednesday but I’m headin up this Sat. and I’ll have tons of free time. Making my own awesome cut out sweater will be my project while I wait for my friends to come back. Thanks for the post!!!
Brooke
Wow Emily, that’s a fabulous idea, I think I might try that!
GREAT post, I love these. I love the puff skirt, I might try that (if I can figure out how to work my damn sewing machine).
Meagan
Thanks so much for this post! I’ve got something like two weeks left until I head back to school, and I’m dying for something constructive to do. I’m not a very good sewer, but that puff skirt looks adorable, so I’ll have to try it out.
thisizkim
OMG!! Super cute! I love all of them!
Jordan
Emily, I was in a student fashion show back last March (woah, it’s already been a year almost) that was all Eco friendly fashion. One outfit was crafted entirely of newspaper, a dress and headband like the one you just described. Using the typical model “discount,” I took the headband after the show. *Ssssh. (I was actually allowed, I knew the designers and they said yes.)
My very first big sewing project was a poof skirt! Mine has two layers and was actually going to have tulle added underneath at some point. It’s a beautiful royal blue color. I made it extra poofy because I love drama and to make a statement. It turned out great and I can’t wait to wear it when the weather warms (I don’t have quite the correct tights, I only have one pair that I think works) with my ruffled blouse.
Unfortunetly, this skirt did not save me money. While the fabric was cheap, the private sewing lesson was not. But now that I know how to make one, it will be cheaper in the long run. Although I don’t trust myself just yet to make another one on my own.
Jordan
I’m not a DIY, work with my hands girl (I usually mess up a lot, I’m a major perfectionist) but I loved this post and want to try every single thing here. Kim, please do a post on headbands for sensitive ears! I love the headmade ones by Vie Moderne on Etsy. I just recieved one for Christmas. While I am pro when it comes to supporting independent artists, I’d love to make headbands for myself and mother and sister. I love Vie Moderne headbands because they’re comfortable and don’t pull or hurt my head after wearing them all day.
Jordan
Last comment, I swear! I just wanted to say I’m guilty of purchasing a bib necklace from Mod Cloth for $30. I figured it was cheaper than the JCrew ones shown, just affordable enough in case bib necklaces go out of style and don’t last long. But it’s faux jewels, and I wanted a cloth one more like this crazyyyy one shown!
Carri
Such a great post! I can’t wait to try some of these!
Tiia
Today I made a skirt much like the puff one. ive had the fabric since the summer and this post reminded me that it was something that i had put off.
Also , this post has inspired me to make another skirt, a fabric flower broach and a black rope headband!
Alana @ The Good girl gone blog
Ooh how fun! I’m bookmarking a bunch of these blogs!
ps- a few of the links are down :(
Zephyr - CF Editor
Alana – What links are down? I checked all of the ones on this post and they all worked fine. Let me know so I can fix them, ok?
Marisa
Great post! Just made the Ruffle Necklace. So easy, but so fashionable and totally unique. Would love to see more DIY posts in the future!
Thanks.
dimi
I looove diy so this was ahmazing. definately do more of these real soon!
Cara
Positively inspired post…I know what I’m doing while all my friends go back this week!
elle
Ooo.. The next time I go thrifting I’ll try and find a shirt to shred :D Excited!!!!!!
Jules
This post seriously rocked. I vote for more creative DIY posts for those of us who can’t afford to go shopping every weekend.
S.
These are all really cute, but it should be ‘Did any of these DIYs PIQUE your interest’… Not ‘peak’..
Beverly
Really cute ideas!
LeelaBijou
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing them!
Zaa.miss.bowtie
I love these!! I’ve started DIY’ing too it’s much cheaper and just as cute :)
Cici
Where can I get the materials for those gorgeous earrings?