After the festivities have wrapped up and the welcome hugs have worn off, things can grow a bit dull at mom and dad’s. There are only so many movies to watch and board games to play. If you find yourself a little bit bored while you’re home for the holidays, why not get making? We know the parental’s place might not be equipped with the crafting supplies you have at your place, so here are 25 quick projects that require minimal materials. Hit up the craft store and tackle one (or more) of these DIYs in a single afternoon. And hey, maybe even recruit mom and dad and turn it into a family party. Who says dad won’t be down for washi tape keyboard?
1. Homemade Face Scrub: Whether you want to protect and clarify, moisturize and tighten or brighten and tone, we’ve got a mask for that. (via Brit + Co)
2. Pom Pom Magnets: If your fridge back home is looking a little dull, grab some yarn and small round magnets and create adorable little color explosions for your kitchen. (via AO Life)
3. NYE Headbands: Do a little prep work for your NYE outfit by transforming sparkly pipe cleaners into festive headbands. Photobooth here you come! (via Brit + Co)
4. Repurposed Denim Bag: Persuade mom to retire those mom jeans and surprise her by transforming them into this upcycled tote bag. (via Brit + Co)
5. Gold Confetti Mug: All you need to create this sparkly cup is confetti and mod podge – be sure to purchase the dishwasher-safe kind or all your hard work will be washed away, and nobody wants that. If you want to add a little more color to this, simply swap the gold for rainbow confetti. (via Lines Across)
6. Beaded Hanging Planter: Try your hand at basic macrame with this fun, beaded base for a hanging planter. We’re totally digging the ombre effect these beads are creating. (via Honest to Nod)
7. Gemstone Ring: This giant gemstone ring might look like it’ll cost you your entire paycheck, but in fact it’s super cheap (and super easy). Dip your toe in some basic wire wrapping with this statement ring project. (via Brit + Co)
8. Chicken Wire Jewelry Organizer: Sit down and get yourself to finally untangle that mess of necklaces. Then make this easy jewelry hanger out of a basic frame and chicken wire and vow to never have a tangled chain again. (via Inspired by This)
9. Faux Leather Clutch: No sewing machine? No problem. Bust out this oversized leather clutch just in time for your New Year’s festivities. (via Brit + Co)
10. Paint Chip Wall Art: The only cost for this DIY is really the frame. To create this color masterpiece, head over to the home improvement store, snag your favorite paint chips, cut and paste them onto a large piece of paper and add on a slogan of your choosing. (via A Beautiful Mess)
11. Copper Tassel Necklace: All you need for this statement piece is a copper sheet, some embroidery string, jump rings and a chain. We’re slightly in love with this one. (via Brit + Co)
12. Sew Along Journal Cover: If you have a some time to kill over the holiday, grab a notebook and finally get all those brilliant ideas and doodles onto paper. While you might be feeling inspired, those boring drugstore notebooks aren’t anything pretty to look at. So cover them up with this charming journal cover adorned with a simple embroidery stitch. (via Caught on a Whim)
13. Foam Sheet Wall Art: This stunning wall art is made with foam sheets. We repeat: foam sheets. Simply cut out the shape or letter you want and keep repeating that process, downsizing it a little bit each time. If you’ve been on the hunt for a conversation piece, this is it. (via A Beautiful Mess)
14. Cell Phone Charging Station: Stealthily hide your electronics on your bedside table by carving out an old book into a discreet safe. Cover it with fabric of your choice to help it mesh with your room’s decor. (via Caught on a Whim)
15. Washi Tape Keyboard: Skip out on the expensive keyboard skins and make your own using a few different rolls of washi tape. To cut out each piece of tape in a precise size, this blogger made a cardboard template. Pop on your favorite movie, get taping and by the time the credits roll your have a whole new laptop. (via Her New Leaf)
16. Lip Balm Locket: If you always seem to lose your lip balm, keep it around your neck. Use an old locket and fill it with this homemade tinted lip balm made from coconut oil. (via Beautylish)
17. Geometric Mobile: You probably already have half of what you need for this DIY in the kitchen. These geometric mobiles are made by covering up wire with plastic straws. Head back to your dorm with this cool hanging decoration and watch your roommate’s jaw drop. (via Brit + Co)
18. Gold Nugget Earrings: These little nugget earrings are made out of clay. Grab gold paint (or whatever color suits you) and earring backings and you’ve got new studs in under an hour. (via Lovely Indeed)
19. iPhone Projector: Showcase all those hilarious holiday pics on the wall with this iPhone projector made from a shoe box, paperclip and magnifying glass. Seriously though, how cool is this? (via Photojojo)
20. Instagram Coasters: After you’ve made a confetti mug, keep the Mod Podge out and use it to create these adorable faux-polaroid coasters. (via Darkroom and Dearly)
21. Marbled Jewelry Tray: Keep those rings or lucky pennies in place with this beautifully marbled dish made out of Sculpey clay. If you want to save yourself a trip to the craft store, order the kit for this project here. (via Brit + Co)
22. Honey Citrus Scotch Ale Soap: Beer in soap? Ya, it’s a thing. Don’t knock it till you try it. (via Offbeat and Inspired)
23. Hand Stamped Fabric: Experiment with textile design by creating your own block print out of sticky back foam and a wooden block. Turn your designs into an infinity scarf or tea towels. (via Brit + Co)
24. Sugar Cookie Body Scrub and Soak: Treat yourself with this decadent vanilla sugar cookie scrub and soak. Make this in the afternoon and enjoy it in the bath a few hours later. (via Hello Natural)
25. Sweater Mittens: If you discover an old sweater in the garage that you never wear, cut it up and give it a whole new life. Trust us; your hands will thank you. (via Brit + Co)
What are you planning on making over winter break? Share your project ideas in the comments.
Cortney Clift
Cortney is the senior writer and special projects editor at Brit + Co. She typically covers topics related to women's issues, politics, and lifestyle. When she's not buried behind her computer you'll find her exploring New York City or planning her next big adventure.
