DIY Activities that Will Make You Wish You Were a Kid Again
By Rai Mamac
DIY Activities that Will Make You Wish You Were a Kid Again
What wouldn’t most of us give to go back to the blissful, worry-free days of our youth? The best we can hope for these days is to replay our fuzzy childhood memories of making and wrecking things, of playing outdoors in the sun, or snuggling in blanket forts on rainy days. In that light, here are eight DIY activities that remind us of simpler times and are sure to add some childish delight to any given day.
8. Bubble wrap calendar
Who said bursting someone’s bubble was necessarily a bad thing? There is an astoundingly small number of things in life that are as fun or satisfying. And while it is a fun side activity when buying fragile items or unpacking appliances, why not attach it to a calendar so you can pop your way through the year?
A studio in Brooklyn, New York has already rolled out their own 2016 version, but the beauty about this calendar is that it’s fairly easy to make yourself!
The best part in all of this, of course, is that you will very likely have extra bubble wrap afterwards. Happy popping!
7. Painted glass bottles
Give new life to bottles you’d normally throw out after a dinner party by turning them into colorful vases.
Simply pour some acrylic paint into clean, dry glass bottles and roll them around to spread the paint evenly. Once you’re done, set the bottles upside down to dry on top of a rack and some newspaper, to avoid making a mess, for at least three days.
Here’s a step-by-step guide from The Sits Girls.
6. Crayon candles
One great way to repurpose old or broken crayons is to turn them into candles.
Glass mason jars or containers are great for this handy DIY trick because you can get creative with color blocking and arrangements. You can also use clean tin cans or pots if you have any spare ones lying around.
5. Coffee Soap
Love making coffee but have no idea how to make use of the coffee grounds afterwards? Turns out that outside of drinking it (in a wonderfully diverse number of forms, something we can now do as adults, we must add), coffee is also great for your skin, and there are several ways to DIY coffee soap!
In this tutorial, all you need to do is stick some melt-and-pour soap base into the microwave for 15-second intervals, mixing in between, until the base is liquid. Mix in your coffee grounds and some fragrance oil before pouring into molds and leaving to dry.
You can also make coffee soap using your collection of hotel soaps, as this tutorial explains.
4. Paper Beads
As a kid, I never had any money to buy my own jewelry so I got creative and started making my own using old magazines and glue. Fast forward a few decades later and I’m still pretty broke, but this DIY activity does do the trick when I’m too lazy or too poor (or both) to shop for a unique necklace.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BBdiOWssG15/
You can start out by cutting old magazines or strips of colorful paper into long, thin triangles. The fatter the triangle, the wider your finished bead will be. You can use old magazines, colored paper, your own doodles, or even corrugated paper, like this tutorial shows.
Next, roll the triangular paper strips around a barbeque stick or thin straw, beginning from the base to the tip. Add glue to the back of the paper as you go, and coat the bead with it for a shiny effect once you’re done rolling.
3. Paper Mache Map Letters
A paper mache map letter is the perfect addition to any room, especially when you’re planning your next trip out.
This tutorial shows you how to transform normal store-bought cardboard letters into map-laden paper mache letters to place in your room and inspire you to travel.
If you’re looking for something more floral and 3D, on the other hand, here’s a step-by-step guide to creating monograms that bloom.
2. Marbled Paper
Who knew shaving cream can be used for things other than, well, shaving? Turns out you can make awesome marbled paper designs using food coloring and shaving cream, as detailed by this informative tutorial.
By using some handy bathroom and kitchen tools, you can whip up some pretty cool marble patterns.
If you’re loving the look and would like it on other household items, here’s a how-to guide for marbling your normal mugs using nail polish.
1. Blanket Fort
Nothing else summons childhood memories for us quite like a cozy blanket fort.
All you really need for this are chairs, blankets, pillows, and whatever you have in your room. Add in some Christmas lights for some Instagram-worthy lighting and a laptop to watch movies in and you’re all set for an evening!
Do you have any other nostalgic DIY activities? Sound off in the comments below!
