The college life is universally understood to be financially difficult life. Students living on their own without the support of close by relatives can especially feel the ache of an empty wallet. This of course does little to stop the student from spending money. So how does a student go about supplementing his/her funds? There’s always the job route; but jobs are not always the easiest to find or we are unable to work them into our busy class schedules. So what options are left?
Why not just make what you want yourself?
Do-it-yourself articles abound on the internet. From earrings to refrigerator modifications, there are cheap and easy ways to create accessories, cosmetics, and even furniture on your own. Most of the materials are cheap and easy to find either at your local market or online. Below I’ve listed a few of my favorite DIY articles.
DIY Color Block Earrings
http://inhonorofdesign.blogspot.com/2012/03/diy-kate-spade-inspired-dot-stud.html
These are just adorable. Using furniture buttons, nail polish, tape, and a little super glue, this blogger creates adorable earrings inspired by a Kate Spade creation. Materials cost approximately $10, and you’ll be able to make 30 pairs of earrings, if you so choose. Considering the original Kate Spade earrings cost upwards of $40 (on sale, no less), so the savings can be astronomical. Not to mention, if you find you have too many pairs, you can always give them to friends as gifts or start your own little business!
http://inhonorofdesign.blogspot.com/2012/03/diy-kate-spade-inspired-dot-stud.html
These are just adorable. Using furniture buttons, nail polish, tape, and a little super glue, this blogger creates adorable earrings inspired by a Kate Spade creation. Materials cost approximately $10, and you’ll be able to make 30 pairs of earrings, if you so choose. Considering the original Kate Spade earrings cost upwards of $40 (on sale, no less), so the savings can be astronomical. Not to mention, if you find you have too many pairs, you can always give them to friends as gifts or start your own little business!
DIY Braided Hex Nut Bracelet
http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-braided-hex-nut-bracelet/
http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-braided-hex-nut-bracelet/
If you thought you were saving money with the color block earrings, the savings on this DIY will blow your mind. Braided hex nut bracelets can run as high as $200 online. This is another DIY that will run under $10, possibly only costing you $5! The materials for this DIY are simple: three pieces of rope or cloth all cut at a yard long, and eighteen hex nuts. Hex nuts are available in bundles of varying sizes, but a bundle of 100 will only set you back about $5. With a little skill you can turn these basic items into a beautiful accessory.
DIY Homemade Lip Balm
http://www.michellephan.com/post/diy-lip-balm
http://www.michellephan.com/post/diy-lip-balm
Articles for DIY lip balm can be found in abundance on the internet, but Michelle Phan goes about it in much easier way. Ingredients called for are beeswax, almond oil, and coconut oil. These create a basic, virtually odorless lip balm. However, by mixing in essential oils or some of your favorite lipstick, you can add color and scent to your custom chapstick! Depending on where you get your ingredients, this DIY project can run anywhere from $10 - $20.
Those of us who live in the residence halls are always looking for ways to brighten up our bleak, fluorescent lit surroundings. White Con-Tact paper (often used in art classes of varying levels), a T-square, scissors, and measuring tape are used in this DIY to change a boring old black fridge into a statement-maker. The writer of the article cuts the Con-Tact paper into chevron shapes and places them on her fridge, but what’s to stop you from creating your own fridge design? This idea is best for people living in places they can’t permanently alter (such as renters).
By Elizabeth Martin
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