As you begin to prepare for your move to Winona State University, I’m sure many of you are searching through Pinterest and other websites to figure out the best way to make your residence hall room reflect your style and personality… while also fitting your budget.
Luckily for you, that’s where I come in. Here’s a guide of 14 budget-friendly crafts that you can easily make to spruce up your on-campus home.
Make sure to click on the images below to check out craft directions and where we got our inspiration from.
1. Hanging String Art
This is a simple craft that can fit any color scheme–including our college’s–and bring a lot of life to a room.
You can do this craft for under $7!
Supplies:
- Wooden craft dowels: $1 @ Dollar Tree
- String: $3.99 @ Walmart
- Acrylic paint: $0.50 @ Walmart
- Paint brush: $1 @ Dollar Tree
2. Floral Wall Hanging
If you love floral pieces, then this is the perfect way to bring some of your favorite flowers into your room without any routine maintenance.
You can do this craft for under $5!
Supplies:
- Wooden craft dowels: $1 @ Dollar Tree
- Craft jute kit: $1 @ Dollar Tree
- Artificial flowers: $1 @ Dollar Tree
- Acrylic paint: $0.50 @ Walmart
- Paint brush: $1 @ Dollar Tree
3. Greenery Wall Art
Want to bring some greenery into your room? Find some faux leaves and other nature staples to make it happen.
You can do this craft for under $5!
Supplies:
- Wooden craft dowels: $1 @ Dollar Tree
- Craft jute kit: $1 @ Dollar Tree
- Artificial greenery: $1 @ Dollar Tree
- Acrylic paint: $0.50 @ Walmart
- Paint brush: $1 @ Dollar Tree
4. Tassel String Banner
With this simple tissue paper craft, you can add a little flair to your room, whether it’s on your wall, window or under-loft space.
You can do this craft for under $5!
Supplies:
- Tissue paper: $1 @ Dollar Tree
- String: $3.99 @ Walmart
5. Tissue Pom Poms
If tassels aren’t your forte, these pom poms are just the right size to add a bite-size pop of color.
You can do this craft for under $2!
Supplies:
- Tissue paper or tissue pom pom kit: $1 @ Dollar Tree
6. Tissue Paper Flower Accents
If you need to fill a basket or jar, these flower accents are just what you need to bring texture to life in your space.
You can do this craft for under $2!
Supplies:
- Tissue paper: $1 @ Dollar Tree
- Craft jute cord: $1 @ Dollar Tree
7. Shower Curtain Backdrop
Want a wallpaper substitution or step up your Zoom background game? Your favorite shower curtain can easily fill up wall space while adding fun patterns.
You can do this craft for under $10!
Supplies:
- Shower curtain: $6 @ Walmart
- Command strips: $2.50 @ Walmart
8. Mason Jar Painting
Hold your office and bathroom essentials–from pens to Q-tips–while putting your favorite hues on display on your desk or counter.
You can do this craft for under $3!
Supplies:
- Mason jar: $1 @ Dollar Tree
- Acrylic paint: $0.50 @ Walmart
- Paint brush: $1 @ Dollar Tree
9. Floral Mason Jar
If you’d rather fill your painted jars with flowers to add texture to your desk or counter, then enjoy your very own bouquet without any routine maintenance.
You can do this craft for under $6!
Supplies:
- Mason jar: $1 @ Dollar Tree
- Artificial flowers: $1 @ Dollar Tree
- Craft jute cord: $1 @ Dollar Tree
- Acrylic paint: $0.50 @ Walmart
- Paint brush: $1 @ Dollar Tree
10. Editable Poster Accents
Anyone can become a graphic designer with the help of Canva. Create your very own artwork or showcase your favorite quote with this fun craft.
You can do this craft for under $1!
Supplies:
- Canva account: Free
- Picture frames: $1 @ Dollar Tree
11. Accent Floral Letter
Give your room another personal touch with a letter of your first name. You can customize it even further with flowers, beads or ribbon.
You can do this craft for under $3!
Supplies:
- Wooden letter: $1 @ Dollar Tree
- Artificial flowers: $1 @ Dollar Tree
- Glue: $1 @ Dollar Tree
12. Arrow Accent
This wooden arrow can be painted to match your color scheme and display your favorite word or quote.
You can do this craft for under $3!
Supplies:
- Wooden arrow: $1 @ Dollar Tree
- Acrylic paint: $0.50 @ Walmart
- Paint brush: $1 @ Dollar Tree
13. Cactus Accent
Bring the outdoors in with this accent piece on a desk, dresser or bookshelf.
You can do this craft for under $3!
Supplies:
- Wooden cactus: $1 @ Dollar Tree
- Acrylic paint: $0.50 @ Walmart
- Paint brush: $1 @ Dollar Tree
14. Ribbon Picture Wall
Display your pictures beyond simply sticking them to your wall with this hanging collage.
You can do this craft for under $3!
Supplies:
- Wooden craft dowel: $1 @ Dollar Tree
- Ribbon: $1 @ Dollar Tree
- Pictures: Prints starting at $0.09 @ Walmart
Spend some of your time at home making these crafts that’ll add pops of color and make your on-campus home feel like yours.
So, go on–be creative, Warriors!
— Allison Moga, Housing & Residence Life