The summer is flying by and college is right around the corner. Didn't expect it to sneak up on you quite so fast, did you, Mom? Well, you can sit around sobbing and eating pints of ice cream or you can get busy … dorm DIY is all the rage, and, well, it may be your last chance to get out your glue gun and do something with your kid for a good long while.
Remember when you used to sit down at the dining room table with crayons and butcher paper and waste away an entire afternoon? Ah, so long ago. Now your kids are all about their cellphones and trying to convince their university of choice that Keurigs are so much safer than hot plates.
But if your teen is obsessed with having the coolest dorm on campus, you're in luck — because we've rounded up 10 of the blogosphere's coolest crafts for college dorm rooms.
From homesickness cures to secret cellphone spots, there's something for everyone … even a few things you might accidentally forget to pack and end up using yourself.
Check out #7 and 'fess up — would you be able to part with that thing after you made it?
Image via CRAFT
Home State String Art
Whenever they get homesick, this state string art craft from Andrea Arch will set them straight. Grab some string, some nails, and get hammering — she's got the details on her blog!
DIY Circle Corkboards
Already scoped out the dorms and found there isn't a lot of wallspace? These itty bitty circle corkboards by Trashy Crafter will be just the thing to maximize their organization!
DIY Soda Bottle Light
Sure, you could send them off with the same old IKEA desk lamp every kid has … or you could whip up this rad light made out of recycled soda bottles! Aunt Peaches has the details on how to make this one for just $3!
DIY Hidden Cellphone Charging Station
No one is stealing their cellphone off the charger with this nifty hidden book charging station from Caught on a Whim. Indulge your inner Nancy Drew and get to work!
Mason Jar Terrarium DIY
They're baaaaaack! Terrariums are hot again, and keeping a plant alive is about all you can really expect from a college student (please, no pets in a dorm!). Kat Bouska has all the dirt (get it?) on how to make one of these living art features in a regular old mason jar.
How to Make a Happy Wall
Want to keep the holes in the dorm walls to a minimum? Help them create a "happy wall" for pictures like this one from Nesting Gypsy. Put a ton of photos of family on there before they leave!
Jewelry Hanger & Organizer in One
Send 'em off with a jewelry hanger and organizer that will be the envy of their floor. Dreamed up by A Time for Everything, this crafty creation looks complicated but is a snap to make!
DIY US Map Corkboard
Who has the coolest corkboard in the whole darn dorm? Your kid! Let them chart their planned travels with this interactive map cork board from CRAFT. Don't forget to add a pin for home before they take off!
DIY Photo Bulletin Board
Add a touch of style — and a touch of home — to their bulletin board with this crafty creation from Melanie Ham Design. They can display their photos and tack up important papers.
Button Art
Finding a lot of random buttons as they're cleaning out all their old clothes? There's a craft for that! Send them off to college with a cool button art collage.
