Inspire Your Inner Artist: Budget-friendly DIY crafts for students

It is said that style is the only thing you can’t buy. It’s not in a shopping bag, a label, or a price tag. It’s simply something reflected from our soul to the outside world—an emotion.

So, creating your own stylish jewellery and accessories at home can be a fun activity this summer. Sharing some ideas, Ms Harveen Kaur, a TGT Fine Arts educator at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, says, “Experimenting with jewellery made of carton, cloth, beads, wool and clay is a great way to start. These are some materials which are apt for creating earrings and necklaces.”

Furthermore, here are some tips to help you get started with making statements and cool pieces. Read on.

Paper Bead Necklaces:

Gather colourful magazines or paper scraps.

Cut long triangular strips from the paper.

Apply glue on one end of the strip and roll it tightly around a toothpick or skewer.

Continue rolling, applying glue along the way, until you reach the end.

Slide the bead off the toothpick and repeat to make more beads.

String the beads onto a string or thin ribbon to create a unique necklace.

Washi Tape Bracelets:

Choose your favourite patterned washi tapes.

Cut a strip of tape long enough to wrap around your wrist with a slight overlap.

Stick the tape onto a strip of cardstock or cardboard to reinforce it.

Trim the ends to create a neat rectangle or desired shape.

Use adhesive Velcro or small magnets to create a closure for the bracelet.

Repeat the process to make multiple bracelets in different patterns.

Bottle Cap Pins:

Collect bottle caps from soft drink bottles.

Clean and dry the caps thoroughly.

Paint the caps in vibrant colours or patterns using acrylic paints.

Let them dry completely, then add designs using markers or permanent pens.

Attach a safety pin or brooch pin to the back of the bottle cap using strong glue or hot glue.

Once the glue is dry, your bottle cap pins are ready to be worn on jackets or bags.

Button Earrings:

Find buttons of various sizes, colours, and shapes.

Remove the shanks from the back of the buttons using wire cutters or pliers.

Apply a small drop of strong adhesive to the flat side of an earring post or a flat pad earring finding.

Press the button firmly onto the earring post or pad.

Let them dry completely before wearing.

Keychain Charms:

Collect small trinkets, such as beads, charms, or miniature toys.

Thread these items onto a length of nylon cord or elastic cord.

Tie a knot at the end to secure the items in place.

Attach a keyring or lobster clasp to the other end of the cord.

Customise the keychain by adding ribbons or braided cords for extra flair.

Ribbon Chokers:

Cut a length of ribbon or lace to fit comfortably around your neck.

Apply fabric glue or use a needle and thread to secure the ends together.

Decorate the ribbon with rhinestones, fabric flowers, or small bows.

You can also attach a pendant or charm in the center of the choker for a statement look.

According to Ms Anjali Yadav, an art educator at Apeejay Svran Global School, Faridabad Sector 21-D, “Creativity goes hand-in-hand with imagination. It is a valuable form of self-expression. The way your art comes out is a reflection of inner thoughts, feelings, likes, and dislikes. So, making jewellery by using waste materials can be a stress-buster this summer. It will help all understand the process of reusing and recycling as well and improve confidence and self-esteem in a multitude of ways.”

Sharing a similar view, Ms Pallavi Bhatia, art educator at Apeejay School, Nerul in Navi Mumbai says, “Jewellery-making as an activity would indeed boost creative skills among children this season. To adore oneself is something which all love at any age. So, creating earrings, pendants, bracelets, anklets by easily available material and techniques will definitely help appreciate aesthetic beauty, express personality and above all strengthen the values of caring and sharing and respect.”

Further, she opines that handmade jewellery gifts are a unique way to show love to our loved ones. “With clay, papier-mâché, beads and quilling, one can choose modern designs, patterns. Another idea is to pair it up with traditional art as well. Besides, artwork made of handmade jewellery can be donated to the lesser privileged. It is surely a thoughtful way of making a difference.”

Remember to always exercise caution and seek adult supervision when working with potentially hazardous materials or tools. Experiment with different materials and techniques to add your personal touch to each accessory you create. Lastly, bear in mind to mix and match materials or colours to make them distinctive.