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By Isabella Doherty, Features Editor
Social distancing can be difficult— between homework, hair alterations, and 16-season TV show binging, take a break from your imminent boredom and try some of these arts and crafts that you can do at home.
Origami Lights
Have extra string lights and paper? Use some colored paper or paint your own with watercolors to make origami balloons. There are super easy instructions to follow on Google. You can place the lights inside of the paper balloons and string them up around your room to mix things up.
Wall mural
So bored that you’re staring at the wall? Try painting it. Sketch out a mural of pretty flowers, cute animals, an interesting pattern, your favorite movie, or your favorite quote. Once you have your image layed out, go ahead and paint— using acrylic paints if you have them. If not, there are ways to make your own paint at home with things around the house. Google also has the answers to that. And don’t worry, if you get bored of staring at that, paint over it with something new.
Productivity board
Sometimes trying to keep track of everything and not fall into the deep dark hole of Netflix unproductivity is near impossible. There are plenty of different alternatives to this idea but one idea is to find a board, if you don’t have one on hand you can use some cardboard, and decorate it how you see fit. Put your long term and short term goals, homework, ideas, and anything else you need on it. Anytime you get distracted by the never ending stream of TikToks, just look at your board and remind yourself of your goals and plans.
Paint or Sketch
Old fashion painting or sketching is always a good way to get your creative brain juices moving again. If you are having a difficult time coming up with ideas, Instagram and Pinterest have tons of paintings and drawings that can be used for inspiration.
Paint your phone case or AirPod case
Personalize your case for your phone or AirPods using paints or markers that work well on plastics. First prep your surface by either sanding it or using a surface preparation. Then sketch out your idea with pencil and fill it in using either paint or markers. Posca markers work great on all surfaces and are useful for almost any project. You can always use less permanent art supplies if you don’t want to fully commit.
Embroidery or Learn to Sew
While you can’t go out and buy new clothes at the mall, you can still make that outfit you always wanted and model them around for your pet. The internet has tons of great tutorials and patterns of how to make your own outfits from either scratch or old clothes you don’t wear anymore. You can even easily sew your own mask at home since supplies are low in most stores.
Start a Bullet Journal
Bullet Journals are perfect to keep track of time while stuck in the endless cycle of isolation. Decorate them however you want or copy a beautiful spread that you find off Instagram or Pinterest. It’s easy to start, just use a blank notebook and any pens you have lying around and make a list, calendar, diary, or schedule— whatever you want to create.
Happy Box
Isolation can be extremely difficult on the human brain. This is an especially uncharted and hard time and it’s important to stay positive. One project is called a happy box. Take a shoe box and put all of the things that make you feel happy or joyful. Spend time decorating your box so that when you’re sad, you may open the box and be filled with happiness instead. Think of it like a first aid kit for feelings.
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