If you haven’t yet discovered Etsy, the Internet’s largest and coolest craft marketplace, beware. It will eat your soul. Ok, maybe not your soul, but it will take a serious bite out of your day and, if you’re not careful, your savings account.

You can easily fritter away three or four hours just browsing through dresses or scarves or jewelry, not to mention shoes, crafts and other delicious goodies.

. . . Ok,  I’m back now. Got a little side-tracked.

Anyway, Etsy can be a little overwhelming if you’re just starting to look. It’s like walking into Ikea for the first time, or popping into Costco without a list. Basically, you need some guidance (that is easier to follow than those Spanish maps at Ikea…).

That’s why I’m here! Try dipping your toe in the Etsy pool by browsing products from these 10 fab sellers. And then spend another 6 hours getting to know the rest.

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[Ever see something you want but don't have the money to buy? Ever get sick of studying/watching TV and have the urge to get crafty and make things on your own? We know! Us too! We just don't know where to start, which is why we got some of CollegeCandy's craftiest writers to share their favorite DIY projects with everyone. So get to your nearest craft store for the essentials and let's make some fun sh*t.]

Every college girl has moments of extreme stress/anxiety/feeling a little crazy. Rather than take it out on a poor, defenseless friend (or door), I have the perfect project to ease your mind:The Dammit Doll.

These little dolls make great targets for taking out your frustration when you’re stressed about school, when you have guy troubles, and just in general when you need something to throw, jab, squeeze, or stomp on (not that I promote violence).

They also make great gifts for your angst-filled friends as well, and are much cuter than your average bland stress ball, not to mention cheaper than anger management classes.

Materials:

- Felt

- Stuffing (cotton balls, beans, pine straw, rice, etc.)

- Needle & thread or sewing machine

- Decorations (cut-out felt pieces for clothing, sequins for eyes, pins for jewelry, etc.) Read More »

By now you’re probably passed all of your fascination with college being new and exciting.  You’re also probably tired of the same old dorm posters.  Instead of just plastering your walls over with stereotypical college imagery, why don’t you make your dorm as unique as you are?

Have no fear my decorating minions, get your hot glue guns ready and lets get crafty!

Let’s Make… Picture frames! Posters are so…mainstream. Everyone has them. Why not hang your own pictures in personalized frames?

 This is an easy craft. You can find ready-made frames for cheap at any dollar store, walmart, or craft store. All you need to do is decorate with fabric, sequins, or little plastic accents…things you can again find at walmart or a craft store. Just apply them with your hot glue gun…and there you have it!

Let’s Make… Beaded curtains!  This project will take a little more time to finish, but it allows your mind to go to a zen-like place while you do it.

You will need: Beads! Fishing line and a tension curtain rod.

First measure your door frame and decide how thick you want your curtain to be. Thicker curtains call for more beads. Cut your fishing line to fit, and then start stringing your beads (this part takes awhile).

Once you’re done stringing all your beads,  apply them to the rod and hang. Put a dab of hot glue over the part where the beads are tied over the rod to keep the steady. There you have it! Read More »