5 Ways to Be Fashion-Forward and Creative During the Pandemic
Who said that being in quarantine means staring at the wall all day and being bored out of your mind? Why not channel one’s inner designer and get artsy with one of these DIY fashion projects (especially since artwork fashion is the new “it” trend of 2021)?
Getting into arts and crafts not only helps to pass the time but can also bring extra income on the side and the satisfaction of knowing that this is something hand-made, something a person put their heart and soul into. Here are 5 DIY fashion activities you can do yourself, or with family and friends:
1. Hand sew your masks
It’s time to get that grandmother’s vintage sewing machine out of the attic and try to create that one-of-a-kind mask. It may not come out right the first time it’s done, but if one has enough “passion for fashion” and continues practicing with patterns, that dream mask will be ready to present a fashion statement…, at least for the neighborhood park. And let’s not forget about social distancing when somebody comes up to complement the designer on your one-of-a-kind mask.
Why not share this new-found hobby with a friend over tea via Zoom or Skype? It’s sure to become the main topic of a conversation and grab attention, while maybe giving inspiration to another crafter in the making. Sharing some ideas on jewelry-making is sure to bring the two long-time gal pals even closer; it can become the “sisterhood secret” they will keep, something to bond over, and also one of the most fun DIY fashion projects for begininers.
Who knows, maybe this newly-discovered hobby can turn into a little side business! There are lots of places online to sell your hand-made goods so you can start making additional income from something you love. And like they say: “The happiest person is the one whose job is a hobby.”
2. Hand paint your shoes
Need to spice-up your stay-at-home COVID routine and do something fun as a whole family activity? Or maybe you’ve always wanted to channel an inner designer in you, but never took the plunge? Or you don’t want to ditch an old beloved and worn-out pair of vintage kicks and just give them a little pick-me-up?
This new fashion trend is giving DIY lovers and wannabes a run for their money. They are customizing and painting their boring white kicks in all colors of the rainbow, draw any geometric shapes you can think of, or…just splashing the paint on your footgear and let it do the work for you. You will get a special inner feeling of satisfaction knowing that you’ve done something creative as well as didn’t break your bank by buying a new pair of sneakers, resurrecting your old ones instead.
3. Knit like you’re getting paid for it
Another great way to express creativity and stay warm on these cold winter days is to take up knitting, creating something warm, fuzzy, and, by all means, fashionable. A beginner knitter can turn to online sources (like YouTube, for instance) for some knitting classes, and try to get inspiration from fashion magazines as well as various internet sources. In this day and age, there is so much information available to choose from, the only thing you really need to get started is the desire to knit.
Always wanted that cozy oversize sweater or a chunky, fashionable scarf you saw on the internet, or a pair of cute wool socks, kind of like the ones grandmas usually execute perfectly? With some practice, you will be able to create any unique piece that is going to bring a smile to your face as well as serve its heat-generating purpose. This is one of our favorite DIY fashion projects to do in the winter!
4. Friendship necklaces & bracelets
Want to show a friend how much you care? This is one of the best DIY fashion projects you can do to make a gift for someone else! How about making a friendship necklace or a cute statement bracelet and some matching earrings to go with it while being cooped up in the house? It’s not hard at all, with minimum supplies a great piece of handcrafted jewelry will surface. A newbie jeweler can find inspiration all over the internet and let their imagination do the work, helping with different creative ideas.
Just like with the other above-described DIY projects, a beginner can find numerous training videos online teaching the jewelry-making basics. Some of the main materials one can work with are strings, beads, glitter, glue, metal hooks, and various types of paint (to paint the beads).
During the 80-90s time frame handmade, boho-inspired bling was very popular; some of us may have even made catchy pieces that now collect dust somewhere in the loft. Now they are making a comeback to many crafters’ delight, so why not return to “the roots” and feel like a child again, having fun at home and maybe make it into a whole-family affair?
With this whole pandemic situation and the necessity to wear face coverings, one of the inspirations can be making jeweled face masks, which are very trendy nowadays. A mask of this kind can satisfy the taste of even the pickiest fashionista out there. Functionality and safety don’t mean sacrificing the looks.
5. Embroider a bohemian look
Last, but not least, is the embroidery DIY creations: it can be used on any garment, giving it the whole bohemian look (which is very trendy now). Materials that can be used are: embroidery hood, embroidery needles, colorful threads, and a pencil or a pen to draw the desired design. Here’s a chance to get artsy and give that worn-out t-shirt a new life!
For people with anxiety/depression problems, this type of downtime can become a serious stress-reliever; it will act as a meditation session, making them concentrate on one activity at a time while teaching patience and perseverance. It’s one of the best DIY fashion projects to get started on!
The statistic shows that with the outbreak of COVID more and more people turn to psychotherapists for mental help because of being isolated from the loved ones or losing their job… but what if a patient doesn’t have the money or is not covered by insurance to pay for professional services? He/she can engage in some type of an arts and crafts project, including the one mentioned in this section, and it will surely aid with the release of negative emotions while not breaking a person’s bank.
So, we have covered the main 5 DIY fashion projects to start on while you are still under quarantine, anybody can choose one of them to suit their taste/preferences if desired. During these uncertain, tough times a fun and engaging activity is sure to bring excitement and relief to a tired mind, brighten up somebody’s “gloomy” day and even become an extra income source later. Let’s craft some smiles!