Ever since our formative years, there’s too much importance placed on academic results, rather than the process of learning. Similarly, when it comes to arts and crafts, we place too much emphasis on how skilled we are at it. Today, hobbies have become so demanding with excessive pressure we put on the result. However, if the end product you created is not Picasso-approved, who cares? You had fun while at it and that’s all that matters. With Diwali around the corner, this is the best time to let go of your inhibitions around artistic pursuits with DIY festive décor ideas for beginners.
Last year, as our mental health took a hit, many people took to art as therapy. Our Instagram feed was full of people finally pursuing their interests, be it cooking up a storm, taking up resin art, knife painting, fluid art, decoupage, and so much more. While that led to several people feeling encouraged to pursue their hobbies, many were intimidated by the standards they pressured themselves to match.
But it’s not the quality of your final product that brings all the benefits of art, it is the process of it. Experts say that the process of indulging in a creative hobby clears our minds of the many thoughts—many of which may be stress-inducing—and help us focus on the present. Thus, this festive season, let’s pursue our artistic interests for their therapeutic pleasures.
DIY festive décor ideas for beginners
Image Source: Instagram/Naturalfibreart
Hand-painted diyas
What you need: Acrylic paints, paintbrush, brown mitti diyas
Get down and dirty with a fun painting session, as you add a burst of colours to the brown canvas of mitti diyas. All you have to do is buy your choice of acrylic paints and start painting. Feel free to play around and make your own colour combos. Let your hand-painted diyas dry. Place these on your doorstep and a smile will appear on your face each time you look at them.
Image Source: Instagram/Artistic_homedesign
A lit-up canopy
What you need: A white net canopy or georgette fabric (six metres), a bangle, fairy lights, artificial vines, mattress and cushions (need-based)
Tie the fabric on a bangle, so it can act as a hook—unless your net canopy already has one. Hang the bangle on the wall and spread the fabric around a mattress or a couch. If you are using a mattress, tuck the excess fabric under it, so it stays steady. Decorate it with fairy lights, artificial vines, and cushions (shinier the better) of your choice.
Image Source: Instagram/artistic_homedesign
Paper cup garland
What you need: White paper cups, your choice of decoration (decorative papers/white lacy net/jute fabric/lace jute burlap ribbon), glue, LED lights, scissors
Stick your choice of decoration (that is not completely opaque) on the paper cups. Make an ‘X’ on the bottom of the cup and cut along it. Use the opening to fit the LED lights in. Avoid using fairy lights because those get heated easily and can cause a fire when paired with flammable material, such as paper.
Image Source: Instagram/Kiranshandmadecreation
Decorative jars
What you need: Glass jars of varying sizes, lace/jute/burlap ribbon, jute twine, candles, glue
Decorate the glass jars by sticking the jute burlap ribbon on each jar. You can use any lace/crochet fabric you like. Tie a piece of jute twine string around the neck of the jar. Place a candle in the jar. You can use LED tealights or fairy lights as well.
Image Source: Instagram/Csmscrapbooker
Washi tape tealights
What you need: Tealight candles, washi tape, scissors
This is the easiest of all. Tealight candles can look a little dull in those typical metal holders they come in. Spruce up their look by sticking washi tapes of your choice around the tealight holder. The best part is, the width of the tape matches that of the metal holders perfectly.
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