It’s that time of year: Back to school season.  From one student to another, I can tell you: it’s always a love-hate relationship.  Amanda asked you guys on the Vans Girls Twitter if you wanted some DIY ideas for apartments and dorms, so I decided to let you guys in on what I’m doing to make my dorm cute and personalized. Last year, I basically failed at customizing my room.  I refuse to repeat my mistakes for this year.  So don’t let the bulky wooden furniture that they give you drag you down, we’re in this together!

You all know that we are obsessed with the A Beautiful Mess blog.  Inspired by their Floral and Wire Words DIY, I made my own floral letters, using mine and my roommate Erin’s initials to hang on our kitchen wall.

I also upgraded simple glass bottles with lace ribbon to make a feminine vase.  To make your own, just paint Mod Podge around the bottom of the bottle, wrap the lace around the area starting from the bottom-up, and let it dry for 15 minutes. So easy!

Making my own décor has made me totally anxious to move back in and get to fixing up my room.  So excited to show you all the final product!-alyson