Top 10 Easy DIY Crafts to Make At Home.

Crafting is not only a fantastic way to create unique homemade items, but it also serves as a creative outlet that can be incredibly therapeutic and rewarding. In this blog post, we are going to explore ten of the best and most simple DIY crafts you can make right at home. So, whether you're a seasoned crafter or a DIY rookie, gather up your craft supplies and get ready to ignite your creative spark!

Photo credit: Adonyi Gabor on Pexels.

Importance of DIY Crafts as a Creative Outlet

DIY crafts play a pivotal role in nurturing our creativity. It enables us to use our imaginations to create something new and innovative. Don't worry if you think you're not 'creative'- crafting isn't about perfect end results, it's about the process and pleasure of creation itself.

Some of the specific aspects that make DIY crafting an excellent creative outlet include:

• It encourages creative thinking
• It provides a platform for self-expression
• It helps relieve stress by engaging the mind and hands
• It gives a sense of accomplishment once the project is finished

Benefits of Making Crafts at Home

Producing homemade crafts carry a host of fantastic benefits. Some of them include:

• It's a cost-effective way of creating personalized gifts
• It’s an excellent activity for family bonding if you involve children in the process
• You can create decor pieces that cater to your specific taste and style
• It can be a satisfying and productive way to spend some free time
• You can even turn your hobby into a profitable business if you wish

Stay tuned as we delve into the top 10 easy DIY crafts that you can start today, right from the comfort of your own home.

Paper Crafts

Stepping into the captivating world of paper crafts, these homemade projects tend to bring out the child in everyone. Whether it's a rainy day or you're looking for a productive way to keep your hands busy, these two craft ideas are easy to make and delightful to display.

Photo credit: Saeed Khokhar.

Origami Animals

Origami, the art of paper folding, is engrossing and therapeutic in its practice. Japanese in origin, it is not only fun but also boosts mental concentration and fine motor skills. Origami animals are one of the easiest and most popular projects to start with. Grab yourselves some colorful square origami paper and transform it into delightful creatures.

- Frogs: A fun origami project even for beginners.

- Butterflies: A little more advanced, but so rewarding creating a delicate flurry of paper butterflies.

- Cranes: A classic in the origami world. You can add a string and turn them into a pretty mobile.

Paper Flowers

For those of you who love botanical additions to your home decor but could do without the watering, try your hand at crafting delicate paper flowers. These lifelike creations are a terrific way to add a touch of nature indoors without worrying about upkeep.

- Roses: The ultimate symbol of love.

- Daisies: These white beauties are simple to make and look bright and cheery.

- Tulips: Add a dash of Dutch inspiration to your home with DIY tulips.

With either option, you're bound to create some very novel and eye-catching decor for your home. Happy crafting!

Recycled Crafts

Looking for an opportunity to save the environment while indulging your crafting, creative cravings and reducing the clutter at home? Be prepared to swoon over these easy and fun recycled crafts that are a major win-win option for your home.

Photo credit: Inspiring Women

Tin Can Lanterns

Tin can lanterns are an absolutely delightful way to brighten up your space. With just a used tin can, a small hammer and a nail, you can bring your designs to life:

1. Remove any labels from a tin can and clean it thoroughly.
2. Fill the can with water and freeze it, to ensure it holds its shape while you work.
3. With a nail and a hammer, make your desired patterns on the can.
4. Once done, let the ice melt, dry up the can, and paint any color you prefer. Voila, your lanterns are ready! Add a candle or LED light, and brighten up your space in an effortless and eco-friendly way.

Plastic Bottle Planters

Plastic wastes are a tremendous environmental hazard and finding good use for them is always a big deal. Transforming used plastic bottles into chic little planters is a super fun and environmentally friendly DIY project. All you need to do is cut the plastic bottle in half, paint it to your desired color, fill it with soil and plant your flowers, herbs or succulents. This way you're not only creating a bespoke home decor but taking an active part in saving our environment.

Newspaper Coasters

Newspapers are something every household has. Instead of tossing them in the recycling bin, how about a fun craft? Try creating these mesmerizing newspaper coasters:

1. Cut the newspaper into strips and roll them tightly into thin rods.
2. Start coiling these rods from one end and secure them with adhesive.
3. Cover the coasters with a decoupage medium to make them water and heat resistant.

These eco-friendly coasters are not only going to add a vintage charm to your table, but also a great conversation starter!

Starting with these craft ideas, you’ll soon discover the immense joy and fulfillment that comes from giving new life to things that have lost their original purpose. So, make these fun, easy DIY crafts a part of your home and enjoy the sustainable crafting journey!

Fabric Crafts

Got a pile of unused fabric lying around your house? Repurposing them into crafts is one of the best ways to get creative and have a little fun at the same time!

Here are two fantastic fabric craft ideas you’ll definitely love as much as we do. So, leave everything aside, let your creativity radiate, and dive right into crafting land. 

Photo credit: In the Cove.

No-sew Pillows

Who says you need to be a master seamstress or at least a sewing enthusiast to have homemade pillows? With this easy no-sew pillow DIY craft, you'll have yourself a set of lovely, cozy pillows in no time.

- Start by cutting two squares of fabric, the size depending on how big you want your pillow to be.

- Put the two pieces together, the patterned sides facing each other.

- Start tying the fringes together. Only tie three sides, leaving one side open to stuff your pillow.

- Fill your pillow with stuffing and then tie the remaining fringes together, and voila! You’ve got a no-sew pillow.

T-shirt Tote Bags

Turn your old t-shirts into handy tote bags with this simple DIY craft. This is an eco-friendly way to upcycle your old stuff.

- First, cut off the sleeves of the t-shirt and make a larger cut to frame the neckline, which will serve as the handle of the bag.

- Flip the t-shirt inside out and sew (or glue, if you don't have a sewing machine) the bottom closed.

- Turn it right side out again, and there you go! Your very own homemade T-shirt tote bag ready to use or gift to a friend.

Nature Crafts

Nature has a habit of providing the best materials for our crafting needs. Let's dive into creating some beautiful, simple, and fun nature-inspired DIY crafts right at home.

Photo credit: S&S Blog.

Pinecone Bird Feeders

This one’s a classic and it’s perfect for the colder months when our feathery friends could use a bit of extra help finding food. Plus, Pinecone bird feeders are easy to make! All you need are some pinecones, a bit of peanut butter, bird seeds, and a string for hanging. Using a butter knife, smear some peanut butter over the pinecone.

- Roll the peanut butter covered pinecone in bird seeds until it's well coated.

- Secure the string onto the pinecone.

- Hang it outside on a tree branch.

Bingo! You've given your local birds a tasty treat and made a natural ornament for your garden.

Leaf Prints

Making leaf prints is another simple and beautiful DIY craft to utilize nature's bounty. Collect leaves of different shapes and sizes from your garden or a nearby park.

- Lay a piece of paper.

- Arrange the leaves on top.

- Coat the leaf's backside with some paint.

- Flip it over and press onto your sheet. Voilà, you got some stunning nature-inspired prints! These can be used to create personalized gift wrap, greeting cards, or to decorate your walls.

These easy and fun ideas are not just eco-friendly, but also great to engage youngsters in crafts while teaching them about nature's beauty.

Mason Jar Crafts

There's simply something magical about Mason jars! These simple everyday objects that once held grandma's homemade jam can be transformed into the most charming and practical crafts. Let's explore a few ideas that are easy, fun, and can add a unique twist to your home.

Photo credit: Elle Decor.

Mason Jar Candles

Who doesn't love the soft, warm glow of a candle? Better yet, making your own allows you to fill your home with your favorite scents. Here's how:

- Find an old Mason jar (or buy one from your local craft store).

- Purchase some wax flakes (soy is a great, eco-friendly option), essential oils for fragrance, and a wick.

- Melt the wax flakes in a pot, stirring in your chosen oil once it has fully melted.

- While the wax is cooling slightly, secure your wick to the bottom of the jar.

- Pour the wax into the jar, ensuring the wick stays upright.

- Allow the candle to cool and firm up before use.

Mason Jar Herb Garden

In addition to candles, Mason jars can be used to create your very own herb garden. The process is amazingly simple and deliciously rewarding.

- First, fill your Mason jar about 2/3 full with potting soil.

- Add your herb seeds (such as basil, mint, or thyme), and then cover with a little more soil.

- Water your seeds lightly, and place your jar in a sunny window.

- With just a little patience, you will soon see your herbs sprouting! Continue to water as needed.

In no time, you'll have fresh herbs right at your fingertips for your cooking adventures and fresh-smelling, homemade candles to create a cozy ambiance! 

Conclusion

Well, the journey we took together was nothing short of exciting! From discovering our creative side to getting our hands busy, it's clear how both satisfying and fun crafting can be. So, let’s quickly recap on our top 10 easy DIY crafts to make at home that delighted us in this guide:

• Dream catcher
• Handprinted mugs
• Homemade bath bombs
• DIY candle holders
• Handmade photo frames
• Origami deigns and patterns
• Homemade jewelry using beads
• Popsicle stick bookmarks
• Homemade soaps
• DIY wall décor using stock photos

Encouragement to start crafting and share creations with others If you've ever thought crafting could be daunting, hopefully, these easy crafts we've explored have changed your mind. There's no creativity too small or detail too trivial when it comes to DIY crafts. I encourage everyone reading this to pick up your crafting tools, dive into these projects, and start creating!

Don't just stop there. Once you've whipped up these homemade crafts, share them with loved ones. Better yet, post them on your social media! Inspire others with your creativity and even help make their home a little bit more personal and inviting with your DIY crafts. Remember, the beauty of creativity lies within the joy you get from creating something from scratch and the happiness it sparks in others that appreciate them.

Take that step today. It's time to rock the world with your craftiness! Happy crafting!

Have Yourself The #HappiestChristmasAtSM with a New Jingle by Jose Mari Chan!

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to kickstart the festive spirit than with the iconic Jose Mari Chan? This Christmas, SM has teamed up with the Father of Philippine Christmas Music to gift us all a catchy, heartwarming tune that's sure to make your holiday season even more special.

Photo credit: SM Supermalls.

This year, Chan has returned to serenade Pinoy shoppers with the song entitled “Celebrate Christmas at SM.” With his timeless voice, you are sure to feel the warmth of the holidays and create joyful memories with your friends and family.

The latest Christmas jingle is the perfect anthem for the holiday season. With a lyrics and chorus that's impossible not to sing along to, it's the kind of song that will have you humming while shopping for gifts or browsing the latest offers.

Make your way to your favorite SM Mall, Shop for gifts, savor holiday treats, and create unforgettable moments with loved ones only at SM.

To know more about the events this Christmas and to check out this year’s Christmas Jingle, visit www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls and #HappiestChristmasAtSM on social media.

Get a Flattering Look Instantly With Shapewear Outwear for a Perfect Fit and Style.

Shapewear has been around for a long time to shape the body and accentuate natural curves. Of course, it boosts women's self-confidence and increases self-love, too. Long known as slimming undergarments, the huge popularity of modern shapewear is now turning it into the new outerwear. Shapewear is becoming a fashion statement in its own right.

Innovative, flattering and fashionable designs blur the boundaries of shapewear as a tight undergarment that must be hidden under clothing. Instead, now you can see many celebrities and fashion influencers wearing shapewear as gorgeous outfits for any occasion. Shapewear outerwear is the trend, and we are here for it!

The concept of shapewear undergarments as outerwear is actually nothing new. However, the influence of social media has made the shapewear outerwear style more popular than ever, and many are loving it. If you want to dip your toe into this trend, follow this simple guide on how to style your shapewear outerwear for a flattering look, below!

1. Pair With Jeans

Lace Glamour Leavy Florals Long Sleeve Bodysuit

You can never go wrong with this combination, a figure slimming bodysuit and high-waisted jeans!

Shapewear bodysuits are the best pieces that you can consider wearing as shapewear outerwear. It's actually a better choice than other types of tops. Shapewear bodysuits not only elevate your look with trendy designs, but also give you a shaping effect that you can get instantly, from flattening your stomach, sculpting your waistline to smoothing out your silhouette.

You can find many bodysuits in flattering designs at Shapellx. This brand offers the best shapewear in a variety of designs, including slimming bodysuits in a wide selection of fashionable styles, patterns and colors. The best style is completely yours. Jeans will go perfectly with everything, and so will a bodysuit. Whether it's the most basic design, V-neck, cut-out, long sleeve or halter-neck, the duet combination of shapewear bodysuit and jeans will give you a stunning streamlined look that you can wear comfortably every day.

2. Drape The Blazer

PowerConceal™ Mixed Color Racerback Bodysuit

If you want a preppy style, throw an oversized blazer over your shapewear bodysuit. This time, choose a bodysuit with a minimalist design and neutral colors as a base, so you can easily mix and match with various blazers like an expert.

Even if combined with any bottoms, shapewear bodysuits will give you a tucked-in look that stays tidy all day long. Shapewear bodysuits provide compression that can help you eliminate muffin tops and achieve a smooth silhouette instantly. This style will look elegant for all occasions. However, before you steal this style, make sure you choose a quality tummy shaper or bodysuit made from light, high-elastic fabric to support your comfort.

3. Sheer Layering

AirSlim® See-Through Mesh Smoothing Bodysuit

You can create layering styles in many ways. If you have shaper shorts, it's a great idea to layer them under a see-through dress for a chic look, as has been seen a lot in recent street style. Shaper shorts not only provide a modern fashionable touch, but also accentuate your natural curves in a much better version.

You can also achieve a more feminine yet adorable style by combining a see-through smoothing bodysuit under a strapless mini dress. This look is inspired by one of Shapellx's hottest items right now, the AirSlim® See-Through Mesh Smoothing Bodysuit. Not only can it take your look to the next level, the shapewear bodysuit also offers a comfy sculpting effect that will make your dress fit better on your body. Steal this look before this fall and winter ends, or you will regret it later!

4. Mix And Match Shaping Leggings

AirSlim® Front Slit Flare Legging

While we are busy on shapewear bodysuits as a versatile top, shaping leggings are already queuing up next on the list. Indeed, shaping leggings are one of the best shapewear items for a cozy yet stylish everyday look that you shouldn't miss this year.

Many women look for a body shaper with butt lifter to tighten and shape an adorable bubble butt. Shaping leggings are one item that offers the same features, and that's why many women agree that in some ways, shaping leggings are better than jeans. This item gives the illusion of longer and slimmer legs, in addition to enhancing the shape of your butt. Better yet, shaping leggings can be worn as outerwear that goes perfectly with any top and layer, even your bodysuit. It can also pull out all the styles you want, from sporty, casual to cute.

5. Wear A Shapewear Dress Or Shaping Jumpsuit

Built-In 360° Draped Mesh Shaper Dress

The real definition of effortlessly stylish is wearing a shapewear dress. This item can give you everything in one piece, comfort, flattering look and perfect sculpting. You don't even need any other pieces to make it stand out, it looks gorgeous in its own way!

Shapewear dresses are a modern shapewear innovation that offers versatility and practicality. Their flattering designs can embrace any style and elevate your look for all occasions. While its pretty dress knocks your mood, the built-in shapewear provides a perfect hourglass sculpting and support to boost your confidence. Apart from shapewear dresses, you can choose shaping jumpsuits for a chic and fancy style. Either way, it will definitely look stunning on you!

6. A New Trend Alert: 2-in-1 Shapewear Tops

Built-in Shapewear 2-in-1 Overlapping V-neck Top

We always have space to talk about shapewear bodysuits, right? A new trend alert has been dropped in the shapewear industry. Now officially offered by the popular brand Shapellx, the 2-in-1 shapewear tops, which are taking the stage this season.

This shapewear provides a stylish and comfortable look from the outer layer, plus slimming and shaping features from the inner layer. This best shapewear provides full support for the breasts, tummy, waist, buttocks and thighs, which allows you to achieve your best curves flawlessly. If you have this item in your wardrobe, it means you are ready to bring your shapewear out from under your clothes!

Pru Life UK receives back-to-back awards at the 20th annual International Business Awards.

Leading life insurer Pru Life UK clinched four Stevie® awards at the 20th annual International Business Awards held on 13 October in Rome, Italy.

Pru Life UK was awarded a Silver Stevie® in the Communications or PR Campaign of the Year - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion category for PRUHealth FamLove, a first-of-its-kind renewable plan that provides critical illness insurance coverage for up to 4 family members.

PRUHealth FamLove is a progressive and inclusive insurance product covering both traditional and modern families, including foster families, LGBTQIA+ couples, single parents, and common-law partners.

Pru Life UK was also bestowed two Bronze Stevie® awards in the Communications or PR Campaign of the Year - Climate Change and Internal Communications category.

“We are grateful for every opportunity to show our PRU Love to our dear employees, our 40K-strong agency force, our 1.7M customers, and all our communities. With these awards, we are humbled and even more inspired to bless many more Filipinos, families, and communities and be their partners for every life, protectors for every future,” says Eng Teng Wong, Pru Life UK President and Chief Executive Officer.

At the core of its work on Communicating Insurance Protection as a Climate Adaptation Measure is the pioneering study which revealed that no disease group is immune to the effects of climate change and warned that cases of certain diseases will increase due to global warming.

This made a strong case for financial security to be recognized as a climate adaptation measure. The result of the study was released to the public through a media briefing, followed by a three-part webisode with industry experts.

Meanwhile, its 2022 Byaheng PRU Employee Engagement Campaign was recognized for excellence in internal communications. A project of its Employee Welfare Committee, it has been instrumental in fostering collaboration among employees from various divisions and empowering over 900 full-time employees to lead their company-wide initiatives for growth and success.

The International Business Awards is a prestigious awards program that honors achievements in the workplace. The 2023 competition has attracted over 3,700 nominations from various organizations in more than 60 countries.

Last July, the Insurance Asia Awards, one of the industry’s most prestigious programs, named Pru Life UK as the International Life Insurer of the Year - Philippines for the third consecutive year.

These awards come on the heels of Pru Life UK securing the top spot in the latest industry performance report by the Insurance Commission based on New Business Annual Premium Equivalent (NBAPE) in the second quarter of 2023.

Details about the IBA and the lists of Stevie Award winners are available at www.StevieAwards.com/IBA.

Golden Grains PH marks its 36th year celebrating throughout the holidays!

To celebrate its 36th year, Golden Grains Philippines invited fellow October birthday celebrators to join in the fun and get a chance to snag their favorite rice variants for free. The same products that have made Golden Grains beloved through the years will be given away to 36 lucky October celebrators this month!

Lucky participants are set to receive their choice of Golden Grains’ well-patronized rice varieties namely, Super Angelica, Maharlika, Sinandomeng Special, Dinurado Aromatic Rice, Platinum Plus Whole Grain Rice, Thai Jasmine Rice, and Kanto Japanese Rice, as well as Golden Grains’ range of Healthy Alternative rice products - Organic Brown Rice, Organic Red Rice, and Organic Black Rice.

Golden Grains is a quality brand under REJ Commercial Corporation that was launched on October 1987 amidst political turmoil in the Philippines. It has emerged as a sturdy rice brand despite challenges through the years because of its consistently high-quality, homegrown rice products sourced directly from the major rice granaries of Mindoro, Nueva Ecija, and Isabela.

The brand is also one of the pioneers in the industry to introduce Organic Red and Organic Brown rice varieties into a market in need of a healthy alternative to white rice in 2004. In less than a year, it was already awarded by the Consumers’ League of the Philippines as the Most Outstanding Organic Rice Brand the following year. Golden Grains’ timely and consumer- driven decisions have truly turned into winning milestones definitely worth celebrating on its 36th year.

This 2023, Golden Grains has made a commitment to make its offers more exciting through its availability plans, month-on-month promotions, and consumer-centric strategy.

Golden Grains Availability

Golden Grains makes flexibility, freshness and your peace-of-mind a top priority whichever way you prefer - bringing home fresh, vacuum-sealed harvests or ordering online and receiving them right at your doorstep.

Golden Grains continuously makes its products available in renowned supermarkets like Waltermart, Robinsons, AllDay, Shopwise, South Supermarket, Metro Gaisano Supermarket, LCC Supermarket (Bicol), among others.

Golden Grains has also made itself fully present and available to its online consumer market via Lazada and Shopee forging further brand growth into the 21st century.

Month-on-Month Promotions

Double digit sales are one of the many exciting ways Golden Grains connect with its consumers. Each month, offers of free or discounted shipping costs and unbeatable deals have become a big attraction to its online followers.

Some exciting double day sales were the 8.8 August sale offered up to 80% off on shipping fees in both Golden Grains’ Official Shopee & Lazmall stores, and for 9.9 September, its Platinum Plus Whole Grain rice campaigned for a 99-Peso discount. 

Last 10.10 October, it offered a flash sale exclusive to the e-commerce platforms and will be giving away gifts of rice packs to lucky October Birthday Celebrators. Catch the announcement on Golden Grains’ Facebook and Instagram after today’s final day to enlist!

November and December are equally prize-packed as 11.11 gives away 36 premium rice dispensers and 12.12 starts early to complete the 12 Days of Giveaways with Golden Grains.

Consumer-centric Campaigns

Cooking rice and recipes best-paired-with-rice have become a strong bridge of communications where Golden Grains and its consumers delightfully engaged with each other. With countless recipes dished out, lots of tasty food fares prepared, and many rice stories shared, Golden Grains has captured the hearts of its consumers with ideas, tips, hacks or simply able to trigger some delicious cravings.

While different rice recipes require different types of rice, Golden Grains know that different people also like different varieties. This is why efforts of the brand have been more consumer- centric by letting participants, winners and stakeholders choose their preferred variant at every opportunity possible.

Each of us brings a different story on the ways we consume rice — there are the white rice loyalistas, the healthy rice advocates, and the controlled-rice consumers —But no matter your story, Golden Grains has the rice for you.

Follow Golden Grains on social media:

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/goldengrainsph/

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/goldengrainsph/

Tiktok : https://www.tiktok.com/@goldengrainsph