How to create beautiful home decor on a budget
What's the story
Known for their colorful vibrance and intricate designs, African crafts can be easily made at home without breaking the bank, using everyday items. Not only does this save money but also encourages creativity and sustainability. By repurposing household materials, you can create stunning African-inspired art pieces without spending a fortune. Check out some amazing crafting ideas to try.
Beaded jewelry
Beaded jewelry from recycled materials
Beaded jewelry is a staple in African craft traditions. To create your own, collect old magazines or newspapers, cut them into strips, and roll them into beads. Secure each bead with glue and let them dry completely. Once ready, string them together using thread or fishing line to make necklaces or bracelets. This method is cost-effective as it uses materials that would otherwise be trashed.
Fabric art
Fabric art using old clothes
Old clothes can also be turned into gorgeous fabric art works, similar to traditional African textiles. Simply cut the fabric into desired shapes and patterns, then sew or glue them onto a canvas or some sturdy backing material like cardboard. Play around with different colors and textures to create unique designs that reflect your personal style while paying tribute to African artistic heritage.
Basket weaving
Basket weaving with paper strips
Another popular African craft that can be easily replicated is basket weaving. You can use paper strips of old newspapers/magazines for this. Just roll the paper tightly to create long tubes, and weave them together to form baskets of different sizes and shapes. Not only does this technique recycle paper, but it also gives you an opportunity to learn traditional weaving methods.
Clay sculptures
Clay sculptures from homemade dough
Creating clay sculptures doesn't have to be an expensive affair, though. You can use homemade dough to create small African-inspired figures. Simply mix flour, salt, and water (with a little bit of oil) to form a pliable dough that can be molded into the desired shapes before baking it in an oven until it hardens completely.
Painted gourds
Painted gourds as decorative pieces
Gourds have been used in Africa for centuries both as containers and decorative items alike. They are easy enough for anyone interested in painting their own versions at home. Simply clean out any seeds inside each gourd before applying paint directly onto its surface. Use brushes dipped in acrylic paints, which dry quickly, allowing for multiple layers to be added if needed later.