The year 2020 has proven to be a year full of closed beaches, parks, stores, and businesses. Many people have been temporarily laid off or have lost their jobs completely. To make the situation worse, nearly all sporting events, concerts, and gatherings have been postponed or cancelled, leaving us with nowhere to go and little to watch on TV. Put down your phone and car keys and pick up a paintbrush and scissors because the solution you are looking for is creativity through arts and crafts. Creativity helps repurpose items that can be found around the house to reinvent them with a whole new meaning. Here are some crafts that can be made from everyday home items. 

Tie-dye/bleach dye

Obvious stain on your favorite white shirt? No problem. For anyone looking to revamp old clothes, tie-dying is a creative way to have fun and give a wardrobe the changeup it needs. Shirts, shorts, socks, bags, and even face masks can all be tie-dyed. The freedom of choosing your own colors and design is just about the most liberating feeling you can get without breaking the law during a stay at home order. Another innovative idea is to substitute bleach for dye to give any other stained shirts an upgrade. If you really want to turn some heads on your monthly trip to Safeway, start today. 

Make leis

Leis represent the aloha spirit bestowed onto someone or something to show their appreciation and gratitude. It is important to remember that there is a traditional way to make the leis, but it is not mandatory to do so. Understanding the process of lei making can be financially beneficial by helping save money by taking what the land has provided for us and repurposing it to honor someone. It is also important to learn about the land we live on and embrace the culture. Ti leaves and plumerias are good plants to start with, and they can be found in many neighborhood settings on island. So next time you decide to purchase a lei lined with plastic, take some time to learn the craft and share the aloha spirit.

Paint your planter pots

2020 has been a year full of resurrected hobbies. One of those hobbies that many homebodies have recently taken up is taking care of plants. Whether you are planting herbs, succulents, or native Hawaiian species, odds are you’ve been raising them in a generic pot. As the saying goes, “if you look good, you feel good.” This saying can be applied to planting by giving bland pots their own twist using paint. Whether you want to paint a pattern or just label what plant it is, a couple strokes of color can make them go a long way.

Dream catcher 

What better activity to do to cure boredom than making a device that helps block the nightmares of a global pandemic. Dream catchers are an exciting way to spice up the decor in a room to match whatever colors the creator sees fit. Materials needed include a hoop, thread (preferably multiple colors), scissors, and although not mandatory, beads, stones, or feathers. The materials necessary are fairly cheap, however this craft is not as quick as others. Depending on the size of the dream catcher, it could take several hours. This project is great for killing time with a satisfying outcome.  

Li Hing Mui Candy

Arts and crafts can come in many forms including candy. The concept of adding li hing mui powder to candy is a popular practice in Hawaii. Li hing mui powder is a topping that can be mixed in with just about anything. Many local stores will sell variations of li hing candy, dried fruits, seeds, and even sorbet. Adding it to gummy candies is a local favorite. Other additional ingredients to mix with these treats is lemon juice and lemon peel. All ingredients can be found at your nearby Safeway, make sure to wear your freshly tie-dyed shirt when you go.