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Dorm Decor: Remake Your Space with More than 35 Projects book review

May 26, 2009 by jessica neaves 2 Comments

Dorm Decor: Remake Your Space with More than 35 Projects
by Theresa Gonzalez and Nicole Smith

Published by Chronicle Books
$19.95

I received a copy of the fabulous Dorm Decor from Chronicle Books recently and was instantly excited by the fantastic projects inside.   Chronicle Books is well known for excellent designs and clear layouts of its books and Dorm Decor does not disappoint!  The fun, colorful projects are a great antidote to boring dorm rooms!

Dorm Decor is divided into five sections: Where you sleep; Where you dress; Where you study; Where you hang out; and Where you wash.  Each section has anywhere from five to eleven projects.  Some sample projects include a reversible duvet cover, monogram shams, hanging closet organizer, embroidery hoop photo mobile, fleece robe, and embellished towels.   Several of the projects have little to no sewing required for those not handy with a sewing machine.   The projects are cleverly divided into skill levels that are reminiscent of college courses, like 101 for Freshman and the easiest in skill level.

The book also gives suggestions on room arrangements, sewing basics, choosing fabrics and a fabric care guide, which is perfect for those new to being on their own and perhaps doing the laundry on their own for the first time.    There are also tips on ironing and a glossary on sewing terms for beginners.

Although the book is clearly geared toward college students living in a dorm room setting, some of the projects would also be great for those with a youthful, modern decor and skilled crafters who can adapt the projects to their own tastes and personal style.   The silhouette message board and tufted seat cushion are just two examples of projects that anyone can adapt for suit their own style.

Pick up this book on Chronicle Books’ own website, your favorite local bookstore, or Amazon.

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Comments

  1. John V says

    May 26, 2009 at 4:43 pm

    With dorm rooms being very small, you might want to consider using a loft bed to gain more space. You can find a good number of them by doing a google search for college loft bed.

  2. kerry santillo says

    September 3, 2011 at 4:29 am

    In Australia we dont call the dorms, but Im thinking they are pretty small rooms. With these decor ideas, a small space would immediately look inviting and provide more space.

Have you read?

Pumpkin Pie Melt and Pour Soap: A Cozy Fall Soap Recipe That Smells Good Enough to Eat

When the leaves start crunching underfoot and pumpkin spice fills every café, it’s time to cozy up with an easy fall DIY that smells just like grandma’s dessert table—without the calories. This Pumpkin Pie Melt and Pour Soap is one of my absolute favorite seasonal recipes. It’s warm, comforting, and gives off those straight-out-of-the-oven vibes every time you lather up.

Perfect for fall craft fairs, Thanksgiving hostess gifts, or a festive bathroom refresh, this handmade soap smells divine, looks adorable, and takes less than an hour to whip up.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Soap Recipe

  • Smells like real pumpkin pie (think cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla—yes please!) 
  • Made with skin-friendly melt and pour base—no lye required 
  • Easy enough for beginners or weekend makers 
  • Customizable with layers, swirls, or “whipped cream” topping 

Ingredients & Supplies

Yields: 4–6 small bars depending on your mold size

  • 1 lb goat milk melt and pour soap base (or shea butter base) 
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (yes, the real baking blend!) 
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional for visual specks) 
  • 1 tsp vitamin E oil or sweet almond oil 
  • 1–2 tsp brown mica or orange soap-safe colorant 
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional for scent depth—make sure it’s oil-based or use a fragrance oil blend) 
  • Pumpkin pie fragrance oil (skin-safe, approx. 1–2 tsp per pound of soap base) 
  • Rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle 
  • Silicone soap mold (round, square, or pie-slice shaped) 
  • Microwave-safe jug or double boiler 
  • Stirring sticks or silicone spatula 

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Chop and Melt the Soap Base

Cut your melt and pour soap base into small cubes and place in a microwave-safe jug. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each round until fully melted. (Do not let it boil!)

2. Add Scent and Spice

Once melted, stir in your fragrance oil, pumpkin pie spice, and optional vanilla extract. Add a pinch of cinnamon if you like the flecked look.

Tip: Spray your mold lightly with rubbing alcohol before pouring to prevent bubbles.

3. Colour and Pour

Add your mica powder or orange colorant, a little at a time, until you reach your ideal pumpkiny hue. Stir well, then carefully pour the mixture into your soap molds.

Immediately spritz the tops with rubbing alcohol to remove surface bubbles.

4. Let It Set

Leave the soap undisturbed at room temperature for 2–4 hours until fully hardened. Pop the bars out of the mold once they’re firm to the touch.

Optional: If you’re feeling fancy, melt a small amount of white soap base and pipe a “whipped cream” swirl on top using a piping bag and star tip.

Tips & Variations

  • Make it two-tone: Pour half your batch in orange, then top with a creamy vanilla layer for a pie-slice look. 
  • Add oatmeal: Toss in 1 tsp of ground oats for a gentle exfoliant and rustic charm. 
  • Use pie molds: Silicone molds shaped like pie slices or tart pans give these a dessert-style finish. 
  • Gift-ready idea: Wrap in wax paper, tie with twine, and add a “Pumpkin Pie Soap” tag for instant fall gifts. 

How to Store Homemade Soap

Keep your finished soaps in an airtight container or shrink wrap them if you’re gifting. Melt and pour soap can sweat in humid climates, so cool, dry storage is best.

This DIY pumpkin spice soap recipe is everything you want from a cozy fall project—easy, fragrant, and irresistibly cute. Whether you’re new to soap making or a seasoned maker prepping for a market table, these little bars will have everyone asking, “Where’s the whipped cream?”

 

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