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

D orm 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.

There’s always one cheeky elf who pushes things a little too far—and this time? He’s covered in Grinch Gunk! This fun, fizzy Grinch Gunk Bath Slime is a gooey, giggle-worthy bath treat that looks mischievous but is totally skin-safe. It’s squishy, jiggly, and dissolves into the bath for a silly Christmas soak your kids won’t forget.

Whether you’re staging your Elf on the Shelf’s latest misadventure or putting together a “Grinch Spa Kit” for holiday gifting, this bath-safe slime is part sensory play, part bath magic.

Why You’ll Love This Grinchy Goo

Safe and fun for kids
No harsh ingredients—just skin-loving gentle goo
Doubles as sensory play before bath time
Can be poured into the bath like a bath gel
Perfect for Elf on the Shelf setups or DIY stocking stuffers
Customisable with scent, shimmer, and fun containers

Ingredients – Guar Gum Gel Version (Skin-Safe, Natural)

Makes about 1 cup of Grinch Gunk

1 cup warm distilled water
1 tsp guar gum powder (natural thickener)
1 tbsp glycerin or aloe vera gel (skin soothing + slip)
5–10 drops peppermint essential oil (or vanilla-mint blend)
Green mica powder or food-safe soap colorant
1 tsp baking soda (optional, helps soothe skin)
Small jar or squishy tub container

Optional:

A pinch of eco-safe glitter
Mini plastic Grinch or Elf toy
Printable “Help! The Grinch Got Me!” tag

Melt-and-Pour Version (For Squishy Soap-Like Texture)

½ cup clear melt-and-pour soap base, chopped
1 tbsp vegetable glycerin
Green soap colorant or mica
5 drops peppermint essential oil
Heat-safe jar or silicone mold

How to Make – Guar Gum Version

In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and glycerin.
Slowly sprinkle in the guar gum powder, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
Add baking soda, essential oils, and green mica. Whisk again until smooth and gooey.
Add glitter or shimmer if using. Pour into small jars.
Let sit uncovered for 10–15 minutes before sealing.

How to Make – Melt & Pour Version

Gently melt soap base in microwave or double boiler until fully liquid.
Stir in glycerin, mica, and essential oils.
Pour into jar or mold and allow to cool and firm up. The result: a jiggly, jello-like slab of bath slime!

How to Use Grinch Bath Slime

Scoop a tablespoon or two into the tub as the water runs
Rub between hands for silly slime play before rinsing
Watch it dissolve into a silky, minty soak
Store leftovers sealed, out of sunlight, for 1–2 weeks (guar gum version)

Note: As with all kids’ bath products, adult supervision is recommended. Avoid eyes and mouth.

Elf on the Shelf Setup

Here’s how to make your elf’s Grinch-y mischief come to life:

Place your Elf in a clear jar of green slime
Add a sign that says:
“HELP! The Grinch Got Me!”
Scatter a few green drops or slime trails around the counter
Leave behind a note that says:
“I tried to sneak a treat, but the Grinch left me stuck in goo! Scoop some into your bath—if you dare!”

Gifting Tips

Grinch Gunk makes an adorable DIY gift for:

Christmas Eve boxes
Classmate gifts
Stocking stuffers
Holiday bath kits
Grinch movie night party favours

Packaging ideas:

Green slime in mini jam jars
Labelled with: “Grinch Gunk – For When You’ve Been a Little Naughty”
Tie with black ribbon or pipe cleaner “antlers”
Pair with a mini candy cane or elf sticker

This Grinch Gunk Bath Slime brings just the right amount of holiday chaos to bath time. It’s festive, fun, and full of sensory magic—and the perfect way to turn a simple soak into a giggly, sparkly memory.

Comments

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.
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.