dorm therapy

These DIY Bows Made from Dollar Tree Pool Noodles Are Shockingly Cute

Isabella Hussar
Isabella Hussar
Isabella Hussar is an aspiring journalist at Rutgers University. She is published in Rutgers' Daily Targum and HerCampus, and works for Rutgers' School of Communication & Information. If she's not in her cozy college apartment, you can most definitely find her in New York,…read more
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Colorful foam noodles stacked by swimming pool.
Credit: Alex Bramwell/Getty Images

If you’re only using pool noodles to float around in the summertime, you are seriously missing out on one of the most versatile and clever DIY supplies out there! They’re the perfect project staple when you need a strong base to build out your vision. You can use pool noodles to hack centerpieces and even create a headboard for your dorm bed. And now, thanks to this viral internet video, you can make pool noodle bows and have the dreamiest decor for almost any holiday or special occassion. 

Instagrammer @ginaccreates shows off the steps you need to turn these noodles into bows. The only required materials are three pool noodles, a knife (although I’d use a box cutter for safety and precision), and packing tape. 

Start by taping two pool noodles togethers. Next, cut an L shape out of the ends of the now-double noodle, so you can bend each end into a loop and meet the ends in the middle. Fasten these pieces down with either packing tape or something like floral wire or zip ties. 

Cut another pool noodle in half, and then cut out L shapes at one end of each piece. Tape the cut ends to the center of the loops on the double-noodle to create the tails of the bow. 

Lastly, to create the effect of an actual tied bow, slice another pool noodle in half longways and then divide it in two, and wrap one of the halves around the center of the bow, securing it in the back.

With the same logic, you can also turn pool noodles into heart shapes. I love how @vintageandgraceliving covered an entire pool noodle heart in flowers — very Bridgerton vibes. The faux flowers are also a great way to hide any messy ends that you didn’t cut very well. 

These pool noodle creations would be a charming addition to your front door or above your bed in your room. And you can use them all year-round — I think they’d also make adorable birthday decor, or even just-because decor!

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