Create The Cutest Beaded Curtains Using Marker Caps With This Whimsical DIY

It's no secret that sustainable and retro design trends are making a comeback, which is why the internet is full of vintage-inspired ways to repurpose plastics in your home and garden. One TikTok marker hack involved transforming the tops of old or dried-out markers into a colorful and vibrant beaded curtain that is reminiscent of the trendy beaded curtains that took the world by storm in the 1960s. These beaded curtains can add texture and intrigue to your home's entryways and serve as a whimsical alternative to traditional interior doors, which can sometimes make a room feel more closed off. If you're looking for an inexpensive way to give your rooms more character or a pop of color, this straightforward DIY is a clever alternative to traditional beaded curtains, which can sometimes cost hundreds of dollars.  

This is a low-waste DIY that recycles the plastic tops of markers, which would otherwise end up in a landfill, proving it is the perfect household item you should repurpose into stylish curtains. Before you begin, you will need fishing line or another type of durable string, an assortment of beads, scissors or an exacto knife, a yardstick, a stapler, and a collection of discarded marker caps in various colors and shapes. The caps don't have to all be from the same brand; the variety of sizes can create an interesting visual effect. You can also use caps besides markers, like colorful pen lids or the tops from glue sticks. Once you've collected your materials, you can easily replicate this sustainable DIY at home. 

To begin, measure the length of your door and determine how long you'd like your beaded curtains to be; then trim several pieces of string to the appropriate length. Make sure the pieces of string or fishing line are all the same length, so that the curtain will look uniform once assembled. Next, use a pair of scissors or a sharp exacto knife to carefully poke a hole in the marker caps. Make sure that the hole is big enough to pass the string through. 

Now you are ready to start stringing. Tie off the end of the strings with a sturdy knot that's big enough to stop the beads and caps from sliding off. Pass the fishing line through the hole in the top of the marker caps and alternate between different caps and miscellaneous beads. You can use multiple filler beads between marker caps to create a fuller, more decorative look, and experiment with different color combinations and bead textures to add more depth to the curtains. 

Finally, once you have completed the beaded strings, staple them to a yardstick, making sure that they're evenly spaced out and securely attached so they don't fall. You're now ready to mount the marker cap curtain to the top of a doorway using the yardstick and some screws or nails. If you want to go for a more refined look, you can paint the caps more neutral or metallic colors before stringing them; however, the vibrant, multicolored beaded curtain fits in well with an eclectic bohemian-themed home decor. It's also versatile — perfectly on brand for a craft room door or a '70s-style closet door alternative.