Being a STAY is a full-time job. Between trying to keep up with the SKZ discography (seriously, how do three kids drop albums so fast?!), deciphering the latest episode of SKZ-Code, and crying over another emotional Chan’s Room, our shelves are starting to look a little bare. We have the albums, the lightstick, and maybe a few photocards, but sometimes you just want something… more. Something personal.
You know that feeling when you look at your bias’s photocards and think, “I need to display you in a way that screams ‘I am a functional adult, but also, I would die for Lee Know’”?
Yeah, me too.
So, instead of spending all my money on overpriced official merch (which we all do anyway, let’s not kid ourselves), I decided to get crafty. I’ve rounded up seven of my favorite DIY Stray Kids crafts that are perfect for any STAY looking to add a little bit of that NOEASY energy to their room. Grab your glue guns and your bias’s photo cards—this is going to be fun.
1. The “I.N-spired” Lightstick Photo Display
We all have that one lightstick that’s just a little too pretty to be shoved in a drawer between concerts. My MK21? It deserves better. So, I turned it into the star of my desk.
What You’ll Need:
- Your official Stray Kids lightstick (MK21 or MK21 Max)
- A pack of your favorite photocards or mini-posters
- Clear tape or double-sided tape
- (Optional) Some fairy lights or a small LED strip
How to Build It:
This is almost too easy. First, take the handle of your lightstick and gently wrap the base with a strip of tape, sticky side out. Don’t go overboard—you don’t want to ruin the finish.
Next, start attaching your photocards around the handle. I like to arrange them so my ult bias, Seungmin, is front and center, but you do you. 🙂
Once you’ve got a full 360-degree coverage, the lightstick now looks like it’s holding a bouquet of your favorite boys. I like to put mine in a stand and wrap a small string of battery-operated fairy lights around the base. It lights up my desk and honestly? It’s a great conversation starter. Ever wondered how to make your merch do double duty? This is it.
2. Upcycled Album Cover Shadow Boxes
This one hurts a little to write because it involves cutting up albums. But hear me out! I bought a duplicate copy of ★★★★★ (5-STAR) specifically for this project because the packaging was just too good to waste. FYI, if you’re a completionist collector, maybe buy a secondhand copy for this.
The Process:
- Step 1: Carefully disassemble your album. Usually, the covers are just thick cardstock.
- Step 2: Cut out the elements you love. This could be the front cover, individual member shots from the photobook, or the cool typography from the back.
- Step 3: Grab a simple shadow box frame from a craft store (they’re usually under $10).
- Step 4: Arrange your cutouts in the frame. I layered mine using foam mounting tape to give it a 3D effect. I put the main cover in the back and popped some individual member cutouts on top.
- Step 5: Close it up and hang it on your wall.
It looks SO professional. It takes an album from something sitting on a shelf to a piece of art that even my mom (who still confuses Felix for a “very pretty girl”) can appreciate.
3. Personalized “SKZOO” Denim Jacket
Patch jackets are iconic, but making your own with a SKZOO twist? That’s next-level STAY behavior. I’m not the best at drawing, so I rely on the power of iron-on patches and fabric paint.
Making It Yours:
- Find your base: An old denim jacket, a plain canvas tote bag, or even a pair of jeans works.
- Gather your materials: You can buy iron-on letters to spell out “Stray Kids” or your bias’s name. For the SKZOO characters, I actually found some great printable fabric transfer paper.
- Design time: I printed out small images of Wolf Chan, Dwaekki, and Puppy M on the transfer paper and ironed them onto the back of my jacket.
- Add some flair: Use fabric paint to add little details—maybe the “I am NOT” or “I am WHO?” phrases on the sleeves. I painted a little “3RACHA” on the collar.
It’s a bit time-consuming, but now when I wear it to the movies, I feel like I’m repping the guys in a way that isn’t just a basic tour t-shirt. Plus, people at the k-pop store always stop to ask where I bought it. My response? “I made it, lol.” The look on their faces is priceless.
4. Hyunjin’s Artwork-Inspired Resin Keychains
Okay, this one might sound a little intimidating if you’ve never worked with resin before, but trust me, it’s easier than learning the choreography to “God’s Menu.” We all know Hyunjin is an incredible artist, so why not turn his aesthetic into wearable art?
A Simple Approach:
If you don’t want to mix messy resin, use UV resin—it hardens in minutes under a UV lamp. You’ll also need some small silicone molds (round or square works best).
- Pour a thin layer of resin into the mold.
- Add your “Hyunjin” elements. This is the fun part. I went to a craft store and bought tiny pressed flowers. I also printed out some miniature versions of his paintings (on glossy paper, sealed with a little mod podge) and cut them out.
- Arrange them face down in the resin.
- Fill the rest of the mold with resin.
- Cure it under the lamp, pop it out, add a keychain loop, and boom.
You’ve got a delicate, artistic keychain that captures that dreamy, romantic vibe Hyunjin is always painting. Just make sure you work in a well-ventilated area—resin fumes are no joke, and they will give you a headache faster than Changbin’s rapid-fire rap verses.
5. “Lee Know’s Kitchen” Recipe Card Holder
This is for the STAYs who actually cook (or just pretend to while watching Lee Know cook on Lee Know Log). It’s a super simple upcycle that brings a smile to my face every time I look at it.
The Craft:
- Find a small acrylic photo stand or a plain wooden block.
- Print out a picture of Lee Know looking particularly chef-like. Maybe one where he’s holding a spatula or looking suspiciously at a pot.
- Glue the photo to the stand. I used a small clothespin to clip the photo to the front of a little easel I had lying around.
- Here’s the kicker: Place a small recipe card or even a sticky note with your dinner plans on it, right next to his photo.
Now, whenever I’m cooking, it looks like Lee Know is right there on my countertop, silently judging my knife skills. It’s oddly motivating. IMO, it’s the perfect way to combine your love for the group with your daily routine. Who needs a boring recipe holder when you can have a bias looking at you with mild disappointment?
6. “SKZ-RECORD” Vinyl Wall Art
You know those blank vinyl records you can buy at craft stores? They are the perfect canvas for a minimalist Stray Kids decor piece. This is one of the easiest crafts on the list, and it looks incredibly chic.
Let’s Get Crafty:
- Get a blank white or black vinyl record.
- Grab some adhesive vinyl sheets in your favorite colors (I used black and red for that Back Door vibe).
- Using a Cricut or a steady hand with an X-Acto knife, cut out the “SKZ-RECORD” logo in that iconic font. You can also cut out the silhouettes of the members or just the word “STAY.”
- Carefully weed the vinyl and transfer it onto the record using transfer tape.
- If you don’t have a cutting machine, you can literally just use a paint pen to draw the design on freehand. Imperfections make it look rustic, right? Right?!
I hung mine on the wall above my record player (even though I never actually play it—it’s purely decorative), and it ties the whole room together. It’s subtle merch. Only true STAYs will recognize it, and when they do, you know you’ve found a friend.
7. Bang Chan’s “Chan’s Room” Comfy Corner Sign
We all love tuning into Chan’s Room on a Sunday (or Monday, depending on your time zone). It’s our safe space. So, why not create a little physical reminder of that cozy feeling?
How to Build Your Vibe:
- Find a small wooden sign or plaque from a dollar store.
- Paint it a warm, neutral color—like a cream or a soft grey.
- Using a stencil or your best handwriting, paint the words “Chan’s Room” on it. You could also write “Stay” or “Comfy.”
- The secret ingredient: Glue a string of battery-powered fairy lights around the edges of the sign.
- Hang it in your own “comfy corner”—the place where you sit with your headphones on to watch his stream.
Now, every time I settle in to watch, I turn on my little “Chan’s Room” sign, and it instantly makes the experience feel more personal. It’s like I’m welcoming him into my space as much as he welcomes us into his. Cheesy? Maybe. But I don’t care. It’s the little things, you know?
Don’t Forget to Show It Off!
So there you have it—seven ways to turn your STAY pride into tangible, DIY art. Some of these projects are a little messy (looking at you, resin), and some are stupidly simple, but they all come from the same place: a love for the music and the madness of Stray Kids.
I’ve got my lightstick display glowing right now, and honestly, it makes writing these blog posts a lot more fun. It feels like the guys are right here cheering me on.
Now it’s your turn. Which one of these are you going to try first? Are you brave enough to cut up an album, or are you sticking to the safer photo display? Let me know in the comments! And if you make one of these, tag me on social—I’d love to see your creations. Happy crafting, STAY! 💖
