Summer whispers of long, lazy days, balmy evenings, and a chance to reconnect with the simple joys of life. It’s the perfect time to unwind, recharge, and maybe even tap into your creative side.
But if the thought of elaborate craft projects leaves you feeling overwhelmed, fear not! This list offers 20 easy and engaging summer crafts specifically designed for adults, regardless of skill level.
Whether you’re a seasoned crafter seeking new inspiration or a curious beginner yearning to unleash your inner artist, these projects are sure to spark joy and brighten your surroundings.
Embrace the Outdoors:
Sun-Kissed Coasters:
Channel the beach vibes with DIY coasters made from natural materials. Collect flat stones or smooth pieces of driftwood on your next beach walk. Clean them thoroughly and unleash your artistic side by painting them in vibrant summer colors or intricate patterns. For extra protection and a touch of shine, coat them with a layer of clear sealant.
Macrame Plant Hangers:
Macrame, the art of knotting cord or yarn, makes a stylish comeback for summer. Craft trendy plant hangers using macrame cord to create a bohemian haven for your indoor (or outdoor) greenery. There are numerous online tutorials offering beginner-friendly macrame plant hanger patterns, making it easy to get started.
Upcycled Tin Can Lanterns:
Don’t toss those empty food tins! With a little creativity, they can be transformed into charming lanterns that add a touch of whimsy to your summer evenings. Clean and dry the tins, then use a hammer and nail to carefully punch out decorative patterns. Apply heat-resistant paint and add tea light candles for a warm, summery glow that sets the perfect mood for outdoor gatherings.
DIY Painted Flower Pots:
Spruce up your patio or balcony with a pop of color! Grab some plain terracotta pots and unleash your artistic side. Paint them in cheerful hues, add playful polka dots or stripes, or even create a mosaic effect using broken pieces of colored tile. Let your personality shine and bring some summer flair to your outdoor space.
Seashell Wind Chimes:
The gentle tinkling of wind chimes is a quintessential summer sound. Gather seashells of various sizes and shapes during your beach adventures. String them together with fishing line or twine and hang them from a branch or patio roof, creating a touch of coastal charm that evokes memories of days spent by the ocean.
Nature’s Inspiration:
Terracotta Clay Coasters with Pressed Flowers:
These coasters are a beautiful way to preserve the essence of summer’s vibrant flora. Collect small wildflowers while they’re in bloom. Using a rolling pin, gently press them onto a thin layer of air-dry clay rolled out on a flat surface. Cut out coaster shapes, poke a small hole at the top for hanging (optional), and let them dry completely. The result is a set of coasters that brings a touch of nature’s beauty to your table.
DIY Soy Candles:
Create your own custom-scented candles for a touch of relaxation this summer. Soy wax is a natural and eco-friendly choice, making it a great option for environmentally conscious crafters. Purchase a soy candle making kit, which will include all the necessary ingredients and tools. Choose your favorite essential oils for a calming lavender scent, an invigorating citrus aroma, or any fragrance that evokes summer for you.
A Splash of Color:
Watercolor Coasters with Summer Fruits:
Let your inner artist shine with these watercolor coasters. Cut thick watercolor paper into squares and secure them with masking tape to prevent warping. Experiment with watercolors to paint playful patterns or create summery fruit illustrations like watermelons, pineapples, or lemons. Once dry, apply a coat of sealant for protection, resulting in a set of coasters that’s both functional and visually delightful.
Tie-Dye Table Runners:
Liven up your summer tablescapes with vibrant tie-dye table runners. Choose a plain white or natural-colored table runner and use tie-dye kits or fabric dyes to create swirling patterns. This is a fun activity to do with friends for a summer get-together, allowing you to personalize your table linens while catching up and enjoying each other’s company.
Woven Wall Hangings with Yarn Scraps:
Don’t let those little yarn scraps go to waste! Craft a unique wall hanging using a simple wooden dowel and colorful yarn. There are various weaving techniques suitable for beginners, such as simple loom weaving or finger weaving. Experiment with different textures and patterns to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art that adds a touch of boho charm to your home.
Light Up the Night:
DIY Painted Mason Jars with Fairy Lights:
Mason jars are a versatile craft staple. Paint them in cheerful colors like sunshine yellow or coral pink, or create whimsical designs using stencils or acrylic markers. Fill them with fairy lights for a magical touch and use them as decorative lanterns or centerpieces on your patio table, adding a warm glow to your summer evenings.
Creative Upcycling:
Decorative Painted Rocks:
Let your creativity run wild with painted rocks! Find smooth, flat rocks during your nature walks. Paint them with playful designs like ladybugs, sunshine smiles, or inspirational quotes. You can also create a rock mandala with intricate patterns. Hide them around your neighborhood or park for others to discover and spread a little summer cheer. This is a fun activity to do with children as well, creating a scavenger hunt for the whole community.
Stenciled Throw Pillows:
Revamp your old throw pillows with a touch of summer flair. Choose a lightweight fabric stencil featuring a tropical leaf pattern or a geometric design. Secure the stencil to the pillowcase and use fabric paint to create crisp, clean designs. Let them dry completely and enjoy a summery refresh for your living space. Upcycle old pillowcases or add a pop of color to plain white ones for a budget-friendly yet impactful way to update your décor.
Functional and Fun:
DIY Citronella Candles:
Keep those pesky mosquitos at bay with homemade citronella candles. Purchase citronella essential oil and follow a simple online recipe for DIY citronella candles. Place them outside on your patio or deck for a natural mosquito repellent that allows you to enjoy your evenings outdoors without worrying about bites.
Embroidered Tea Towels:
Add a personal touch to your kitchen with embroidered tea towels. Purchase plain cotton tea towels and an embroidery kit. Choose a simple summer motif like a blooming sunflower or a cheerful butterfly. There are numerous online tutorials offering beginner-friendly embroidery stitches, making it easy to learn the basics and create beautiful tea towels that are both functional and decorative.
For the Yarn Enthusiast:
DIY Yarn Bowls:
Craft beautiful and functional yarn bowls to keep your yarn projects organized. Blow up a balloon to your desired size. Apply a layer of petroleum jelly to the balloon’s surface to prevent the yarn from sticking. Wrap colorful yarn dipped in craft glue around the balloon, creating a web-like pattern. Let it dry completely and then carefully pop the balloon. You’re left with a unique yarn bowl that adds a pop of color to your craft space and keeps your yarn tangle-free.
Express Yourself:
Painted Canvas Tote Bags:
Skip the store-bought tote and create your own personalized beach bag. Choose a plain canvas tote bag and unleash your artistic side. Paint a vibrant landscape of a beach at sunset, a playful quote about summer adventures, or a whimsical design using acrylic paints. Let it dry completely and enjoy a one-of-a-kind tote that reflects your personality and is perfect for carrying your beach essentials.
Seashell Delights:
Seashell Picture Frames:
Give your cherished summer memories a coastal touch with seashell picture frames. Gather seashells of various sizes and shapes. Glue them onto a plain picture frame, creating a decorative border that evokes memories of your seaside adventures. You can also paint the frame in a light color like aqua blue or sandy beige for added contrast.
Gardening Fun:
DIY Painted Watering Can:
Transform a plain watering can into a charming summer accessory. Choose a fun color scheme like sunshine yellow and sky blue, or create a playful polka-dot pattern using stencils and acrylic paint. This adds a touch of personality to your gardening routine, making watering your plants a more enjoyable experience.
Preserved Beauty:
Pressed Flower Jewelry:
Commemorate summer’s vibrant flora with pressed flower jewelry. Collect small wildflowers and press them between the pages of a heavy book. Once dry, use clear jewelry resin and bezel settings to create beautiful pendants, earrings, or rings. This allows you to wear a piece of summer throughout the year, keeping those warm summer memories close to your heart.
Bonus: Summer Wreath Making:
Celebrate the season with a vibrant summer wreath. Use a grapevine wreath as your base and adorn it with colorful silk flowers, seashells, ribbons, or any other summer-inspired embellishments.
You can customize it to match your décor or create a unique wreath for each summer holiday, like a patriotic wreath for the Fourth of July or a wreath with sunflowers and butterflies for a general summer theme.
Let your creativity flow and enjoy the process of crafting a beautiful wreath that welcomes guests to your home.
