15 Fun Summer Crafts Ideas

Creative Summer Crafts to Spark Joy

Summer is the perfect time to get hands-on with fun, vibrant DIY projects that make the most of sunshine, nature, and beachy vibes. Whether you’re crafting solo or making memories with family, these unique summer crafts add personality to your space and style to your season. From tie-dye towels to painted gnomes, there’s something for every skill level and interest. Start simple with Popsicle Stick Frames or Macrame Plant Hangers, or dive into more artistic options like Acrylic Pour Beach Art and Sunprint Bandanas. These projects aren’t just creative—they’re relaxing, rewarding, and perfect for showcasing your personal touch.

If you love coastal flair, try Seashell Resin Coasters, Pressed Flower Phone Cases, or Sea Glass & Shell Jewelry. These crafts help you preserve memories from vacations and outdoor adventures while making something stylish and functional. Looking to keep kids busy? Tie-Dye Towels, Popsicle Frames, and Glow Jar Lanterns are fun, mess-friendly, and full of color. And for anyone with a green thumb (or trying to grow one), Mini Pallet Succulent Planters and Upcycled Denim Picnic Blankets bring sustainable charm to your garden and picnics.

Trendy & Meaningful Projects for Every Maker

This summer’s craft trends emphasize natural elements, sustainability, and personalization. Projects like Nautical Rope Bracelets and Boho Beaded Wind Chimes are perfect for accessorizing or decorating with a free-spirited touch. Meanwhile, Painted Terracotta Garden Gnomes and Citrus String Art brighten up patios and walls with playful, bold colors. These ideas aren’t just cute—they’re great for gifts, party favors, or small business inspiration.

With just a few affordable supplies and some sunny weather, you can create meaningful keepsakes, home accents, and wearable art. Whether indoors or outdoors, crafting gives summer a special, memorable glow. So gather your tools, pick your project, and let your creativity bloom!

1. Seashell Resin Coasters

Create stunning coastal-themed coasters using real seashells and crystal-clear resin. Perfect for summer decor or beach house vibes, these DIY coasters are durable, heat-resistant, and eye-catching. Learn how to embed shells seamlessly and pour resin like a pro. Whether you’re preserving vacation memories or making handmade gifts, this craft is both relaxing and rewarding. Add pigments, glitter, or gold flakes for extra flair. Seashell resin coasters are trending on Pinterest and Etsy—why not make your own and join the wave?

Supplies

• Clear epoxy resin & hardener
• Silicone coaster molds
• Assorted seashells
• Mixing cups & sticks
• Disposable gloves
• Heat gun or torch (for bubbles)
• Optional: glitter, pigment, gold flakes

2. Tie Dye Beach Towels

Transform plain white towels into colorful summer essentials with this easy tie-dye craft! Using vibrant dyes and creative folding techniques, you’ll achieve Instagram-worthy designs perfect for beach trips or poolside lounging. This trendy DIY is kid-friendly, budget-conscious, and totally customizable. Whether you’re into spirals, stripes, or hearts, tie-dye towels are the ultimate summer statement. Choose eco-friendly dyes for a sustainable spin. These towels also make great handmade gifts or party activities—so grab your gear and splash into color!

Supplies

• White cotton towels
• Tie-dye kits (with squeeze bottles)
• Rubber bands
• Plastic table cover
• Gloves
• Plastic bags (for dye setting)
• Optional: fabric markers for detail

3. DIY Macrame Plant Hangers

Elevate your indoor jungle with handcrafted macrame plant hangers. This stylish DIY combines knots and cords to create beautiful, boho-chic holders for succulents or herbs. Macrame is back in style, and it’s easier than you think! Start with a simple pattern, then experiment with beads, colored cords, or fringe. Perfect for balconies, patios, or dorm decor, this project adds texture and charm to any space. A relaxing weekend craft with high-impact results, macrame plant hangers are the perfect mix of vintage and modern flair.

Supplies

• Cotton macrame cord
• Wooden ring or metal hoop
• Scissors
• Tape measure or ruler
• Comb (for fringe)
• Optional: wooden beads

4. Pressed Flower Phone Cases

Give your phone a botanical makeover with this trendy craft! Press real flowers and embed them into a clear phone case using UV resin or a simple sealing method. This DIY is a great way to preserve blooms from your summer garden or special occasion. No two cases are the same—create dreamy, cottagecore designs that look professionally made. It’s a functional and fashionable accessory that turns heads. These personalized pressed flower phone cases also make thoughtful gifts or even a small business idea!

Supplies

• Clear phone case
• Pressed flowers
• UV resin or mod podge
• UV light (if using resin)
• Tweezers
• Small paintbrush
• Sandpaper (for smoothing edges)

5. Painted Terracotta Garden Gnomes

Add personality to your garden with hand-painted terracotta gnomes! This fun summer craft lets you transform plain figurines into vibrant characters using outdoor-safe paints. Whether you go whimsical, traditional, or modern, these gnomes bring color and charm to flowerbeds or porch steps. Kids love painting their own gnome “pets,” and adults enjoy the chance to relax and be creative. Seal your masterpiece for weatherproof durability. Painted gnomes are trending in outdoor décor, making this project a must-try for crafty garden lovers.

Supplies

• Plain terracotta gnomes
• Acrylic paint (outdoor-safe)
• Paintbrushes
• Palette or paper plate
• Sealer spray (weatherproof)
• Water cup & rag

6. Citrus Slice String Art

Add a zesty twist to your decor with citrus slice string art! This vibrant DIY uses colorful thread, nails, and a wood board to create juicy lemon, lime, or orange patterns. It’s a fresh way to celebrate summer and brighten up any room, patio, or party table. Perfect for beginners or kids, this craft teaches patience and creativity. Customize your design with painted backgrounds or neon string. Fun, fruity, and totally Instagrammable, citrus string art makes a great seasonal wall hanging or handmade gift that screams summer!

Supplies

• Wooden board
• Small nails or pins
• Hammer
• Embroidery or string thread
• Pencil (for tracing design)
• Citrus templates or stencils

7. Boho Beaded Wind Chimes

Craft your own whimsical boho wind chimes using wood, shells, and colorful beads. This peaceful DIY is perfect for summer and brings soft, relaxing sounds to your porch or garden. Use driftwood or recycled materials to create a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects your personal style. Add feathers, tassels, or macrame touches for extra flair. Great for crafters of all levels, beaded wind chimes are trendy and functional outdoor decor. With a mix of natural and vibrant elements, your creation will be both eye-catching and soothing in the summer breeze.

Supplies

• Wooden sticks or driftwood
• Assorted beads (glass, wood, metal)
• Fishing line or twine
• Shells or bells (optional)
• Drill or small eye screws
• Scissors

8. Upcycled Denim Picnic Blanket

Turn old jeans into a stylish, durable picnic blanket! This eco-friendly craft recycles denim scraps into a patchwork design that’s perfect for beach days, park outings, or backyard lounging. Sew squares together, add a waterproof backing, and you’ve got a summer-ready accessory with rustic charm. Denim is stain-resistant and long-lasting, making this project as practical as it is trendy. Personalize it with embroidery, fabric paint, or patches. Whether you’re reducing waste or making memories, this upcycled denim blanket is a fun, meaningful summer craft.

Supplies

• Old denim jeans
• Fabric scissors
• Needle & thread or sewing machine
• Backing fabric (optional: waterproof)
• Pins or fabric clips
• Measuring tape

9. Acrylic Pour Beach Canvas Art

Create mesmerizing ocean-inspired art with acrylic pouring! This popular painting technique involves blending fluid acrylics to mimic beach waves, sunsets, and underwater scenes. It’s beginner-friendly and endlessly customizable. Use silicone oil or a hairdryer to create cells and motion. Add sand, shells, or glitter for 3D texture. Perfect for summer home decor or handmade gifts, acrylic pour paintings are therapeutic and incredibly satisfying to make. No brushes required—just pour, tilt, and watch the magic happen. Dive into this trendy art form and bring the beach to your wall!

Supplies

• Blank canvas
• Acrylic pouring paints
• Pouring medium
• Plastic cups & stir sticks
• Gloves & apron
• Drop cloth or protective surface
• Optional: sand, shells, glitter

10. Glow in the Dark Mason Jar Lanterns

Light up summer nights with magical glow-in-the-dark mason jar lanterns! This enchanting DIY combines glow paint, fairy lights, or glow sticks inside recycled jars for a firefly-in-a-jar effect. Great for patios, tents, or evening picnics, these lanterns are kid-safe and easy to make. Decorate the jars with stars, moons, or summer motifs using stickers or stencils. Charge them in sunlight for a lasting glow. Whether used for backyard decor or camping ambiance, these whimsical lanterns add charm and sparkle to every summer evening.

Supplies

• Mason jars with lids
• Glow-in-the-dark paint or glow sticks
• Small paintbrushes
• Twine or wire for hanging
• Stickers/stencils (optional)
• Tea lights or fairy lights (optional)

11. Mini Succulent Pallet Planters

Bring rustic charm to your summer garden with mini succulent pallet planters! This craft repurposes small wood pallets or slats into vertical gardens perfect for patios, windowsills, or balconies. Add soil, stones, and your favorite succulents for an easy-care, water-wise display. Paint or stain the wood for extra personality. Great for small spaces and DIY enthusiasts, these planters make gardening fun and decorative. Trendy on Pinterest and loved by apartment dwellers, this is a must-try summer craft that blends greenery and creativity beautifully.

Supplies

• Mini wood pallets or slats
• Small succulent plants
• Potting soil & pebbles
• Glue gun & glue sticks
• Wood stain or paint (optional)
• Plastic lining or mesh screen

12. Popsicle Stick Photo Frames

Capture summer memories with DIY popsicle stick photo frames! This classic craft gets a modern upgrade with washi tape, paints, stickers, or beach-themed embellishments. Create custom frames for your favorite snapshots, then use magnets, string, or stands to display them. Perfect for kids, camps, or summer parties, it’s an easy way to turn crafting into memory-making. Popsicle stick frames are budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and bursting with personalization options. Great for decorating fridges, desks, or gift-giving, this nostalgic craft is a hit with all ages.

Supplies

• Popsicle sticks
• Hot glue gun or craft glue
• Paints, markers, or washi tape
• Small photos
• Embellishments (stickers, shells, sequins)
• Magnets, string, or stands (for display)

13. Nautical Rope Bracelets

Make stylish rope bracelets with a nautical twist this summer! Inspired by sailor knots and ocean vibes, these bracelets use cotton cords, clasps, or even recycled materials for a trendy, beachy look. Perfect for both teens and adults, they’re easy to personalize with beads, charms, or color combinations. Learn simple knots like the square or Turk’s head for cool results. Ideal for friendship bracelets, travel keepsakes, or small business ideas, nautical rope bracelets are wearable, gender-neutral, and totally on-trend.

Supplies

• Cotton or paracord rope
• Scissors
• Clasp or closure kit
• Lighter (to seal ends)
• Jewelry pliers (optional)
• Beads or charms (optional)

14. Sunprint Fabric Bandanas

Harness the power of the sun to create beautiful fabric art! Sunprint bandanas use light-sensitive dyes or cyanotype kits to imprint natural objects like leaves, flowers, or shells. It’s a science-meets-art project that’s both educational and stylish. Customize bandanas, totes, or even pillowcases with your unique solar designs. This eco-friendly craft is a hit with kids, teens, and adults alike. A perfect mix of fun and function, sunprint fabric crafts are ideal for outdoor summer workshops or nature lovers seeking a creative project.

Supplies

• Light-sensitive sunprint dye or cyanotype kit
• White cotton bandanas or fabric
• Leaves, flowers, or flat objects
• Acrylic sheet or plastic wrap
• Water for rinsing
• Rubber gloves

15. Shell & Sea Glass Jewelry Making

Design coastal-chic jewelry using shells, sea glass, and wire wrapping techniques. Whether you collect your materials from the beach or buy a craft kit, this project is as calming as the ocean itself. Create pendants, earrings, anklets, or bracelets that capture the spirit of summer. Add beads, charms, or pearls for elegance or go full boho with hemp and twine. Great for gifting, selling, or wearing to beach outings, shell and sea glass jewelry connects you to nature and your creative side.

Supplies

• Sea glass and small shells
• Jewelry wire (24–20 gauge)
• Wire cutters
• Pliers (round-nose and flat-nose)
• Jump rings and clasps
• Cord, chain, or earring hooks