50 Easy Summer Crafts That Add Sunshine to Your Space
Beat boredom on extra hot days!
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Of course, life is all about pool parties, backyard BBQs, and beach days come summertime. But there's only so long you can spend in the sun before the inevitable fatigue sets in. So, once that time comes, how do you keep the kiddos occupied without parking them in front of the TV? By hunkering down with a smashing summer craft! In between all the family beach vacations and outdoor summer activities you already have planned, pull your creative hat out and get your DIY on with these creative summer crafts that are fun for kids and adults alike!
There are plenty of crafts you can create alongside your kids, like sand art terrariums, seashell necklaces, or glow-in-the-dark "fireflies" made from pasta noodles. Many of these projects can also double as activities to keep the whole family entertained, including plenty of DIY outdoor games. There are even options that could count as DIY 4th of July decorations!
Perhaps you’re searching for crafts that’ll make your summer memories even more special, like a watermelon blanket to hold all of your picnic side dishes, or punchy decals to add to your cooler. Or maybe you'd like to freshen up your summer style with a handmade straw clutch or a colorful beach hat. No matter which craft idea you choose, it's sure to make your summer that much more fun for everyone involved!
For more ways to unleash your creativity this summer:
Floral Straw Clutch
For a summertime night on the town, make this straw clutch complete with sweet raffia flowers. You'll just use a hot glue gun to affix each faux bloom to the bag.
DIY Planters
Whether you use paint to decorate a pot with designs like dots and florals or use Mod Podge to apply fabrics such as denim and jute, there are so many creative ways to enhance plain terra-cotta pots before using them to house flowers and plants.
Tie-Dye Tote
"I remember tie-dyeing white T-shirts with my mom in the '70s—despite neither of us having much patience for crafting," says Ree. Take a cue from her and make your own tote using fabric dye and rubber bands.
Paper Roll Hyacinth Flowers
Sure, you could let the kids pluck a few flowers from your garden, but you could also make paper versions that'll last forever! These clever hyacinth flowers, crafted from paper rolls and tissue paper, are a delight to make and double as bright, cheerful summer decor.
Get the tutorial at The Resourceful Mama.
Glitter Sea Shell Picture Frame
Searching for the perfect frame to showcase your favorite summer snap? This nautical sea shell frame is just what you need! Effortlessly crafted with Mod Podge, shells, glitter, and a plain wooden frame, it’s a simple yet stunning project.
Get the tutorial at One Little Project.
Watermelon Resin Dominoes
Take your dominoes game to the next level with this watermelon-inspired resin domino craft! Using green and pink resin with a touch of glitter, you can create a fun, handmade domino set that perfectly captures the vibrant charm of your favorite summer fruit.
Get the tutorial at Artsy Fartsy Mama.
Sea Shell Creatures
Draw inspiration from ocean life by creating a collection of adorable underwater figurines using seashells, air-dry clay, paint, and glue! It’s the perfect way to repurpose shells from a memorable summer beach vacation.
Get the tutorial at Crafts by Amanda.
Pop Bottle Firefly
Even if real fireflies seem to be elusive this summer, you can still enjoy their magical glow with these creative pop-bottle fireflies! Crafted from water bottles, tissue paper, glow sticks, pipe cleaners, and googly eyes, this fun DIY is perfect for summer birthday parties or campouts!
Get the tutorial at One Little Project.
Beaded Fruit Earrings
Enjoy the fruits of summer in style with this charming DIY! Inspired by the season's vibrant produce, this wearable craft transforms little beads into delightful accessories resembling apples, oranges, and pineapples.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Pom Pom Ice Cream Cones
Celebrate the joy of summer sweets with these adorable pom-pom ice cream cones! This vibrant craft comes together using yarn for the ice cream scoops, burlap and construction paper for the cone, and red pom poms and a cotton ball for the whipped cream and cherry on top!
Get the tutorial at One Little Project.
Painted Monstera Leaf Wreath
Lush, tropical monstera leaves are a quintessential summer symbol, making them an ideal addition to your new favorite warm-weather wreath. For this cheerful craft, simply spray paint faux monstera leaves in vibrant colors and hot glue them onto a ribbon-wrapped wreath form!
Get the tutorial at The Craft Patch.
Seashell Decor Cones
If your dream summer involves seashells by the seashore, why not add these ocean-inspired decor cones to your home? Crafted by gluing seashells to styrofoam cones, this DIY project is the perfect way to showcase your cherished collection.
Get the tutorial at Design Improvised.
Watermelon Soap
This vibrant bar soap shaped like the tasty summer fruit looks almost good enough to eat! The colorful watermelon-shaped soaps are made of glycerin and goat milk soaps, then infused with a healthy burst of watermelon fragrance oil.
Get the tutorial at A Pumpkin and a Princess.
Coastal Wood Slice Coasters
Bring the essence of the sea into your home with these stunning and beach-inspired coasters! All you need are round wood slices and nautical-colored acrylic paints.
Get the tutorial at Crafts by Amanda.
Water Gun Painting
This creative and colorful craft combines two fun summer activities—water gun wars and painting—to yield an adorable, personalized art project. The kiddos can use painter's tape to make their desired design on a canvas and then go crazy with tempera paint-filled water guns, spritzing it with an array of different colors.
Get the tutorial at Somewhat Simple.
Glitter Luggage Tags
Gone are the days of guessing which suitcase is yours at baggage claim thanks to these gorgeous glitter luggage tags. Made using wooden tags, glitter, acrylic paints, vinyl or letter stickers, and book rings, this DIY project is both practical and effortless to create!
Get the tutorial at Average But Inspired.
Beaded Wind Chime
Upgrade your porch decor with a light and sound-catching beaded wind chime. Gorgeous glass beads are strung through wind chime tubes, which are attached to a wood slice base in this simple yet stunning craft.
Get the tutorial at Artsy Fartsy Mama.
Rainbow Stacking Game
What better way to ring in summer than with a lively backyard game? This DIY rainbow stacking game is as bright and fun as the summer sun.
Get the tutorial at A Kailo Chic Life.
Watermelon Lip Scrub
While you might typically enjoy this hydrating summer fruit straight off the rind, it also makes a great beauty product additive! Combine juicy watermelon flavoring, coconut oil, and sugar to make a grainy lip scrub you’ll use all summer long.
Get the tutorial at A Cultivated Nest.
Crepe Paper Flowers
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can still enjoy the colorful blooms of summer with this fun crepe paper craft! Kids and adults will love crafting these colorful tropical flowers.
Get the tutorial at Abbi Kirsten Collections.
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