This post shows you the best easy summer crafts.
There’s something about summer that makes me want to create.
Maybe it’s the longer days or just the excuse to sit outside with a cold drink and a glue gun.
If you’re looking for easy, relaxing summer crafts that are actually fun to make (and look cute when you’re done), this list is for you.
No kids’ stuff here (almost no one haha), just adult-approved projects that you’ll genuinely enjoy.
From DIY decor to wearable crafts, here are 23 easy summer projects to try when the urge to create something strikes.
Easy Summer crafts
1. Wildflower Paper Vase Art
This is one of those simple-but-stunning crafts that looks like it belongs in a cute boutique.
Paint or draw a vase onto a piece of cardboard or thick paper, then tape or glue real wildflowers so they look like they’re “in” the vase.
It’s a perfect mix of 2D and 3D, and each one ends up looking totally unique. Pressed or fresh flowers both work depending on the vibe you’re going for.
2. Painted Seashell Trinket Trays
Turn collected beach shells into little works of art by painting them with metallics, pastels, or bold patterns.
These oversized shells (like clam or oyster shells) make perfect trinket trays for rings, earrings, or little treasures.
Add a coat of gloss or Mod Podge to make them shine. They’re beachy, elegant, and surprisingly easy to make. Plus, they look so pretty on a nightstand or vanity.
3. Creative Rock Painting – Summer Beach Edition
Rock painting is oddly addictive, and when you stick to a beachy theme, it feels like making little souvenirs from summer itself.
Paint seashells, waves, palm trees, flip-flops, suns, or ocean quotes on smooth rocks. Use paint pens for details and seal them with a clear top coat.
4. Summer Jam Jar Candle Holders
Upcycle empty jam jars into the cutest summer candle holders.
Wrap the tops with twine or rope for that breezy, coastal look, then decorate the glass with summer-themed stickers.
Think suns, seashells, lemons, or waves. Pop in a tealight or fairy lights and you’ve got instant backyard charm. They’re perfect for summer dinners outside, and so easy to personalize for your style or event.
5. Leaf Print Nature Art
This one’s as relaxing as it is beautiful. Head outside, gather some interesting leaves, and paint the backs with acrylic paint (that’s where the veins are most textured).
Then press them onto paper like a stamp to reveal the most gorgeous natural patterns. Use one color or mix a few for a layered look.
It’s an easy way to bring nature into your art, and each print is completely one of a kind.
6. Lemon-Inspired Clay Jewelry Dish
Make your own zesty little jewelry holder with air-dry clay shaped like a lemon, complete with compartments!
Mold an oval base, then use your fingers or a sculpting tool to divide it into segments, like lemon wedges.
Once it dries, paint it bright yellow with white dividers for a citrusy pop of color. It’s fresh, functional, and just plain adorable sitting on a dresser or bathroom counter.
7. Beaded DIY Sunglasses
Take a plain pair of sunglasses and turn them into your own personal statement piece!
Use mini letter beads to spell out a fun summer phrase (like “SUNNY VIBES” or your name), then add colorful beads to decorate the rims.
You can glue them directly to the frames with strong craft glue or use wire to wrap them around. It’s part fashion, part craft, and totally festival-ready.
8. Painted Rock Cactus Arrangement
No green thumb? No problem. Grab some smooth rocks and paint them in different shades of green to look like cactus pads.
Add white dots or tiny flowers for that classic cactus vibe. Once dry, arrange them in a small pot or vase with pebbles or sand at the base.
It looks just like a mini cactus garden, but no watering required. This one makes a great desk or shelf decor piece!
9. Colorful Paper Jellyfish
OK this may be one of the few crafts in this post that is excellent to do with the kids in your family!
This jellyfish craft is bold, bright, and totally made from paper! Start with a semicircle cut from cardboard or thick paper for the jellyfish head. Paint it in fun summer colors or patterns.
Then, create the tentacles by linking paper circles together like a chain and gluing them to the underside.
The result? A 3D, wiggly jellyfish that looks adorable hanging from a wall, ceiling, or window. It’s simple, lightweight, and seriously fun to make.
10. Hanging Mason Jar Lanterns with Dried Flowers
These delicate lanterns are summer magic in a jar.
Take a mason jar, line the inside walls with dried flowers (pressed or loose), and place a tealight or LED candle in the center.
Wrap twine or wire around the top to create a handle, and hang them from tree branches, porch hooks, or pergolas.
When they’re lit at night, the glow through the flowers is soft, romantic, and a little bit magical, perfect for summer evenings outside.
11. DIY Lip Balm Keychains
These cute little lip balm keychains are the perfect mix of practical and fun. Plus, they’re so easy to make.
Start with small lip balms (the kind with a cap or twist top), then attach them to a keyring or clip using string, cord, or thin rope. Add colorful beads, letter beads, or little charms along the rope to personalize each one. You can match the vibe to your summer mood: pastel, neon, beachy, or even boho!
You’ll need:
– Mini lip balms (store-bought)
– Keyring, carabiner, or lobster clasp
– Rope, string, or waxed cord for threading
– Colorful beads, letter beads, or charms
– Hot glue or a strong knot (optional, for securing ends)
They’re perfect for clipping onto your keys, beach bag, or backpack, plus they make adorable little gifts or party favors!
12. DIY Beach-Themed “Home” Sign
Give your entryway or patio a breezy summer upgrade with a handmade beachy “Home” sign.
Use a wooden board or piece of driftwood as your base, then paint on the word “HOME” in coastal colors, think aqua, white, sandy beige.
For a fun twist, replace the “O” with a seashell, starfish, sand dollar, or even a tiny faux wreath. Add rope around the edges or hang it with twine for that perfect seaside touch.
It’s simple to make, totally customizable, and gives your space that relaxed, beach house vibe, even if you’re nowhere near the ocean.
13. Beaded DIY Claw Clips
Take your basic claw clips and transform them into statement pieces with just a few beads and a bit of creativity.
Use strong craft glue to attach colorful beads, pearls, or rhinestones directly to the outer edges of the clip, or thread beads onto wire or string and wrap them around the arms of the clip for a more detailed look.
Whether you go for playful rainbow colors or a chic, pearly vibe, these DIY clips instantly elevate any summer hairstyle.
You’ll need:
– Plain claw clips
– Beads (colorful, pearl, or metallic)
– Strong craft glue or thin wire
– Optional: tweezers for placing small beads
These make for a super cute gift or just a fun way to add some sparkle to your everyday messy bun. No one will believe you made them yourself!
14. Decorated Champagne Glasses
Add a touch of personalized sparkle to your summer celebrations by decorating your own champagne glasses! This is such a fun activity to do at a picnic birthday party with your friends.
Use glass paint or paint pens to create designs. Think delicate florals, summer motifs like suns and waves, or even your initials.
You can also add glitter, rhinestones, or metallic accents for extra glam.
Once dry, these glasses become perfect for special occasions, garden parties, or simply elevating your everyday toast.
You’ll need:
– Plain champagne glasses
– Glass paint or paint pens
– Optional: rhinestones, glitter, and strong adhesive
– Paintbrushes or fine-tipped applicators
Not only are these a chic craft project, but they also make beautiful gifts or keepsakes from your summer gatherings.
15. Seashell-Embellished Photo Frame
Turn a basic dollar store photo frame into a charming seaside keepsake by decorating it with collected seashells.
Use hot glue to attach a variety of shells carefully. Think tiny conchs, scallops, or sand dollars, around the edges of the frame.
For extra flair, add bits of driftwood, small starfish, or even a sprinkle of glitter for sparkle. It’s an easy way to bring coastal vibes into your home and showcase your favorite summer memories in style.
You’ll need:
– Plain photo frame (dollar store works great)
– Assorted seashells
– Hot glue gun and glue sticks
– Optional: driftwood pieces, starfish, glitter
Perfect for displaying your favorite beach trip photo or as a heartfelt, handmade gift!
16. Fancy Beaded Rope Keychains
These DIY keychains are bold, colorful, and way fancier than they have any right to be.
Use plastic rope or paracord as the base, then thread on chunky beads, letter beads, or fun shapes to create a design that’s totally your own.
Tie a knot at the end, attach a key ring or clip, and voilà: instant personality for your keys, beach bag, or backpack. Go playful with bright colors, or keep it chic with neutrals and gold accents.
You’ll need:
– Plastic rope, paracord, or thick string
– Beads (mix of colors, shapes, or letters)
– Keyrings or lobster clasps
– Scissors and a lighter or glue to seal the ends
They’re fun to make, super giftable, and add that perfect pop of summer wherever you go.
17. Coastal Shell Wall Hanging
Bring the beach home with this beautiful, boho-style shell wall hanging. I love coastal home decor, it’s so beautiful.
Start with a simple branch or piece of driftwood, then tie on strings of shells at varying lengths using twine or clear fishing line.
You can mix in beads or tiny pieces of sea glass for extra sparkle. When hung on the wall, it creates a soft, coastal vibe that feels straight out of a beach cottage.
It’s minimalist, natural, and makes a statement, all while being super simple to make.
You’ll need:
– Driftwood or a natural branch
– Seashells (with small holes, or drill them carefully)
– Twine, string, or fishing line
– Optional: beads, sea glass, charms
Perfect for decorating a bathroom, entryway, or anywhere that needs a little beachy charm.
18. Painted Tote Bags: Outdoor Craft with Friends
Looking for a creative summer hangout idea? Grab your friends and have a tote bag painting session outside!
Set up a table in the backyard or park with plain canvas tote bags, fabric paints, brushes, stencils, and markers.
Add snacks, drinks, and a summer playlist, and you’ve got the perfect laid-back DIY day. Whether you go for bold florals, fun quotes, or abstract patterns, everyone leaves with a custom bag and a great memory.
You’ll need:
– Plain canvas tote bags
– Fabric paints, markers, and brushes
– Stencils (optional)
– Cups of water, paper towels, and a plastic table cover
– Optional: clothespins and string to hang bags to dry
This craft is as much about the moment as the final product: paint, laugh, and take home something you’ll actually use all summer long.
19. Summertime Rock Painting
Rock painting is the ultimate chill summer craft. Just grab some smooth stones, paint pens or acrylics, and let your creativity flow: think beach scenes, flowers, fun quotes, or bold colors.
20. Painted Wooden Surfboards
Bring beach vibes into your space by painting mini wooden surfboard cutouts!
You can find surfboard-shaped wood blanks at craft stores or cut your own from thin plywood.
Paint them with tropical colors, waves, stripes, florals, or beachy words like “surf,” “chill,” or “ocean air.” Hang them on the wall, prop them on a shelf, or use them as summer party decor.
21. Cardboard Vase Wildflower Bouquet
Cut out and paint a vase shape on cardboard, then glue or tape real wildflowers above it to create a 3D bouquet.
Simple, natural, and beautiful. Each piece is totally unique and perfect for displaying or gifting.
22. Boho Rock Painting
I love this boho rock painting theme!
Paint smooth rocks with sunbursts, moons, rainbows, and earthy tones for a relaxed boho vibe. Use paint pens or soft acrylics: perfect for decor, gifting, or just a peaceful summer craft.
23. Butterfly Cardboard with Daisy Flowers
Cut or draw a butterfly shape from cardboard and decorate it with daisy flowers: real pressed ones or cute paper cutouts.
Arrange the daisies on the wings for a fresh, natural look that’s perfect for spring or summer décor. It’s a simple, charming craft that brightens any room with a touch of whimsy.
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