With the weather cooling down and summer activities winding to a close, it can feel like there’s not much to do, no matter your age. But fear not!
These 21 adorable craft ideas are here to save the day. Perfect for keeping you busy and entertained as the seasons change.
Whether you’re flying solo or crafting with friends and family, there’s something for everyone. From simple seasonal projects to more intricate creations, you’re sure to find a craft that sparks your creativity.
And the best part? Most of these crafts require just basic materials, so you won’t break the bank stocking up on supplies. So dive in, get crafting, and enjoy the cozy vibes of fall and winter!
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1. DIY Paper Spider
Source: https://craftsyhacks.com/diy-paper-spider/
This craft is a blast, whether you’re getting into the Halloween spirit or just looking for some October fun with the kiddos!
You can make anything from cards to decorations with this adorable spider design, and trust me, they all turn out absolutely fantastic. It’s a great way to add some spooky charm to your home or surprise someone with a cute handmade treat. Let your creativity run wild!
2. Flip Flips Door Hanger
Source: https://www.annsentitledlife.com/crafts/flip-flops-door-hanger-dollar-store-craft/
It’s like flip-flops have a mind of their own, right? They always seem to multiply around the house, especially by the end of the season.
That’s exactly how I came up with this adorable flip-flop door hanger! It’s perfect for adding a touch of coastal charm to your home decor, whether it’s spring, summer, or any time of the year. And hey, it’s also a fantastic addition to a teen girl’s room, adding a fun and playful vibe to their space.
3. Stress Ball
Source: https://craftsyhacks.com/stress-ball/
This craft is a winner all year round, and it’s seriously one of the easiest ones on the list!
We like to fill our stress balls with sand or a small textured grain like quinoa or couscous. Just remember not to overfill them—you want the material to give a bit as you squish it over time.
It’s such a fun activity, especially when you’re stuck indoors on a rainy day. Plus, who doesn’t love squeezing a stress ball to relieve some tension? It’s a win-win!
4. Cross Stitch Mason Jar
Source: https://craftwithcartwright.co.uk/cross-stitch-mason-jar-lid-tutorial/
Cross stitching might be an oldie but a goodie, but trust me, this cross-stitch mason jar puts a fresh spin on the classic craft!
Imagine a collection of these jars with different images on the lids—it would look absolutely charming displayed together. You can get creative and make them seasonal, feature cute characters, or just go wild with fun shapes. It’s a fantastic way to breathe new life into a beloved hobby!
5. DIY Pedestal Bowl
Source: https://www.makingmanzanita.com/diy-pedestal-bowl/
Got any old bowls lying around that could use a makeover? Or maybe you’re eyeing a fancy pedestal bowl but not thrilled about the price tag? Either way, this DIY is perfect for you!
It’s seriously so easy, you won’t believe it. Just a few simple steps, and you’ll have yourself a gorgeous pedestal bowl that looks like a million bucks without breaking the bank. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of elegance to your home decor without splurging on expensive items.
6. Ladybug Craft
Source: https://craftsyhacks.com/ladybug-craft/
Making these adorable ladybugs is a breeze once you’ve got everything ready to go.
My kids have had a blast getting creative with different wing colors, and we’ve ended up with a whole collection of vibrant ladybugs.
To make them, you can use toilet paper or paper towel rolls. For the paper towel rolls, just cut them into the right sizes for these little ladies. It’s a fun and easy craft that’s perfect for a rainy day activity with the kids!
7. Monthly Baby Photos DIY Letterboard
Source: https://www.makingjoyandprettythings.com/monthly-baby-photos-diy-letterboard/
It’s no secret that baby and kids’ stuff can be seriously pricey!
That’s why I’ve started DIY-ing as much as I can, and let me tell you, this project was a hit when I made it for a friend who had just given birth a few years back.
The letter board might be the most expensive part, but you can save some cash by upcycling an old frame or hunting for the perfect match at a thrift store. And don’t forget to get creative with painting or decorating the frame to match your baby’s theme—it adds a personal touch that makes it even more special!
8. Paper Squishies
Source: https://craftsyhacks.com/paper-squishies/
Squishies are such a hit with the younger crowd that I couldn’t resist turning them into a craft project: paper squishies!
You can customize these squishies to match any favorites your little ones adore, giving them some extra love in the process.
Think of it like following a clothing or sewing pattern. Depending on the materials you have on hand, your kids can draw their favorites with fabric markers or print out designs to use. It’s a fun and creative way to bring their favorite characters to life!
9. DIY Embroidery Hoop Wreath
Source: https://www.makingjoyandprettythings.com/diy-embroidery-hoop-wreath/
Wreaths are just fantastic, aren’t they? So versatile, fun, and you can get really creative with them in terms of theme and design.
And here’s a little secret: if you’re like me, you probably have a bunch of embroidery hoops lying around. Well, guess what? They’re the perfect base for making wreaths!
You can use pretty much anything you have on hand to fill the space—get creative! These embroidery hoop wreaths are perfect for adding a touch of home decor for any season or just to add a pop of color and warmth to your space anytime.
10. Hair Bows
Source: https://craftsyhacks.com/how-to-make-hair-bows/
You can save a ton of money by DIY-ing your own hair accessories for yourself and anyone else who needs them!
While I’ve got bows listed here, the possibilities are endless. You can personalize headbands, make scrunchies, and so much more. It’s a fun and budget-friendly way to add some flair to your hairdo while getting creative with your crafting skills. Plus, handmade accessories always add a special touch to any outfit!
11. DIY Stone Monsters
Source: https://www.thebestvinylcutters.com/diy-stone-monsters-craft-for-kids/
Making these stone monsters is a blast for my kids, especially as we gear up for the spooky season!
Our routine usually involves taking a walk to collect stones of different sizes, tossing them into a bucket, and then getting creative with monster-making once we’re back home.
After we’ve finished crafting, we let our little monsters sit in the sun or in a quiet spot indoors for at least twenty-four hours to make sure they’re fully dried and set. That way, we can avoid any smudging mishaps and enjoy our spooky creations for weeks to come!
12. Toilet Paper Roll Macaw
Source: https://www.littleladoo.com/toilet-paper-roll-macaw-craft-free-template/
Just like our adorable ladybugs, these cute macaws are perfect for a rainy afternoon craft session!
To make things easy, I recommend prepping all the pieces beforehand so you and your little ones can dive right into the fun.
While we prefer using paint for these colorful birds, feel free to choose whatever medium you’re comfortable with or that your kids enjoy. Whether it’s paint, markers, or even colored paper, the most important thing is to let your creativity soar!
13. Pin Cushion Magnetic Saucer
Source: https://craftwithcartwright.co.uk/make-cup-pin-cushion-magnetic-saucer/
Let me tell you, this pin cushion magnetic saucer is a game-changer for my sewing collection!
Gone are the days of hunting for stray pins or using a separate magnet to keep them in check. Having the magnet built right into the pin cushion has saved me so much time and hassle. It’s like having my own little sewing assistant right there with me!
14. DIY Bookmark
Source: https://craftsyhacks.com/how-to-make-a-bookmark/
Bookmarks are such a delightfully creative project—you can make them out of just about anything or shape them into anything you like!
Take these adorable bird paperclip bookmarks, for example. But really, the sky’s the limit! You can choose your favorite animal, shape, or even something completely different to make your bookmarks uniquely yours.
If you’re hungry for more ideas, I’ve got a few other projects on the website you can check out. And of course, Google is a treasure trove of inspiration just waiting to be discovered. Happy crafting!
15. DIY Rock Photo Holders
Source: https://craftsyhacks.com/diy-rock-photo-holders/
These DIY photo holders with rocks are an absolute blast, especially for a summer activity!
You’ll have a ton of fun scouring for the perfect rocks to use in this project. Plus, it’s a super creative endeavor that’s suitable for all ages. And the best part? These photo holders make fantastic gifts for friends and family. It’s a win-win all around!
16. Suncatcher Craft
Source: https://foxfarmhome.com/sun-suncatcher-craft-for-kids/
17. Straw Flowers
Source: https://simplyfullofdelight.com/flowers-made-from-straws-flower-craft-preschool/
These straw flowers are a fantastic way to add a pop of color to any season of the year!
You can coordinate the colors of the flowers to match the time of year, making them the perfect addition to your decor. And the best part? You can get really creative with embellishments—whether it’s gemstones, glitter, or anything else you fancy, adding a little extra sparkle will make your bouquet truly shine!
18. Dinosaur Craft
This adorable dinosaur craft is the perfect finishing touch to our collection of toilet paper roll crafts!
If your kid has a desk, this dino is a fantastic addition—it’s a handy organizer for everything from markers to glue sticks.
To make things easier, be sure to assemble all your materials beforehand. Covering the toilet paper tubes with construction paper and letting the artist color or paint them ahead of time can save a lot of hassle. Plus, it adds an extra layer of fun to the crafting process!
19. Craft Tool Organizer
Source: https://www.artsyfartsymama.com/2023/01/craft-tool-organizer.html/
Try this one for adults or teens looking for a more streamlined version of a dinosaur desk organizer.
It has a plain front surface, making it the perfect canvas for whatever your artistic desires want.
Add as many dividers vertically and horizontally as you envision–with a little cardboard, the sections are completely up to you.
20. Felt Apple Pencil Toppers
Source: https://twokidsandacoupon.com/2023/06/cute-felt-apple-pencil-toppers-for-back-to-school.html
These felt apple toppers are just the thing for a fun back-to-school project!
Since they fit right in with apple season, it’s perfect to save this craft for late August or early September. Imagine how adorable they’ll look adorning your child’s desk or backpack as they head back to school. Plus, they’re a great way to get into the spirit of autumn and add a touch of handmade charm to the start of the school year!
21. Origami Puppy
Source: https://www.redtedart.com/easy-origami-dog-puppy/
Last but not least, let’s give a big round of applause to this adorable origami puppy!
With a simple folding tutorial, you’ll have a whole pack of pups in no time. All that’s left to do is add some color, and you’ll have a bunch of charming paper pooches to brighten up your day. It’s a delightful project that’s sure to bring a smile to your face!