Summer is the perfect time for teens to explore their creativity, try new hobbies, and create something beautiful. Whether they want to personalize their space, make gifts for friends, or simply have fun with DIY projects, summer crafts offer endless possibilities.
This list of 23 summer crafts for teens includes trendy, fun, and easy-to-make projects that encourage creativity while keeping boredom at bay.
1. DIY Tie-Dye T-Shirts
Tie-dye is a classic summer craft that never goes out of style. Teens can create unique and colorful designs on plain white shirts using different tie-dye techniques like spiral, crumple, and ombre.
To get started, they’ll need a white cotton shirt, fabric dye, rubber bands, and gloves. Folding and twisting the shirt in different ways before applying the dye creates exciting patterns. Once the dye sets and the shirt is rinsed, it’s ready to wear as a one-of-a-kind fashion piece.
Teens can experiment with different color combinations to match their style or create matching shirts with friends. This activity is not only fun but also a great way to upcycle old clothing and express individuality.
2. Beach-Inspired Resin Keychains
Resin crafts have become a huge trend, and making beach-inspired resin keychains is a fun way to bring summer vibes everywhere. This craft allows teens to embed small seashells, sand, glitter, and even tiny charms into resin molds to create personalized keychains.
The process involves mixing resin with a hardener, pouring it into a silicone mold, and adding decorative elements. After allowing the resin to cure for 24 to 48 hours, the finished keychains can be attached to backpacks, purses, or car keys.
This craft is not only enjoyable but also a great introduction to working with resin, which can be used for many other DIY projects like jewelry, coasters, and wall art.
3. Handmade Friendship Bracelets
Friendship bracelets are a nostalgic and meaningful craft that teens can make for themselves or as gifts for their best friends. These bracelets come in various styles, including braided, macramé, and beaded designs.
Using embroidery floss or colorful threads, teens can create intricate patterns like chevrons, stripes, and hearts. Some designs involve knotting techniques that are both fun to learn and relaxing to do.
Not only do friendship bracelets serve as stylish accessories, but they also represent bonds between friends. This craft is budget-friendly and perfect for road trips, beach days, or simply hanging out at home.
4. Watercolor Galaxy Art
Painting is a fantastic way for teens to express their artistic side, and watercolor galaxy art is one of the most mesmerizing projects they can try.
With watercolor paints, a brush, and thick paper, teens can blend deep blues, purples, and pinks to create dreamy galaxy scenes. Adding splatters of white paint gives the illusion of stars, making each piece look like a miniature universe.
This craft is perfect for creating wall art, greeting cards, or journaling pages. It also teaches teens valuable painting techniques like blending and layering, which can be applied to other art forms.
5. Boho Dreamcatchers
Dreamcatchers are beautiful and symbolic decorations that teens can make using embroidery hoops, yarn, feathers, and beads. The intricate webbing inside the hoop is traditionally believed to catch bad dreams while letting good dreams pass through.
To make a dreamcatcher, teens start by wrapping an embroidery hoop with twine or yarn. They then weave a web pattern inside the hoop using string, incorporating beads for added decoration. The final touch is adding hanging feathers and charms for a bohemian look.
This craft not only enhances room décor but also allows teens to create something unique with personal meaning.
6. Decorated Mason Jars
Mason jars can be transformed into stunning decorative pieces with just a little creativity. Teens can use paint, stickers, glitter, and ribbons to customize jars for different purposes, such as organizing school supplies, holding fairy lights, or serving as vases for fresh flowers.
One fun idea is creating ombre-painted mason jars using acrylic paint and a sponge. Another is making glow-in-the-dark jars by adding glow paint inside, creating a magical effect at night.
This craft is not only easy and fun but also a great way to add a personal touch to any space.
7. Seashell Wind Chimes
For teens who love the beach, making seashell wind chimes is a perfect summer craft. By collecting seashells and driftwood, they can create a charming outdoor decoration that brings the sound of the ocean home.
To assemble the wind chime, teens drill small holes in the seashells and string them together using fishing line or twine. Attaching the shells to a piece of driftwood or a wooden hoop completes the design.
Hanging the finished wind chime on a porch or in a garden adds a relaxing, beachy atmosphere to any outdoor space.
8. DIY Beaded Phone Charms
Phone charms are a trendy accessory, and making them is a fun way for teens to personalize their phones. These beaded charms can be customized with name initials, colorful beads, and charms that reflect personal interests.
Using elastic string and an assortment of beads, teens can design their own unique phone straps. The process is simple and allows for endless creativity.
This craft is perfect for making matching friendship charms or gifts for family and friends.
9. Pressed Flower Bookmarks
For book-loving teens, creating pressed flower bookmarks is a delightful craft that combines nature with creativity. By pressing flowers and leaves between heavy books for a few days, they can preserve beautiful botanical designs to use as decorations.
Once the flowers are dried, they can be arranged on cardstock or laminated for durability. Adding calligraphy or hand-drawn details makes each bookmark even more special.
This craft is a great way to celebrate summer blooms while making something practical and artistic.
10. Tie-Dye Scrunchies
Scrunchies are a must-have hair accessory, and making custom tie-dye versions is a fun and easy summer craft. Teens can use fabric dye or fabric markers to create colorful designs on plain white scrunchies.
For those who enjoy sewing, they can also make scrunchies from scratch using elastic bands and soft fabric. This DIY project allows for endless customization, from pastel hues to bold neon patterns.
Making scrunchies is not only a great way to accessorize outfits but also a fantastic handmade gift idea for friends and family.
11. Painted Rock Art
Rock painting is an easy and enjoyable craft that allows teens to turn ordinary stones into beautiful works of art. With acrylic paints, paint pens, and a little imagination, they can create everything from colorful mandalas to inspirational quote rocks.
One of the best parts of this craft is that it’s completely customizable. Teens can paint animals, patterns, flowers, or even miniature landscapes. Once the paint dries, sealing the design with a clear coat helps preserve the artwork.
These painted rocks can be used as decorations for gardens, desks, or even as gifts for friends and family. Some teens also enjoy hiding them in public places as part of a community “kindness rock” movement.
12. DIY Suncatchers
Suncatchers are a beautiful way to add a touch of color to windows and let natural light shine through dazzling designs. Teens can make their own using materials like tissue paper, glass paint, or even melted beads.
One easy method is cutting clear contact paper into different shapes, then pressing colorful tissue paper pieces onto it to create a stained-glass effect. Another option is using transparent plastic sheets and painting them with glass paints to make intricate patterns.
Once finished, the suncatchers can be hung in a sunny window to brighten up any room.
13. Personalized Canvas Tote Bags
A blank canvas tote bag can be transformed into a stylish, reusable accessory with a little creativity. Teens can decorate their tote bags using fabric paints, stencils, iron-on patches, or even embroidery.
One trendy technique is using tie-dye or ombre painting to create a gradient effect. Another fun idea is adding hand-drawn doodles or quotes for a personalized touch.
Not only is this craft a great way to showcase individual style, but it also promotes sustainability by encouraging reusable bags instead of plastic ones.
14. DIY Bath Bombs
Self-care meets creativity with homemade bath bombs. Teens can mix baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salts, and essential oils to create soothing bath fizzies. Adding food coloring and dried flowers makes each bath bomb even more special.
Once the ingredients are combined and pressed into molds, they need to dry for 24 hours before they’re ready to use. These bath bombs make great gifts and can be customized with different scents like lavender, vanilla, or citrus.
This craft is not only fun but also a great way to encourage relaxation and self-care.
15. Embroidered Denim Patches
Teens who love fashion can give their old denim jackets, jeans, or backpacks a fresh new look with DIY embroidered patches. These patches can be sewn directly onto fabric or created separately and ironed on.
Simple designs like hearts, stars, or initials are great for beginners, while more intricate patterns like flowers and animals allow for more detailed work. Embroidery is a calming activity that teaches patience and precision, making it a rewarding craft for summer.
This project is a great way to personalize clothing and create one-of-a-kind fashion pieces.
16. Macramé Plant Hangers
Macramé is a trendy craft that involves knotting rope to create decorative designs. One of the most popular macramé projects is making plant hangers, which allow teens to display potted plants in a stylish way.
Using just a few basic knots, teens can craft a chic hanging planter using cotton rope or jute twine. They can experiment with different designs and add beads for extra detail.
This craft is perfect for decorating bedrooms, patios, or even giving as gifts to plant lovers.
17. DIY Clay Trinket Dishes
Air-dry clay is a versatile material that can be molded into beautiful trinket dishes for storing jewelry, keys, or small accessories. Teens can roll out the clay, cut it into fun shapes like hearts or leaves, and then let it dry before painting their creations.
Metallic paints, marbling techniques, or pressed flower designs can add an elegant touch. Once sealed with a clear coat, these trinket dishes become durable and functional pieces of art.
This is an easy and creative project that allows for endless personalization.
18. Handmade Bead Rings
Beaded jewelry is making a huge comeback, and making custom bead rings is an easy and stylish craft for teens. With stretch cord and an assortment of colorful beads, they can create trendy rings in just a few minutes.
This craft allows for endless creativity, from dainty minimalist designs to bold statement rings. Teens can make matching sets for friends or even sell their handmade jewelry as a small business venture.
It’s a fun way to stay on top of fashion trends while learning basic jewelry-making techniques.
19. DIY Tie-Dye Sneakers
Plain white sneakers can be transformed into unique fashion pieces with tie-dye or fabric markers. This craft is perfect for giving old shoes a new look without spending a lot of money.
Using fabric dye, teens can create ombre effects, splatter patterns, or even stencil designs onto their sneakers. Fabric markers offer more control for creating detailed artwork.
These custom sneakers make a bold fashion statement and allow teens to express their individual style.
20. DIY Lavender Sachets
For a relaxing and fragrant craft, teens can make lavender sachets by sewing small fabric pouches and filling them with dried lavender. These sachets can be placed in drawers, closets, or even under pillows for a calming scent.
This craft is simple and requires only basic sewing skills. Choosing fun fabrics and adding embroidered designs makes each sachet unique.
Lavender sachets also make wonderful handmade gifts for friends and family.
21. Melted Crayon Art
Melted crayon art is an exciting craft that results in vibrant, abstract designs. By gluing crayons to a canvas and using a hairdryer to melt them, teens can create dripping rainbow effects or even shape the wax into creative patterns.
Adding silhouettes of trees, city skylines, or inspirational quotes makes the artwork even more stunning.
This craft is a great way to repurpose old crayons while experimenting with color and texture.
22. DIY Glitter Hair Clips
Teens can customize their own stylish hair accessories by decorating plain hair clips with glitter, beads, or resin. Using glue or clear nail polish, they can create shimmering designs that add a fun touch to any hairstyle.
This craft is simple but allows for endless creativity. Whether making star-shaped clips for a celestial theme or pastel-colored barrettes for a soft aesthetic, there are so many ways to personalize this accessory.
It’s a perfect project for fashion-forward teens who love to accessorize.
23. Scrapbook Journaling
Scrapbook journaling is a creative way for teens to document their summer memories. By using stickers, washi tape, printed photos, and doodles, they can design a unique and artistic journal.
This craft allows for self-expression while preserving special moments from summer vacations, road trips, or even everyday adventures.
Scrapbook journals can be as simple or elaborate as desired, making them a versatile and meaningful craft for all teens.
Conclusion
Summer is the perfect time to explore creativity, try new hobbies, and make something beautiful. These 23 craft ideas offer a mix of art, fashion, and DIY home décor projects that are easy, fun, and budget-friendly.
Whether making tie-dye sneakers, resin keychains, or scrapbook journals, each of these crafts allows teens to express their individuality while enjoying the creative process.
Encourage your teen to try a few of these ideas and share their creations with friends and family. Who knows? They might even discover a new passion along the way.
Would you like any additional tips or variations on these crafts?
