Summer is the perfect time for teens to explore their creativity and engage in fun, hands-on activities that keep them off the technology! 🙂 With the abundance of time and the great outdoors at their disposal, teens can delve into a world of imaginative crafts. This article brings you a selection of delightful and easy-to-make summer crafts, inspired by some of the best ideas from Etsy. These projects will keep older children entertained and stimulate their artistic skills and maybe learn a new hobbie.
1. Soy Wax Candle Making Kit
Soy wax candle making is a delightful craft that teaches teens about the art of candle making while creating something useful and beautiful. Using a soy wax candle kit, children can melt soy wax flakes, add their favourite scents, and pour the wax into moulds or jars to set. They can also personalise their candles with dyes and decorative elements.
Etsy Inspiration: Kits that include soy wax, wicks, essential oils, dyes, and moulds provide everything needed to create lovely scented candles.
2. Painted Rocks
Collect smooth stones from your garden and transform them into adorable painted rocks. All you need are some acrylic paints, brushes, and a bit of imagination. Teens can create ladybirds, bumblebees, or even mythical creatures like dragons and unicorns. The possibilities are endless. This craft encourages fine motor skills and creativity and is suitable for younger and older children.
Etsy Inspiration: Kits that provide pre-selected stones and a variety of paint colours can make this project even more accessible and fun for children.
3. DIY Bird Feeders
Engage teens in a project that gives back to nature by making DIY bird feeders. Use materials like pine cones, peanut butter, and birdseed. Simply spread the peanut butter over the pine cone and roll it in birdseed until fully covered. Hang the finished feeders from tree branches and watch as local birds come to enjoy the treat.
Etsy Inspiration: Purchase eco-friendly bird feeder kits that come with all necessary materials, including birdseed.
Shop the Bird Feeder Craft Kit
4. Tie-Dye T-Shirts
Tie-dye is a classic summer craft that never goes out of style. Gather plain white T-shirts and a variety of fabric dyes. Kids of all ages can create their own designs by twisting, folding, and tying the shirts before applying the dye. After letting the shirts dry, they’ll have unique, wearable pieces of art.
Etsy Inspiration: Complete tie-dye kits that include shirts, dyes, and instructions can simplify the process and ensure vibrant results.
Shop the Tie Dye T-shirt Kit
5. Crocheting Amigurumi
Introduce teens to the charming world of amigurumi, the Japanese art of crocheting small stuffed animals and creatures. This craft requires a basic understanding of crochet techniques but can be a rewarding challenge for older children. Start with simple patterns like tiny birds or animals.
Etsy Inspiration: Look for beginner amigurumi kits that include yarn, crochet hooks, stuffing, and easy-to-follow patterns.
If you are a little more experienced, we have a detailed video tutorial on how to make a giant octopus. This project will challenge your crochet skills and result in a stunning, large amigurumi that you can proudly display or gift.
6. Origami Creations
Origami, the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, is a fantastic craft that can transform simple sheets of paper into intricate designs. This activity is great for improving kids’ concentration, patience, and fine motor skills. With a variety of projects to choose from, such as flowers, animals, and garlands, origami can be both educational and entertaining.
• Origami Flowers: Using colourful origami paper, children can create beautiful flowers like lilies, tulips, and roses. These paper blooms make wonderful decorations and gifts.
• Origami Animals: Kids can fold paper into charming animals such as cranes, frogs, and butterflies. This activity helps develop spatial awareness and precision.
• Origami Garlands: Create festive garlands by stringing together multiple origami shapes like stars, hearts, or cranes. These garlands can be used to decorate bedrooms, play areas, or for special occasions.How to Create Stunning Origami Flower Lilies
In this video tutorial below, we delve into the art of origami to create beautiful flower lilies that can brighten up any space. This quick step-by-step guide will guide you through the process of crafting vibrant origami flower lilies, perfect for adding a handmade touch to your home décor or gifting to loved ones.
Etsy Inspiration: Look for origami kits that include a variety of papers and detailed instructions for making flowers, animals, and garlands. Kits with pre-printed patterns and step-by-step guides can be particularly helpful for beginners.
7. Macrame Kits
Macrame is a versatile and enjoyable craft that involves knotting cords into beautiful patterns and designs. It’s a perfect summer activity that allows older kids to create decorative items while developing their concentration and fine motor skills. From wall hangings to bunting, macrame projects can add a handmade touch to any space.
• Macrame Wall Hangings: Using colourful cords, children can create intricate wall hangings that make lovely room decorations. These projects can range from simple to complex, catering to different skill levels.
• Macrame Leaves and Feathers: Kids can craft individual macrame leaves or feathers that can be hung individually or grouped together as part of a larger piece.
• Macrame Bunting: Create festive macrame bunting by making several small macrame pieces and stringing them together. This bunting can be used for parties or to decorate outdoor spaces.Etsy Inspiration: Look for macrame kits that include all necessary materials such as cords, wooden dowels, and detailed instructions. Kits that come with pre-measured cords and step-by-step guides are particularly helpful for beginners.
If you are a little more experienced or looking to challenge your skills further, we have a detailed tutorial on how to make a macrame wall hanging.
In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through each step of the process, from selecting the right cords and tools to mastering the basic knots needed to bring your design to life. Whether you’re a seasoned macrame enthusiast or a curious beginner, our detailed instructions will help you create a stylish wall hanging that you can proudly display in your home.
So, gather your supplies, find a comfortable spot, and let’s get started on this creative and relaxing summer craft!
8. Decorative Dreamcatchers
Dreamcatchers are a beautiful craft that can be hung above beds to catch bad dreams. Using hoops, yarn, beads, and feathers, kids can weave their own dreamcatchers. This activity promotes patience and dexterity as children learn to thread and weave the materials.
Etsy Inspiration: Dreamcatcher kits with pre-selected colours and materials ensure that kids have everything they need to create stunning pieces.
10. Making Friendship Bracelets
Creating friendship bracelets is a timeless craft that kids can enjoy making and exchanging with friends. Using embroidery floss in a variety of colours, kids can learn different knotting techniques to create intricate patterns. This craft enhances fine motor skills and teaches patience.
Etsy Inspiration: Kits that come with a range of coloured threads and instruction booklets on various bracelet designs are perfect for beginners.
Shop the Pastel Friendship Bracelet Making Kit
11. DIY Upcycling Storage Containers
Teach kids about sustainability with upcycling projects, such as turning old boxes and buckets into stylish storage containers. Use paints, fabric, stickers, and other craft supplies to decorate and personalise these items. This activity is a wonderful way to repurpose materials and encourage eco-friendly practices.
Check out our DIY Rope Tutorial below;
These summer craft ideas not only provide endless hours of entertainment but also help teens develop important skills such as creativity, fine motor coordination, and patience. Inspired by some of the wonderful kits available on Etsy, these projects are accessible, fun, and perfect for bringing a touch of handmade charm to your summer. So, gather your supplies and let the crafting adventures begin!
FAQs
What is the Easiest Craft to Learn?
The easiest craft to learn is often considered to be paper crafts, such as making origami. Origami involves folding paper into various shapes and figures, like animals or flowers, using simple steps. It’s accessible, requires minimal materials, and can be as simple or complex as you choose, making it a great starting point for beginners.
What Crafts are Easy to Make and Sell?
Here are some easy crafts that are popular to make and sell:
1. Candles: Soy wax candles, particularly those with unique scents or decorative elements, are always in demand.
2. Handmade Soap: Easy to make with melt-and-pour bases, and customisable with different scents, colours, and additives.
3. Jewellery: Simple beaded bracelets, earrings, and necklaces can be quick to create and highly marketable.
4. Knitted or Crocheted Items: Items like scarves, hats, and small amigurumi figures can be both easy to make and sell.
5. Customised Mugs: Use paint or vinyl decals to create personalized or themed mugs.
6. Bath Bombs: Easy to make with basic ingredients and molds, and popular for their relaxing properties.
7. Tote Bags: Decorate plain tote bags with fabric paint, embroidery, or iron-on designs.
8. Bookmarks: Create unique bookmarks using paper, fabric, or metal charms.
9. Plant Holders: Macrame plant hangers or simple painted pots are both trendy and easy to make.
10. Greeting Cards: Handmade cards for various occasions can be made with paper, stamps, and embellishments.These crafts require minimal materials and can be easily customised, making them ideal for selling at craft fairs, online marketplaces, or local shops.