Summer is the perfect time to get creative, whether you’re crafting with kids, making DIY home decor, or simply looking for an enjoyable way to spend a warm afternoon. These 17 summer craft hacks will introduce innovative ways to enhance your surroundings, personalize your belongings, and create stunning decorative pieces. Whether you want to preserve memories, add a unique touch to your space, or gift handmade creations, these ideas will help you make the most of the season. Each project is visually appealing and pairs beautifully with images, making them ideal for Pinterest inspiration. Let’s dive in!
1. DIY Seashell Wind Chimes
Source@jellyseashells
CollectSeashell wind chimes are an elegant way to bring a bit of the beach to your home. Gather seashells from your last beach trip and turn them into a gorgeous wind chime! Use a driftwood stick as the base, then drill small holes in each shell to string them together. Add colorful beads for extra charm. When the breeze hits, you’ll love the soft, relaxing sound. This makes a stunning outdoor decoration or a sentimental keepsake from your vacationseaside visit or purchase them from a craft store. Start with a sturdy piece of driftwood as the base, then carefully drill small holes in each shell. Using fishing line or twine, string the shells together, ensuring they hang at varying lengths to create a layered effect. Incorporate wooden beads or small bells for added charm and sound. Hang your completed wind chime on a porch, balcony, or near a window where it can catch the breeze, creating a soothing, melodic ambiance that instantly transports you back to the beach.
2. Ice Dyeing T-Shirts for a Colorful Summer Wardrobe
Source@corkylorenz
Forget traditional tie-dye! Ice dyeing is the ultimate summer craft hack for creating dreamy, watercolor-like patterns on fabric. Simply place crushed ice over a white cotton T-shirt, sprinkle fabric dye powder on top, and let it melt. The melting ice distributes the dye uniquely, giving every piece a one-of-a-kind design. Perfect for DIY fashion lovers!
For a modern and artistic take on tie-dye, try the ice dyeing technique. This method involves placing crushed ice over a white cotton T-shirt, then generously sprinkling powdered fabric dye on top. As the ice melts, it distributes the dye in organic, unpredictable patterns, creating a beautiful watercolor effect. The result is a vibrant, one-of-a-kind design that looks professionally made. Experiment with different dye colors and fabrics, such as pillowcases or scarves, to expand your collection of custom summer accessories. This DIY is perfect for those who love bold, artistic fashion statements and want to add a personal touch to their summer wardrobe.
3. Painted Rock Garden Markers
Source@creativity_for_days
Add a pop of color to your garden with hand-painted rock markers. Gather smooth rocks, paint them with bright acrylics, and label them with the names of your plants. You can even add cute illustrations like tomatoes or basil leaves. These markers are waterproof and a charming way to keep your garden organizedIf you’re an avid gardener or simply want to add personality to your outdoor space, painted rock garden markers are a fantastic project. Find smooth, flat rocks and clean them thoroughly before applying a base coat of acrylic paint. Once dry, use fine-tip paintbrushes or paint pens to label each rock with the names of herbs, flowers, or vegetables growing in your garden. For an added artistic touch, illustrate small, detailed images next to the names—such as tiny tomatoes for tomato plants or basil leaves for basil. Finish with a waterproof sealant to ensure longevity, and place them near your plants for a charming, functional garden upgrade.
4. Citrus-Stamped Tea Towels
Source@craftclubslc
Give your kitchen a fresh summer vibe with handmade citrus-stamped tea towels! Slice a lemon, lime, or orange in half, dip it in fabric paint, and stamp it onto a cotton towel. The result? A vibrant, fruity print that screams summer. These also make fantastic DIY gifts!
Brighten up your kitchen with custom citrus-stamped tea towels. Using fresh lemons, limes, or oranges, cut the fruit in half and blot the excess juice before dipping them into fabric paint. Press the fruit onto a plain cotton towel, creating a repeating pattern. Experiment with different colors and overlapping prints to create a vibrant, summer-inspired design. Once dry, heat-set the fabric paint according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure washability. These handmade towels make fantastic gifts and add a refreshing, seasonal touch to your home decor.
5. DIY Popsicle Stick Picture Frames
Source@chantelle_frank
Turn ordinary popsicle sticks into adorable picture frames! Glue sticks together in a square or hexagon shape, paint them in bright summer colors, and add glitter or seashells. Slip in a favorite summer photo, and you’ve got a handmade keepsake that captures your best momentsCreate fun and inexpensive picture frames using simple popsicle sticks. Arrange and glue the sticks in a square or hexagon shape, then paint them in bright summer colors. Enhance them with embellishments like glitter, buttons, seashells, or tiny mirrors. Once dry, attach a small clothespin or backing to secure a photo inside. These DIY frames are perfect for displaying vacation snapshots, summer memories, or even children’s artwork. Whether hung on a wall or placed on a desk, they add a personalized and nostalgic element to your home.
6. Beach-Themed Mason Jar Lanterns
Source@wholeblossoms
Transform plainordinary mason jars into glowing beach lanterns. Fill the bottom with sand, add small shells, and place a battery-operated tea light inside. Wrap twine around the top for a rustic touch. These look stunning on patios, making them perfect for summer evenings outdoorsstunning, beach-inspired lanterns. Begin by filling the bottom of each jar with a layer of sand, followed by an assortment of small seashells, pebbles, or beach glass. Insert a battery-operated tea light or fairy lights for a warm, ambient glow. For a finishing touch, wrap twine or jute rope around the jar’s neck and secure with a decorative bow or tiny charm. These lanterns make excellent centerpieces for summer gatherings and add a cozy, coastal touch to patios and balconies.
7. Floral Pressed Bookmark
Source@elenathereader
Capture summer flowers forever with a DIY pressed flower bookmark. Pick fresh flowers, press them between book pages for a week, then laminate them onto cardstock. Add a tassel for a finishing touch. These bookmarks are elegant, functional, and make fantastic gifts!
Preserve the beauty of summer flowers with an elegant DIY pressed flower bookmark. Begin by selecting fresh flowers and pressing them between book pages for about a week. Once they’re fully dried, arrange them on a piece of thick cardstock or laminated paper, securing them with clear adhesive. For durability, laminate the entire bookmark or coat it with a clear drying glue. Punch a hole at the top and add a ribbon or tassel for a refined touch. These bookmarks make wonderful gifts and bring a piece of nature into your daily reading routine.
8. DIY Watermelon Coasters
Source@whimsically_angie
Keep your drinks cool and your table protected with these adorable watermelon coasters! Cut round cork coasters, paint them with red, white, and green acrylic paint, and add black dots for seeds. They’re as cute as they are useful!
Protect your tabletops in a playful and stylish way with handmade watermelon coasters. Start by cutting round cork coasters and painting them with red, white, and green acrylic paints to mimic a watermelon slice. Use a fine-tip brush to add black seed details, making the design look even more realistic. Once fully dry, seal them with a waterproof clear coat to ensure longevity. These adorable coasters are a perfect addition to summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings, bringing both functionality and a pop of color to your decor.
9. Glow-in-the-Dark Firefly Jars
Source@light.bio
Make magical summer nights even more enchanting Capture the magic of summer nights with glow-in-the-dark firefly jars! Dab. Using a mason jar, apply small dots of glow-in-the-dark paint inside a mason jar to mimic twinkling lights. Leave them under the sun during the day, and they’ll glow beautifully at night. Perfect for kids or backyard gatherings!on the inside surface, mimicking tiny fireflies. Let the jar absorb light during the day, and when darkness falls, enjoy its glowing effect. These jars create a whimsical ambiance for patios, campsites, or children’s rooms, adding a sense of wonder to summer evenings.
10. DIY Driftwood Wall Art
Source@jerseydriftwoodar
Give your home a coastal-inspired makeover with a DIY driftwood wall art piece. Collect pieces of driftwood from the beach or purchase them online. Arrange them into a pattern—whether it’s a sunburst, a heart shape, or an abstract design—then glue or nail them onto a sturdy backing like plywood or canvas. For added creativity, incorporate shells, small pebbles, or nautical rope into your design. Once completed, hang your artwork in your living room, entryway, or bathroom for a natural, beachy aesthetic that instantly brings summer vibes indoors.
11. Handmade Citrus Sugar Scrub
Source@masonmasonhandmade
Pamper yourself with a refreshing homemade citrus sugar scrub that exfoliates and hydrates your skin. In a bowl, mix granulated sugar with coconut oil until you reach a scrub-like consistency. Add a few drops of essential oils like lemon, lime, or orange for a zesty scent. You can even mix in citrus zest for extra freshness. Store the scrub in a glass jar and use it to keep your skin soft and glowing all summer long. These also make beautiful, thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
12. DIY Tie-Dye Beach Towels
Source@thecabana
Upgrade your beach days with personalized tie-dye beach towels. Choose a plain white cotton towel and prep it by dampening it slightly. Use rubber bands to create different tie-dye patterns—swirls, crumples, or stripes. Apply vibrant fabric dye, let it set for a few hours, then rinse and dry. The result is a stunning, unique towel that stands out at the beach or poolside. This DIY is a fantastic way to showcase your creativity while making a practical summer essential.
13. Personalized Sunglasses Case
Source@_thehashtag__
Keep your sunglasses safe in style with a DIY personalized sunglasses case. Start with a plain fabric or felt pouch, then decorate it with embroidery, fabric paint, or iron-on patches. You can also add a zipper or button closure for extra security. This craft is not only fun but also ensures your sunglasses stay protected from scratches when tossed into a beach bag or purse. It’s a great project for both kids and adults looking to add a personal touch to their accessories.
14. DIY Rope Wrapped Planters
Source@terracottabysachii
Give your indoor or outdoor plants a stylish makeover with rope-wrapped planters. Take a plain terracotta pot and wrap it with jute or cotton rope, securing it with hot glue as you go. For a more decorative touch, dye sections of the rope in pastel colors or add painted accents to the pot. These rustic, summery planters add a bohemian feel to patios, balconies, and garden spaces, making them a great way to refresh your greenery for the season.
15. Ocean-Inspired Resin Coasters
Source@purple.craftingmemories
Bring the beauty of the ocean to your home with handmade resin coasters. Using a silicone coaster mold, mix clear resin with blue, white, and gold pigments to mimic the look of ocean waves. Add a sprinkle of beach sand or tiny seashells before letting the resin cure. Once set, these stunning coasters make perfect decor pieces for summer parties or gifts for ocean lovers. They’re not only functional but also bring a serene, coastal touch to your tabletops.
16. DIY Floral Crown for Summer Festivals
Channel your inner bohemian spirit by making a DIY floral crown, perfect for summer festivals, garden parties, or photo shoots. Start with a flexible floral wire base and wrap fresh or faux flowers around it, securing them with floral tape. Choose blooms like daisies, roses, or lavender for a whimsical, nature-inspired look. Add greenery or small accents like pearls or beads for extra charm. This craft is a must-try for those who love nature-inspired fashion and want to add a magical touch to their summer outfits.
17. Handmade Scented Citronella Candles
Source@veronicacandleco
Keep bugs at bay while enjoying summer evenings with DIY scented citronella candles. Melt soy wax in a double boiler, then mix in citronella essential oil along with lavender, rosemary, or eucalyptus for added fragrance. Pour the wax into glass jars or tin containers, insert a wick, and let them harden. Once ready, light these candles during outdoor gatherings to naturally repel mosquitoes while creating a cozy ambiance. These stylish and functional candles make great gifts or a beautiful addition to your patio decor.
