Teens love expressing their creativity, but many store-bought DIY kits come with limited supplies and instructions that don’t allow much room for personal flair. If you’re searching for craft ideas that give teens the freedom to customize, experiment, and truly make something unique, you’re in the right place. This list of 23 crafts is packed with ideas that go beyond the usual pre-packaged kits. Whether they’re into painting, jewelry-making, or upcycling old clothes, these crafts will keep them entertained while allowing them to create personalized, one-of-a-kind pieces. Plus, we’ll include Amazon product recommendations where necessary to make sure they have all the supplies they need.
1. DIY Aesthetic Collage Wall
source @decor_dime
Collage walls are a huge trend among teens, allowing them to create a personal mood board filled with their favorite images, colors, and quotes. Instead of buying pre-made collage packs, they can print out aesthetic pictures, cut out magazine clippings, and use stickers or washi tape to layer their designs. This project is perfect for decorating bedroom walls or study spaces with an inspiring and stylish touch. Amazon has great washi tape sets and mini polaroid-style print packs that can help make the collage wall even more exciting.
2. Handmade Beaded Friendship Bracelets
source 2rainbow.twinkles
Friendship bracelets are a fun and meaningful way for teens to show off their creativity while making gifts for their best friends. Instead of generic pre-packaged bracelet-making kits, they can pick their own beads, colors, and patterns to make truly customized designs. Using elastic string, alphabet beads, and colorful charms, they can create bracelets that match their personality. A beading set with an assortment of colors and charms from Amazon is a great place to start.
3. Painted Tote Bags
source @toteandpaint
A plain tote bag can be transformed into a wearable work of art with fabric paints, stencils, and a little imagination. Teens can paint their favorite quotes, floral patterns, or abstract designs onto their bags, creating a one-of-a-kind accessory for school or casual outings. Fabric markers and waterproof paint ensure that the design stays vibrant and long-lasting. This is a great craft for those who love fashion and enjoy showing off their artistic side.
4. Upcycled Denim Patches
source @dani_starre
Instead of throwing away old jeans, teens can upcycle them by adding DIY patches. Fabric paint, embroidery, or iron-on patches can turn ripped or outdated denim into trendy, customized pieces. Whether they prefer boho florals, edgy punk designs, or cute pastel aesthetics, their patched-up jeans, jackets, or backpacks will become unique, statement fashion pieces.
5. Resin Keychains and Accessories
source @tassha_resin
Resin crafting is perfect for teens who love stylish accessories. By mixing resin with glitter, dried flowers, or tiny charms, they can create keychains, jewelry, or phone grips with a professional-looking finish. Resin kits available on Amazon include everything needed to get started, from silicone molds to mixing tools. This craft allows for endless creativity and makes great gifts, too.
6. DIY Pressed Flower Art
source @flowersofthepress
For teens who love nature, pressed flower art is a beautiful way to preserve real flowers and turn them into stunning decor. They can collect flowers, press them between heavy books, and arrange them in glass frames or on canvas. Whether they create bookmarks, greeting cards, or wall art, this delicate craft adds an elegant, vintage touch to any space.
7. Personalized Clay Rings
source @designerdimples
Handmade clay rings are trending right now, and with air-dry clay, teens can sculpt and paint unique designs. Whether they prefer chunky, colorful rings or dainty, pastel pieces, this craft allows for total personalization. Amazon sells air-dry clay sets in various colors, making it easy to get started.
8. Hand-Painted Sneakers
source @doodlesandmurals
Plain white sneakers can be transformed into wearable art with a little creativity. Fabric paint and waterproof markers allow teens to design patterns, doodles, or custom lettering on their shoes. Whether they want a galaxy theme, floral designs, or their favorite characters, this DIY project results in a one-of-a-kind pair of sneakers.
9. Watercolor Galaxy Art
source @happy.artistry
Watercolor painting is relaxing and fun, and creating galaxy-themed artwork is one of the best ways to experiment with blending colors. By using blues, purples, and whites, teens can paint cosmic scenes filled with stars and nebulas. Watercolor paper and quality brushes are great investments for this craft.
10. DIY Scrunchies
source @roseryapparel
Instead of buying expensive scrunchies, teens can make their own! With just fabric scraps, elastic bands, and basic sewing skills, they can create scrunchies in any pattern or color they like. Whether they use a sewing machine or hand-sew, this project is both fun and practical.
11. Wire Wrapped Rings and Earrings
source @justsummart
Jewelry-making is a fantastic way for teens to explore their creativity while also making stylish accessories they can wear or gift to friends. Wire-wrapped rings and earrings offer an easy yet elegant way to craft unique pieces with beads, crystals, or even birthstones. The beauty of this craft lies in its versatility—teens can create delicate, minimalist rings with thin gold or silver wire or go bold with chunky statement pieces using thicker wire and colorful gemstones. No need for expensive jewelry-making kits—just a spool of craft wire, pliers, and a selection of beads or small charms. Amazon carries great jewelry wire sets with multiple thicknesses, making it easy to experiment. This craft also teaches patience and fine motor skills while allowing teens to build a collection of handmade jewelry tailored to their personal style.
12. Handmade Aesthetic Stickers
source @theaesthetics.studio
Stickers are a fun way for teens to customize their notebooks, phone cases, and laptops, and the best part is that making their own is incredibly easy. Instead of buying pre-made sticker packs, they can draw their own designs by hand, use an iPad with a digital drawing app, or find free printable templates online. With printable sticker paper and a good pair of scissors (or a Cricut cutting machine for precision), they can create a set of one-of-a-kind stickers that reflect their personality. Whether they prefer aesthetic pastel doodles, anime characters, or trendy motivational quotes, this craft is a great way to turn their artwork into something practical. Plus, handmade stickers can be a fun small business idea if they want to sell them on Etsy or at school fairs.
13. DIY Tie-Dye Hoodies
source @thesandcastleshop
Tie-dye has been a staple fashion trend for decades, and it’s an easy, hands-on craft that lets teens create something totally unique. Unlike store-bought tie-dye kits that come with limited color options, making a tie-dye hoodie from scratch allows full creative freedom. They can experiment with different patterns—spiral, crumple, ice-dyeing, or ombré—and mix their own custom color combinations. All they need is a plain white hoodie, fabric dye, rubber bands, and gloves to protect their hands. Amazon sells vibrant tie-dye kits that come with squeeze bottles for easy application. This is the perfect craft for a weekend project, and the finished hoodie will be a stylish, wearable piece of art that stands out from mass-produced fashion.
14. DIY String Art Wall Decor
source @by_neman_fataliyev
For teens who enjoy geometric patterns or abstract art, string art is a satisfying craft that doubles as home decor. With just a wooden board, nails, and colorful embroidery thread, they can create intricate patterns, initials, or even their favorite symbols. The process is simple but requires patience—outline a shape with nails, then weave the string around them in various patterns to create a 3D effect. The result is a trendy and modern wall piece that’s perfect for decorating bedrooms or gifting to friends. If they’re new to string art, there are pre-made templates available on Amazon to help guide the design process. This craft is an engaging way to experiment with textures and colors while developing spatial awareness and artistic skills.
15. Handmade Macramé Wall Hanging
source @macramessage
Macramé is making a major comeback, and it’s an incredibly therapeutic craft that allows teens to create bohemian-style decor with just a few knots. Unlike pre-made macramé kits, which often limit creativity, making a DIY macramé wall hanging from scratch lets teens choose their own patterns, colors, and rope thickness. They can start with simple designs using square knots and work their way up to intricate patterns that incorporate beads or fringe details. Macramé cord is affordable and widely available on Amazon, and all they need is a wooden dowel or a metal ring to complete their project. The end result is a stunning handmade wall hanging that adds a cozy, artistic vibe to any space.
16. DIY Embroidered Canvas Art
source @turquoiseboutiquestudio
Embroidery isn’t just for fabric—it can also be used to create unique artwork on canvas. Teens can sketch out a design on canvas and use embroidery floss to stitch details, adding texture and depth to their art. This craft is perfect for those who love both painting and sewing, as it combines both skills in a single project. They can create delicate floral patterns, minimalist line art, or even fun pop-culture-inspired pieces. Amazon sells pre-stretched blank canvases and embroidery thread sets with a rainbow of colors, making it easy to get started. The result is a one-of-a-kind decorative piece that stands out from traditional paintings and drawings.
17. Personalized Phone Cases
source @phone_cases_india
Instead of buying expensive designer phone cases, teens can make their own personalized versions using clear cases and a variety of decorative techniques. They can use paint pens, pressed flowers, resin, or even collage-style cutouts to create a case that reflects their personality. One of the easiest and trendiest methods is filling a clear case with aesthetic pictures, dried flowers, or glitter and sealing it with UV resin. Amazon sells DIY resin kits that come with everything needed for a glossy, professional finish. This craft allows teens to switch up their phone cases whenever they want, creating seasonal designs or gifting personalized cases to friends.
18. Handmade Aromatherapy Candles
source @earthhium
Candle-making is a soothing craft that results in beautiful, fragrant candles perfect for relaxation or gifting. Instead of buying basic candles, teens can make their own using soy wax, essential oils, and natural dyes. They can experiment with scents like lavender, vanilla, or citrus to create a candle that matches their mood. Decorative add-ins such as dried flowers, glitter, or layered colors can make the candle even more unique. Amazon offers complete candle-making kits with wicks, melting pots, and fragrance oils, making it easy for beginners to get started. Handmade candles not only make a great room decor piece but also serve as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
19. DIY Wooden Jewelry Box
source @woodmagazine
A plain wooden jewelry box can be transformed into a stunning, custom accessory holder with a little creativity. Teens can paint it, decoupage it with decorative paper, or use wood-burning tools to engrave intricate designs. Adding felt lining inside makes it extra luxurious, while gold or metallic accents add an elegant touch. These personalized jewelry boxes are great for storing rings, bracelets, or small keepsakes. Amazon sells unfinished wooden boxes in various sizes, making it easy to customize and create a high-quality final product. This is a great craft for teens who love stylish and functional DIY projects.
20. Personalized Lanyards and Keychains
source @shopitsastar
Lanyards and keychains are everyday accessories, and making custom versions ensures they stand out. Using paracord, beads, or embroidery thread, teens can craft stylish lanyards for their keys, ID cards, or even their phone. Braiding techniques, macramé knots, and even resin keychains offer different creative approaches to this project. A pack of keychain rings and hooks from Amazon makes it easy to assemble these pieces. Not only are these great for personal use, but they also make fun friendship gifts.
21. Handmade Clay Trinket Dishes
source @gazoostudio
Clay crafting is an enjoyable hands-on activity, and making trinket dishes is a great way for teens to create something both beautiful and practical. Using air-dry clay, they can mold small dishes and paint them in their favorite colors or patterns. Marbled clay, gold leaf accents, or hand-painted floral designs can give each dish a unique flair. These trinket holders are perfect for storing rings, earrings, or even coins. Amazon sells high-quality air-dry clay sets that are easy to work with and dry quickly.
22. DIY Fabric Patches
source @poppiecotton
Custom fabric patches are a great way to add personality to clothing, backpacks, or denim jackets. Teens can create their own patches by painting on fabric, embroidering designs, or using iron-on transfer paper. They can make aesthetic doodles, funny quotes, or pop-culture references to match their style. A set of fabric markers or embroidery thread from Amazon can help them get started.
23. Scrapbook Journal for Memories
source @createwithpurwa
Journaling is a wonderful way for teens to document their memories, and adding a scrapbooking element makes it even more creative. They can use washi tape, stickers, printed photos, and magazine clippings to design beautiful pages. A high-quality journal and a scrapbook sticker set from Amazon will make this project extra special.
