Summer is the perfect time for teens to explore their creativity with hands-on crafts. Whether they’re looking to make trendy accessories, fun decor, or personalized gifts, DIY projects are a great way to stay engaged while enjoying the season.
From tie-dye fashion statements to adorable resin jewelry, these 23 summer craft ideas will keep teens entertained and inspired. These projects are budget-friendly, easy to follow, and perfect for individual or group activities. Let’s dive into the best summer crafts for teens!
1. Tie-Dye T-Shirts
Tie-dye is a timeless summer craft that never goes out of style. It allows teens to express their creativity while making unique, wearable art. The best part? Every tie-dye creation is one-of-a-kind!
To get started, all that’s needed is a plain white t-shirt, fabric dye in vibrant colors, rubber bands, and gloves to protect hands. The process involves folding or twisting the shirt into different patterns—spirals, crumples, or sunbursts—before securing it with rubber bands. Once the dye is applied, letting it sit for several hours ensures deep, lasting colors.
Teens can experiment with color combinations, ombré effects, and even bleach tie-dye on dark fabrics for a reverse look. These custom shirts make excellent summer outfits, gifts, or even group matching tees for beach trips.
2. DIY Friendship Bracelets
Friendship bracelets have been a summer staple for years. They’re colorful, fun to make, and a perfect way for teens to share meaningful keepsakes with their best friends.
Using embroidery floss, beads, or even macramé cord, teens can create intricate designs like chevrons, braids, or knotted patterns. Beginners can start with simple three-strand braids, while those with experience can try complex designs like the fishtail or diamond weave.
A fun twist is incorporating letter beads to spell names or motivational words. These bracelets can be stacked for a stylish, boho summer vibe. Plus, they make excellent gifts for friends, siblings, or even as summer camp souvenirs!
3. Painted Rock Art
Painted rocks are an easy, inexpensive craft that allows teens to showcase their artistic side. They can create everything from abstract designs to inspirational quotes and adorable animal faces.
Smooth river rocks work best for painting. Acrylic paints provide bold colors, and sealing them with a clear spray ensures longevity. Teens can use their rock art to decorate gardens, bookshelves, or even leave them in public places as random acts of kindness.
This craft encourages mindfulness, making it a relaxing summer activity. It’s also a great way to spread positivity—imagine stumbling upon a rock that says, “You Got This!” while out on a summer walk!
4. Floral Resin Jewelry
Resin jewelry has been trending, and for good reason—it’s stunning, customizable, and surprisingly easy to make. Teens can preserve tiny summer flowers, glitter, or colorful beads inside resin to create unique earrings, necklaces, or rings.
Using silicone molds, two-part epoxy resin, and dried flowers, teens can design breathtaking jewelry pieces. The process involves mixing resin, pouring it into molds, and carefully embedding flowers or charms before letting it cure. After 24 hours, the hardened resin pieces are ready to be turned into accessories.
Not only does this craft result in gorgeous jewelry, but it also teaches patience and attention to detail. It’s a perfect DIY gift idea for friends and family!
5. DIY Scrunchies
Scrunchies have made a huge comeback in recent years, and making them at home is both fun and rewarding. Teens can create stylish hair accessories using vibrant summer fabrics, velvet, or even upcycled old clothes.
This no-sew version only requires fabric, elastic bands, and fabric glue. Those who enjoy sewing can use a basic hand-stitch or a sewing machine for a more durable finish. Adding cute charms, pearls, or ribbons can elevate the look.
Handmade scrunchies make adorable gifts and are a great way for teens to explore fashion design. They can even sell their creations at local craft fairs or online!
6. Mason Jar Lanterns
Mason jar lanterns create a magical summer atmosphere, whether for backyard hangouts or cozy bedroom decor. These lanterns can be customized with fairy lights, glass paint, or even pressed flowers for a bohemian touch.
For a glowing effect, teens can mix glow-in-the-dark paint and glitter inside the jar or wrap it in twinkling LED fairy lights. Another idea is decoupage, using tissue paper and Mod Podge to create dreamy stained-glass designs.
These lanterns make wonderful nightlights or outdoor table decor, adding charm to any summer setting. Plus, they’re an eco-friendly way to upcycle old jars!
7. Watercolor Postcards
Handmade watercolor postcards are a creative way for teens to share their summer memories. They can paint scenic beaches, sunsets, or floral patterns and send them to friends and family as thoughtful, personalized keepsakes.
Watercolors blend beautifully, making it easy to achieve dreamy, soft landscapes. Teens can experiment with different techniques, like wet-on-wet blending or splatter painting, for artistic effects.
To make the postcards durable, sealing them with a clear acrylic spray helps protect the paint. This craft also encourages teens to step away from digital communication and embrace the beauty of handwritten notes!
8. Boho Wall Hangings
Boho-inspired wall hangings add a stylish, handcrafted touch to any room. Using yarn, driftwood, or macramé cord, teens can create stunning decor pieces with knots, fringe, and beads.
Macramé is a popular technique that involves knotting strings into intricate patterns. Teens can create simple designs with just a few knots or go all out with elaborate weaves. Adding elements like seashells or wooden beads enhances the bohemian aesthetic.
This craft is perfect for decorating bedrooms or gifting to friends. Plus, it teaches patience and precision, making it a fulfilling summer project!
9. Beachy Seashell Wind Chimes
Bringing a touch of the ocean home, seashell wind chimes are a fantastic way to remember summer beach trips. Teens can collect unique shells, paint them, and string them together with fishing line or twine.
Drilling small holes in shells allows them to be hung in cascading patterns. Adding small bells or beads in between creates a gentle, soothing sound when the wind blows.
These wind chimes make for a great home decor piece, especially for those who love coastal aesthetics. It’s a beautiful, sensory-filled craft that keeps summer memories alive!
10. DIY Bath Bombs
Making homemade bath bombs is a fun and relaxing craft, perfect for self-care days. Teens can customize them with vibrant colors, essential oils, and fun add-ins like dried flowers or glitter.
A basic bath bomb recipe includes baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, and Epsom salts. Adding coconut oil helps keep the mixture smooth and skin-nourishing. Fragrances like lavender, citrus, or vanilla make the experience extra luxurious.
These fizzy bath bombs make great gifts and can turn any bath into a spa-like retreat. Plus, crafting them teaches teens about chemistry in a hands-on, creative way!
11. Clay Bead Keychains
Polymer clay beads are easy to shape, bake, and turn into personalized keychains. Teens can roll out beads, imprint designs, or marble colors together for a stunning effect.
Once baked, these beads can be strung onto keychains, bag charms, or even necklaces. Adding initials, tiny flowers, or metallic accents makes each piece unique.
This craft is great for making custom gifts and accessories that showcase personality and style. The best part? Polymer clay is affordable and comes in endless color choices!
12. Handmade Pressed Flower Bookmarks
Pressed flower bookmarks blend nature and creativity beautifully. Teens can collect flowers and leaves, press them between heavy books, and seal them in laminate sheets for durability.
Adding watercolor backgrounds or calligraphy makes them even more special. These bookmarks are perfect for summer reading lists and make thoughtful gifts for book lovers.
This simple yet elegant craft encourages an appreciation for nature and sustainability while allowing for stunning artistic expression.
13. Custom Painted Tote Bags
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A painted tote bag is both a stylish and practical summer craft. Teens can turn plain canvas totes into one-of-a-kind fashion pieces by using acrylic fabric paints, stencils, or even tie-dye techniques.
Popular design ideas include beachy waves, floral patterns, fun quotes, or even abstract splashes of color. For added personalization, teens can use fabric markers to write their names or add fun doodles.
Not only is this a great creative outlet, but it also promotes sustainability by encouraging reusable bags for shopping or carrying summer essentials. These tote bags also make fantastic DIY gifts for friends and family!
14. DIY Sunglasses Case
With summer comes sunny days, and every teen needs a cool way to protect their shades! A DIY sunglasses case is a fun and easy sewing or no-sew craft that can be customized in endless ways.
Using soft fabrics like felt, velvet, or patterned cotton, teens can create unique pouches with button or Velcro closures. For a no-sew option, fabric glue can be used to hold everything together. Decorating with patches, embroidery, or iron-on designs adds a stylish touch.
This craft is not only fun but also practical—keeping sunglasses scratch-free all summer long!
15. Beach-Inspired Candles
Making homemade candles with a beachy theme is a wonderful way to bring summer vibes indoors. Teens can use soy wax, wicks, and essential oils to create scented candles inspired by the ocean breeze, coconut, or fresh citrus.
A fun twist is embedding tiny seashells or sand in clear gel wax to create an ocean-like effect. These candles look stunning and make excellent decor pieces or gifts.
This craft teaches patience and creativity while resulting in a relaxing, mood-boosting product that teens can enjoy long after summer ends.
16. DIY Embroidered Hats
Embroidering hats is a trendy and rewarding craft that allows teens to add personality to their summer accessories. A simple baseball cap can be transformed with colorful embroidery floss, stitching fun designs like suns, waves, or flowers.
For beginners, using iron-on patches before adding embroidered accents makes the process easier. Teens can also stitch their initials or favorite summer phrases to make the hat truly unique.
This craft is a fantastic way to refresh an old hat or create a personalized fashion statement for summer outings.
17. No-Sew Fleece Pillows
No-sew fleece pillows are soft, cozy, and incredibly easy to make—perfect for summer sleepovers or decorating a bedroom.
Teens can pick fun patterned fleece, cut two identical square pieces, and then tie the edges together to create a knotted border. Stuffing the pillow with polyfill makes it plush and comfortable.
To add personality, teens can make different shapes like hearts, stars, or even animals. It’s a fun way to create custom home decor or thoughtful handmade gifts!
18. DIY Beaded Phone Charms
Phone charms are making a comeback, and DIY beaded ones are a great way for teens to showcase their style. Using colorful beads, letter charms, and elastic string, they can create fun and trendy accessories for their phones.
Teens can personalize their charms with their names, favorite colors, or even small charms that reflect their hobbies. These make great best friend gifts and can also be attached to keychains or bags.
This craft is a quick and satisfying way to create stylish accessories while expressing individuality!
19. Personalized Water Bottles
Staying hydrated is essential during summer, and decorating reusable water bottles makes it fun! Teens can use waterproof vinyl stickers, acrylic markers, or even paint pens to design their bottles with cute illustrations, quotes, or patterns.
For a trendy look, using holographic or pastel stickers adds extra flair. Sealing the design with dishwasher-safe Mod Podge ensures longevity.
This craft promotes sustainability while encouraging hydration—perfect for summer adventures!
20. DIY Dreamcatchers
Dreamcatchers are a beautiful, boho-inspired craft that doubles as stylish room decor. Using an embroidery hoop, yarn, beads, and feathers, teens can create personalized dreamcatchers in their favorite colors.
The webbing inside the hoop can be made with string or ribbon, with small charms or beads woven in for added personality. Adding lace, ribbons, or even fairy lights gives it an ethereal, whimsical look.
Hanging a dreamcatcher in a bedroom or outdoor space brings positive vibes and a handmade touch to any setting!
21. DIY Mini Succulent Planters
Succulents are easy to care for, and making mini planters is a fantastic craft for plant-loving teens. Using small pots, mason jars, or even upcycled containers, they can create adorable planters with paint, decoupage, or glitter.
Teens can plant real succulents or create faux versions with clay for a long-lasting decoration. Painting fun designs like rainbows, animal faces, or abstract patterns adds personality to each planter.
This craft encourages creativity while also fostering a love for plants and nature!
22. Homemade Lip Balm
DIY lip balm is a fun and practical craft that allows teens to create custom flavors and colors. Using natural ingredients like beeswax, coconut oil, and essential oils, they can craft nourishing balms with scents like vanilla, mint, or citrus.
Adding a tint with beetroot powder or mica powder creates a sheer, natural lip color. Small tins or tubes make the balms easy to carry, and decorating the packaging with stickers or washi tape adds a personal touch.
These lip balms make excellent gifts and are perfect for keeping lips hydrated all summer long!
23. DIY Glitter Slime
Slime-making never goes out of style, and summer is the perfect time to experiment with glittery, colorful, and scented slime varieties.
Using glue, saline solution, baking soda, and glitter, teens can create stretchy, squishy slime in their favorite colors. Adding small beads, sequins, or charms makes it even more fun.
Slime is a great stress reliever and sensory activity, making it a favorite among teens. Plus, it’s easy to store and share with friends!
Conclusion
Summer is the perfect time for creativity, and these 23 DIY craft ideas provide endless fun for teens. Whether making trendy accessories, decorating their space, or creating thoughtful gifts, these projects allow for self-expression and hands-on enjoyment.
From tie-dye t-shirts to beachy candles and dreamcatchers, there’s something for every teen to enjoy. Not only do these crafts keep boredom at bay, but they also foster creativity, relaxation, and even entrepreneurial skills for those interested in selling their handmade creations.
So grab some supplies, gather some friends, and dive into these exciting summer crafts! Happy crafting!
