Easy Summer Crafts for Adults

Choosing a summer craft

Before picking a project, narrow it down with a few questions:

Skill level: Beginners can start with painting, jar crafts and paper projects. More experienced crafters may want macramé or resin work.
Indoor or outdoor: Outdoor projects are pleasant in the shade, but paint, glue and wax can behave differently in heat and wind.
Time: Many of the ideas below can be finished in an hour or two, though some need drying time.
Budget: Thrifted jars, plain pots and found materials keep costs low.

Sea glass or shell jars. Fill a clean glass bottle or jar with sand, shells or sea glass, and add a rope-wrapped neck or string lights. Check local rules before collecting shells or sand from public beaches.
Driftwood hangings. Clean and dry a piece of driftwood, then add cord, beads or macramé for a wall hanging.
Painted rocks and stones. Smooth stones painted with simple patterns make paperweights or garden accents.
Resin ocean art. Resin can mimic waves on a tray or canvas. It needs ventilation, gloves and careful following of the product instructions, so it suits more experienced crafters. Our resin art supplies list covers what you need.

Painted terracotta pots. Use outdoor-suitable paint, stencils or simple stripes on plain clay pots. Seal if the paint will face rain.
Pressed flower lanterns. Press blooms flat, then glue them onto a glass jar with decoupage medium. Use a battery tea light rather than a flame for safety.
Plant markers. Paint wooden spoons or small stones with herb names.
Macramé plant hangers. A classic project that uses cord and a few knots. See our overview of essential craft techniques for knotting basics, or follow how to make a macrame hanging basket.
Mosaic stepping stones or planters. Slower, but a good weekend project.

Painted or stenciled tote bags. Use fabric paint on a plain canvas bag and set it according to the paint instructions.
Embroidered hats or hoops. Embroidery is portable and works well on a porch or at the beach.
Beaded bracelets or keychains. Cheap and quick.
Paper fans. Accordion-folded cardstock, tied with ribbon, is simple and handy on a hot day.

If it is too hot to work with a glue gun or oven, choose:

Teacup candles. Pour wax into thrifted cups with a wick. Hot wax is a burn and fire risk, so follow the wax supplier’s instructions, use appropriate wicks and never leave melting wax unattended.
Hand-painted drink coasters from tile or cork, as in coaster craft ideas.
Mason jar lanterns and table decor.
Handmade cards and gift tags.

For more ideas that might also be giftable or sellable, see handicraft ideas for beginners.

Work in shade or early morning. Heat can change how glue, paint and clay behave and make it uncomfortable for you.
Stay hydrated and take breaks outdoors.
Protect your surface with a drop cloth or old table cover.
Ventilate when using sprays, resin or strong adhesives, and follow product labels.
Keep supplies out of direct sun, since heat can affect some paints and glues.
Plan for drying time, which can be quicker in summer but varies with humidity.

A tidy workspace helps, and our guide to setting up a craft room includes ideas for portable setups.

Painted pots, jar lanterns, pressed flower projects, tote bags, paper fans and macramé plant hangers are all approachable.

Painting terracotta, driftwood decor, stone painting and stitching in the shade work well outdoors.

Painting, jar crafts and paper projects need few tools and are forgiving.