DIY summer crafts are the perfect way to fill long sunny days with creativity, laughter, and color. With just a few simple materials, you can turn an ordinary afternoon into something full of imagination and joy.
These projects bring bursts of brightness into your home and yard while keeping kids happily entertained. Many of them use recycled materials, making them both eco-friendly and budget-friendly.
You’ll find everything from cheerful garlands and colorful planters to playful rock art and breezy decorations. So grab your craft supplies, set up a little space in the sun, and get ready to make summer sparkle with creativity.
#1. Ice Cream Cone Garland
Source: Somewhat Simple
This cheerful ice cream cone garland is perfect for adding a splash of color to your summer parties or playroom. Made with yarn pom-poms and paper cones, it looks just like a row of sweet frozen treats hanging in the breeze.
The bright colors bring instant happiness and a fun, festive touch to any space. You can make it by cutting patterned paper into cones, gluing the edges, and attaching fluffy yarn pom-poms on top.
String them together with twine to create a garland that’s light and easy to hang. It’s a simple, kid-friendly craft that brings smiles wherever it goes.
#2. Printable Popsicle Art
Source: Happiness Is Homemade
This printable popsicle art brings instant sunshine to your walls with its sweet pastel tones and cheerful summer message. The cute “hello, Summer!” design adds a pop of color that brightens up any entryway, kitchen, or kid’s room.
It’s a quick way to refresh your décor without spending much or making a mess. Just download the printable, pop it into your favorite frame, and place it on a shelf or hang it on the wall.
The design pairs beautifully with light wood, plants, and other summery accents. It’s an effortless craft that captures the joyful spirit of the season.
#3. DIY Colorful Jar Planter
Source: Gold Standard Workshop
These painted mason jar planters bring a lively pop of color to any corner of your home or garden. The matte pink and blue jars look cheerful on their own, but even more so when filled with fresh herbs or flowers.
It’s a great project for anyone who loves simple crafts that brighten up a space. You can make it by painting glass jars with acrylic or chalk paint and letting them dry completely.
Once ready, fill them with soil and your favorite small plants or herbs. Place them on a woven tray or sunny windowsill to enjoy a little summer color every day.
#4. Summer Washi Tape Art
Source: The Crafted Sparrow
This “Summer Love” wall art is the perfect mix of color and creativity made entirely with washi tape. The playful patterns give a modern, handmade touch that looks amazing in any room.
It’s a fun craft that lets you mix and match different tape styles to reflect your personal taste. You can make it by cutting strips of washi tape, layering them over a printed or stencil design, and trimming the edges neatly.
Place the finished piece in a bright frame to complete the look. It’s a quick, affordable way to celebrate the season with something fresh and full of summer charm.
#5. Summer Wreath
Source: Etsy
This elegant summer wreath brings a warm welcome to your front door with its soft peach and white blooms. The mix of tulips, peonies, and greenery gives it a romantic, airy feel that instantly brightens any entrance.
The gold “hello” sign adds a modern, friendly touch that feels both simple and stylish. You can make it by attaching faux flowers to a grapevine wreath base using floral wire or hot glue.
Adjust the flowers for balance and fullness before adding your decorative word sign. It’s a lovely project that takes little effort but delivers a stunning seasonal greeting.
#6. Printable Summer Banner
Source: Do It Your Freaking Self
This bright and playful “Hello Summer” banner instantly brings a festive mood to any room or outdoor space. The fruity patterns inspired by watermelon, pineapple, and strawberry make it look fresh and full of energy.
It’s perfect for decorating a summer party, kids’ play area, or even your front porch. You can make it by printing the template, cutting out the flags, and stringing them together with colorful yarn or ribbon.
Hang it across a wall, window, or garden fence to spread the summer cheer. It’s a quick and easy way to add personality and warmth to your seasonal décor.
#7. Popcorn Bar
Source: Eighteen25
Nothing says summer fun like a colorful popcorn bar that everyone can enjoy. This setup brings vintage carnival vibes with its red, white, and blue theme that’s perfect for backyard movie nights or family gatherings.
You can fill baskets with popcorn and add small bowls of toppings like chocolate chips, candy, or spices for flavor. Label paper bags or cups with fun phrases and let guests mix their own creations.
Add a simple banner or some bright napkins to make the display pop even more. It’s a cheerful and delicious way to bring people together on a warm summer evening.
#8. Lovely Mason Jar Flower Table
Source: Design Thusiasm
This charming table arrangement brings a refreshing summer vibe to your home with simple blue mason jars filled with bright pink, green, and lavender blooms.
The mix of hydrangeas, snapdragons, and daisies creates a cheerful and effortless centerpiece. You can use a metal or wooden carrier to hold the jars together, giving it a rustic yet elegant look.
Fill the jars with water, trim your flowers to the right height, and arrange them loosely for a natural feel. It’s a wonderful way to reuse jars you already have while adding color to your dining space. Perfect for summer brunches, garden parties, or just brightening an ordinary day.
#9. Paint Your Door
Source: Tatertots And Jello
Fresh paint can completely transform your home’s entryway, especially when you choose a cheerful summer color like mint, coral, or sky blue. This minty blue door, paired with a floral wreath, adds a welcoming touch that feels light and breezy.
Start by cleaning and sanding your door before applying primer and two coats of your favorite outdoor paint. A satin or semi-gloss finish works best for durability and shine.
Add small accents like matching flower pots or a patterned doormat to tie the look together. This simple DIY project takes only a few hours but leaves your home looking bright, fresh, and ready for summer guests.
#10. Summer Wood Banner
Source: The Crafted Sparrow
This pastel wood banner brings a soft, cheerful look to any summer space. Its mix of polka dots and stripes in shades of mint, coral, and yellow instantly brightens up mantels, patios, or party walls.
You can create your own by cutting wooden boards into flag shapes, painting them in fun colors, and adding patterns with stencils or painter’s tape. Drill small holes at the top of each piece and string them together with jute or ribbon.
It’s a perfect weekend project that adds personality to your summer décor. You’ll love how these little details make your home feel festive and welcoming all season long.
#11. DIY Wooden Box Centerpiece
Source: The Turquoise Home
This rustic wooden box centerpiece adds a touch of countryside charm to your summer table. The soft blush and cream blooms pair beautifully with the weathered wood finish, creating a cozy yet elegant look.
You can reuse an old drawer or small crate and give it a quick coat of white paint for a distressed effect. Place a few mason jars inside to hold fresh or faux flowers securely.
Try mixing different textures like leafy greens and wildflowers for a full, natural arrangement. It’s a versatile piece that works beautifully for both everyday dining and summer gatherings.
#12. This Easy Summer Candle Decor
Source: The Crafted Sparrow
These tropical-inspired candles instantly bring the carefree feeling of summer indoors. Fun prints like flamingos, pineapples, and cheerful “Aloha” lettering make them perfect for brightening up a table or windowsill.
You can personalize plain glass candles with vinyl stickers, printable labels, or even hand-painted designs. Choose fresh scents like coconut, citrus, or sea breeze to complete the tropical vibe.
Arrange them in a group on a tray with seashells or succulents for a mini summer display. It’s a simple yet creative way to refresh your home and fill it with that sunny, island energy.
#13. Painted Rock Cactus
Source: Crafts by Amanda
This adorable rock cactus craft gives your space a pop of greenery without any upkeep. Smooth stones are painted in various shades of green and dotted with white lines to mimic cactus patterns.
You can gather rocks from your garden, clean them, and paint each one with acrylic colors. Once dry, place them in a small terracotta pot filled with sand or pebbles.
Add a few brightly painted “blooms” on top for a fun twist. It’s a delightful and low-maintenance decoration that brings a desert-chic touch to your desk or windowsill.
#14. Lemon Daisy Centerpiece
Source: Pinterest
This fresh lemon daisy centerpiece is the perfect way to brighten your summer table. The combination of cheerful daisies and vibrant citrus instantly adds a burst of sunshine to any meal.
Simply cut lemons in half, scoop a small hole in the center, and insert the stems of your flowers. You can line them down the middle of your table for a beautiful, natural arrangement.
The gentle scent of lemons and flowers creates a light, refreshing atmosphere. It’s simple, quick, and guaranteed to make your dining space feel like a sunny afternoon picnic.
#15. Balloon Splatter Painting
Source: FLS Online
This balloon splatter painting project is bursting with color and energy, making it perfect for a summer afternoon. Balloons filled with paint create an explosion of creativity when they pop against a canvas.
You can use bright acrylic paints, add water for a smoother splash, and tape the balloons to a large canvas or cardboard. Stand back, toss darts, and watch your masterpiece take shape with every pop.
The random patterns make each artwork one-of-a-kind and full of movement. It’s a playful and messy activity that both kids and adults will love doing together.
#16. DIY String Bracelet
Source: Sarah Maker
These colorful string bracelets capture the spirit of summer friendship and creativity. Using embroidery floss or colorful yarn, you can create unique patterns through simple knots and braids.
Start by cutting equal-length strands, tie them together at the top, and secure the bundle with tape or a safety pin. Mix colors to form chevron, diamond, or spiral designs that show off your personal style.
Each bracelet tells its own story and makes a sweet, handmade gift. It’s a relaxing craft you can enjoy while chatting with friends on a sunny afternoon.
#17. DIY Lovely Bookmark
Source: DIY Candy
These adorable cat bookmarks are the purr-fect way to keep your place in a favorite summer read. Bright paper, simple doodles, and a touch of creativity bring these tiny felines to life.
Cut rectangular pieces of colored cardstock, then trim the tops into pointy ears. Use a black marker to draw sweet cat faces and paws for extra charm.
You can personalize each one with whiskers, rosy cheeks, or even names. They’re fun, quick to make, and a delightful gift for book lovers or your little readers at home.
#18. DIY Wind Charm Craft
Source: Modern Glam
This beaded wind charm brings a joyful sparkle to any garden or porch. A simple branch painted in cheerful stripes becomes the base for strands of colorful beads that catch the light and sway with the breeze.
Use fishing line or twine to string your favorite glass or plastic beads, then attach each strand evenly along the branch. A little metallic or transparent bead can add an extra shimmer when the sun hits.
Hang it near a window, tree, or patio to enjoy its soft, tinkling movement. It’s a charming summer project that feels both creative and calming.
#19. Melted Crayon Butterflies
Source: Art Bar Blog
This craft turns old crayons into a burst of color and creativity. By sprinkling shaved crayon bits onto wax paper and gently melting them with an iron, you can create stunning butterfly wings with dreamy, marbled effects.
Once cooled, cut the melted sheets into butterfly shapes and fold slightly in the center to give them dimension. Each one will have its own blend of bright hues, making them perfect for window decor or a spring wall display.
It’s a fun, hands-on project that brings art and color together in a magical way.
#20. DIY Glitter Jars
Source: HGTV
These glitter jars are as soothing as they are sparkly. A mix of water, glue, and glitter creates a mesmerizing swirl that settles slowly when shaken.
Choose your favorite glitter shades, soft pastels for calm or bright tones for a playful feel, and fill mason jars of different sizes. Add sequins or fine glitter for extra sparkle, then seal tightly.
Watching the glitter drift down helps ease stress and encourages mindfulness, making them perfect for relaxation corners or kids’ calm-down moments. They’re easy to make and bring a little sparkle to any day.
#21. DIY Summer Dream Catcher
Source: One Little Project
These colorful dreamcatchers are a fun and easy way to add a touch of creativity to any room. Made from paper plates, yarn, and feathers, they capture the charm of traditional dreamcatchers with a playful twist.
The circular frames are cut from paper plates and decorated with bright markers, stickers, or paint. Yarn is woven across the center to form a web, and beads or feathers hang from the bottom for extra flair.
Hang them by a window or bed to let the soft feathers sway in the light breeze, simple, cheerful, and full of imagination.
#22. Fruit That Contain Pens And Pencils
Source: YouTube
Turn old cans into adorable fruit-inspired pencil holders that brighten up any desk. Using colored paper, markers, and glue, you can wrap each can in cheerful designs like a smiling pineapple with green paper leaves or a cute watermelon with tiny black “seeds.”
These fun, kawaii-style faces add a playful touch while keeping pens, pencils, and brushes neatly organized. It’s a simple upcycling project that’s great for kids and adults alike, combining functionality with creativity.
Perfect for a summer craft day or to add a splash of color to your workspace.
#23. DIY Fun Rock Projects
Source: Illustrated Faith
These hand-painted rocks are tiny bursts of encouragement that can brighten any garden, desk, or walkway. Each stone is coated with soft pastel hues and finished with uplifting words like “faith,” “hope,” “joy,” or “grace.”
A touch of gold foil or shimmer adds a special charm, making them feel like little treasures. Perfect as heartfelt gifts or mindful reminders, these rocks combine art and positivity beautifully.
They’re simple to create, just grab some paint, brushes, and markers, and the messages you choose will make each piece uniquely meaningful.
#24. Grow Your Own Borax Crystals
Source: A Few Shortcuts
These sparkling crystal rocks bring a little science and magic into crafting time. Made by growing crystals on pipe cleaners using a simple borax solution, they shimmer like gemstones once dried.
You can shape the pipe cleaners into fun forms, like hearts, spirals, or stars, before dipping them in the solution. Within hours, the crystals begin to form, creating stunning pastel-colored clusters that look almost edible.
Hang them by a window to catch the light or display them as homemade geode decorations. It’s an easy and mesmerizing experiment that turns everyday materials into glittering art.
#25. Origami Bracelets
Source: Picklebums
These folded paper bracelets are bright, bendy, and full of personality. Made from colorful paper strips, each piece is carefully folded and linked together to form a chain of diamond-shaped patterns.
The watercolor-like hues blend beautifully, giving every bracelet a unique look that feels handmade and playful. They’re lightweight, flexible, and make perfect friendship gifts or party crafts.
Plus, this project is wonderfully relaxing; you’ll find yourself mesmerized by the rhythm of folding and connecting. A simple way to turn ordinary paper into wearable art that bursts with color and creativity.
#26. Summer Memories Board
Source: Becky Stayner
This charming memo board turns an old metal tray into a practical and stylish piece of decor. With just a few magnets, you can pin up postcards, photos, and little notes that brighten your workspace.
The tray’s enamel surface adds a vintage touch, blending beautifully with rustic or cottage-style rooms. It’s a clever upcycle that keeps memories and reminders within sight while doubling as art.
Pair it with warm-toned accessories like wicker lamps or potted plants to complete the cozy, collected look.
#27. Craft Supplies Hanging Organizer
Source: Design Eat Repeat
This DIY craft wall organizer brings beauty and function together in one colorful space. Using gold wire grids, everything from scissors and ribbons to paint bottles and washi tape stays perfectly visible and easy to reach.
The setup adds a clean, modern touch to any crafting area, making it simple to keep supplies sorted without clutter. Small hanging baskets, clips, and hooks transform basic grids into a fully customizable station.
It’s a bright and inspiring workspace that keeps creativity flowing while looking effortlessly tidy.
#28. DIY Tiered Plant Stand
Source: Country Living Magazine
This tiered colander herb garden brings a touch of farmhouse charm to any kitchen or patio. Old enamel colanders are stacked and filled with fresh herbs like basil, mint, and thyme, creating a beautiful cascade of greenery.
The holes in the colanders make them perfect for drainage, ensuring your plants stay healthy and vibrant. Each layer adds both texture and fragrance, making it as functional as it is decorative.
It’s a delightful upcycle that keeps fresh herbs within arm’s reach while adding rustic appeal to your home.
#29. DIY Hand-Stamped Cane Napkins
Source: Pinterest
These DIY ink-stamped napkins add a handmade touch to any dining setup. With a simple stamp and fabric ink, plain cloth napkins transform into charming, patterned linens.
The blue leaf design gives a fresh, farmhouse-style feel that pairs perfectly with bright tableware or rustic wood chargers.
This project is ideal for personalizing your kitchen or creating custom gifts for friends. Washable and reusable, these napkins combine creativity with sustainability in the most delightful way.
#30. DIY Cane Coasters
Source: The Idea Room
These DIY citrus slice rope coasters instantly brighten any table with cheerful, fruity colors. Made from coiled rope and painted to resemble orange, lemon, lime, and grapefruit slices, they bring a burst of summer energy to your home.
Each coaster is lightweight yet durable, offering a handmade charm that’s both functional and decorative. Perfect for protecting surfaces from drinks while adding a playful touch to gatherings or picnics.
It’s a simple, fun project that turns everyday materials into vibrant table art.