mike garten
We’ll just say it: arts and crafts shouldn’t be just for kids. While your little ones may have more free time, it’s just as important that adults set aside time to let their creativity run wild, whether it’s a paint-by-number kit, a sewing project (we’re reviewing you, GH Stitch Club!) or one of these easy adult craft ideas.
When your DIY room starts calling (or, let’s face it, desperately needs me time), browse this list to find a new project that sparks joy. From quick treasure bin upgrades (caned vase) to wall-worthy DIYs (starstring mirror), there really is something for every skill level – all you need is creativity , craft supplies and patience to achieve amazing results. Our thought: If you want to take the time to create, you might as well expose your work for all to see. That’s why most of these craft projects serve double duty as home decor or homemade gifts. Doesn’t get much better than that, does it? !
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1
caned vase
Woven materials, like the cane straps, are neutral in color, giving the bold florals room to shine. Cut a piece to fit any antique vase, then sew a line or cross pattern along the edges in a contrasting color of your choice. Wrap the strap around the vase and glue it with hot glue.
2
Dip Tinted Candles
Cast a custom glow with these color-blocking candles. Take regular taper candles and dip them in a mixture of colored pencil shavings and melted candle wax. Use painter’s tape for a more even stain job or enjoy the unexpected and dive in your way.
3
paper flowers
Make these flowers now, so you can enjoy them all season long. To make, fold dyed cupcake liners in half and cut out petal and fringe shapes. Next, fold a piece of floral wire in half and wrap it around the fake flower’s stamen. Poke the yarn through the center of three to four paper liners. Finish by wrapping floral tape around the base of the liners and running it all the way down the stem.
4
Star Rope Mirror
Weave jute twine into an intricate starry design to turn a standard circular mirror into a worthy feature for a wall.
Get the tutorial »
5
hand dyed napkins
Bring color to any table with watercolor napkins. Once you’ve soaked the towels in water and wrung out the excess, brush on the fabric paint in small strokes from the bottom up, thinning the paint with water as you go up. Hang and let dry completely before adding them to your cutlery.
6
Woven coasters
Burlap coasters add a layer of texture and warmth to your display, while protecting your table from spills and watermarks. Give the plain burlap squares a more finished look by sewing a colored border or pulling the thread along the edges to create a fringe detail.
seven
Entrance organizer
Breathe new life into a dumpster-bound window frame by coating it in a striking pastel hue. Then find clever ways to make it functional for your daily life – adding a chalkboard for shopping lists, little hooks to hang keys and more.
8
Upholstered vessels
Literally a treasure bin craft, pretty wallpaper or wrapping paper turns empty cans into statement containers, which can be used as vases, pencil holders or candle holders. Just be sure to rinse the cans and file down the sharp edges first.
9
accordion paper flowers
Green thumb or not, you can still grow an everlasting garden. To download these models and follow the steps below to create paper flowers in different shapes, sizes and colors.
- Cut out 4 pieces of yellow or white paper (depending on the daffodil color you want) using the first template.
- Fold the paper in half vertically and horizontally and open again. Fold the bottom up about ¼” and fold it down.
- Turn the paper over and fold it all the way up until you create an accordion.
- Fold the accordion-folded paper in half and secure the two middle pieces with double-sided tape.
- Repeat steps 2-4 with the remaining 3 pieces of paper.
- Connect the 4 with a strip of double sided tape to create a flower shape.
- Cut out a rectangle of orange paper approximately 2″ x 1.5″ and cut small dots on one of the long edges.
- Roll the rectangle loosely to form a tube and connect it with a small piece of double-sided tape, folding the bottom edge down to create a flat bottom. Glue the small cup you made in the center of the flower to finish your daffodil.
ten
Bohemian candlesticks
Use your Cricut machine to elevate inexpensive glass candle holders with vibrant designs. Just choose a vinyl color and pattern that catches your eye and get started!
11
Paper Chain Wall Hanging
12
Colored cut cocktail glasses
Make these eye-catching cocktail glasses with just a little adhesive vinyl and some cheap glasses from Ikea or the dollar store. This project is super easy, but will create a dazzling result that your cocktail party guests are sure to admire.
13
DIY Lavender Soap
Give yourself permission to use the fancy soap…by making it yourself. You will only need a few supplies: goat’s milk base for melting and pouring, dried lavender, lavender oil, and silicone soap molds.
14
Warp Graphic Art
This simple string art graphic tutorial takes it a step further with an ombre effect achieved by using different shades of embroidery floss. Wrap that idea up in just an hour to produce a project with a message we all need to hear right now: “relax.”
15
Balloon Garland
If you’re going to be the hostess with the most, you’re going to have to learn how to create one of the hottest decorating trends: balloon arches. Create one using balloons of different sizes, shapes and colors to fit your theme.
16
DIY Hanging Shelf
You can always use another shelf for added functionality and this small DIY hanging shelf has many uses around the home: in a bathroom, bedroom, kitchen or hallway above a small console table.
17
Floral butterfly frame
18
DIY circular mirror
This simple mirror project has a chic, Anthropologie-like result, but it’s actually quite simple to make. Customize it in any shade you like – from earthy and rustic to vibrant and eye-catching.
19
Trundle desk organizer
This craft has a bigger purpose: stick a set of birdhouses on a wooden tray to keep all your odds and ends – office essentials, craft supplies, etc. – in order.
20
Seamless Chiffon Quilt
If you’re not the sewing type, but would love to make a cozy quilt, this one’s for you. No sewing machine required, but bring your patience and creativity to this no-sew quilt project.
22
Pompom Paper Clips
It will only take you a few minutes to whip up a set of these charming oversized paper clips adorned with pom poms. Create a bundle to brighten up your workspace or hand them out as gifts.
24
Simple Yarn Garlands
This fun garland is totally versatile for use around the home, not to mention gifts or party decor. It couldn’t be easier to make these pretty locks: just cut a bunch of yarn into pieces of about the same size, then tie each piece around a length of twine. Yes, that means you can do it mindlessly while watching Netflix!
25
DIY Yarn Fringe Decorative Cushion
Pillow foam filling is the base of this eye-catching throw pillow. Super easy to create and customize, you can do it with any color yarn to complement your home aesthetic.
26
Embroidered denim jacket
Nothing is cooler than a custom denim jacket, new or vintage. Take the look to the next level by embroidering a set of cheerful flowers on the back panel.
27
Glitter stationery
This is a great craft idea for adults if you don’t have much time or patience but want to create something beautiful and functional. Personalize any set of handmade or store bought cards with a glitter design element to amp up the impact. All you need is fine glitter, scissors, double-sided tape, and about six minutes per envelope.
28
paper poppies
Inspired by seasonal super bloom? Create your own in paper for a cheerful look at home. These giant paper poppies are super easy to make with just a few supplies – cardstock, floral wire, hot glue, and scissors – and they make a huge decorating impact.
Freelance writer
Alesandra is a veteran digital journalist based in Los Angeles who has covered travel, food, events, fashion and beauty, entertainment, home, parenting and viral content for over 15 years.
Editor
Amanda Garrity is the Managing Editor of Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and vacation, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for everyone ( and all) occasions.
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