Mike Garten
We’re just going to come right out and say it: Arts and crafts shouldn’t be reserved for kids. Even though your little ones may have more time on their hands, it’s just as important for adults to carve out some time to get their creative juices flowing, whether it’s with a paint-by-number kit, sewing project (we’re looking at you, GH Stitch Club!) or one of these easy adult craft ideas.
When your craft room starts calling (or, let’s face it, are in desperate need of me-time), browse through this list to find a new project that sparks joy. From quick trash-to-treasure upgrades (caned vase) to wall-worthy DIYs (star rope mirror), there’s truly something for every skill level — all you need is some creativity, craft supplies and patience to yield incredible results. Our thinking: If you’re going to take the time to craft, you might as well put your handiwork on display for all to see. That’s why most of these craft projects pull double duty as DIY home decor or homemade gifts. It doesn’t get much better than that, does it?!
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1
Caned Vase
Woven materials, like cane webbing, are neutral in color, giving bold florals the space to shine. Cut a piece to fit around any ol’ vase, then stitch a line or cross pattern along the edges in a contrasting color of your choice. Wrap the webbing around the vase and adhere with hot glue.
2
Dip-Dyed Candles
Cast a custom glow with these color-blocked candles. Take plain taper candles and dip them in a mixture of colored crayon shavings and melted candle wax. Use painter’s tape for a more even dye job or embrace the unexpected and dip as you please.
3
Paper Flowers
Make these flowers now, so you can enjoy ’em all season long. To make, fold dyed cupcake liners in half and cut out petal and fringe shapes. Then fold a piece of floral wire in half and twist around the faux flower stamen. Poke the wire through the center of three to four paper liners. Finish it off by wrapping floral tape around the base of the liners and bringing it all the way down the stem.
4
Star Rope Mirror
Weave jute twine into an intricate star design to turn a standard circle mirror into wall-worthy decor.
Get the tutorial »
5
Hand-Dyed Napkins
Bring color to any table with watercolor napkins. Once you soak napkins in water and wring out the excess, brush fabric paint in small strokes from bottom to top, diluting the paint with water as you work your way up. Hang and let dry completely before adding them to your place settings.
6
Woven Coasters
Burlap coasters add a layer of texture and warmth to your display, all while keeping your table protected from spills and water marks. Give plain burlap squares a more finished look by stitching a colored border or pulling at the thread along the edges to create a fringe detail.
7
Entryway Organizer
Breathe new life into a dumpster-bound window frame by coating it in a striking pastel hue. Then come up with clever ways to make it functional for your everyday — adding a chalkboard for grocery lists, small hooks to hang keys and more.
8
Wallpapered Vessels
Quite literally a trash-to-treasure craft, pretty wallpaper or wrapping paper turns empty cans into statement vessels, which can be used as vases, pencil holders or candle holders. Just be sure to rinse out the cans and file down sharp edges first.
9
Accordion Paper Flowers
Green thumb or not, you can still grow an everlasting garden. Download these templates and follow the steps below to paper flowers in various shapes, sizes and colors.
- Cut out 4 pieces of yellow or white paper (depending on what color daffodil you would like) using the first template.
- Fold the paper in half both vertically and horizontally and open again. Fold the bottom up about ¼” and crease it down.
- Flip the paper over and fold all the way to the top until you create an accordion.
- Fold the accordion-folded paper in half and attach the two middle pieces together with double-sided tape.
- Repeat steps 2-4 with the remaining 3 pieces of paper.
- Connect all 4 together with a strip of double stick tape to create a flower shape.
- Cut out a rectangle of orange paper about 2″ x 1.5″ and cut little points on one of the long edges.
- Roll the rectangle loosely to make a tube shape and connect with a small piece of double-sided tape, folding the bottom edge down to create a flat bottom. Glue the little cup you made into the center of the flower to finish your daffodil.
10
Boho Candleholders
Use your Cricut machine to elevate cheap glass candleholders with vibrant designs. Just pick a vinyl color and pattern that catches your eye and get started!
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted »
11
Paper Chain Wallhanging
12
Colorful Coupe Cocktail Glasses
Make these eye-catching cocktail glasses with just a bit of scrap adhesive vinyl and cheap glasses from Ikea or the dollar store. This project is super easy, but will create a dazzling result your cocktail party guests will be sure to admire.
Get the tutorial at A Kailo Chic Life »
13
DIY Lavender Soap
Give yourself permission to use the fancy soap… by making it yourself. You’ll need just a few supplies: goat’s milk melt and pour base, dried lavender, lavender oil and silicone soap molds.
Get the tutorial at It All Started With Paint »
14
Graphic String Art
This easy graphic string art tutorial goes a step chicer with an ombre effect achieved by using various shades of embroidery thread. Wrap up this idea in just an hour to yield a project with a message we all need to hear right now: “relax.”
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted »
15
Balloon Garland
If you’re going to be the hostess with the mostest, you’re going to need to learn how to make one of the hottest decor trends: balloon arches. Make one using balloons in a range of sizes, shapes and colors to fit your theme.
Get the tutorial at Two Purple Couches »
16
DIY Hanging Shelf
You can always use another shelf for functionality and this DIY small hanging shelf has many uses around the house: in a bathroom, bedroom, kitchen or hallway above a small console table.
Get the tutorial at Alice & Lois »
17
Floral Butterfly Frame
18
DIY Circle Mirror
This simple mirror project has a chic, Anthropologie-like result — but it’s actually quite simple to make. Customize it in whatever shades you like — from earthy and rustic to vibrant and eye-catching.
Get the tutorial at Alice & Lois »
19
Nesting Desk Organizer
This craft serves a bigger purpose: Glue a set of nesting boxes to a wooden tray to keep all of your odds and ends — desk must-haves, craft supplies and so on — in order.
Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth »
20
No-Sew Rag Quilt
If you’re not the sewing type, but you’d 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 rag quilt project.
Get the tutorial at The Melrose Family »
22
Pom Pom Paper Clips
It will take just a few minutes for you to whip up a set of these charming oversized paperclips festooned with pom poms. Create a batch to cheer up your workspace or hand ’em out as gifts.
Get the tutorial at White House Crafts »
24
Simple Yarn Garlands
This fun garland is totally versatile for use around the house — not to mention as gifts or party decor. It couldn’t be easier to make these pretty strands: Just cut a bunch of yarn in pieces approximately the same size, then tie each piece around a length of twine. Yes, that means you can do this mindlessly as you watch Netflix!
Get the tutorial at Design Improvised »
25
DIY Yarn-Fringed Throw Pillow
Pillow foam filling is the basis for the eye-catching throw pillow. Super easy to create and customize, you can make this with any color yarn to complement your home’s aesthetic.
Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth »
26
Embroidered Denim Jacket
Nothing is cooler than a customized denim jacket, whether new or vintage. Take the look to the next level by embroidering a set of cheerful flowers on the back panel.
Get the tutorial at Cutesy Crafts »
27
Glitter Stationery
This is a great adult craft idea if you don’t have a lot of time or patience but want to create something beautiful and functional. Customize any set of handmade or store-bought cards with a glittery design element to amp up the impact. All you need is fine glitter, scissors, double-sided tape — and about six minutes per envelope.
Get the tutorial at White House Crafts »
28
Paper Poppies
Inspired by the seasonal super bloom? Make your own out of paper for a cheerful look at home. These giant paper poppies are super easy to make with only a few supplies — card stock, floral wire, hot glue and scissors — and they make a huge decor impact.
Get the tutorial at Design Improvised »
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 more than 15 years.
Editor
Amanda Garrity is the editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion.
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