- Fun Summer Crafts:
- What Are Fun Summer Crafts?
- 1. Tie-Dye Tote Bags
- 2. DIY Neon Sign
- 3. Seashell Candles
- 4. Friendship Bracelet Kit
- 5. Painted Rock Art
- 6. DIY Lip Gloss
- 7. Macramé Keychains
- 8. Spray-Painted Planters
- 9. DIY Photo Clipboards
- 10. Beaded Sunglass Chains
- 11. DIY Body Scrubs
- 12. Upcycled Denim Bag
- Why You’ll Love These Fun Summer Crafts
- How to Make These Fun Summer Crafts
- What to Pair With Your Crafts
- Top Tips for Crafting Success
- How to Display or Gift Your Creations
Fun Summer Crafts:

Summer break is here, and if you’ve got a teen at home, you’ve probably already heard the dreaded “I’m booored” at least twice today. But don’t worry—we’ve got the perfect solution! These Fun Summer Crafts are creative, budget-friendly, and way more exciting than scrolling through TikTok all day.
Remember when summer meant handmade friendship bracelets and painted rocks? These DIY projects bring back that nostalgic, hands-on fun—but with a modern twist. From trendy room decor to cool outdoor projects, these crafts are perfect for teens who want to express their style (and maybe even impress their friends).
If your teen loved our DIY Room Decor on a Budget post, they’ll adore these summer-ready ideas. No fancy tools or expensive supplies needed—just creativity and a little glue! Ready to turn boredom into masterpiece mode? Let’s craft!
What Are Fun Summer Crafts?
Ever looked at a pile of old magazines or a bag of seashells and thought, “There’s gotta be something cool I can make with this?” That’s the magic of Fun Summer Crafts—turning everyday items into personalized, Instagram-worthy creations.
These projects range from upcycled fashion to outdoor DIYs, all designed with teens in mind. (Yes, even the “I’m not crafty” ones!) Inspired by Pinterest trends and summer vibes, these crafts are all about creativity without the stress. As the saying goes, “Life’s more fun when you make things with your hands.”
So grab some supplies, blast your favorite playlist, and let’s get crafting!
Fun Summer Crafts: 12 Best DIY Projects for Teens
1. Tie-Dye Tote Bags

Supplies: Plain canvas tote, fabric dye, rubber bands
Why Teens Love It: Customizable and practical for beach trips or school.
2. DIY Neon Sign

Supplies: Glow sticks, clear tape, black poster board
Why Teens Love It: Creates instant room decor that glows at night.
3. Seashell Candles

Supplies: Small jars, seashells, candle wax, wicks
Why Teens Love It: Beautiful way to preserve summer beach memories.
4. Friendship Bracelet Kit

Supplies: Embroidery floss, beads, clipboard
Why Teens Love It: Portable craft perfect for hangouts.
5. Painted Rock Art

Supplies: Smooth rocks, acrylic paint, sealant
Why Teens Love It: Great for decorating gardens or gifting.
6. DIY Lip Gloss

Supplies: Beeswax, coconut oil, flavor oils
Why Teens Love It: Custom colors and flavors make fun gifts.
7. Macramé Keychains

Supplies: Cotton cord, key rings, scissors
Why Teens Love It: Trendy and easy to learn from YouTube tutorials.
8. Spray-Painted Planters

Supplies: Terra cotta pots, spray paint
Why Teens Love It: Transforms dollar store finds into stylish decor.
9. DIY Photo Clipboards

Supplies: Mini clipboards, washi tape, photos
Why Teens Love It: Displays summer memories in a cool way.
10. Beaded Sunglass Chains

Supplies: Beads, elastic cord, clasps
Why Teens Love It: Functional and fashionable accessory.
11. DIY Body Scrubs

Supplies: Sugar, coconut oil, essential oils
Why Teens Love It: Spa day vibes with natural ingredients.
12. Upcycled Denim Bag

Supplies: Old jeans, fabric glue, straps
Why Teens Love It: Sustainable fashion project.
Pro Tip: Host a craft party! These projects are even more fun with friends.
Which craft will your teen try first? Share their creations with us!
Why You’ll Love These Fun Summer Crafts
1. Express Your Unique Style
From bohemian dream catchers to edgy spray-painted planters, these crafts let teens showcase their personality—no rules, just creativity.
2. Bonding Time (Without Screens!)
Perfect for solo projects or friend hangouts. Imagine a tie-dye party or a DIY jewelry-making session!
3. Super Affordable (Mostly Free!)
Uses supplies you already have: old t-shirts, mason jars, even sticks from the backyard.
Love budget-friendly DIYs? Check out our Backyard Projects for Teens next!
How to Make These Fun Summer Crafts
Quick Overview
Most projects take under an hour and cost less than $10. Great for last-minute fun!
What You’ll Need:
✔ Basic craft kit (glue gun, scissors, paintbrushes)
✔ Upcycled materials (old jars, fabric scraps, wood)
✔ Dollar store finds (beads, acrylic paint, twine)
Step-by-Step Projects
1. Tie-Dye Tote Bags
- Twist a plain tote with rubber bands.
- Apply dye in rainbow colors. Rinse after 6 hours.
2. Seashell Candles
- Glue shells to a jar’s rim.
- Pour melted wax + add a wick.
3. DIY Neon Sign
- Bend glow sticks into words.
- Secure with clear tape in a dark room.
What to Pair With Your Crafts
- Outdoor movie night (with DIY popcorn holders!)
- Scrapbook your summer (use pressed flowers)
- Gift handmade items (friends love personalized crafts)
Top Tips for Crafting Success
✔ Protect surfaces (newspaper = easy cleanup).
✔ Embrace imperfections (they add charm!).
✔ Use washable paint (for stress-free messes).
How to Display or Gift Your Creations
- Turn crafts into room decor (hang macramé plant holders).
- Package gifts simply (brown paper + twine = cute).
- Store supplies in shoeboxes (for next time!).
Final Thought
These Fun Summer Crafts prove DIYs aren’t just for kids—they’re for anyone who loves making cool stuff. Which project will your teen try first?
Tag us in your crafty pics with #DIYSummerTeens!
you can see more about Mothers Day Crafts for Kids: How to Make Heartfelt Gifts