9 Simple Summer Craft Ideas You Can Make at Home
Summer is a time that I love to make crafts. Next to the holidays, it’s my favorite time of year to make something simple, usually from nature in some way. Whether it’s monoprinting hydrangea leaves for notecards or displaying a few tender cosmo stems in a jar with an airdry clay flower frog, summer is the perfect time for a few craft projects on your own or with some friends!
1. Monoprinting with Nature
Summary
A beginner-friendly printmaking technique using foraged leaves and flowers coated with water-soluble ink and pressed onto paper to create one-of-a-kind prints. The results can be framed as wall art, used as gift tags, or made into greeting cards.
Supplies
- Foraged flowers or leaves (hydrangea leaves work really well)
- Heavy book (for pressing/drying plant material)
- Water-soluble block printing ink
- Brayer (ink roller)
- Printmaking paper
- Printing surface (plexiglass plate or a flattened milk carton)
- Tweezers
- Scrap paper or kraft paper (to protect work surface)
- Paper towels
- Scissors or hand pruners
- Apron/gloves (optional)
2. Make Lavender Scented Candles
Summary
A simple candle-making project using natural soy wax and lavender essential oil poured into charming French Duralex Picardie glasses. The finished candles make beautiful homemade gifts tied up with ribbon.
Supplies
- Duralex Picardie glasses (or other glass containers)
- Natural soy wax flakes
- Cotton wicks
- Popsicle sticks with a center hole (as wick-centering devices)
- Candle-making pitcher or melting pot
- Lavender essential oil
- Hot glue gun (or wick stickers)
- Ribbon and cardboard circles for gifting
- Label maker (optional)
3. Scalloped-Edge Terra Cotta Pots
Summary
Plain terracotta pots get a charming upgrade with the addition of air-dry clay circles pressed around the rim to form a decorative scalloped edge. The pots are then baked at low heat and can be used for herbs, flowers, or patio plants.
Supplies
- Air-dry clay (terracotta color)
- Plain terra cotta pots
- Rolling pin
- Small, round cookie cutter (approx. 1 5/8″)
- Small glass of water
- Clean work surface
- Oven
4. Simple Summer Table Runner with Ink & Butcher Paper
Summary
A hand-drawn table runner made by painting simple designs directly onto butcher paper with drawing ink — no artistic experience required. It takes only minutes to make and doubles as a fun activity for guests or kids at a summer gathering.
Supplies
- Butcher paper (non-bleed-through variety)
- Drawing ink
- Paintbrushes (flat-tip recommended for wide lines)
5. DIY Flower Frogs Using Air-Dry Clay
Summary
These small clay discs with holes punched through them sit on top of glass jars and hold delicate flower stems upright — perfect for displaying just a few garden blooms. They can be left natural, painted with gold leaf, or sealed for a polished look.
Supplies
- Air-dry clay (DAS brand recommended)
- Rolling pin or smooth glass
- Round cookie cutters with scalloped/fluted edge
- Plastic straw (for poking stem holes)
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone mat
- Clear acrylic sealer (Varathane or Mod Podge)
- Small glass jars
- Gold leaf paint (optional)
6. Coffee Filter Flowers
Summary
Everyday coffee filters are folded, dipped in food coloring, dried, and layered inside a glass to form gorgeous blooming paper flowers. They work beautifully as gift toppers, table decor for brunches or showers, and are kid-friendly too.
Supplies
- Coffee filters (various sizes)
- Food coloring or watercolor paint
- Scissors
- Small jars or cups (for mixing colors)
- A glass (to shape the flower)
- Paper towels
- Baking sheets
- Glue stick
- Eye dropper
- Floral tape (optional, for stems)
- Green pipe cleaners (optional, for kids’ version)
7. How to Decorate a Wine Bottle for a Hostess Gift
Summary
Transform a plain bottle of wine, lemonade, or olive oil into a personalized hostess gift by painting simple designs directly onto the glass with acrylic paint and paint pens. Because the glass surface is smooth and forgiving, even non-artists can pull this off beautifully — and the post suggests turning it into a fun craft night with friends.
Supplies
- A bottle of wine, lemonade, or olive oil (with a clean, uncluttered surface)
- Acrylic craft paints (2–3 colors)
- Posca paint pens
- Artist paintbrushes
- Kraft paper or butcher paper (for practice and gift wrap)
- Small paint tray
- Small cups of water
- Paper towels
8. How to Make a Hanging Glass Jar Holder (Easy DIY Jar Sling)
Summary
Using just a length of cord and a simple knotting technique called a bottle sling knot, you can create beautiful hanging glass jar holders in minutes. Fill them with votive candles or a few garden flowers and hang them from an over-the-table rod for instant ambiance at outdoor dinners, garden parties, or any casual gathering.
Supplies
- 80″ of macrame cord or heavy twine (4mm thickness recommended)
- A small glass jar (mustard jars, mason jars, or baby food jars all work)
- Scissors
- Clear tape (helpful while learning the knot)
9. Upcycled Clothing Tags Make the Best Gift Tags
Summary
Those little tags cut off new clothing purchases turn out to make surprisingly charming gift tags with just a coat of paint. Paint over the printed text, add a simple design — stripes, dots, or little flowers — and you have a unique, zero-waste gift tag ready to tie onto kraft paper with twine or ribbon.
Supplies
- Clothing tags (saved from new purchases)
- Acrylic paints and brushes
- Q-tips (for making dots)
- Ribbons or twine
- Scissors
WOW…so creative. I love all nine!
These are wonderful! I love the monoprinting with leaves and the clothing tags becoming gift tags! Good job!
Thank you! I love repurposing things like the tags! Some are so heavy and such beautiful card stock, it would be a shame to toss them!