Summer is the perfect time for teens to get creative and explore new hobbies. Whether they want to relax and unwind, create unique gifts, or enhance their home décor, summer crafts offer endless possibilities for fun and creativity. In this article, we’ll explore 17 exciting craft ideas that will keep teens engaged all summer long. Each craft is designed to be easy to do, fun, and versatile, offering a perfect way to add a personal touch to their space or wardrobe.

1. DIY Friendship Bracelets

Friendship bracelets have been a timeless craft for generations, and they’re making a big comeback among teens. Not only are they easy to create, but they’re also a meaningful way to show appreciation for friends. With just a few basic supplies, such as embroidery floss, beads, and clasps, teens can create custom designs to suit their style and the colors they love.

To get started, teach your teen how to braid or knot different patterns. They can experiment with simple designs like the classic chevron pattern or try more intricate ones like fishtail or spiral. Adding beads or charms to the bracelet adds an extra personal touch, making each one unique.

This craft can also be a social activity. Teens can invite their friends over for a fun bracelet-making session. In addition to being an enjoyable craft, making friendship bracelets is an opportunity for teens to bond and create lasting memories.

Pro Tip: For an extra pop, teens can customize their bracelets with glow-in-the-dark thread or metallic floss to give them a modern twist.

2. Tie-Dye T-Shirts

Tie-dye is a classic summer craft that never goes out of style. Not only is it a fun and easy way for teens to update their wardrobes, but it’s also an opportunity for them to experiment with different colors and patterns. The best part? Tie-dye doesn’t require a lot of expensive supplies. Just some plain white t-shirts, fabric dye, rubber bands, and gloves are all that’s needed to get started.

Teens can try various patterns, such as spiral, bullseye, or crumple. By folding the shirt in different ways and securing it with rubber bands, they can achieve different effects. Vibrant color combinations like neon pink, orange, and yellow create bold looks, while pastel shades offer a more subtle, serene effect.

Tie-dyeing also allows teens to personalize their shirts with designs that match their personality. After completing the craft, they’ll have a one-of-a-kind piece of clothing to wear all summer long.

Pro Tip: To ensure the tie-dye lasts longer, teens should wash their creations separately from other clothes for the first few washes and let them dry in the sun for that ultimate summer vibe.

3. Custom Painted Sneakers

Teens love expressing themselves through fashion, and what better way to show off their unique style than by creating custom-painted sneakers? Sneakers are a blank canvas for creativity, and with fabric paint and a little imagination, teens can transform a plain pair of shoes into a masterpiece.

From floral designs to abstract patterns or even pop culture references, the possibilities are endless. The key to success is to start with a clean, smooth canvas by wiping the sneakers down and lightly sanding them. Then, teens can sketch out their design in pencil before adding color.

After painting, be sure to set the design by using a fabric medium or heat setting, ensuring the paint stays vibrant and doesn’t crack over time.

Pro Tip: Use waterproof fabric paint to make sure the designs hold up against water or rain. Teens can also use stencils or masking tape for cleaner, more precise lines.

4. Personalized Tote Bags

A personalized tote bag is both a practical and stylish craft project for teens. Not only will they end up with a chic bag to carry their essentials, but they’ll also enjoy the creative process. Tote bags are perfect for customization with paint, embroidery, or even fabric appliqué.

Teens can start by choosing a plain canvas tote bag, which is inexpensive and readily available at most craft stores. From there, they can paint a design using fabric paint, add their initials with embroidery, or decorate it with fun patches. For a more eco-friendly approach, they can even repurpose old clothing by cutting out fun patterns and attaching them to the bag.

These personalized tote bags can be used for beach trips, shopping, or just carrying books. It’s a simple yet effective craft that can help teens showcase their personality and stay organized all summer long.

Pro Tip: Add a little extra charm by using colorful fabric markers to write favorite quotes or sayings on the tote bag. A fun design with vibrant colors will instantly brighten up any outfit!

5. Friendship Bracelets with Beads

Friendship bracelets can be taken to the next level with the addition of beads. Adding beads to traditional braided bracelets introduces texture and color variety, making each piece unique. Teens can experiment with different bead styles, such as glass, wooden, or metallic beads, and arrange them in creative patterns.

Start by teaching your teen to create a basic braided friendship bracelet using embroidery floss. Once they’ve mastered that, they can start threading beads onto the floss to enhance their designs. Beads can be added to the bracelet at regular intervals or incorporated into the pattern itself, depending on the look they want to achieve.

Teens can also personalize their beadwork by choosing beads that match their favorite colors, hobbies, or initials.

Pro Tip: For an added touch, teens can incorporate charms or small pendants that represent something meaningful, like a birthstone or a symbol that holds special significance.

6. Macramé Wall Hangings

Macramé is a vintage craft that has made a major comeback in recent years. This knotting technique allows teens to create beautiful wall hangings, plant holders, and more. The repetitive knots make macramé a relaxing craft that yields stunning results.

To get started, teens will need macramé cord, which is available in various colors and textures. They can learn basic knots such as the square knot, lark’s head knot, and the spiral knot. By combining these knots in different sequences, teens can create intricate patterns that are perfect for decorating their rooms or giving as gifts.

One of the most popular uses for macramé is creating wall hangings. These wall hangings are perfect for adding boho vibes to any room and can be customized with beads or tassels for added flair.

Pro Tip: Encourage teens to experiment with adding wooden dowels, shells, or feathers to their macramé creations to make them even more unique and visually striking.

7. Decorative Photo Frames

Photo frames are not only functional but also an opportunity for teens to get creative and display their personal style. Teens can personalize their frames using a variety of materials, including paint, glitter, washi tape, and even seashells or beads.

The process is simple. Start with a basic wooden or cardboard frame, and let teens go wild with their decorations. For a more rustic look, they can use twine, burlap, or fabric. For something more colorful and fun, try painting the frame in vibrant hues or gluing on decorative elements like buttons or sequins.

Once completed, these frames make wonderful gifts for friends and family or great additions to a teen’s bedroom décor.

Pro Tip: Encourage teens to match the frames to their favorite photos or room theme, adding a personal touch that reflects their unique personality.

8. Painted Rocks for Garden Décor

Rock painting is a fun and easy craft that’s perfect for teens who want to add a pop of color to their garden, porch, or even their room. Painted rocks can serve as decorative pieces, garden markers, or even hidden treasures for others to find.

Teens can start by selecting smooth, flat rocks of various sizes. After washing and drying the rocks, they can use acrylic paint to create beautiful designs. Popular designs include mandalas, animals, nature scenes, or inspirational quotes.

Once finished, these painted rocks can be displayed outdoors in the garden or placed in planters to add a unique touch to the space. They can also be used as personalized gifts for friends and family.

Pro Tip: Seal the rocks with a clear acrylic spray to make sure the paint withstands the elements, ensuring the designs last for seasons to come.

9. Recycled Denim Crafts

Upcycling old denim is not only eco-friendly but also a fun way to give new life to worn-out clothes. Teens can take old jeans, jackets, or skirts and transform them into trendy crafts like purses, wallets, or even home décor items.

For a simple project, teens can cut denim into strips and use them to create a woven basket or wall hanging. Alternatively, they can add decorative patches to their old denim jackets or jeans to create a personalized, fashion-forward look.

Recycled denim crafts give teens the opportunity to experiment with different sewing techniques and add their own personal flair to every project.

Pro Tip: Encourage teens to mix denim with other fabrics, such as colorful cotton or floral prints, to create unique and stylish pieces.

10. Summer-Inspired Candles

Candles are not just for lighting up a room—they can also be a great way to add a touch of creativity and summer spirit. Teens can create their own candles using wax, wicks, and essential oils to infuse their favorite summer scents, such as coconut, citrus, or lavender.

To make these candles, teens can melt wax in a double boiler and pour it into decorative containers such as mason jars, teacups, or even seashells. Once the wax has set, they can add a few drops of their favorite fragrance and enjoy the relaxing, personalized ambiance these candles create.

This craft is also a great gift idea for friends and family, and it’s something teens can easily sell or give away during summer markets or craft fairs.

Pro Tip: For a more polished look, add natural elements like dried flowers or herbs to the candles for an extra touch of beauty and fragrance.

11. Custom Stickers

Custom stickers are a fantastic way for teens to showcase their creativity and express their unique personalities. Whether they’re designing stickers for their laptops, water bottles, or phone cases, making custom stickers can be a fun and rewarding craft.

Teens can start by using design software or apps to create their stickers. There are many free apps like Canva or Adobe Spark that allow users to easily create designs. Once the designs are ready, they can print them onto adhesive paper or sticker sheets. From there, teens can cut them out and use them on whatever they like.

The best part about custom stickers is that they can be as simple or intricate as teens want. Whether it’s a cute doodle, a favorite quote, or a logo of their favorite band, custom stickers are a great way to add personality to everyday items.

Pro Tip: Encourage teens to use vinyl sticker paper for long-lasting, waterproof stickers that are durable enough for outdoor use.

12. DIY Hair Accessories

Hair accessories are a fun and easy way for teens to jazz up their hairstyles. From scrunchies to headbands, barrettes, and clips, the options for DIY hair accessories are endless. Teens can personalize their hair accessories with their favorite fabrics, colors, and embellishments.

One easy and trendy project is to create scrunchies. With just a few pieces of fabric, elastic, and a sewing kit, teens can make scrunchies in a variety of colors and patterns. They can also make matching sets with hair clips or headbands for a coordinated look.

For a more intricate project, teens can experiment with adding embellishments like beads, sequins, or embroidery to their hair accessories to make them stand out.

Pro Tip: Encourage teens to create matching sets for different occasions—like a boho look for festivals or a chic style for special occasions.

13. Embellished Denim Jackets

Denim jackets have always been a staple in teen fashion, and with the help of a little creativity, teens can turn a plain denim jacket into a one-of-a-kind statement piece. Embellishing a denim jacket is an easy craft that allows teens to express their personality and style.

To start, they can add patches—whether embroidered, iron-on, or sewn—featuring their favorite designs, such as band logos, animals, or motivational quotes. Adding studs, pearls, or rhinestones can also create a chic look that stands out. For those with a bit more sewing experience, teens can even create custom embroidery to add to the sleeves, collar, or back of the jacket.

Embellished denim jackets are versatile and can be worn with almost anything, from dresses to casual tees and skirts, making them a trendy and functional summer craft.

Pro Tip: For a more edgy look, teens can distress the jacket by cutting or fraying the edges for a vintage vibe.

14. Summer-Themed Dreamcatchers

Dreamcatchers are beautiful and meaningful crafts that symbolize protection and good dreams. A summer-themed dreamcatcher can incorporate vibrant colors and summer elements like seashells, feathers, and beads, making it a perfect seasonal craft.

Teens can start by creating the circular base using a metal hoop or an embroidery hoop. From there, they can string yarn or thread across the hoop in a web-like pattern. To add their summer twist, they can attach decorative elements such as seashells, starfish, beads, and feathers. Colorful threads or ribbons can be added at the bottom to complete the look.

Not only are dreamcatchers a fun craft to make, but they also make beautiful wall art for a teen’s room or outdoor space.

Pro Tip: To enhance the boho look, teens can use brightly colored threads, or they can use a pastel palette for a more serene vibe.

15. Hand-Painted Mugs

Hand-painted mugs are a great way for teens to personalize their drinkware and make unique gifts. This craft is simple and requires only a plain mug, ceramic paint, and a paintbrush. Teens can use stencils for more precise designs or simply freehand their artwork.

Popular designs include inspirational quotes, favorite animals, or quirky doodles. For a summer twist, they can paint tropical motifs like pineapples, palm trees, or sunflowers. After painting, the mug needs to be baked in the oven to set the design and make it dishwasher-safe.

Hand-painted mugs are a fun and practical craft that teens can keep for themselves or give as gifts to family and friends.

Pro Tip: To create a glossy finish, teens can use a clear ceramic glaze over the painted design before baking.

16. DIY Beachy Jewelry

Jewelry making is a favorite craft for many teens, and with a summer twist, DIY beachy jewelry is perfect for the season. Using materials like seashells, colorful beads, and thread, teens can create anklets, bracelets, or necklaces that reflect the laid-back summer vibe.

Teens can start by selecting their favorite seashells or beach-themed charms and threading them onto jewelry wire or string. For added interest, they can mix in glass or wooden beads in bright summer colors. To make the jewelry truly one-of-a-kind, teens can experiment with different knotting or braiding techniques.

These beachy jewelry pieces are great for wearing to the beach, pool parties, or simply accessorizing any summer outfit.

Pro Tip: Encourage teens to incorporate ocean-inspired colors like turquoise, coral, and sand, or even add a touch of gold for a beachy-chic look.

17. Painted Plant Pots

If your teen has a green thumb, creating painted plant pots is a great way to combine crafting with gardening. By painting plain terracotta or ceramic plant pots, teens can transform them into beautiful works of art that enhance the look of their home or garden.

Teens can start by choosing a color scheme for the pots, such as bright and bold hues for a tropical vibe or neutral tones for a more minimalist look. They can use acrylic paint to add patterns like stripes, polka dots, or floral designs. For an extra touch, adding a layer of sealant will protect the paint from fading over time, especially if the pots are placed outdoors.

These painted plant pots make a fantastic gift idea or a beautiful addition to any teen’s bedroom or outdoor space.

Pro Tip: For a modern look, teens can try geometric patterns using painter’s tape, or they can add some fun details like gold leaf accents for a touch of glam.

Conclusion

Summer is the perfect time to tap into your creative side, and these 17 summer craft ideas offer a wide range of fun and easy projects for teens to enjoy. From friendship bracelets to custom-painted sneakers, DIY jewelry, and personalized tote bags, these crafts are designed to keep teens engaged, express their personality, and create something beautiful that can be used and cherished.

Whether they’re making a handmade gift for a friend or adding a personal touch to their own wardrobe or living space, these crafts provide endless opportunities for creativity. And the best part? Many of these crafts can be done with minimal supplies, making them accessible for teens of all skill levels.

So, gather up the supplies, get inspired, and let the crafting begin. With these ideas, your teen can make the most of their summer and create something truly unique and meaningful.

Happy crafting!