Summer is the perfect time for teens to unwind, express themselves, and get creative with fun DIY crafts. From vibrant tie-dye t-shirts to delicate pressed flower bookmarks, these hands-on projects offer something for every personality. Tie-dye shirts are a classic choice, letting teens explore bold colors and patterns using rubber bands and summer-ready dye kits. Painted seashell art brings beach treasures to life with acrylics and metallics, while friendship bracelets use colorful threads and beads to create stylish, heartfelt accessories. For a more boho vibe, wall hangings made from yarn, feathers, and driftwood add cozy charm to any room.
Nature lovers will enjoy crafting pressed flower bookmarks using fresh blooms and cardstock, perfect for summer reading. Upcycled jar lanterns, decorated with lace, glitter, or paint, light up outdoor evenings and backyard hangouts. Beaded phone charms are quick and trendy, letting teens personalize their tech with names, emojis, or fun patterns. Ocean-inspired clay or shell necklaces bring beachy flair into fashion, with air-dry clay and paints making the process simple and enjoyable.
Canvas tote painting combines art with utility—perfect for creating eco-friendly, personalized bags for beach trips or books. Finally, decorating terracotta pots with paints, washi tape, and glitter adds a splash of creativity to gardening. Teens can grow succulents or herbs in their custom-designed planters, combining craft and care in one meaningful project.
Each of these crafts uses easily available supplies like paint, string, glue, or found materials. Whether done solo or in groups, they encourage mindfulness, imagination, and pride in handmade work. Best of all, they help teens disconnect from screens and reconnect with hands-on fun, making summer break both colorful and productive. These projects are more than crafts—they’re creative memories in the making.
1. DIY Tie-Dye T-Shirts
Unleash your inner artist with vibrant tie-dye t-shirts! Using rubber bands, white tees, and bright dyes, teens can create bold, one-of-a-kind patterns like spirals, stripes, or ice-dye effects. Perfect for summer parties or beach days, this craft is fun, messy, and totally worth it. Customize your shirt with colors that pop and wear your creation with pride. It’s a great way to express yourself, beat boredom, and make wearable art with friends in the sunshine!
Supplies
- White cotton T-shirts
- Tie-dye kit (dyes + bottles)
- Rubber bands
- Plastic gloves
- Plastic table cover
- Ziplock bags (for setting dye)
2. Painted Seashell Art
Turn ordinary beach finds into dazzling art! Teens can collect seashells and transform them with acrylic paint, glitter, and even metallic pens. Whether it’s calming pastels or bold neon shades, this craft lets creativity shine. Arrange finished shells in shadow boxes, on frames, or string them into garlands. It’s a relaxing and mindful activity that connects you to summer’s coastal magic—perfect for décor, gifts, or keepsakes from your beach adventures. Let nature inspire your next masterpiece!
Supplies
- Clean seashells
- Acrylic paint
- Fine-tipped paintbrushes
- Glitter or metallic pens (optional)
- Sealant spray
- Paper towels or palette
3. Friendship Bracelets
Friendship bracelets are a timeless teen craft! With just colorful thread, beads, and a bit of patience, you can create meaningful gifts for your besties. Try spiral, chevron, or braided styles, and personalize them with initials or charms. It’s a portable project—great for road trips or chill afternoons. Swap bracelets with friends as a symbol of connection, or stack them for a fun summer accessory look. Crafting these tiny treasures is both trendy and heartfelt.
Supplies
- Embroidery floss (variety of colors)
- Beads or letter charms
- Tape or clipboard (to hold thread)
- Scissors
- Pattern guide (optional)
4. Boho Wall Hangings
Add a bohemian vibe to any room with DIY wall hangings! Teens can use yarn, string, feathers, and beads to create layered, textural art. Whether it’s macramé-inspired knots or simple fringes on driftwood, the style possibilities are endless. Choose neutral shades for a soft look or go bold with summery colors. These wall hangings are relaxing to make and look amazing in bedrooms or study nooks. Express your personality through your space—one strand at a time!
Supplies
- Yarn (neutral or colorful)
- Wooden dowels or driftwood
- Feathers, beads, ribbons
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun (optional)
5. Pressed Flower Bookmarks
Nature meets creativity with pressed flower bookmarks! Teens can gather fresh blooms, press them between books, and seal them in clear laminate or glue them to cardstock. These handmade bookmarks are beautiful and practical—perfect for summer reading sessions. Use leaves, petals, and even ferns to design elegant or whimsical looks. Tie a ribbon at the top for a polished finish. This craft celebrates the beauty of summer’s blooms and creates lasting pieces of floral art.
Supplies
- Fresh flowers and leaves
- Heavy books or flower press
- Cardstock or laminate sleeves
- Glue stick or double-sided tape
- Scissors
- Hole punch and ribbon (optional)
6. Upcycled Jar Lanterns
Light up your summer nights with DIY jar lanterns! Teens can recycle mason jars and decorate them using paint, lace, or twine, then fill them with tea lights or fairy lights. These glowing creations are perfect for patios, sleepovers, or backyard hangouts. Personalize each lantern with your favorite colors or beachy embellishments. It’s an eco-friendly project that blends art and ambiance. Whether hung from trees or placed on tables, these lanterns bring a dreamy glow to any evening.
Supplies
- Mason jars or recycled glass jars
- Acrylic paint, lace, or stickers
- Paintbrushes
- Battery-powered tea lights or fairy lights
- Twine or ribbon for hanging
- Glue (optional)
7. Beaded Phone Charms
Add a pop of fun to your phone with DIY beaded charms! Teens can string colorful beads, pearls, and letter blocks onto clear cords to create stylish accessories. Choose your name, favorite word, or even emojis for a personal touch. These charms are quick to make and totally trendy—perfect for gifting or matching with friends. Clip them onto phone cases, bags, or keys for an extra bit of flair. Show off your summer vibe, bead by bead!
Supplies
- Nylon cord or elastic string
- Assorted beads (including letter beads)
- Scissors
- Lobster clasps or phone strap loops
- Needle (optional for threading)
8. Shell or Clay Necklaces
Create ocean-inspired accessories with shell or clay necklaces! Teens can use air-dry clay to shape fun charms or drill tiny holes into real seashells collected from the beach. Add paint, glitter, or beads to customize each pendant. Thread them onto cords, chains, or ribbons for a wearable summer souvenir. This project is perfect for beach lovers who enjoy crafting personal jewelry. Whether layered or simple, these DIY necklaces bring summer style to any outfit!
Supplies
- Air-dry clay or real seashells
- Acrylic paints and brushes
- Necklace cords or chains
- Jump rings and pliers
- Craft knife or clay tools
- Sealant (optional)
9. Painted Canvas Totes
Design your own carry-all with painted canvas totes! Teens can use fabric paint, stencils, and brushes to create patterns, quotes, or summer icons like suns, waves, and palm trees. It’s a practical and artsy project—ideal for beach days, shopping trips, or books. No sewing needed—just paint and go! Add pom-poms, patches, or iron-on details for extra flair. This DIY is fun, functional, and a great way to showcase your creativity while staying eco-friendly.
Supplies
- Blank canvas tote bags
- Fabric paint or fabric markers
- Paintbrushes and sponges
- Stencils or masking tape
- Iron (for heat setting paint)
- Patches or pom-poms (optional)
10. Decorative Plant Pots
Brighten up your space with painted plant pots! Teens can transform plain terracotta pots using acrylics, washi tape, or decoupage. Paint fun designs—like cacti, fruit, or polka dots—and fill them with succulents or herbs. This craft is perfect for windowsills, desks, or gifting to friends. It’s an easy way to mix gardening with art. Plus, watching your plants grow in your custom pots adds joy all summer long. A fun, feel-good project from start to finish!
Supplies
- Terracotta pots
- Acrylic paints and brushes
- Glitter, washi tape, or stickers
- Potting soil
- Succulents or herb plants
- Small paint palette and water cup
