At Crafty Cottage

Welcome to a world of crafting delight! As summer beckons, and the comforts of home embrace us, there’s no better time to unleash your creativity and embark on exciting craft projects. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom looking for engaging activities or simply seeking to indulge in the joy of crafting, we have curated a delightful collection of 19 projects that will spark your imagination, inspire your artistic endeavors, and bring a sense of fulfillment to your crafting journey. So gather your materials, set aside some dedicated crafting time, and let the summer be a season of creative delight as we dive into these wonderful projects together.

Are you ready to embark on a crafting journey filled with pure delight? Let’s dive into these 25 craft projects and unleash your creativity! Gather your supplies, clear a space, and let the magic of crafting unfold. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil moment of artistic expression or a fun-filled activity to enjoy with your little ones, these projects are here to inspire and bring you hours of crafting joy. Let’s get started on this delightful crafting adventure together!

Section 1: Decorative Crafts

1. DIY Flower Crown

Supplies:

• Artificial flowers
• Floral wire
• Floral tape
• Scissors
• Ribbon or elastic cord

Instructions:

1. Measure the circumference of your head with the floral wire and add a few extra inches.
2. Cut the floral wire to the measured length and form it into a circle, twisting the ends together to secure.
3. Trim the flowers, leaving a short stem.
4. Attach the flowers to the wire using floral tape, wrapping it tightly around the stems.
5. Continue adding flowers until the entire crown is covered.
6. Attach a ribbon or elastic cord to both ends of the wire to create a closure.

2. Mason Jar Lanterns

Supplies:

• Mason jars
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrushes
• Tea light candles
• Twine or ribbon

Instructions:

1. Clean and dry the mason jars.
2. Paint the exterior of the jars with your desired colors and patterns. Let them dry completely.
3. Place a tea light candle inside each jar.
4. Tie twine or ribbon around the neck of the jars for decoration and hanging.

3. Summer-themed Wreath

Supplies:

• Wreath base (grapevine or foam)
• Assorted silk flowers and foliage
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Ribbon or twine

Instructions:

1. Arrange the silk flowers and foliage on the wreath base until you are satisfied with the arrangement.
2. Use a hot glue gun to secure the flowers and foliage to the wreath base.
3. Let the glue dry completely.
4. Attach a ribbon or twine to the back of the wreath for hanging.

4. Seashell Wind Chimes

Supplies:

• Assorted seashells
• Small drill
• Fishing line or thin wire
• Beads
• Wooden dowel or branch
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Drill small holes in the seashells. Be careful and wear protective eyewear.
2. Cut several pieces of fishing line or thin wire to various lengths.
3. Thread a bead onto each piece of line, followed by a seashell.
4. Tie the ends of the fishing line or wire to the wooden dowel or branch, spacing them apart.
5. Attach a longer piece of fishing line or twine to both ends of the dowel for hanging.

5. Painted Rock Garden

Supplies:

• Smooth rocks
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrushes
• Mod Podge (optional)
• Clear acrylic sealer spray (optional)

Instructions:

1. Clean and dry the rocks.
2. Paint the rocks with various designs, patterns, or inspirational words using acrylic paint.
3. Let the paint dry completely.
4. Apply a coat of Mod Podge to seal the paint (optional).
5. Once dry, spray a coat of clear acrylic sealer spray for added protection (optional).
6. Arrange the painted rocks in your garden or use them as decorative pieces indoors.

Section 2: Wearable Crafts

6. Tie-Dye T-Shirts

Supplies:

• White cotton t-shirts
• Fabric dye (assorted colors)
• Rubber bands
• Plastic squeeze bottles
• Plastic gloves
• Plastic tablecloth or garbage bags
• Water

Instructions:

1. Soak the t-shirts in water and wring out the excess water.
2. Twist, fold, or scrunch the fabric of the t-shirts and secure with rubber bands.
3. Prepare the fabric dye according to the package instructions.
4. Apply different colors of dye to different sections of the t-shirts using squeeze bottles.
5. Let the dye set according to the instructions (usually 6-8 hours or overnight).
6. Rinse the excess dye from the t-shirts until the water runs clear.
7. Remove the rubber bands and wash the t-shirts separately in cold water. Let them air dry.

7. Fabric Scrap Keychains

Supplies:

• Assorted fabric scraps
• Keychain hardware
• Scissors
• Needle and thread
• Polyfill stuffing (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut fabric scraps into small rectangles or desired shapes.
2. Fold a fabric scrap in half, with the right sides facing each other.
3. Sew around the edges, leaving a small opening.
4. Turn the fabric right side out.
5. Fill the fabric with polyfill stuffing (optional) and hand-stitch the opening closed.
6. Attach the keychain hardware to the fabric shape.

8. Macrame Plant Hangers

Supplies:

• Macrame cord or jute twine
• Wooden dowel or metal ring
• Scissors
• Potted plants

Instructions:

1. Cut several pieces of macrame cord or jute twine to your desired length (longer pieces for larger plant hangers).
2. Fold each piece of cord in half and loop it over the wooden dowel or metal ring.
3. Pull the ends of the cord through the loop and tighten to create a knot.
4. Repeat the above steps with all the cords, evenly spacing them around the dowel or ring.
5. Gather all the cords at the bottom and tie them together in a secure knot, leaving a loop for hanging.
6. Place a potted plant into the hanger and adjust the cords as needed.

9. Crocheted Summer Hat

Supplies:

• Crochet hook
• Cotton yarn
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Start by creating a magic ring and make a chain of the desired size for the hat’s brim.
2. Single crochet around the chain until you reach the desired width for the brim.
3. Continue single crocheting in rounds, gradually increasing the stitches to form the hat’s crown.
4. Keep crocheting until the hat reaches the desired height.
5. Fasten off and weave in any loose ends.

10. Beaded Jewelry

Supplies:

• Assorted beads
• Jewelry wire or cord
• Jewelry findings (clasp, jump rings, crimp beads, etc.)
• Jewelry pliers
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Decide on the design and pattern for your jewelry piece.
2. String the beads onto the wire or cord according to your design.
3. Add any additional findings, such as clasps or jump rings, to complete the jewelry piece.
4. Use jewelry pliers to secure the findings in place.
5. Trim any excess wire or cord and ensure all connections are secure.

These are just a few craft projects to get you started! Check out the second part of the blog post for more exciting craft ideas.

I hope you are enjoying this post full of crafting delight!

Section 3: Artistic Crafts

11. DIY Dreamcatchers

Supplies:

• Metal hoop or embroidery hoop
• Suede cord or yarn
• Feathers
• Beads
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Wrap the suede cord or yarn around the hoop, covering it completely.
2. Tie a knot at one end of the hoop and leave a long tail for hanging.
3. Create a web pattern by tying the cord across the hoop, looping it around itself.
4. Continue weaving the cord in a spiral pattern until you reach the center of the hoop.
5. Attach feathers and beads to the bottom of the dreamcatcher using additional cord or yarn.
6. Trim any excess cord or yarn and hang the dreamcatcher.

12. Watercolor Painting

Supplies:

• Watercolor paints
• Watercolor paper or canvas
• Watercolor brushes
• Water container
• Palette or plastic plate

Instructions:

1. Wet the brush and apply water to the desired area of the paper or canvas.
2. Dip the brush into the watercolor paint and start painting on the wet surface.
3. Experiment with different techniques such as washes, wet-on-wet, or wet-on-dry.
4. Allow the layers to dry between applications for better color separation.
5. Blend and mix colors as desired.
6. Once the painting is complete, let it dry completely before framing or displaying.

13. Terrariums

Supplies:

• Glass container with a lid or open top (such as a jar or vase)
• Succulents or small plants
• Potting soil
• Pebbles or small rocks
• Activated charcoal (optional)
• Decorative elements (such as moss, small figurines, or pebbles)

Instructions:

1. Start by adding a layer of pebbles or small rocks at the bottom of the container for drainage.
2. Optionally, add a thin layer of activated charcoal on top of the rocks to prevent odors.
3. Fill the container about one-third full with potting soil.
4. Gently remove the plants from their pots and arrange them in the container, pressing them into the soil.
5. Add more soil around the plants to secure them in place.
6. Decorate the terrarium with moss, small figurines, or additional pebbles.
7. Water the terrarium lightly and place the lid (if using) or find a suitable location with indirect sunlight.

14. Paper Quilling Art

Supplies:

• Quilling paper strips (assorted colors and widths)
• Quilling tool or toothpick
• Glue
• Tweezers (optional)
• Quilling board (optional)
• Frame (optional)

Instructions:

1. Select a quilling pattern or design to follow.
2. Take a quilling strip and wrap it around the quilling tool or toothpick to create a tight coil.
3. Remove the coil from the tool and let it relax into a circular shape.
4. Pinch one end of the coil to form teardrop or petal shapes.
5. Apply a small amount of glue to the end of the strip to secure the shape.
6. Continue creating coils and shaping them according to your chosen design.
7. Use tweezers to manipulate the shapes, if necessary.
8. Glue the individual shapes together to form the final design.
9. Let the artwork dry completely before framing or displaying.

15. Embroidery Hoop Art

Supplies:

• Embroidery hoop
• Fabric or embroidery canvas
• Embroidery thread (assorted colors)
• Embroidery needles
• Scissors
• Design template or pattern (optional)

Instructions:

1. Secure the fabric or embroidery canvas in the embroidery hoop, tightening the screw.
2. Optionally, trace or transfer a design template onto the fabric using a washable pen or pencil.
3. Select an embroidery thread color and thread the needle.
4. Start stitching the design using various embroidery stitches such as backstitch, satin stitch, or French knots.
5. Follow the design template or create your own patterns and color combinations.
6. Continue stitching until the design is complete.
7. Trim any excess fabric or thread.
8. Once finished, remove the fabric from the hoop and iron it on the reverse side to remove any creases.
9. Display the embroidery hoop art as is or mount it onto a larger piece of fabric or frame.

These craft projects provide a range of options to explore your creativity and keep you engaged during the summer months. Whether you enjoy decorative crafts, wearable crafts, or artistic pursuits, there’s something for everyone. Have fun crafting and let your imagination soar!

In conclusion,

Let the summer be a season of crafting delight, as you immerse yourself in these 19 creative projects. Embrace the joy of bringing your ideas to life, and allow your stay-at-home crafting sessions to be filled with inspiration, fulfillment, and a sense of accomplishment. So gather your supplies, follow the instructions, and embark on a crafting adventure that will not only keep you engaged but also bring a smile to your face. Happy crafting, and may each project you undertake be a delightful journey of creativity!