A Beautiful Mess, KALEY ELAINE PHOTOGRAPHY
When we're focused on creating something beautiful, our minds have the opportunity to rest. According to Verywell Mind, art activities are a great way to relieve stress and combat negative moods — even for those who aren't artistically inclined. So whether you're a beginner or an expert crafter, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment once you're able to hold your creation in hand and admire the hard work that went into it. To help you find a DIY project that'll get your creative juices flowing, we've rounded up adult craft ideas for every budget and skill level.
From cheap art projects (reinventing thrift store finds) to genius upcycling ideas (elevating wall mirrors), you're sure to discover a craft idea that'll inspire you. We've included basic jewelry making, a step-by-step painting tutorial and intermittent sewing projects (we're looking at you, GH Stitch Club!). Not only should a great craft be fun to make, the final result should also serve a purpose — whether it doubles as DIY home decor or an adorable homemade gift. Some of these fun at-home craft ideas may even earn you a few bucks, if your creation is professional enough to sell.
While we are all for creative crafts for kids, I think we can all agree that art projects are equally important for adults. Browse this list to find your next DIY inspiration, whether you have a specific idea in mind or you're just in desperate need of a little quiet time.
Create a personalized or seasonal display by hanging photos, cards and artwork from an old window frame. Add on small bulldog clips by using a hot glue gun.
Woven materials, like cane
webbing, are neutral in color, giving bold florals the space to shine. Cut a piece to fit around any ol' vase, then stitch a line or cross pattern along the edges in a contrasting color of your choice. Wrap the webbing around the vase and adhere with hot glue.
Bloggers Niña Williams and
Cecilia Moyer used a sponge to create a custom accent wall. To recreate it at home, simply dip the straight edge of a kitchen sponge in paint, then gently press it against your wall.
Cast a custom glow with these color-blocked candles. Take plain taper candles and dip them in a mixture of colored crayon shavings and melted candle wax. Use painter's tape for a more even dye job or embrace the unexpected and dip as you please.
If you understand the basics of knitting and you're looking to move onto something more challenging, these knit mittens are a fun idea — plus, they make a great gift for loved ones! Follow our easy-to-read instructions and download the pattern.
Get the tutorial »
Burlap coasters add a layer of texture and warmth to your display, all while keeping your table protected from spills and water marks. Give plain burlap squares a more finished look by stitching a colored border or pulling at the thread along the edges to create a fringe detail.
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Painted Wood Serving Tray
Here's a cool way to strike up a conversation with your guests: a handmade serving tray. After you buy paint colors that pair with your home style, start by painting a wood board (use tape to ensure straight lines). Screw on your handles, and you're ready to serve!
Get the tutorial from Inspired by Charm »
Make these flowers now, so you can enjoy 'em all season long. To make, fold dyed cupcake liners in half and cut out petal and fringe shapes. Then fold a piece of floral wire in half and twist around the faux flower stamen. Poke the wire through the center of three to four paper liners. Finish it off by wrapping floral tape around the base of the liners and bringing it all the way down the stem.
Calling all green thumbs, this one is for you. Make your own mini pots, whether you're propagating your overgrown plants or can't stop buying new succulents. All you need is oven-bake clay in a variety of colors, glaze and a paint brush.
Get the tutorial from A Beautiful Mess »
Weave jute twine into an intricate star design to turn a standard circle mirror into wall-worthy decor. It'll look gorgeous over an entryway table or in the bedroom.
Get the tutorial »
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Chunky Crochet Pillow Cover
Breathe new life into a dumpster-bound window frame by coating it in a striking pastel hue. Then come up with clever ways to make it functional for your everyday — adding a chalkboard for grocery lists, small hooks to hang keys and more.
It's always the proper season for a beautiful bouquet of flowers, and these will never die! Use an old egg carton and some acrylic paint to recreate these colorful blooms.
Get the tutorial »
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Easy Landscape Painting
Love painting, but you're not a painter? Follow this step-by-step video to make a masterpiece with ease. Display the final result in a thrifted picture frame, and you've got yourself a truly one-of-a-kind creation.
Get the tutorial at Bless'er House »
Give yourself permission to use the fancy soap… by making it yourself. You’ll need just a few supplies: goat’s milk melt and pour base, dried lavender, lavender oil and silicone soap molds.
Get the tutorial at It All Started With Paint »
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Coastal Wood Slice Coasters
Inspired by the beauty of the ocean, these vibrant coasters will add a beach feel to any space. Make it your own by selecting three of your favorite blue and green paints, as well as two shades of taupe or brown. Pick up all the supplies for less than $15 and you can make this easy craft within the hour.
Get the tutorial from Crafts by Amanda »
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Cheery Pom-Pom Pumpkins
Bring color to any table with watercolor napkins. Once you soak napkins in water and wring out the excess, brush fabric paint in small strokes from bottom to top, diluting the paint with water as you work your way up. Hang and let dry completely before adding them to your place settings.
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Accordion Paper Flowers
Green thumb or not, you can still grow an everlasting garden. Download these templates and follow the steps below to paper flowers in various shapes, sizes and colors.
- Cut out 4 pieces of yellow or white paper (depending on what color daffodil you would like) using the first template.
- Fold the paper in half both vertically and horizontally and open again. Fold the bottom up about ¼" and crease it down.
- Flip the paper over and fold all the way to the top until you create an accordion.
- Fold the accordion-folded paper in half and attach the two middle pieces together with double-sided tape.
- Repeat steps 2-4 with the remaining 3 pieces of paper.
- Connect all 4 together with a strip of double stick tape to create a flower shape.
- Cut out a rectangle of orange paper about 2" x 1.5" and cut little points on one of the long edges.
- Roll the rectangle loosely to make a tube shape and connect with a small piece of double-sided tape, folding the bottom edge down to create a flat bottom. Glue the little cup you made into the center of the flower to finish your daffodil.
Quite literally a trash-to-treasure craft, pretty wallpaper or wrapping paper turns empty cans into statement vessels, which can be used as vases, pencil holders or candle holders. Just be sure to rinse out the cans and file down sharp edges first.
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Paper Chain Wallhanging
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Colorful Coupe Cocktail Glasses
Make these eye-catching cocktail glasses with just a bit of scrap adhesive vinyl and cheap glasses from Ikea or the dollar store. This project is super easy, but will create a dazzling result your cocktail party guests will be sure to admire.
Get the tutorial at A Kailo Chic Life »
This easy graphic string art tutorial goes a step chicer with an ombre effect achieved by using various shades of embroidery thread. Wrap up this idea in just an hour to yield a project with a message we all need to hear right now: “relax.”
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted »
You can always use another shelf for functionality and this DIY small hanging shelf has many uses around the house: in a bathroom, bedroom, kitchen or hallway above a small console table.
Get the tutorial at Alice & Lois »
Use your Cricut machine to elevate cheap glass candleholders with vibrant designs. Just pick a vinyl color and pattern that catches your eye and get started!
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted »
If you’re going to be the hostess with the mostest, you’re going to need to learn how to make one of the hottest decor trends: balloon arches. Make one using balloons in a range of sizes, shapes and colors to fit your theme.
Get the tutorial at Two Purple Couches »
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Floral Butterfly Frame
This simple mirror project has a chic, Anthropologie-like result — but it’s actually quite simple to make. Customize it in whatever shades you like — from earthy and rustic to vibrant and eye-catching.
Get the tutorial at Alice & Lois »
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Nesting Desk Organizer
This craft serves a bigger purpose: Glue a set of nesting boxes to a wooden tray to keep all of your odds and ends — desk must-haves, craft supplies and so on — in order.
Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth »
If you’re not the sewing type, but you’d love to make a cozy quilt — this one’s for you. No sewing machine required, but bring your patience and creativity to this no-sew rag quilt project.
Get the tutorial at The Melrose Family »
Whip up a set of paper pennants for a super easy — and super versatile — project. Use them to decorate your kid's room or store them away and pull them out for your next party.
Get the tutorial at Hey, Let’s Make Stuff »
It will take just a few minutes for you to whip up a set of these charming oversized paperclips festooned with pom poms. Create a batch to cheer up your workspace or hand 'em out as gifts.
Get the tutorial at White House Crafts »
This fun garland is totally versatile for use around the house — not to mention as gifts or party decor. It couldn’t be easier to make these pretty strands: Just cut a bunch of yarn in pieces approximately the same size, then tie each piece around a length of twine. Yes, that means you can do this mindlessly as you watch Netflix!
Get the tutorial at Design Improvised »
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DIY Yarn-Fringed Throw Pillow
Pillow foam filling is the basis for the eye-catching throw pillow. Super easy to create and customize, you can make this with any color yarn to complement your home's aesthetic.
Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth »
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Embroidered Denim Jacket
Nothing is cooler than a customized denim jacket, whether new or vintage. Take the look to the next level by embroidering a set of cheerful flowers on the back panel.
Get the tutorial at Cutesy Crafts »
This is a great adult craft idea if you don’t have a lot of time or patience but want to create something beautiful and functional. Customize any set of handmade or store-bought cards with a glittery design element to amp up the impact. All you need is fine glitter, scissors, double-sided tape — and about six minutes per envelope.
Get the tutorial at White House Crafts »
Alyssa Gautieri Associate Lifestyle Editor Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design.
Amanda Garrity Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion.