Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      Kick-start your day by making habits out of these mood-boosting tips. Read More
    • Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      It's one of your favorite fruits, but does it belong on the counter or in the refrigerator? Read More
    • This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      A few easy-to-find ingredients are all you need to create a powerful formula that squashes weeds. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    Show your love of country by displaying these varieties on America's birthday.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    Make gathering with loved ones a priority.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We asked the experts to weigh in on this popular home design concept.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    Confused about when to do what to your favorite flowering shrubs? We have you covered.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Pillows

    How to Wash Pillows

    They're an essential element of a comfortable bed, so keep yours fresh and in their best shape ever with these expert-approved tips.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Get the traditional rules for who pays for the wedding details.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    Our easy melt-and-pour method saves the last bit of this home essential.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    This buzzy ingredient is a star player in many new-age hair care products.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. DIY Projects & Crafts
  3. The Best Crafts to Make This Summer

The Best Crafts to Make This Summer

January 26, 2011
Skip gallery slides
Pin
lanyard-necklaces-mld108754.jpg
Credit: Johnny Miller
Whether you're seeking shelter from the hot sun or a midsummer storm, our clever, seasonal ideas will keep you busy all afternoon.
Start Slideshow

1 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
shell koalas
Credit: Sang An

Summertime, and the creativity comes easy. Keep the kids and everyone in the family happily occupied with craft projects that appeal to all ages. To that end, we're sharing our most creative crafts to make all summer long. First, find your inspiration: Head outdoors and collect lush greenery, seasonal flowers, and seashells that have washed up on shore to make all kinds of creations. Your finds can be fodder for vacation and memorykeeping crafts as well—in the form of scrapbooks, shadow boxes, and mementos of your own making.

You can also spend your afternoons making cute, colorful, and cool accessories that are a fit for the season. You don't have to be an expert seamstress to make one of our accessories from scratch—even a beginner can start stitching in the morning and have a new hat to wear to the beach in the afternoon. On those hot, balmy days, it will keep you stylishly under cover. Or think back to your days spent at summer camp and make one of our crafts like friendship bracelets, tie-dye T-shirts, tote bags, and sarongs for a day of swimming. The creative options are endless.

Spend the long summer days making sunprints, collecting seashells, foraging in the forest, or taking photographs—they can all be used in your craft projects. Whether you're looking for a new idea to keep the kids happily busy, a way to spend time together at the lakeside cabin, or redecorate your own home, we have the ideas to make something new this summer.

1 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Ice-Dyeing

blue ice dyed table cloth and napkins
Credit: CHELSEA CAVANAUGH
Get the Ice-Dyeing How-To

As if you needed a reason to cool off and have splashy fun outside: Tie-dye's subtler, less messy alternative gives any solid cotton fabric a watercolor wash.

2 of 28

3 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sunprints

rinne-allen-crafts-final-art-23-d109213.jpg
Credit: Jennifer Causey
Get the Sunprints How-To

In one afternoon, forever preserve summer's thumbprint (botanicals, plants, flowers) with a unique light-sensitive solution and thick watercolor paper combination.

3 of 28

Advertisement

4 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Canvas Pillows

canvas pillows
Credit: Pernille Loof
Get More Canvas Decor Projects for the Summer

Canvas is a sturdy, weather-resistant fabric that's cool to the touch and telegraphs laid-back style. Brighten your outdoor space with these cheerful appliqué pillows. 

4 of 28

5 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Seersucker Napkins

colorful seersucker napkins surrounded by beverages
Credit: Raymond Hom
Learn More Ways to Fold a Napkin

Seersucker is always fitting for a warm-weather party—and these napkins are no exception. The classic fabric is inexpensive and available at almost any cloth store, so you can mix and match a few colors. Even better, seersucker's slightly puckered texture means there's no ironing required. For a cocktail napkin, use a 10-inch square of fabric; for a dinner napkin, a 20- to 24-inch square. To make them, create a fringed border by using a pin to pull out several threads. As it's washed, the border will continue to unravel, creating a more relaxed look (think cutoff shorts). If you want to minimize this, sew a straight line at the root of the fringe.

5 of 28

6 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Natural Ink

natural ink swatches
Credit: Jason Logan
Get the Natural Ink How-To

Did you know that you can use certain berries, tree barks, leaves, mosses, and other natural ingredients to create vivid natural inks and dyes? Your seasonal painting projects will never look the same again, in the best way ever.

6 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Crocheted Summer Bags

diy-home-projects-mld108881.jpg
Credit: Emily Kate Roemer
Get the Crocheted Natural Summer Bag How-To

These bags are crocheted using a unique South American pineapple fiber. Their open stitches and natural fiber—undyed or blue in color, your choice—make them perfect for a trip to the beach, park, or farmers' market. 

7 of 28

8 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Camp-Inspired Leather Accessories

leather-mld108754.jpg
Credit: Johnny Miller
Learn How to Sew Leather by Hand

Create irresistibly chic accessories with bits of tooling leather and colorful lanyards. Whip-stitch lanyard around leather to make accessories like a mouse pad, card wallet, pen case, or sleeve for an iPad. 

8 of 28

9 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sun-Print Pillows

mld106890_0311_chairs_05.jpg
Get the Sun-Print Pillows How-To

With the help of the sun, you can capture the silhouettes of flowers and plants on pillow cases and enjoy botanical beauty all year long.

9 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tea-Towel Table Runners

good-things-tea-towel-runners-mld108823.jpg
Credit: Johnny Miller
Get More Summer Sewing Projects

Add color and pattern to your summer table by simply sewing tea towels together to create table runners. Here, we were inspired by graphic Scandinavian prints, both new and old. But if you have your own selection of colorful tea towels at home, chances are you'll come up with some great combinations, too.

10 of 28

11 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Silk Poppies

poppies-belt029-0511mld105934.jpg
Credit: Ditte Isager
Get the Silk Poppies How-To

Add bright, breezy color to your summer wardrobe with these easy-to-make fabric poppies. Attach florals to belts, dresses, and hats, or tuck into hair.

11 of 28

12 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Wood and Neon Lanyard Jewelry

lanyard-necklaces-mld108754.jpg
Credit: Johnny Miller

These cool accessories find their inspiration in summer camp projects. Grab some traditional lanyard and start crafting!

12 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dip-Dyed T-Shirt

mld105367_0810_tshirt_5331.jpg
Credit: Dana Gallagher
Get the Dip-Dyed T-Shirt How-To

With a dip in ocean-blue color, this stylish shirt may become the one you reach for every Saturday morning. To make your own, it's best to dye the sleeves and bottom separately: Roll up the part you're not dyeing into a plastic bag to protect it, and secure with a rubber band. Dye, rinse, and let dry between the two dips. 

13 of 28

14 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Shell Jewelry

shell-jewelry-142-d111999.jpg
Credit: Bryan Gardner
Learn How to Drill a Shell for Jewelry-Making

Got shells? Why not drill those remaining vacation souvenirs into pretty jewelry? After, you'll have something radiant to wear into the new season ahead.

14 of 28

15 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Seaside-Inspired Printed T-Shirts and Sarongs

boy walking on beach wearing shell t-shirt

Adorn beachwear—the kids' or your own—with charming starfish, shell, and sea horse motifs. Transforming thin cotton fabric into a sarong is a breeze, and the tone-on-tone combination is subtle and sophisticated. The process is easy enough for small helpers.

15 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Appliqued Sea Star Tote Bag

mla_10436_0609_starfishbag.jpg

A pair of sea stars floats across a natural-hue tote. Because the canvas bag is too thick to print on, we used a lightweight canvas for the impressions (muslin also works) and appliquéd them in place for a pleasing sense of dimension. The finished product is perfect for the beach, but it would look just as chic on a city street.

16 of 28

17 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sea-Glass Earrings

mla102754_aug07_sea_glass_earrings.jpg
Credit: Rick Lew
Get the Sea-Glass Earrings How-To

Those gently wave-worn remnants you find washed on shore? Transform thin bits of sea glass into beautiful earrings for a truly one-of-a-kind statement pair.

17 of 28

18 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spray-Painted Straw Accessories

woven-silver-style-mld108592.jpg
Credit: Courtesy of Johnny Miller
Get More Spray-Painting Ideas

With just a can of silver spray paint, you can transform a humble straw hat into a chic make-it-yourself accessory you'll use all season. Working outside to avoid breathing in fumes, quickly and evenly spray items you wish to spray-paint with silver paint (if spraying slippers, cover the insides with paper to protect them from paint), and let it dry for a few hours. For a more subtle shine, you can simply add metallic tassels to a woven bag. Use pieces on weekends at the beach or around town, and be ready for friends and strangers to ask, "Where did you get that?"

18 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bandanna Decoupage Votive Holders

bandana-votives-silo-427-d111148.jpg
Credit: Aaron Dyer

Classic bandannas are an easy, affordable way to bring all-American colors to a table and all summer long. Try decoupaging glass votive holders or hurricane lanterns with them. Or fold them, tuck utensils inside, and tie with colored twine. To make one, trim a bandanna to fit the height and circumference of your glass votive or hurricane. Brush decoupage finish onto the glass. Wrap bandanna around it, smoothing out any wrinkles or bubbles with your fingers. Let dry. Recoat fabric with decoupage finish. Let dry completely before using.

19 of 28

20 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Reversible Summer Hats

twohats-133-0711mld107293.jpg
Get the Reversible Summer Hats How-To

With a reversible hat, you double your fun. Choose two fabrics that look great together, but don't hesitate to try unexpected combos.

20 of 28

21 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Daisy Chain Necklace

mld105719_0610_flowers10.jpg

When's the last time you made a daisy chain? Long approved by daydreaming girls across the country, it's still the sweetest summer accessory around. Make a long bohemian strand, a demure choker, or anything in between. Show your kids how to link flowers, and watch their creativity grow. To make one, pinch flower stems to about 4 inches, make a small slit in the bottom half of each stem with your nails, and thread one stem through the slit in another. Continue, adding flowers to reach desired length. To finish, make a second slit in the stem of the first flower, and slip the last flower through it. 

Tip: True daisies are in season during the summer, but they're quite fragile. We used daisy chrysanthemums, which are found year-round at most florists (and even supermarkets) and hold up better out of water.

21 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Printed Seashell Pillows

living-colorfully-mmla104367.jpg
Credit: Krause, Johansen

The scallop shell's iconic shape turns pillows into inspired accessories. The linen covers can be store-bought or hand-sewn.  If you are making them, print onto the fabric before cutting it, so the pattern will continue to the edges. Be playful in the design, with a mix of light and dark impressions, or go for a stylized row of narrow Vs which are made by inking only part of a large shell. Use this technique on pillowcases, shirts, and sarongs.

22 of 28

23 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Waterproof Blanket

a98542_0601_wtrproof.jpg
Credit: Wendell T. Webber
Learn How to Waterproof a Blanket

You can waterproof a cotton or wool blanket by adding a protective backing of water-resistant fabric, such as ripstop nylon or oilcloth, and safely lounge on damp grass.

23 of 28

24 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Souvenir Beach Chairs

msl_aug06_camp_sling.jpg
Get Our Best Summer Decorating Ideas

Camp chairs with sling seats are ideal for lounging by the sea, especially when they have been updated with beach-worthy prints. For this project, we backed a vintage state tablecloth with sturdy canvas. You can embellish a sling with a similarly printed fabric or, if the seat is badly worn, follow our how-tos to create one from scratch.

24 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dyed Canvas Sneakers

mld104271_0609_dyed_shoes.jpg
Get the Dyed Canvas Sneakers How-To

Canvas sneakers are comfy and cool, but you may not find them in colors you want. Put a spring in your step by setting the shade yourself.

25 of 28

26 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Raffia Accessories

mla103578_0608_bag.jpg

A plain canvas tote and a straw beach hat are turned into bright, sunny creations using touches of raffia. To make them, start with a canvas tote and raffia in 3 shades; then, using a disappearing-ink fabric pen, draw circles on tote, one for each sunburst (ours are 1 1/2 to 5 inches in diameter).

26 of 28

27 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Batik-Printed Table Linens

msl_aug06_gt_batik.jpg

Bleach is usually off-limits where colored fabric is concerned, but this decorative application gets our full approval. Using a bleach pen, we created the look of batik (a type of patterned Indonesian textile) on a blue runner and napkins for a coordinated table setting. Use a water-soluble dressmaker's pencil to mark a grid on the fabric; then, where the lines intersect, create a 2-inch square, as pictured. Try this technique on pillowcases, curtains, and even canvas tote bags.

27 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Moss Ornaments

melissa-tree-001x-md110644.jpg
Credit: Eric Piasecki Photography

Perfect for summer decorating, keep things evergreen with moss ornaments. Akin to kokedama, these hanging decorations are given their soft, overgrown look with tufts of reindeer moss.

28 of 28

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 28
    2 of 28 Ice-Dyeing
    3 of 28 Sunprints
    4 of 28 Canvas Pillows
    5 of 28 Seersucker Napkins
    6 of 28 Natural Ink
    7 of 28 Crocheted Summer Bags
    8 of 28 Camp-Inspired Leather Accessories
    9 of 28 Sun-Print Pillows
    10 of 28 Tea-Towel Table Runners
    11 of 28 Silk Poppies
    12 of 28 Wood and Neon Lanyard Jewelry
    13 of 28 Dip-Dyed T-Shirt
    14 of 28 Shell Jewelry
    15 of 28 Seaside-Inspired Printed T-Shirts and Sarongs
    16 of 28 Appliqued Sea Star Tote Bag
    17 of 28 Sea-Glass Earrings
    18 of 28 Spray-Painted Straw Accessories
    19 of 28 Bandanna Decoupage Votive Holders
    20 of 28 Reversible Summer Hats
    21 of 28 Daisy Chain Necklace
    22 of 28 Printed Seashell Pillows
    23 of 28 Waterproof Blanket
    24 of 28 Souvenir Beach Chairs
    25 of 28 Dyed Canvas Sneakers
    26 of 28 Raffia Accessories
    27 of 28 Batik-Printed Table Linens
    28 of 28 Moss Ornaments

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    The Best Crafts to Make This Summer
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.