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For the beach, your backyard, and beyond! Mario Fuse Beads
“I’m booooored.” Yes, it’s a phrase that’s well known to many parents, especially during those long, lazy summer months. While you might have some family beach vacations and other summer activities planned, it’s those unscheduled moments when boredom tends to sink in the most. That’s where summer crafting comes in! It’s the perfect time to get your DIY on, whether you need something to fill an otherwise dull afternoon or an activity to anchor your summer party.
There are plenty of crafts you can create alongside your kids, like sand art terrariums, seashell necklaces, or glow-in-the-dark "fireflies" made from pasta noodles. Many of these projects can also double as activities to keep the whole family entertained, including plenty of DIY outdoor games. Perhaps you’re searching for crafts that’ll make your summer memories even more special, like a watermelon blanket to hold all of your picnic side dishes, or punchy decals to add to your cooler. Or maybe you'd like to freshen up your summer style with a handmade straw clutch or a colorful beach hat. There are even options that could count as DIY 4th of July decorations. No matter which craft idea you choose, it's sure to make your summer that much more fun for everyone involved!
For this cute craft to go swimmingly, you just need a blue paper plate, ocean stickers, cork tape, and a few other easy-to-find craft items. Whether it's for a beach themed party or just for fun, the kids will have a fin-tastic time.
Get the tutorial at Kid Friendly Things To Do.
How neat is this DIY project? The best part: Your little ones will use is all throughout the warmer months! You just need plenty of duck tape and a few other hardware items. Note: You'll have to do a little drilling for this one, but it's way easier than it seems.
Get the tutorial at The Craft Patch.
With a few items from your local craft store like foam balls and paint plus a few items you likely already have at home like a cereal box, toothpicks, and construction paper, your kiddos will be playing play pretend with their delectable DIY desserts in no time.
Get the tutorial at Somewhat Simple.
Slime is beloved by kiddos during every season—but when you add blue sparkles and tiny ocean creatures, it makes for the most sea-rrific summertime activity.
Get the tutorial at A Pumpkin & A Princess.
Headed on vacation to the beach this year? Gather up a few trinkets while you're there to make these delightful souvenir bottles. Sand, shells, and small pieces of driftwood will do the trick. Place them all in a tiny glass bottle so everyone will always remember your fun family trip.
Get the tutorial at Average But Inspired.
These uniquely crafted sandals are so fun and just as wearable! Grab a pair of foam flip-flops and a bucket of perler beads from a nearby craft store and get to making! We promise it's actually pretty easy. Just be ready for all the compliments over the next few months.
Get the tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger.
These little lanterns are oh-so-pretty, we think we'll have to make some for ourselves, too. You just need mod podge, pressed flowers, and twine to decorate your glass jar. You can press your own flowers or buy a few. Just put a tea light in the jar when you're done and voilà!
Get the tutorial at One Little Project.
This one counts as both an exciting craft and a patriotic decoration. After you make them using a few inexpensive supplies like cans, stickers, and tablecloths, you can hang them up and let freedom fly! Plus, there's plenty more 4th of July crafts to try your hands at, too.
Get the tutorial at Design Improvised.
The bright and colorful pom poms on this macrame planter make it perfect for displaying all of your greenery through the summertime. Make a few and give all of your flowers and succulents a cheery touch.
Get the tutorial at Sarah Hearts.
Slow summer days are the perfect time to introduce your kids to the wonderful world of origami! All you need for these paper boats is a few sheets of colorful letter sized paper. They might even try them out on a local pond when you're done.
Get the tutorial at Easy Peasy and Fun.
If there’s an unofficial fruit of the summer, it’s undoubtedly watermelon. Capture the flavor with this lip scrub you’ll use all summer long.
Get the tutorial at A Cultivated Nest.
Is there anything more summery than a bike ride paired with a picnic? Bring together these two beloved summer activities by making this picnic crate to attach to your bike.
Get the tutorial at PMQ for Two.
It’s always great when practical and pretty come together in a craft, and these citronella candles, “dipped” with vibrant balloons, are a perfect example of that.
Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth.
Give your summer plants a colorful home by making a few of these pretty stitched planters.
Get the tutorial at The Pretty Life Girls.
Celebrate the most colorful blooms of summer with this crepe paper craft. Your kids, and you, will love making these tropical flowers.
Get the tutorial at Abbi Kirsten Collections.
Have a kiddo who’s away at camp? Surprise them with this cute handmade pennant piñata care package that's filled with treats.
Get the tutorial at Handmade Charlotte.
Your cooler could use a makeover! Punch it up with a few summer-ready decals, made with the help of a Cricut Maker.
Get the tutorial at PMQ for Two.
‘Tis the season for backyard games! Bonus points if they show off bright colors, too, like this DIY rainbow stacking game.
Get the tutorial at A Kailo Chic Life.
Set the mood for summer with this DIY serving tray that can easily move your drinks and snacks from the kitchen to the patio.
Get the tutorial at Lydi Out Loud.
You’re sure to be the chicest person at the beach with this DIY beach tent featuring black and white stripes and a fringe trim.
Get the tutorial at One CrafDIY Girl.
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