Summer is officially here, and while we all love a good day out in the sunshine, sometimes you just want a chill afternoon at home – especially when the weather pulls a classic British U-turn.
Crafting is the perfect way to slow things down, keep the kids off screens (for a bit, anyway), and even sneak in some creative time for yourself. Whether you’re 6 or 60, getting stuck into some glue, paint, or paper folding can be surprisingly relaxing. Just don’t forget to pop a protective sheet over your favourite bedding if you're crafting on the bed – trust us on that one.
So, here are our top summer craft ideas to keep little (and big) hands busy – no glitter explosions necessary.
1. nature collage
Take a stroll around your garden or local park and collect leaves, flowers, twigs – whatever catches your eye. Then grab some glue and paper and create your own nature masterpiece.
Adult twist: Try pressing flowers in a heavy book and framing them for some easy DIY summer décor.
2. painted pebbles
A super simple but surprisingly addictive craft for both adults and children. Collect some smooth pebbles, give them a rinse, and get painting – animals, bugs, emojis, positive messages… whatever you fancy. Seal them with a bit of PVA or clear varnish and you’ve got instant garden art.
Craft & kindness combo: Leave your painted pebbles in your local area for others to find – guaranteed smiles!
3. diy dreamcatchers
Use paper plates, yarn, beads, and feathers to create colourful dreamcatchers to hang in bedrooms or by windows. Kids love choosing the colours and threading the strings, and it doubles up as a lovely wind chime-style decoration.
Bonus points for bedtime: Tell the kids it helps catch bad dreams – they’ll love hanging it near their bed.
4. sun catchers
Grab some sticky-back plastic (like Clear Contact Paper), cut it into fun shapes (hearts, stars, butterflies) and let the kids stick colourful tissue paper pieces onto them. Pop them on the window and enjoy the rainbow vibes when the sun shines through.
It’s like instant summer – even when it’s drizzling outside.
5. homemade soap or bath bombs
This craft idea is great for older kids and grown-ups. You can buy melt-and-pour soap bases or DIY bath bomb kits online, then add your own scents, colours, and extras (think dried lavender or flower petals). Great for gifting… or keeping for your next pamper night.
Because you’ve earned a soak after wrangling small humans all summer.
6. scrapbooking summer memories
Print out a few favourite snaps from your days out or holidays and make a scrapbook. Add ticket stubs, drawings, or even pressed flowers. It’s a lovely end-of-summer project the whole family – adults and kids alike – can enjoy doing together.
Plus, it’s a brilliant keepsake when September rolls around and everyone’s back to routine.
7. fabric painting
Pick up some plain canvas bags, old pillowcases, or t-shirts and let everyone go wild with fabric paint or markers. Tie-dye is also back in fashion, if you're feeling brave!
Craft meets fashion meets “Look what I made!” moment.
crafting = calm
Whether it’s a rainy Sunday or you just want a screen-free afternoon, crafting gives everyone a chance to switch off, slow down, and do something creative. And once the glue’s dried and the paint’s washed off little fingers, all that’s left to do is snuggle up in a cosy bed for a well-earned rest (especially if it’s one of ours). Until next time, eve Sleep.
