50 Crafts for Adults That Won’t End Up in the Trash in Two Months

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You probably already know that crafts aren’t only for kids if you’ve ever visited Pinterest. Indeed, crafting has been found to have a long list of advantages for adults, from reducing the risk of age-related cognitive impairment to soothing stress, sadness, and insomnia. A decent craft project can also help you reach your interior decoration objectives without spending a fortune. Because of this, we searched the internet for adult crafts that produce finished goods you’ll actually want to show, categorising them by skill level and ambition. Here are our best recommendations for imaginative projects that spark your inner artist: painted glass vases, wearable works of art, decoupage magnets, DIY carpets, and more.

Picking the Right Craft

You’ve caught the creative bug and are eager to begin the appropriate project…But it’s crucial to understand that when the craft is finished, your work and effort will be rewarded, and your confidence will still be there. We have therefore evaluated the knowledge and dedication needed to complete each task on the list. Although these measurements are rather arbitrary, the accompanying description of our process should assist you in finding the best fit.

Difficulty level:

Each craft’s level of complexity has been divided into three categories: easy, medium, and pro.

Simple, practically error-proof directions that don’t call for prior craft knowledge are what make a project easy. Consider photo frames made from mason jars or painted wine bottles. (When we say simple, we really mean it.)

Projects with a medium designation require a little more dexterity or ability, but can typically be finished satisfactorily by anyone, regardless of experience level. This category also includes all crafts that call for learning the fundamentals of sewing, since there is no such thing as an easy sewing project if you don’t even know how to thread a needle or use a sewing machine, let alone work with materials like resin or use specialised tools like a cricut. This group includes gourd birdhouses and circus animal biscuit cushions.

Last but not least, tasks requiring professional abilities are those that either a) call for a high degree of precision and skill, with or without fussy materials and special equipment in the picture, or b) call for a very high level of precision and ability. We believe that making baby shower quilts or jewellery made of epoxy resin requires professional-level talents.

Time Commitment:

This one is really simple: We have done our best to estimate how long it will take for any particular job to be completed from beginning to end, and have provided you with three major (and rather broad) designations—under an hour, over an hour, and over a day—to help you. Please keep in mind that these are merely rough estimations and that one of the most important variables—the pace at which you choose to work (or your schedule permits)—could not be considered. It’s also important to note that we only took into account necessary downtime (such as waiting for paint to dry between coats or for clay to bake in the oven) when it falls during the crafting process.

not right at the end.

1. Painted Wine Bottle Vases

Time Commitment: >1 day
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

This really easy DIY, which includes using three different types of paint to swiftly change the remnants of last night’s intoxication into an eye-catching vase with a swoon-worthy modern style, will delight fans of wine and upcycling (raises hand).

2. Recycled CD Coasters

Time Commitment: >1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Medium

You have a CD collection that has been collecting dust since the beginning of the new millennium, but you just can’t seem to part with it. We understand. The answer? Set out the Mod Podge and go to work on an upcycling project that will produce a set of unique, customised coasters while giving the outmoded new life.

3. Fluid Art Wall Hanging

Time Commitment: <1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Just in case you missed it, acrylic pouring is a quick and easy way to create the illusion of a flowing, marbled colour. This flowing, paint-on-canvas masterpiece is simple to create but difficult to look away from.

4. DIY Fringe Chandelier

Time Commitment: 1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Pro

Get your DIY spirit up first. Next, go shopping for the (very few) materials you’ll need to start making this fringed chandelier at the hardware and fabric stores. The job itself is not quite as difficult as you might anticipate, and the reward—a lighthearted conversation piece and a sense of accomplishment—is fairly nice.

5. DIY Boho Planters

Time Commitment: <1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

It turns out that all you need to transform plain terracotta pots into boho-chic accent pieces for all your indoor plants is a little fabric ribbon and hot glue, which is excellent news for anyone looking for a ridiculously simple craft that is definitely worth keeping.

6. DIY T-shirt Yarn Rag Rug

Time Commitment: >1 day
Degree of Difficulty: Pro

You probably had no idea that you could make a colourful, boho rug by weaving leftover pieces of colourful T-shirts together on a cardboard (or hula hoop) loom. Both of us did not. This is the DIY project you should choose if you want to amaze your friends and blow their minds.

7. Mason Jar Photo Frame

Time Commitment: <1 hour

Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Instead of being a square, insert a family photo into a cylinder. We adore the frosted appearance of these mason jar frames since it suggests that the traditional photo display will be spiced up with an antique effect for added visual intrigue. The best part is that all you really need to create the magic is some frosted paint, marbling medium, and an empty jam jar.

8. Rick Rack Picture Frame

Time Commitment: <1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

With vibrant rick rack and tiny pom pom trim, you can give a plain photo frame a fun makeover. You only need a pair of scissors and some adhesive to do this incredibly easy craft, and the finished item is sure to add colour to any photo display.

9. Circus Animal Cookie Pillows

Time Commitment: 1.5 hours
Degree of Difficulty: Medium

We’re all on board with the idea of turning everyone’s favourite childhood sweet treat—frosted and sprinkled animal crackers—into a throw cushion. For this do-it-yourself project, you’ll need felt, pom poms in a rainbow of colours, stuffing, a hot glue gun, and a sewing machine (or no-sew glue). The procedure is simple, and the finished product looks, well, good enough to eat.

10. Acrylic Pouring Mason Jars

Time Commitment: <1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

As demonstrated by this acrylic pouring craft, which transforms the surface of a large mason jar into a work of beauty, mason jars are a popular kitchen item with significant creative possibilities. The final outcome? A glass vase that is equally stunning when empty as when it is filled with a vibrant bunch of flowers.

11. Fabric Decorated Flowerpots

Time Commitment: <1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

These chic flowerpots feature a sweet flamingo pattern, but you can spend more money for another one. In any case, this project promises to give any unremarkable terracotta pot a striking new appearance. What’s more, it only requires mod podge and fabric to put together. Easy as pie.

12. Clay Petal Planter

Time Commitment: >1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Instead of using fabric to dress up an outdoor planter, try this polymer clay activity that includes using a palette knife to add petal-shaped bits of multicoloured clay that can be cured in your kitchen oven to a ceramic flower pot. It couldn’t be simpler to complete, and the finished product is both durable enough to endure the elements and attractive enough to make your yard seem sunny no matter the weather.

13. An Oversized Scrunchie

Time Commitment: <1 hour

Degree of Difficulty: Medium

It turns out that replicating this huge look at home is a very simple DIY endeavour. You may make your own for a lot less money by using a sewing machine, an elastic band and not much more cloth than a quarter yard.

14. Mason Jar Wind Chimes

Time Commitment: >1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Finish off the last of the jam and construct a wind chime out of the empty jar if you want to use a mason jar to make lovely melodies. A few common tools, some chunky glass beads to string on wire, and some concentration are required, but the procedure is simple enough that even a novice can complete it.

15. Glitter-Dipped Wine Glasses

Time Commitment: >1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Have you ever wished to skip the snooty steps of the wine tasting ritual—namely, swirling and holding your glass to the light—and go right to drinking? Same. The good news is that doing so is made possible—necessary—by these wine glasses that have glitter dipped rims. In other words, we may all raise a glass to this simple mod podge DIY.

16. Paper Flower Wreath

Time Commitment: >1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

The basic toilet paper tube may not be the most glamorous craft supply, but it turns out it has a number of useful uses. Consider this delicate and attractive floral wreath, which was fashioned solely from—you guessed it—the bones of the bathroom essential. For this piece of decor, you’ll need to gather a good number of tubes (around 15 to 20), and a can of spray paint is needed for a more elegant finish. However, once you’re done, your inexpensive craft will appear like a million dollars.

17. Epoxy Resin Jewelry

Time Commitment: >1 day
Degree of Difficulty: Pro

This epoxy resin jewellery is made from a variety of very entertaining materials, including glitter, confetti and sprinkles (like the kind you add on an ice cream sundae). However, this project also needs certain specialised tools, such as a heat gun or kitchen torch, and working with epoxy resin requires some skill. The unique wearable art that is produced, however, makes this craft well worth the effort once you have the hang of the process.

18. Recycled Denim Beaded Bracelet

Time Commitment: >1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Medium

You did well to save the denim remnants from the homemade cut-off jean shorts you created last summer, since you can quickly transform the material into a bracelet with vibrant beads. (Almost, anyway.) Bring out the hot glue gun, a sewing needle, and other jewelry-making equipment, such as a clasp, stretchable cord, and beads, for a simple DIY that promises yet another comeback for your favourite pair of jeans.

19. DIY Rainbow Tie-Dye Hammock

Time Commitment: >1 day
Degree of Difficulty: Medium

Simply purchase a plain white hammock from the store and start this easy DIY tie-dye project for a transformation that will give your leisure activities new life—a benefit you’ll be able to enjoy as soon as the creative work is finished (read: completely dry). No weaving expertise is necessary to create an attractive (and decidedly happy-looking) hammock.

20. Decoupage Glass Magnets

Time Commitment: <1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Our many references to mod podge may have puzzled you if you’re a craft enthusiast who hasn’t previously dove far into the realm of Pinterest decoupage creations. Here’s an explanation: A mystical decoupage material known as mod podge has the power to seal, glue, and complete a variety of crafts all at once. Here’s a great project to try decoupage with: An easy mod-podge craft that produces magnets with a nice (scrapbook paper) design.

21. Gourd Birdhouses

Time Commitment: >1 day
Degree of Difficulty: Medium

Have you have a surplus of gourds? Instead of giving up on your green thumb, make a clever birdhouse project to employ the harvest. This project is simple to complete with the use of a power instrument (a hole saw) and a can of spray paint, and the finished product has major garden appeal.

22. Faux Stained Glass Votive Candle Holder

Time Commitment: >1 day
Degree of Difficulty: Medium

We’re glad to announce that there’s a way to achieve the same magnificent aesthetic without the daunting glass-cutting instruments because actual stained glass projects are admittedly not for the faint of heart. The breach? paints that stain glass. This project is not difficult to complete, but make sure to pick a boxy candle holder for your canvas lest your creation end up being a sloppy mess.

23. Personalized Fidget Spinners

Time Commitment: <1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Medium

Beautify the object you need to, hmm, keep your hands occupied by doing so. Let’s face it, everything you possess could use a little of your unique style, and fidget spinners are no different. For this project, you’ll need a digital cutting machine, but aside than that, all you have to do is collect any fidget spinners you find lying about your house and give them the Cricut treatment for an easy and enjoyable craft.

24. DIY Folding Camp Stool

Time Commitment: >1 day
Degree of Difficulty: Pro

There is some light construction work that needs to be done with nails, screws and the related tools, but you can probably skip right to sanding and leave the lumber sawing to the experts at your neighbourhood hardware store. More good news: A placemat can be used as a sew-free replacement for the fabric seat if you measure your frame appropriately. In conclusion, this project requires quite a bit of manual labour, but the payoff—Ikat-printed eye pleasure and a relaxing setting—is well worth the trouble.

25. 3D Graphic Clay Mugs

Time Commitment: 1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Medium

A cheerful drinking vessel may be precisely what you need when your morning cup of coffee isn’t enough to perk you up on its own. Okay, so your homemade mug may at first seem obnoxiously ironic, but once the caffeine sets in, that hand-made decoration is guaranteed to evoke feelings of pride and well-being. (You know, the type that results from understanding that you can wake up in a hot mess and yet rally for a P.M. polymer clay project.)

26. Photo Transfer Art

Time Commitment: >1 day
Degree of Difficulty: Pro

Grab a piece of plywood and a few of these unique mixed media paints to create this incredibly amazing photo transfer artwork. The process is fairly simple to follow and leaves a plenty of space for creativity. It entails painting over a printed image and then using a matte material to transfer it to canvas.

27. DIY Liquid Gold Leaf Desk Lamp

Time Commitment: >1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

This simple DIY transforms a cheap desk lamp significantly using liquid leaf; it’s a game-changer for anyone who likes the appearance of antique brass lights but not the associated cost. Just know that once you see the end look, you will want to paint everything bronze.

28. DIY Retro Painted Fridge

Time Commitment: >1 day
Degree of Difficulty: Pro

Transform a plain white refrigerator into a vibrant mint conversation piece that exudes retro flair. While the procedure is labor-intensive (requiring many coats of primer, two coats of paint, and a final coat of spray paint), the end result is a piece of art that will retain its polish no matter how frequently you visit the refrigerator.

29. Coffee Filter Peonies

Time Commitment: <1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Medium

Although everyone enjoys fresh flowers, their beauty is only temporary. Good news: You don’t have to break the bank buying fresh bouquets every week to get the cheery flower impact. With just a few supplies (floral wire, floral tape, scissors, and food colouring), you can make an adorable bouquet of peonies out of a coffee filter.

30. No-Sew Rope Baskets

Time Commitment: <1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

There is never enough room for storage, and these inexpensive rope baskets are a particularly fashionable (and durable) answer to any organisational problem. The best part is that you can create them in any size you like with just a glue gun, some parchment paper, a cotton piping wheel, and a pail or bin to give your basket shape. Nifty.

31. DIY Pendant Lamp With Origami Lampshade

Time Commitment: >1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Medium

Half a dozen stylish lamps can add up quickly because mood lighting can be so pricey and overhead lighting can be so harsh. Well, this DIY origami lamp provides the answer. A pendant chain and (wait for it) a paper grocery bag are all you need to complete this project. But don’t be deceived by the cheap materials—the finished product is stunning.

32. Comic Book Canvas

Time Commitment: >1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Give the comic book fan in your life this mixed-media collage on canvas, and you’ll win major points. Mod Podge and pre-cut wood letters make this art project the easiest thing ever to complete. A word of caution: If you don’t get your own comic books for the clippings, the comic book enthusiast will be quite disappointed.

33. No-Weave Rainbow Wall Hanging

Time Commitment: >1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Medium

With a rainbow wall hanging that you can make yourself, you may add visual interest to a plain wall. Bonus: This ornament is simple to make and needs no sewing or glueing at all. It is made of brilliantly coloured strands of yarn, rope, and cotton piping that are hung from a wood dowel.

34. Rubber Cement Resist Watercolor Art

Time Commitment: >1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Rubber cement and watercolours don’t get along, and it turns out that’s a really good thing. The goal of this painting assignment is to create elaborate, vividly coloured images utilising the two media. In other words, once the artistic work is over and the rubber cement is scraped off the sheet, you’ll be staring at a masterpiece that will make you say, “I can’t believe I made that.”

35. DIY Cricut Corkboard Travel Map

Time Commitment: >1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Medium

Travel enthusiasts and Cricut crafters, unite: This simple DIY creates a corkboard where you may plan future journeys and remember old ones. Simply cut a vinyl map with your helpful digital cutting tool, tidy it up with a tidy hook weeding tool, and iron it onto your corkboard. The final outcome? A beautiful tribute to wanderlust for your home office.

36. Boho Flower Wall Hanging

Time Commitment: >1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

It would be an understatement to suggest that this project includes upcycling egg cartons; after all, who would have thought that old cardboard could look so pretty? Those flowers are made entirely of egg cartons; they were painted, cut into beautiful shapes, and strung from string. Try this for a simple craft that is quick to make and inexpensive.

37. DIY Drum Set For Kids

Time Commitment: >1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Medium

This attractive kid-friendly instrument serves as both decor and an instrument because it is made by painting patterns on cloth, which allows for complete customization. The fluffy cotton ball drumsticks are also functional in addition to being utterly adorable, but not to the point that you’ll regret gifting them to your child. The lesson? This easy-to-make drum project will definitely spark your imagination, and the finished item has great gift-giving potential.

38. Decorative Wooden Bench

Time Commitment: <1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Ah, the wooden bench—a common sight at flea markets and antique shops, and one that frequently begs for an upgrade. Fortunately, this crafty decoupage project makes that task simple: Simply sand and clean your bench to your preferences, dress it up with ornamental paper (thanks to mod podge), and presto! A piece of wood that previously appeared worn has been given a completely new lease on life.

39. Easy Pom Pom Trivets

Time Commitment: <1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

With just a few wide swaths of vibrantly coloured felt and some tiny pom pom trim, you can turn a snoozy cork trivet into the belle of the ball (or dinner table, as it were). With the exception of the hot glue gun step, even a child could complete this craft, and the festive end result is so stylish.

40. Paper Bag Pinatas

Time Commitment: <1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

These paper bag pinatas are an adult project made to be the highlight of a child’s birthday party. They are just as gorgeous as the traditional pinatas and much simpler for a child to break open. Paper lunch bags, magazine paper, tissue paper, and adhesive are just a few of the very simple materials you’ll need to pull this off, and every visitor will be grateful to you for saving their dignity. Bonus: This craft requires crafting miniature pinatas for each visitor, so the terrifying sight of young children squabbling over turn-taking while a wooden stick is nearby is avoided.

41. Seed Packet Decoupage Flower Pots

Time Commitment: >1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Yes, there are numerous ways to make a clay flower container more visually appealing. This creative decoupage project uses repurposed empty seed packets to add eye-catching photographic imagery to vibrantly painted pots. The procedure is just as simple as it sounds, and the result is adorably cute.

42. Gold Foiled Tin Can Organizers

Time Commitment: <1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Medium

Take a hard pass on generic desk organizers from the office supply store and get creative with an upcycled tin can project instead. This straightforward craft requires little in the way of materials—decoupage craft paper, foam brush, X-acto knife and craft glue—and the end result will forever change the way you look at an empty oatmeal container.

43. Starburst Wreath

Time Commitment: >1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Medium

Bamboo paper straws, scissors, a wooden craft ring and a hot glue gun are all you need to make a striking wreath that looks like fancy, store-bought wall decor. Best of all, this cut-and-paste craft is a breeze from start to finish—just snip the straws to your desired lengths and glue them down. (The hardest part is deciding where to mount to your masterpiece.)

44. DIY Hanging Wall Shelf

Time Commitment: >1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Medium

We adore a good functional craft, and this handcrafted hanging shelf, which excels in both design and function, is well worth the effort. There is really no drawback to this DIY; it is simple to build and completely adjustable (e.g., with wood stain, vibrant paint, size alterations, etc.).

45. DIY Wood Coasters

Time Commitment: >1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Medium

Everyone will adore these charming coasters made with wood slices, stencils, acrylic paint, and sealer spray because nobody enjoys having ring marks on their coffee table. However, you could simply produce similar rustic stencils for any season (how adorable would it be with these leaf stencils for autumn?). This craftsman utilises stencils with a winter theme.

46. Resin Chess Set

Time Commitment: >1 day
Degree of Difficulty: Pro

This chess set is a gorgeous piece of coffee table decor that will dazzle all of your guests and liven up family game night. Additionally, we’ve been told by reliable sources that knowing you personally created stunning resin chess pieces by hand will terrify just about any opponent. It should be noted that this project demands almost as much expertise as the original game does, so you might want to practise with some simpler resin crafts before attempting it.

47. Baby Shower Quilt

Time Commitment: >1 day
Degree of Difficulty: Pro

A handcrafted gift has no match on the registry in terms of thoughtfulness and potential for a keepsake. Here is a lovely quilt that can be made in a variety of ways. It might even end up being the baby’s favourite blanket. However, the actual technique might be too hard for a complete beginner to handle; we advise trying this one out if you are an experienced sewer seeking for a new challenge.

48. Giant Plush Cactus

Time Commitment: >1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Medium

Yes, we are suckers for succulents, especially those that are safe for babies and won’t die from overwatering. In fact, this lovely large plush cactus, which is made to sit upright in a pot and is intended to make a significant ornamental statement in any nursery or playroom, is everything but fussy or spiky. The best part is that you can pull it off with very basic hand and machine stitching abilities.

49. Fabric Coffee Sleeve

Time Commitment: >1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Medium

This handcrafted coffee sleeve features a delightful patchwork design that can be customised to your preference and is intended to accommodate travel cups of all sizes. It is eco-friendly and adorable as a button—you’ll need one of those. This project is perfect for beginning sewers because it has a functional use and lots of gift-giving potential.

50. Spring Trees Watercolor Painting with Crumpled Paper

Time Commitment: >1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

In order to produce a charming spring landscape with lots of visual appeal, this beginner-friendly painting project uses a forgiving medium (watercolours) and a totally cool crumpled paper technique. To put it another way, you don’t have to be the next Picasso to create something that deserves to be displayed.

50 Crafts for Adults That Won’t End Up in the Trash in Two Months