50 Easy and Unique Craft Ideas for Adults That Won't Break the Bank
Fun, unusual DIYs to inspire crafters of all skill levels — some you can make within an hour.
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Crafts aren't just for kids. According to a study from the Research Institute for Creative Arts Therapies, crafting can reduce stress and increase mood and self-confidence — three great reasons that adults should join in on the fun too. Browse these easy and useful craft ideas for adults that boost creativity and teach new skills like painting or sewing.
The best part of these projects is that they can be completed within an hour. We've included practical DIYs for the home, from an entryway organizer and patterned fabric lampshade to painted wood serving trays and fabric switch plates. Try giving thrift store finds a new look with a few genius upcycling ideas — egg carton flowers and wallpapered vessels are just a few favorites on our list. Many of these crafts make thoughtful homemade gifts, while others might be worthy of selling (think knit mittens and chunky crochet pillow covers from the GH Stitch Club). And since Easter is fast approaching, you'll find a few spring-themed crafts on our list, from egg-shaped coasters to floral candlesticks.
So if you're looking for a fun activity to tackle alone or with family and friends, let our list of craft ideas for adults inspire you. And if you really want to be adventurous, don't just go for the easy ideas. You'll discover a few more challenging options to put your skills to the test. Happy crafting!
Patterned Lampshade
Give any lampshade a personalized twist using colorful fabric and cotton twilling. Surprisingly, this fun DIY takes just six steps to complete, making it ideal for seasoned and newbie crafters alike.
Wood Frame
Easily update your wood frame with half-round molding and bold paint. Blogger Holly cut the trim with a hand saw — an inexpensive process she found doable with some "elbow grease."
Egg Coasters
Place these egg-shaped coasters on the table during your Easter celebration and keep them displayed long after the holiday ends. You'll need replacement glass, Mod Podge, lightweight fabric, fabric scissors, and a craft or foam brush to create.
Follow these steps:
- Make sure the glass is free of dust and lint. Cut fabric 1” larger than your glass.
- Paint a generous amount of Mod Podge on one side of the glass. Lay it on top of the fabric and smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles.
- Cover your glass with a heavy book and wait several hours for your new coasters to dry.
- Once dry, trim around the edge of the glass with fabric scissors.
Veggie Centerpiece
Believe it or not, cabbage can be used to decorate a vase for the spring season. Start by securing cabbage leaves around your glass jar with a rubber band. Hide the band with a ribbon before filling the vase with water and arranging your flowers inside. Mix in herb greens and sturdy root vegetables, like carrots, radishes and turnips, to add to your new veggie centerpiece. It's an unconventional craft that'll make a statement no matter where it's placed.
Statement Fanny Pack
A fanny pack is not only stylish — it's also brilliant for traveling. DIY your own using blogger Brittany's fanny pack template. You'll also need mini striped fabric and a sewing machine.
Faux Flower Coat
Snag some dollar store flowers and hot glue them to your collarless jacket of choice. No matter where you wear it, you're sure to stand out (and get questions about where it's from).
Fabric Switch Plates
Rather than buying new outlet covers or switch plates, simply cover your old ones in vibrant fabric for an instant upgrade. All it takes is repurposing old clothing or making use of leftover wallpaper.
Graphic Acrylic Purse
Use letter beads to DIY a playful purse you can wear for any occasion. It's a 20-minute craft that only requires an acrylic purse, letter beads, E600 glue, a toothpick and a paper plate.
Cupcake Liner Wreath
A wreath as eye-catching at this one is sure to give your door some pizzazz. Here's what you need: white cupcake liners, a white foam wreath form, acrylic paint, craft brushes, a drop cloth and sewing pins with white tops.
Follow these steps:
- Lay down a drop cloth on your work area.
- Paint each cupcake liner a different color by making brush strokes on the edges of the liner. Be sure to keep the center white to get a 'flower look.'
- Once dry, attach your painted cupcake liners to the foam wreath form with a pin in the center and alternate colors to create a more dynamic-looking wreath. Then, get to hanging!
Wood Table Runner
Use rectangular wood pieces and yellow spray paint to create this vibrant table runner for your dinner table.
Follow these steps:
- Lay down drop cloth outside or in a well-ventilated area.
- Put down all the wood pieces and spray them with an even layer of yellow paint. Let them dry completely and spray another coat if needed.
- Once the pieces are dry, arrange them on the table in the pattern you like and use them as a decorative table runner!
Textured Eggs
One of the perfect crafts for spring, these textured eggs can be done in three easy steps. Cut ½” strips of fabric about 8” long using fabric scissors (or a rotary cutter), a self-healing cutting mat and a ruler. Paint each strip with glue and wrap it around the egg. Continue overlapping strips until the whole egg is covered and trim any excess. Allow several hours for the eggs to dry fully before you put them on display.
Floral Candles
Decorate taper candles to make your home more inviting, especially if you're hosting a party. For this craft, we used paint markers (acrylic paint works too) for the floral designs.
Follow these steps:
- Use a clean cloth to wipe your candles with rubbing alcohol. This will remove lint and debris for a smooth surface.
- Use paint markers or craft paint to draw a series of dots, flowers and patterns.
- Work on one side and let it dry completely before moving to another side.
Decorative Pinboard
Create a personalized or seasonal display by hanging photos, greeting cards and your favorite artwork from an old window frame. Add small bulldog clips with a hot glue gun to complete the vintage-inspired look.
Woven Vase
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.
DIY Wallpaper
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.
Dip-Dyed Candles
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.
Knit Mittens
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.
Woven Coasters
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.
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!
Paper Flowers
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.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women's Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master's degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She's also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work.
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