Summer is the perfect time to slow down, soak up some sunshine, and get creative with your kids. But if you’re tired of the same old paper plate crafts and want projects that are both fun and stylish, this list is for you. These budget-friendly ideas look good enough to display, gift, or even use—and best of all, they’re kid-friendly without being cringe-worthy.
1. Painted Terra Cotta Herb Pots
Let your kids pick a color palette (pastels, neutrals, or bold brights) and use acrylic paint to decorate small terra cotta pots. Add herb seeds like basil or mint, and you’ve got a mini garden that’s cute and functional. Display them on your kitchen windowsill for a pop of color.
Cost: Around $10 for a 3-pot set, paint, and seeds.
2. DIY Bead Sun Catchers
Use translucent pony beads and metal cookie cutters to make sun catchers that shine in the summer light. Melt them in the oven (on a lined tray) for an effect that mimics stained glass. Hang them with twine or ribbon in the window or backyard.
Cost: $5–$10 for a large pack of beads.
3. Hand-Stamped Tea Towels
Let the kids carve shapes from potatoes, foam sheets, or even sponges. Use fabric-safe paint to stamp patterns onto plain white tea towels. Choose minimalist shapes or floral patterns for a modern farmhouse look.
Cost: $1–$2 per towel when bought in bulk.
4. Mini DIY Cork Boards
Grab some dollar-store frames, corkboard tiles, and paint. Let the kids decorate the frame and even paint the cork itself with patterns or shapes. Great for bedrooms or homework nooks.
Cost: $5 or less per board.
5. Pressed Flower Art
Go on a nature walk and gather small flowers and leaves. Press them in a heavy book for a few days, then use double-sided tape to arrange them on cardstock and frame them. It’s an elegant way to preserve summer memories.
Cost: Under $10 for multiple framed pieces.
6. Washi Tape Picture Frames
Buy inexpensive wooden frames and decorate them with trendy washi tape. You can mix patterns, create geometric lines, or add names. Add a printed photo from your summer adventures to complete the project.
Cost: Around $1 per frame + washi tape.
7. Baking Day with Styled Packaging
Bake cookies, muffins, or mini loaves together, then wrap them up in parchment, twine, and printable labels (you can design some in Canva!). It’s a project, a snack, and a gift all in one.
Cost: Ingredients + simple packaging = $5–$10 per batch.
Final Tip: Display the finished pieces around your home, or gift them to neighbors and grandparents. These projects not only keep kids engaged—they create lasting memories and pretty keepsakes you’ll actually want keep!
Bakes, Makes, and Saves 