Whether or not you still get a “summer break,” the season offers longer days, warmer nights, and more ways to spend our free time. Instead of breaking the bank by going out every night, why not enjoy the weather and soak up the sun outdoors while cultivating a new craft?
You might be surprised by how fulfilling it can be to try your hand at a new hobby—and how proud you’ll be over the fruits of your labor. Pinterest offers thousands of craft suggestions for people of all ages, but we’re consolidating our top seven suggestions right here.
1. Macramé
The trendier version of knitting and crochet, macramé has hit the arts and crafts scene with incredible intensity; head over to Etsy to see the gorgeous examples of the artisan craftwork—and use it as inspiration to create your own! The ancient art of macramé (rope-weaving) is really not that difficult once you master a few different knot forms.
Materials needed:
- Rings
- Mounting chords
- Macramé chords
- Scissors
- Pins
- Project board
2. Jewelry
Why spend a small fortune on jewelry and trinkets when you can make your own beautiful pieces? With just a small amount of effort and skill, you create all sorts of bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings.
There are a wide span of tools and techniques you can use depending on which style you’re after; craft unique pendants using 2 part epoxy resin or opt for beaded bangles. Have some fun and play around with different forms!
Materials needed:
- 1:1 Epoxy Resin
- Wire cutters
- Pliers (round, flat, crimping)
- Cord or thread
- Memory wire
3. Candles
Candles are very simple to create and make for excellent gifts to give your loved ones. All you need to do is heat up some water, melt your wax, add color and fragrance, place your wick, and pour your mixture into your container!
Materials needed:
- Candle wax
- Pouring pot
- Container or mold
- Wick
- Candle dye
- Fragrance oil
4. Luminaries
Looking for a more unique way to light up a room? Try your hand at crafting a gorgeous luminary and make a never-before-seen lighting fixture. There are so many different directions you can take your project to make it wholly original, including structures made from vellum, paper bags, plastic cups, or mason jars. Whichever form you decide to make is guaranteed to look fantastic as outdoor décor when the sun dips behind the horizon during your next BBQ.
Materials needed:
- Container
- Twinkle lights
- Batteries
- Adhesive
- Decorations (glitter, paint, etc.)
5. Spa Products
You’ve probably heard about the benefits natural products have on your skin. Reduced chemical exposure, less sensitivity and irritation, plus exfoliating, brightening, and moisturizing properties are just a few. Depending on what product you decide to make (exfoliants, face masks, etc.) and which effect you hope to achieve (acne-fighting, hydrating, etc.), the ingredients you’ll use will vary; the most common ones are listed below.
Materials needed:
- Glycerin
- Petroleum
- Exfoliant (sugar, coffee, oats)
- Coconut oil
- Honey
6. Terrariums
How about a summer hobby that involves a bit of nature? Building your own terrarium will result in a product that can continue to grow into winter! There are so many cute terrarium ideas available that you can use for inspiration and explore your creativity, with container ranging from everywhere between teapots and salt shakers, fish tanks and light bulbs. Find your favorite transparent container and fill it with your favorite drought-resistant plants.
Materials needed:
- Soil
- Stones
- Activated charcoal
- Moss and plants
- Ornaments
7. Ecospheres
Instead of buying a beautiful EcoSphere online, take your terrarium project a step further and build your own aquatic ecosphere instead! These are stunning to look at and make for great, low-maintenance tabletop decorations. The sealed living system is designed to maintain and balance itself out in terms of gas, nutrients, and the like using a combination of animals and plants.
Materials needed:
- Shrimp, fish, snails and/or worms
- Plants and moss
- Soil
- Rocks
- Water
- Sealed container
Get inspired this summer! There’s so much to do, so many crafts to explore, and so many opportunities to take advantage of the extra time on your hands. Hobbies are both fun and therapeutic, and—who knows? You might be such an adept craftsman that you create your own online store!