There’s something timeless about summer. The days stretch long, the sun hangs a little lower, and suddenly life invites you to slow down.

It’s the perfect moment to set your phone aside, gather a few supplies—and maybe a few friends—and let your creativity bloom.

Whether you’re cooling off indoors, hosting a breezy garden soiree, or adding a personal touch to your space, these nine inspired DIYs are here to spark your imagination.

So let’s roll up our sleeves and dive in—no popsicle sticks or glitter glue required (unless you’re into that).

1. Beachside Trinket Trays: A New Take on Shell Collecting​

Transform collected seashells into one-of-a-kind trinket dishes with this inexpensive and easy craft. Pull apart printed paper napkins, separating each ply.

Tear out pieces in the size and shape of your shells, then adhere using decoupage glue. Gentle press out any air bubbles, trim the excess, and add a sealing top coat. Use to hold odds and ends or decorate a coastal-themed space.

2. DIY Scrunchies: The Comeback We Love​

Craft with purpose by creating something you'll use all season long—and then some. Use leftover fabric scraps to sew your own scrunchies. They'll come in handy when tying your hair back during heatwaves or can be given as gifts (especially when you use fun, summery prints).

3. Shell Jewelry: Wear Your Memories​

Go full mermaidcore this summer and create unique accessories with your seashore finds. Invest in a craft drill to safely insert holes for string or chains without damaging the shells.

4. Pressed-Flower Soap: Garden-Inspired Self-Care​

Flower pressing and preserving is a summertime favorite. This season, put a spin on the pastime with this luxe DIY project. An excellent use of your garden's blooms, you can customize these pressed-flower soap bars to your heart's content.

5. Upcycled Garden Tea Lights: Make Evenings Glow​

Add a romantic glow to your summer evenings by lighting al fresco dinners with these DIY candles. When placed on a garden-party table, they'll look like something out of a Jane Austen novel. (And we love how they can be crafted with recycled finds.)

Simply thrift teacups and saucers, and melt leftover wax from nearly finished candles to pour inside. Add and trim the wick, and consider mixing in a pest-repelling essential oil.

6. Resin Serving Trays: Preserve a Slice of Summer​

You can preserve the fully bloomed beauty of flowers through the power of resin. Use the substance to craft trays and coasters (featuring your favorite flowers, of course) that are ideal for summer entertaining.

7. Personalized Shell Place Cards: Set the Table, Stylishly​

Elevate your next summer gathering with a thoughtful seating chart, complete with place cards. Add some seasonal charm (and blow guests away with personalization) by writing names on collected seashells in a metallic permanent paint marker.

8. DIY Flower Crowns: Not Just for Festivals​

Themed parties are an ever-expanding entertaining trend. For a whimsical touch, level up your next garden party with handcrafted flower crowns. This easy DIY is also great as a group activity.

9. Carnation “Ice Cream” Cones: Whimsical Centerpieces​

For a casual backyard gathering, adorn tables with this fun centerpiece idea. Print out this ice cream cone template on heavyweight paper, cut it out, and fold according to the printed lines. Fasten with tape and add fluffy carnation blooms to mimic the summertime dessert.

Read next:

• 8 summer essentials from Dollar Tree for just $1.25 that shoppers can’t stop raving about
• 23 ways summer vacations in the ’60s looked different from today

Which craft are you itching to try? Got a twist on one of these ideas—or a summer DIY tip to share? Post your creations and stories in the comments or tag us on social. Let’s turn this season into something beautifully handmade, together.