When it comes to keeping teenagers engaged in creative activities, it can be tough to find the sweet spot. On one hand, they’re too old for childish pursuits, yet too young to tackle complex adult projects. But what if we told you that crafting and DIYing aren’t just about making something with your hands – they’re also an excellent way to develop essential life skills?
By exploring different creative outlets, teenagers can hone their patience, logical thinking, independence, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. So, how do you get teens on board? The key is finding a project that strikes the right balance between fun and challenge. Here’s a collection of DIY ideas specifically designed for teenagers – and we’re hoping one of them will spark their interest!
Leather Tassel Keychain
Introducing teens to crafting with keychains is an excellent way to get them started, as they can use the finished product and feel a sense of accomplishment. The leather material adds an air of sophistication, making it perfect for their first crafting experience. To create this leather tassel project, you’ll need some basic supplies, including glue, scissors, and keychain fixtures such as rings and hooks. You’ll also require some high-quality leather of your choice.
Don’t forget to grab a rotary cutting tool, mat, and ruler to help you craft the perfect tassel. If you’re new to crafting, investing in a starter kit like this one can be a great idea – it will come in handy for future projects and provide endless creative possibilities. For more fun and easy DIY ideas suitable for teen girls, check out these inspirational projects!
Inspiring Coloring Pages
Indulge in the therapeutic benefits of coloring pages as a stress-free way to express yourself creatively. With their calming influence, you can unwind and recharge while playing with colors. I’ve crafted these pages to inspire positivity and uplift your mood, making it easy to print and use without breaking the bank or wasting ink. By embracing this creative outlet, you’ll not only soothe your mind but also cultivate a sense of self-love and empowerment.
The positive affirmations on each page serve as gentle reminders that you’re capable and deserving of happiness. For me, these coloring pages have been a game-changer in promoting mental well-being, and I’m confident they can do the same for you. As a special offer, you can get 20 exclusive coloring sheets by providing your email address below. Simply submit your information, and I’ll send them straight to your inbox.
DIY Magazine Ceramic Coasters
In today’s era, children may outgrow their enthusiasm for character-themed accessories like bags, socks, and stationery. However, they still harbor a secret fondness for their beloved superhero or cartoon character. To cater to this nostalgia without sacrificing sophistication, consider crafting DIY ceramic coasters that pay homage to these cherished characters.
This creative endeavor requires ceramic tile coasters, scissors, a paintbrush, Mod Podge, an old magazine or comic book featuring the favored character, and a corner rounder. For added versatility, I opted for a three-in-one corner rounder from [insert link].
To decoupage the cut-out onto the ceramic tiles, follow this simple process: cut out the desired image using scissors; apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the tile and attach the cut-out; and finish by sealing with an additional coat of Mod Podge. For a step-by-step guide on the decoupage technique, refer to this instructional video.
Upcycled Old Book Rose Ball
When we’re forced to part with our beloved books, it’s often due to constraints like limited storage space or irreparable damage. Rather than sending them to the landfill, why not repurpose the intact pages to create a charming rose-shaped decorative piece? Teenagers and adults alike can enjoy this unique accent for their personal spaces. To explore this creative project in more detail, continue reading below.
DIY Tea Towels
While tea towels might not be at the top of teenagers’ priority lists, this DIY project offers an excellent opportunity for them to flex their creative muscles and develop problem-solving skills. To get started, you’ll need flour sack towels, a set of stamps, paintbrushes, a trash bag, and some fabric paint. I’m particularly fond of the 24-set fabric paint with its impressive 3D effect and vibrant color palette. Begin by washing the towels in hot water and allowing them to dry completely.
Before applying any paint, place the trash bag beneath the sheet for easy cleanup. If you’re aiming for a uniform design, use your stamp to dab on some color and then gently press it onto the towel. For a more free-spirited approach, grab a paintbrush and bring your patterns to life on the fabric. Once you’ve finished painting, simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying the fabric.
This project may be simplicity itself, but the end result is a one-of-a-kind, practical piece that’s sure to delight.
Artificial Succulent Glass Dome
This unique craft is perfect for adding a personal touch to your teen’s study space. To create it, you’ll need miniature terra cotta pots and wood slices. The good news is that these materials are easily accessible – the terra cotta pots can be found in gardening stores or online, while wood slices can often be repurposed from tree trunks or branches. The remaining components are likely already stocked in your home or readily available at a local dollar store.
For more creative ideas using affordable materials, check out our collection of dollar store crafts.
DIY Scrunchie
Teaching your teenager to sew can be a valuable life skill, and what better way to start than with a fun project like making a scrunchie? While it’s not necessary to have prior knowledge of sewing, having the right tools is important. You’ll need some fabric, basic sewing supplies, and an optional circuit cutting machine if you plan on making multiple scrunchies.
With these essentials in hand, follow along for step-by-step instructions and a downloadable sewing pattern to bring your DIY scrunchie project to life.
Origami Vase
From a tender age, I’ve been fascinated by the intricate world of origami. I firmly believe that mastering this ancient art form is an essential life skill for children to develop. As such, I highly recommend initiating your teenager into the realm of origami with this simple yet elegant origami vase tutorial. While ordinary paper will suffice, adding a touch of personality through patterned origami paper can elevate their creations to new heights.
For instance, you could opt for an eye-catching 500-sheet set like this one. If you’re interested in exploring more creative outlets, be sure to check out our curated collection of paper crafts.
DIY Essential Oil Bath Salts
While the intoxicating aroma of essential oils is certainly a delight, they also offer impressive therapeutic benefits when paired with bath salts. By incorporating these natural wonders into a fun and creative project with your teenager, you’ll not only be surrounded by the heavenly scent but also foster quality bonding time at home. This aromatic activity serves as an excellent precursor to creating your own at-home spa experience using the very same products you’ve crafted together.
DIY Blocks Signs
Why not let your teenager’s creativity shine by creating a hand-painted block sign that doubles as a functional piece of decor? Not only do they make great bookends, but they also serve as unique gifts for friends. To get started, gather the following materials: wooden blocks, chalk paint (available for under $3), tracing paper, an espresso stain (optional for a rustic finish), and a Sharpie. For a step-by-step guide on how to create these signs, head over to this page.
Additionally, these block signs can be used as inspiration for various Farmhouse décor projects.
Statement Laundry Baskets
When it comes to crafting with teenagers, you’ll often find that they’re more enthusiastic about statement pieces than laundry-related tasks. Fortunately, creating these unique items is a breeze – and can be done in no time! Simply gather the necessary supplies: large letter stickers (such as an 83-piece sticker pack), a woven basket, Mod Podge, paintbrushes, and your preferred paint color.
Then, hand over the materials to your teenager and let their creativity shine through, fueled by their wit and imagination.
Hanging Yarn Lanterns
Teaching teenagers that party decorations don’t have to break the bank is a valuable lesson. For this project, the star material is yarn – and while younger kids adore bright colors, your teenager may prefer something more understated. In fact, for their own party, they might appreciate subtle, sparkling yarns like those showcased here. This craft offers an opportunity to explore creativity without sacrificing style or budget.
And if you’re looking for more yarn-based inspiration, check out this related project!
Super-Cute Pom-Pom Pillow
When hosting sleepovers for teenagers and their friends, having an impressive conversation piece like this pillow can be a great way to break the ice. The beauty of making it yourself lies not only in its unique design but also in the sense of pride and accomplishment that your teenager will feel when sharing their handmade creation with friends. While yarn work can be a bit challenging, I’ll provide a link to a comprehensive guide shortly.
However, before diving into the tutorial, I recommend bookmarking this link where you can purchase a reliable pompom maker – a crucial tool for this craft.
Floral Letters
For a teenager’s birthday party or to add a personal touch to their bedroom, this DIY project is an excellent choice. The initial letters of the child’s name can be used to create a unique decoration for the buffet table. Alternatively, she can use it as an accent piece in her room, adding a personal touch to her space. To make it, simply glue on some faux flowers and greens onto large wooden alphabet letters. The result is a beautiful and easy-to-create piece that will surely be treasured.
Jumbo Pompom Mat
The previous showcase featured a yarn-based pompom pillow, but now it’s time to introduce you to the star of the show: a vibrant pompom mat. This project takes things to the next level by using larger-than-usual pompom balls, similar to those found at this link [insert link]. As you follow along with our step-by-step tutorial, you’ll be creating a stunning floor accent that’s sure to catch the eye of anyone who enters your teenager’s room.
Shining Shimmering Mason Jar
Mason jars are incredibly versatile, making them a staple in many homes. Not only do they find a place on kitchen countertops for holding beverages, but they also excel at storing various items in bedrooms and beyond. The possibilities are truly endless. One creative way to utilize these jars is by involving your teenager in a DIY project.
With a few simple materials – including the jars themselves, glue, paintbrushes, and decorative embellishments like glitter – you can empower them to create their own customized storage solutions. These jars can be repurposed as makeup brush holders for the girls, pen or pencil cases for schoolwork, or even drumstick storage for young musicians. For an added touch of elegance, consider using glitter spray paint instead of traditional glitter, which can still result in a bit of mess.
Alternatively, explore the vast array of mason jar crafts online to spark even more inspiration.
Stone Photo Clips
Create a unique bonding experience with your teenager by crafting personalized paperweights together. Start by designing the rocks with markers or paint, then loop a copper wire through each one to create a clip at the top. This simple yet thoughtful project is perfect for kids of all ages, and can even be used to hold small items like unread mail or bills. To add an extra touch, consider displaying them on your teenager’s study desk along with a motivational quote.
If you’re looking for more fun and easy projects to do with your kids, be sure to check out the links provided for inspiration.
Design-Your-Own (DYO) Canvas Shoes
Inexpensive casual shoes are often overlooked by teenagers due to their plain design. However, with a little creativity, these affordable sneakers can be transformed into unique and personalized masterpieces. All it takes is a few simple materials: sharpies, alcohol, and glitter spray. Follow this guide with your teenager to learn the process of customizing canvas shoes, and you might just change their opinion about these budget-friendly kicks.
Nail Polished Mugs
Transforming plain mugs into stunning works of art has never been more exciting! Take advantage of those spontaneous moments with your teenagers on weekends and get creative with this fun project. All you need are your favorite nail polish colors and ceramic mugs. Fill a bowl with just enough water to submerge about one-third of the mug, then add a few drops of nail polish (mix and match colors for a unique design).
Dip the mug into the mixture for 15 seconds before letting it dry on top of a paper towel. Voila! Instantly upgrade your mug collection. If you’re not thrilled with the result, don’t worry – simply use a gentle nail polish remover like the one I found here, which boasts all-natural ingredients.
Glittered Mugs
Embellish your mugs with a touch of sparkle without sacrificing practicality. Not only can you choose from various nail polish hues, but the glittery finish remains intact even after a trip through the dishwasher. The key to achieving this is using a dishwasher-safe Mod Podge and applying masking tape to create crisp, clean lines. What’s more, this craft is an excellent opportunity for teens to earn some extra cash, making it a fun and rewarding experience.
Stunning Light Bulb Flower Decor
Leave the grandest details for the finale. It’s only fitting that the conclusion of this exploration be as captivating as it is unexpected. The sight of suspended flowers nestled within glass containers resembling light bulbs is nothing short of breathtaking, don’t you agree? As I was pondering the origins of these charming vessels, I discovered a 24-piece set waiting to be claimed here.
Conclusion
With twenty teenager-friendly projects under our belt, we’ve wrapped up a thought-provoking journey that sparks creativity and encourages bonding among families and friends with teenagers. As you reflect on these ideas, which one resonated with your family’s interests or values? Were there any standouts that you’re excited to explore further? Share your favorite project with others who are embarking on similar adventures with their teenagers.
