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Here's the only list you will ever need for the best crafting ideas for teens. Teenagers and tweens want something fun, creative, and maybe even a little trendy.
There are so many great options to keep them busy and inspired like painting, jewelry making, or making their own skin care.
Crafts aren’t just about making something pretty, they can also help with relaxation, self-expression, and even skill-building for future hobbies or careers.
As a mom, I know how important it is to have creative activities that keep teens engaged.
Sometimes, they just need a break from screens and school stress. Having a hands-on project to dive into can be a great way for them to unwind and explore their artistic side.
Plus, crafting is a fun way to spend time together, on a weekend project or a rainy-day activity.
Below, I’ve put together some awesome craft ideas that are perfect for teens. some easy, some challenging and classic. All great ways to get creative!
Sculpey Polymer Clay Amazon Shop
Polymer clay is a winner because it’s easy to use. Teens can make cute keychains, jewelry, or even little figures.
We have worked with polymer clay many times for this crafting blog and have some fantastic starter ideas for you on our YouTube channel, like how to make a ring dish.
Junk journal ideas for beginners
This is perfect for teens who love collecting things like ticket stubs, Polaroids or magazine cutouts.
Junk journaling is all about creativity, and there are no rules! It’s like a mix of collage and memory-keeping, and it’s a great way to unwind. There are many people who sell their junk journals on Etsy for hundreds of dollars.
If your teen is looking to make some extra money, you might want to check them out!
Best free coloring printables on DIY Coloring Artistry
Coloring isn’t just for little kids, it’s actually super relaxing, and there are tons of adult and teen coloring books with cool designs.
Mandalas, anime, aesthetic patterns are popular. So whatever they’re into, there’s a coloring book for it. My daughter has a whole stash of gel pens and alcohol markers just for this, and honestly, I borrow them a lot!
Okay, I know this sounds super fancy, but hear me out. Pysanky eggs are a traditional Ukrainian craft where you decorate eggs using wax and dye.
It’s like a mix of drawing and science, and the results are stunning! We tried this and made the most beautiful eggs.
If your teen loves detail work, or just cool Instagram-worthy projects, they’ll love this.
Tie-dye is one of those crafts that never really goes out of style. Hoodies, socks, and even canvas bags can get a fun makeover.
Plus, it’s an awesome outdoor activity that doesn’t make a mess inside (which, as a mom, I totally appreciate!).
If your teen loves sneakers, let them paint a pair! Fabric paints or acrylic markers work great on canvas shoes. I turned a plain pair of white sneakers into a galaxy design, and suddenly, all of my daughters friends wanted a pair!
Friendship bracelets aren’t just for summer camp! There are so many cool patterns now, and with embroidery floss in every color imaginable. Your teen can make bracelets that match their outfits or give them as gifts.
Plus, once they get into it, they’ll be knotting bracelets while watching Netflix, win!
Sewing is making a comeback, thanks to thrift flipping and DIY fashion. Your teen can try sewing patches onto jeans, making scrunchies, or upcycling old clothes.
Sewing is a great life skill that also happens to be super fun. My daughter made a hoodie in sewing class and let me tell you, I was pretty impressed! I still wear it today.
Embroidery Kits On Amazon Prime
Embroidery is having a moment right now, and for good reason. It’s a relaxing craft that lets teens personalize everything like denim jackets, tote bags, even sneakers.
Read our article about the best sewing machines for beginners to help get started.
Learning calligraphy or hand lettering can be both a relaxing and rewarding hobby.
Teens can use their skills to create personalized stationery, wall art, or enhance their school projects.
Rock tumbling is a fun and rewarding craft where teens can take rough stones and polish them into beautiful, shiny gems.
With a rock tumbler, some grit, and patience, they can create their own collection of smooth, polished rocks that can be used in jewelry, as décor, or just as a cool hobby to track their progress.
My son had one and absolutely loved it!
Making bath bombs is like a mini science experiment, but way more relaxing. Teens can mix scents, colors, and even add dried flowers.
My daughter and I have made many batches together over the years and the house smells amazing after!
Glass painting is an easy way to create stunning art for their room. All they need is a lass painting kit to get started. They can make stained glass effects, cute quotes, or even anime designs. This one is a hit for artsy teens!
Alcohol inks are perfect for creating vibrant, abstract art on various surfaces like glass, ceramic, or specialized paper.
The way the colors blend and flow is mesmerizing. This is a great craft for an older teen 18+ as there are safety precautions to take when using alcohol ink. Always follow the instructions from the brand you are using.
Paper quilling kits on Amazon Prime
Paper quilling involves rolling and shaping thin strips of paper into intricate designs. Teens can create beautiful greeting cards, wall art, or even jewelry.
I remember getting a paper quilled art piece as a gift it was heartwarming.
Teens love to personalize their stuff, and making their own button pins is an easy way to do it. There are kits that make it super simple, or they can use shrink plastic to create their own designs.
Watercolor painting starter kits on Amazon
Watercolors are perfect for teens because they don’t have to be perfect to look amazing. Simple florals, dreamy landscapes, or even abstract designs.
There’s no wrong way to do it. Plus, it’s a great way for them to experiment with color blending!
Diamond painting kits on Amazon
If your teen likes puzzles or coloring, they’ll love diamond painting. It’s kind of like paint-by-number but with tiny, sparkly gems.
It takes patience, but the finished piece looks incredible! Bonus: It’s a quiet, calming activity (and moms love those, right?).
If your teen is into beauty and art, nail painting can be a super fun craft. There are stamping kits, tiny brushes, and even nail stickers that make it easy to create cool designs. Plus, it’s an excuse for a little at-home spa night!
Washi tape is basically patterned tape that makes everything look better. Teens can use it to create art on notebooks, decorate their walls, or even design cool geometric patterns on paper. No mess, no stress, and super customizable!
Zentangle coloring books on Amazon
Zentangles are fancy doodles that look super impressive but are actually easy to do. All you need is a pen and paper to start making cool, repeating patterns.
Best flower pressing kits from Cozy Cottagecore Living
If your teen loves nature, they’ll love pressing flowers and using them in crafts. They can make bookmarks, frame them, or even use them in Modge podge art.
How to stain paper with coffee tutorial
Staining paper with coffee is so fun and satisfying. Teens can use the paper for journal covers, cards, or even as cool wall art. The best part? Every design is totally unique!
Cutting up old magazines to make collages is a great way for teens to express themselves. They can create vision boards, decorate notebooks, or even make wall art for their room.
Creating custom soaps is a delightful way for teens to express their creativity while producing something useful.
With melt and pour soap bases, they can experiment with colors, scents, and additives like dried flowers or exfoliants.
Artist Trading Coins (ATCs) are a creative way for teens to make and trade miniature works of art.
Typically 2.5 inches in diameter, these small, circular pieces of art can be decorated with paints, stamps, collages, or mixed media
Teens can trade them with friends or even join online communities for trading, making it a great way to connect with other young artists.
Why not take your teen to the thrift store and search for old jewelry boxes to upcycle?
With a little creativity, some paint, fabric, and embellishments, you can turn a forgotten, worn-out box into a beautiful, personalized storage piece.
It’s a fantastic way to recycle, and your teen can make something functional and stylish for their room.
Rock painting is a simple and fun craft that’s perfect for teens. All you need are smooth rocks, paint, and creativity.
Teens can paint positive messages, cute designs, or fun pictures on rocks, then leave them around their neighborhood or local parks for others to find.
It’s a heartwarming way to spread joy, as people love finding these little surprises and it always makes someone’s day a little brighter!
Jewelry making is a creative and rewarding craft for teens. They can experiment with different materials like beads, charms, wire, and even leather.
Not only can teens create personalized accessories for themselves, but it’s also a great way to make thoughtful gifts for family and friends.
Thanks for reading! I hope this list gave you some fun and creative ideas to share with your teen. There’s always something new to try.
What is your teenager into lately? Do they have a favorite craft or hobby? Let me know in the comments. Happy crafting!
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