I’ve got some crafty links that are the perfect way to kick your creativity into high gear this summer!
I was recently surprised – pleasantly so – by a small, outdoor music concert taking place just two doors down from our home. Apparently, our small township organized a live concert series hosted by a few of our neighbours. So that night, hubby and I sat on our front porch, sipping on cool beverages, chit-chatting, while humming along to the cover tunes that made their way towards us.
As I think about summer, I often look forward to familiar activities: catching brunch on a patio, going for a walk on a forest path, or exploring antique shops in neighbouring towns. But like this summer concert, I often forget just how lovely it is to be pleasantly surprised along the way.
As you plan your summer, don’t forget to appreciate those unexpectedly lovely moments. You never know, they just may be the most memorable of the season.
Below, I’ve gathered some crafty links and creative pursuits to consider as you plan your summer. Some are summer-specific, while others are not. All, however, offer a range of indoor and outdoor activities for individuals and families of all skill levels to enjoy.
So grab an iced cold beverage, put your feet up, and click through the crafty links below and kick your creativity into high gear this summer.
~The following contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Should you choose to purchase through them, this blog makes a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my disclosure policy here.~
15 CRAFTY LINKS TO KICK YOUR SUMMER INTO HIGH GEAR
#1. Nothing says summer decorating like an arrangement of fresh-cut flowers. You can find lots of free lessons on flower arranging online, but here are a couple of my favourites to get you started: Flower Arrangement for a Summer Table and Summer Flower Arrangement from Grocery Store Flowers.
#2. If gardening is more your thing, then get inspiration from “Garden Answer.” Her YouTube channel has helpful tips for gardener’s of all skill levels. Her craft videos using fresh flowers and plants are, in my opinion, simply exceptional and are some of the best tutorials online.
#3. If you spend a lot of time sitting outdoors during the warmer months, then these cute DIY rope coasters are a great addition. Perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
#4. I LOVED this simple beach-inspired DIY family vacation souvenir. It’s a great way to gather memories with your kids or grandkids and have something memorable to bring home.
#5. If you like the idea of capturing memories that go beyond ‘beach in a bottle’, you may want to give resin art a try. In this “Resin Art Beginners Guide,” you’ll learn how to encase found objects that you can display at home.
#6. A fun project to do with the kiddos, these DIY Twig Triangle Wreaths are a great way to explore a wooded area (or your backyard, if that works), collect some twigs and other fresh supplies, and you’ve got the makings of a fun afternoon.
#7. Looking for a simple DIY using dollar store supplies? Try this easy jute rug idea to warm up any porch or front door space.
#8. Speaking of the dollar store, this DIY Fern Summer Wreath using supplies from my local dollar store was SO quick and easy to make. It’s the perfect budget-friendly decor to hang on your front door this season.
#9. I have yet to try pressed flower projects (on my ever-growing to-do list) so, naturally, I’ve added these DIY pressed flower lanterns to my list.
#10. If you like to think outside the box when it comes to crafting with flowers, then you may be inspired by this list of 8 Fresh Flower Craft Ideas. My favourites on this list are #2 and #4, the former being one that I would NEVER have thought of.
#11. Did you know that tulle can be used in a wide range of projects (and not just for a summer wedding veil)? Check out my oh-so-easy Embroidery Hoop Art tutorial using tulle.
#12. When I think of summer, I nearly always make room to read more fiction. Project Gutenberg is one of the web’s largest clearing houses for FREE ebooks. While not particularly ‘crafty,’ in my experience books have a way of opening up the imagination to make space for creativity.
#13. Or maybe you’d prefer to mix reading with learning a new craft (or perhaps deepening your mastery of one)? While there are many, MANY books on crafting out there, here are just 5 favourites from my personal collection:
NATURE CRAFTS:
Recreated Designs: Cottage Projects With a Vintage Flair (2020)
The Complete Book of Nature Crafts: How To Make Wreaths, Dried Flower Arrangements, Potpourris, Dolls, Baskets, Gifts, Decorative Accessories for the Home, and Much More (1992) – This one is out of print, but you can find used copies online.
FIBRE CRAFTS:
Macrame 2: Accessories, Homewares & More – How To Take Your Knotting To The Next Level (2020)
Modern Rug Hooking: 22 Punch Needle Projects for Crafting a Beautiful Home (2019)
On The Loom: A Modern Weaver’s Guide (2016)
#14. Ever heard of a “temperature blanket”? I hadn’t, until recently. So what exactly is it? In a nutshell: Imagine creating a simple, keepsake blanket that is both meditative in its creation and one that is a visual record of an entire year’s daily temperature. If you love to crochet or knit and need a fun, new project to try, then check out this link or this one to get you started.
#15. For many of us, colouring was among the most meditative activities from our childhoods. So why not combine some summer reading with these FREE COLOURING BOOKMARKS, below.
Just click on any of the following links and get all 18 bookmarks.
FREE DOWNLOAD (4 BOOKMARKS included). Or, click the image below:
FREE DOWNLOAD (5 BOOKMARKS included). Or, click the image below:
FREE DOWNLOAD (9 BOOKMARKS included). Or, click the image below:
Each bookmark measures 2 X 6 inches and is a fun way to kick off your summer reading.
***For optimal use, print on thicker paper/cardstock.
***Tips for printing these bookmarks to size:
To ensure each bookmark is 2 X 6 inches, make sure to select ‘Actual Size’ (other printers may have a ‘Default’) in the printer settings. You can also print multiple bookmarks on one page by selecting ‘Multiple’ in your printer settings (or “Pages Per Sheet”).
Printers vary so play around to see which settings works best.
BONUS Download
If you feel like summer is flying by and you need to prioritize your activities (who doesn’t?), then go ahead and DOWNLOAD MY FREE PRINTABLE SUMMER BUCKET LIST (Or click the image below):
This bucket list is a great way to make sure you don’t forget those activities you’ve got planned for you or your family this summer.
I hope this list of 15 crafty links gives you some ideas that you can add to your summer fun this season.
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