I don’t know if it’s middle age, perimenopause, or what, but I like to spend a lot of time indoors at this time of year. It’s simply too hot and humid out to be comfortable! So, if you’re like me and are looking for some fresh inspiration for spending time indoors right now, then you’re at the right place. Because these craft ideas (for adults) are perfect for a hot day- since no painting, sanding, or other outdoors DIY work is required!
Sweater Pillows
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Here’s a fun way to upcycle a pretty sweater that you no longer wear. Or perhaps one you spot at a thrift store- and all you need to be able to do is sew in straight lines. Because these colorful pillows are a great way to brighten up your decor with very little effort involved.
Woven Wall Decor
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
This woven wall hanging started out as a pizza pan on a thrift store shelf, believe it or not. But look how amazing it turned out- both as a loom and as a finished frame. This is a great craft project for anyone who’s wanted to try their hand at weaving but only knows the very basics involved.
Craft Ideas for Adults Who Love Houseplants
Image credit: Organized Clutter.
Those glass spaghetti jars and soda bottles are ideal for propagating plants like this, aren’t they? You can decorate them if you’d like, but what a wonderful way to grow plants from cuttings by using something you’d otherwise toss in the bin.
All Natural Shower Soothers
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If you’ve ever used a shower melt or shower soother, then you know how amazing they are. And how they transform an ordinary shower into a spa-like experience. But the best part is that you can make them yourself using ingredients you likely already have at home! All you need is a pretty mold to pack them in.
Upgrading Framed Art
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If you love to collect framed art from thrift shops and antique malls, then you may appreciate this craft idea. Because while the art might be fabulous just as it is, some frames need a little help. And you can easily “zhuzh” a lot of frames with paint or wax finishes for more pizazz. And the zhuzh is easy enough to do completely indoors!
Indoor “Gardening”
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Got the itch to play in your garden but it’s just too darn hot out? Then making faux, indoor plants might be the solution you’re looking for. In this case, felt is the fabric of choice to make these lovely fake succulents that will always look this good. No under- or over-watering concerns for these little plants- and they can be “potted” in literally anything you’ve got around the house.
Craft Ideas for Adults Who Love Cats
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Will a cat hop into the first cardboard box they see? Yes. Will they love it even more if you add one of your old t-shirts to the mix and turn that box into a cave? Absolutely! You can even make a few catnip toys from your old t-shirts, as well.
Jewelry Making
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Making jewelry is definitely one of the better indoor craft ideas for adults. Of course, our declining eyesight doesn’t help matters, but that’s neither here nor there. This pearl-and-hemp bracelet is a fabulous way to refashion mom’s (or grandma’s) string of faux pearls that you may not wear all that often. And it’s truly easy enough to do for DIY jewelry novices, too.
Yarn Wall Hanging
Image credit: DIY Candy.
It’s modern, it’s bohemian, and it doesn’t require any time outdoors! And yet it’s still gorgeous and full of texture as wall decor. This modern wall hanging is a great way to create something impactful without needing any special fiber craft skills.
Colorful Basket Gallery
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Wall galleries made from flat baskets are a wonderfully thrifty way to fill a LOT of vertical real estate. And with the addition of vintage woven trivets, they take on a whole new boho look. Gotta love getting those pops of color without a single drop of paint, too.
Beginner’s Macrame
Image credit: My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia.
Here’s a fresh way to jazz up a relatively plain vase: macrame! If you’ve been wanting to try your hand at a beginner level project, this is definitely perfect for that. All from the comfort of the cool indoors…
Self Care DIY
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A Zen garden is a wonderful tool in relaxation practices, allowing you to focus on creating calming movements and shapes in the sand. And while there are plenty of ready-made versions available for purchase, you can also create one like this yourself.
Craft Ideas for Adults Who Love Wine
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Cute little charms from necklaces and bracelets are the perfect thing to repurpose into wine charms for your next Girls’ Night In. Heck, you could even make them as the activity for your fun get-together, too- or make a set to give as a gift.
Making Candles
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Candle making is another one of those perfect craft ideas for adults who want to hang out inside. There are lots of ways to make them from the containers you use to the wax you choose. But this one is a particularly thrifty idea by recycling yogurt jars…
Embroidery Hoop Art
Image credit: The Crafty Lumberjacks.
When you think of turning an embroidery hoop into a loom, it usually results in a circular pattern. But in this fabulous case, the maker turned the hoop into a standard loom for this gorgeous summer beach scene. Either way, this is a great idea for anyone who wants to visualize the beach from the comfort of their own home.
A Beautiful Fix
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Repairing and mending our broken things has become a lost art, unfortunately. Disposability and convenience tend to be more important than anything long-lasting. But if you have something broken or cracked, then the Japanese technique, Kintsugi, might be a soothing way to fix it yourself. I can also personally attest to the value of a quiet activity that allows your mind to disconnect from world news and events, too.
Decorating Coasters
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Embellishing plain coasters is another one of my favorite craft ideas for adults. Hand painting them with the help of stencils is always an option. Or you could opt for rub-on transfers or decoupage, too.
Aromatherapy Eye Pillows
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
We all know how awful a headache (or even worse, a migraine) can be- it can steal an entire day or even longer. And while aromatherapy eye pillows like these won’t medically cure it, it can improve the symptoms. These were made with vintage scarves so the fabric is smooth and cool. Rice adds just enough weight to feel soothing across your eyes, and the essential oils you use are completely up to you.
Craft Ideas for Adults on a Hot Day
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods and My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia.
I hope this collection of upcycled crafts has given you some fresh inspiration for indoor activities at this time of year. And so many of them are really simple and approachable, if you don’t have much crafting experience. Either way, stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay crafty with these upcycling ideas.
Craft on!
S
Want to be notified when I publish my next upcycling project tutorial?
Join me on Social Media:
PIN ME!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Have a question or like what you see? Please let me know!