8 Easy Crafts to Do at Home When You Need a Creative Spark

Revamping an Old Vase

Old vases are easy to come by and hard to let go of. Whether they were delivered with bouquets or charmed you at the thrift store, you've probably collected many over the years, so why not make something new out of these old charmers?

Revamp those vases cluttering the back of your cabinet by decoupaging them with dollar-store paper napkins, transforming them into display-worthy pieces.

Cork Coasters

Depending on your natural bent toward sentimentality, you may have saved wine corks from bottles consumed on particularly special nights. Consider crafting your collection into these custom coasters to tip your glass to the past.

If you don't have some corks lying around, start upcycling for this functional (and easy!) craft to do at home.

Pressed Flower Soap

Wondering what to do with that bouquet you've held onto well past its prime? Flower-pressing and preserving is a cherished pastime that has made its way into our modern world. Level up the ancient art by adding your dried petals into custom soap bars.

While the flower petals will take some time to dry (and you'll need some additional materials to complete, such as glycerin soap), this pretty craft is well worth it and perfect for gifting.

Tie-Dye a Tee With Sharpies

Looking for a fun way to pass the day or an activity that will have everyone leaving with their own unique party favor? Tie-dyed t-shirts are as nostalgic as summer camp—but move over, messy color dyes and rubber bands. Martha’s own technique of creating color-popping Sharpie designs on t-shirts is easy and requires minimal supplies and zero experience.

Hand-Sewn Scrunchies

Remember when scrunchies were out? Well, now they’re back and bigger than ever. (No one can do a top bun like a scrunchie.) But you don’t need to rely on your local drugstore for their run-of-the-mill designs. You can actually sew a scrunchie with relative ease, giving you the freedom to pick your fabric to match your needs. It’s the perfect opportunity to use your fabric scraps, too.

Crepe Paper Flowers

Don't have fresh or pressed flowers on hand to craft with? Make your own! Ideal for brightening up a rainy afternoon or the tables at a bridal shower, these crepe paper flowers can be made to mimic a variety of blooms, including carnations, roses, lilies, and more.

Heirloom Shadow Boxes

Have some keepsakes that are quickly becoming clutter in the closet? Clear them out, get creative, and put them in a place of glory with this easy craft. From handwritten cards to plane tickets and movie stubs, your memorabilia can become a beautiful wall.

Hand-Painted Ceramic Vases and Bowls

First, head to the thrift store and gather some inexpensive ceramic pieces. Then, take your haul home and let your creativity run wild. Paint them to either blend with your existing décor or consider creating a unique statement piece. (If you want to bring some friends, this makes for a lovely afternoon of thrifting and crafting!)