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39 Things That’ll Help You Get Serious About Crafting This Summer

Y’know, in case you’re looking to be a little more analog this season.

Posted 3 hours ago

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by Elizabeth Lilly BuzzFeed BuzzFeed Staff

As a Deputy Editorial Director for BuzzFeed’s shopping team, I love to get into the weeds of why a product’s worth the money by deep diving into customer reviews, and product-testing as much as possible.

Listen, crafting is a good idea year-round. Sometimes you just need a little time to yourself while you watch Widow's Bay for the 20th time (I'm obsessed!) and would like to give diamond art or embroidery a try. Well, there's never a bad time to start and right now while it's boiling outside is a good time to stay indoors when it's a bit chillier and find a new favorite hobby. Here, I gathered a variety of things that'll help you get crafting and perhaps even find your new top-tier pastime.

1. A *brand-new* Play-Doh bouquet making kit in case you're yearning for a new kinda craft and are feeling pretty ~pliable~ with your next project. Then you can enjoy a bouquet that won't wilt on you like the one you picked up last-minute at Trader Joe's last week!

Amazon

The kit includes the Play-Doh and tools to make the bouquet. 

Get it from Amazon for $39.99. 

2. Or perhaps a Lego flower bouquet because you thought adult Legos were all about Star Wars and architecture — until now.  

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Check out a TikTok of the Lego bouquet in action.  

Promising review: "This is a great gift for anyone who loves flowers. They are as sturdy as they get since they're Legos, and although they do take a while to build, it's a very fulfilling process. Love it and would set aside as something to gift to several people at any point. They look beautiful!!" —Gaby

Get it from Amazon for $47.95. And check out more Lego botanicals.

3. A beginner-friendly flower press kit so you can enjoy some IRL florals that'll last even longer than your Lego or Play-Doh varieties! Reviewers say it's large enough tofit almost any flower so you can go WILD with the wildflowers near your house (or blooms from a sentimental bouquet). 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

It comes with detailed instructions, two wooden pressing plates, six layers of pressing boards and other tools you'll need (think scissors, sponges, drying plates, etc). Oh, and reviewers say it's easy to take on the go. 

Promising review: "My kids love to pick me flowers, and I love to keep them forever. We have made bookmarks for teachers, and I have even purchased this for other moms who have kiddos who love to pick flowers. Super easy to use and a fun time for everyone!" —Missy Lovell

Get it from Amazon for $18.99 (available in two colors). 

4. A diamond art kit will help you create a masterpiece without having to learn how to cross-stitch or embroider. You *place* the little gems in the pattern to create this beaut! Just maybe don't watch Leanne while doing this, because you're going to belly laugh too hard. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Came with all the gems 💎 and supplies needed to get this done! I only used one of the red sticky pads and hand-placed them one by one. It took me about a month and a half to complete because I did it on and off when I had free time. It is truly therapeutic and good for mental health, and super satisfying when completed! 👍" —Allyssa Allison

Get it from Amazon for $15.99.

5. Or a Jonathan Adler x Michaels diamond art kit I actually did while watching. some TV! So you can totally sit down for a spell and recreate it yourself!

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

This was my first foray into diamond art and I found that an upholstered ottoman top is probably not the surface to do it. The colors on the tortoise were well marked and I was able to figure it out right away. (If you have any problems with this eyesight, I suggest trying something besides diamond art, though!) I now have this beaut hanging on my bedroom wall and it feels so Jonathan Adler. 

Get it from Michaels for $19.99. 

Check out more diamond art kits and even more craft kits from the VERY GOOD collab!

6. A rug tufting kit if you're feeling ambitious and keep seeing all kinds of fun designs on TikTok. If you're taking commissions, I'd love a rug of Patricia from Widow's Bay at her sunset cocktail party. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

This cut and loop pile 2-in-1 gun also comes with a carpet trimmer Kit, 20 rolls of yarn, a 39"X39" tufting cloth, a 39"X35" non-slip final backing cloth, a user-friendly manual for beginners, and a storage box.

Promising review: "My new best friend! Wonderful tufting gun for rugs. Absolutely great for the price and easy to use." —Letty K

Get it from Amazon for $104.99 (available in five sets with various items included).

7. A 17-quart organizer box with a floating tray and alllll kinds of organization potential that'll let you easily eyeball all your colors of acrylic paint markers before you go out and accidentally buy doubles. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These work perfectly for what I bought them for. The tray up top is one whole piece with different-sized sections. This allows me to store papers and books underneath and have writing and craft utensils up top. I can easily carry it around the house and in and out of my trunk to transport as needed." —Shelby Hemmersbach

Get it from Amazon for $29.99.

8. How to Draw Black Women: A Modern Guide to Features, Hair, and Form to seriously up your sketching ante and help you expand your skills beyond Eurocentric standards that most other drawing guides cover. Here's to practicing on some convincing 3b curls!

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I’m so glad I bought this book!! This is exactly what I was looking for. I have bought a lot of drawing books, but this one actually breaks it down on how to draw black features because there are not a lot of books that capture our features or body type. Buy this book!!" —Symone Marie

Get it from Amazon for $29.83.

9. A Squishmallows jewelry kitcan help you craft 25+ bracelets, which means your niblings can get involved and join in the couch-rotting. Ahem, I mean CRAFTING. 

Amazon

Promising review: "Purchased a few of these to give as birthday gifts this summer for 9–11-year-olds and it was a HIT every time. Who doesn't love Squishmallows? I like that many of the newer Squishmallows are represented in the charms in this set. We also have a larger set that I bought for my own daughter about six months ago, but it only had the 'classic' squish as charms, this one is much cuter and has more variety in terms of beads." —Jenny M

Get it from Amazon for $13.72.

10. Or a friendship bracelet–making kit that'll help you revive your middle school jewelry obsession. It's kid-friendly and, therefore, will make it much easier for adults! Plus, it comes with pre-cut string to try your hand at this, and then you can re-up your thread if you decide to whip up a bracelet for everyone you know. 

www.amazon.com

Choose Friendship is a small business that specializes in friendship bracelet makers. 

Each set comes with the holder mount and 20 pre-cut threads in 10 colors as well as access to an online instruction manual for all kinds of different designs.

Promising review: "I bought this for my daughter for a craft night. I made friendship bracelets when I was a kid but could not remember how to make them. This helped so much! I had to buy another one for me so we could work on them at the same time. Love this product!" —hollyhock

Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in four styles). 

11. A state embroidery kitto really tiptoe into a VERY fun hobby AND you'll end up with a beautiful piece of art to display!

harlinanddoney / Etsy

harlinanddoney is a Tulsa, Oklahoma–based shop specializing in crafting kits and gifts. 

Promising review: "This was my first ever embroidery project. I'm so happy I chose it. I will definitely buy more." —Brittney Essary

Get it from harlinanddoney on Etsy for $16+ (available in each state and three thread colors).

12. A mini Bob Ross paint-by-numbers kit so you can start out small with your own "happy little trees" before you move onto bigger canvases and projects! This comes with three pre-printed canvases, seven paint pots, a mini brush, and a mini easel to help display your handiwork and inspire further artistic endeavors. 

www.amazon.com

The kit's three paint-by-number canvases include two landscapes and one portrait of Bob. You'll also get an instruction sheet and a mini book all about Bob!

Promising review: "I have to admit I was skeptical because of the price and size. However, I got these for my husband for his birthday (he loves Bob Ross) and What a find!! We had so much fun mixing colors and painting. Would definitely recommend. The fact that they are small makes them even more special. I wish there were more to paint!" —slb m

Get it from Amazon for $10.73.

13. Or a pastel paint-by-number kit in case you'd like to focus on the scenery instead. There are all sorts of gorgeous things to pic from, including a sunset over water and several florals. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Each set comes with a detailed numbered outline, four brushes, and a set of numbered acrylic paints with extra to spare.

Promising review: "Colorful and fun! This is the third paint-by-number I’ve done, and by far the most challenging. Lots of fine point detail, and the paint brushes included were adequate, unlike other PBN sets I’ve bought." —Emily cox

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 24 designs and 13 size and framing options — you can get it with or without a frame).

14. Or a customized pet paint-by-number as a step up from the ones of your childhood. After all, your kitty is a star and is practically begging to be honored in a work of art. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

The company provides the paint and a code to use their tech to turn any pet photo into a "paint by number" template, so you will need a printer to generate the image! 

Promising review: "This was so much fun! I tried three different photos in the tool they give you. It shows you a preview of each painting, which is really helpful when deciding which image to go with. Not every picture came out as good, so definitely try a few! Easy to use, and fun to paint — excited to frame it! Actually have some paint left over and will try to do another one!" —Jonathon Kebert

Get it from Amazon for $42.99. 

15. The Art of Memory Collecting, a scrapbooking and crafting project book you've definitely seen alllll over Analog Living TikTok. If you've seen a "What's in my Analog Bag" TT, you've seen the creator whip out this book as their junk journal. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I absolutely LOVED this book from the creative activities to the photos of the art — chef's kiss!! The photos of the crafts and trinkets were so well thought out and just so visually appealing. The breakdown of each activity was also very easy to understand and insightful." —lepetit

Get it from Amazon for $18.47.

16. A beginner watercolor workbook to give you some helpful guidance on this (pretty forgiving) medium. If you've tried painting with other kinds of paints and felt a little meh, give this one a try!

www.amazon.com

It has 25 projects that'll each take less than 30 minutes to complete. Heads up that you'll need to grab a watercolor paint set, too.

Promising review: "This workbook is perfection. So well made and explained for beginners in the watercolor world. So entertaining yet challenging for more advanced watercolor enthusiasts. I ordered this book as well as some new watercolors to practice with, and from the moment I opened it, I was obsessed. I absolutely love Sarah’s designs. As someone who hasn’t painted in years and has not much experience, I found this book to be so helpful. It was so easy for me to start painting again and remember how much joy I feel while I am doing so. Its instructions, tips, and stunning color combinations definitely helped awaken my creativity a little more each day. 10 out of 10! 🎨🫶🏼" —Ale

Get it from Amazon for $16.09.

17. A beginner's embroidery kit so you can practice stitches and build confidence in your newfound hobby. I personally ADORE embroidery and think it's a fab pastime. 

www.amazon.com

This comes with hoops, pre-printed patterns, thread, needles, and a guide. 

Promising review: "I used to do embroidery when I was in sixth grade, and now I have decided to pick it up again and do it with my mom. She loved the surprise. This kit has helped me a lot in remembering and learning new stitches." —Reyna B

Get it from Amazon for $19.97 (available in three sets).

18. A John Derian sticker book with 700+ gorgeous stickers that'll delight and aww you. Yeah, there are cheaper and more kid-friendly sticker books but my gosh, these are so stunning (like everything else from John Derian). 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "The stickers are unique and beautiful. The pages on the back of the stickers are equally as stunning. Get it!" —k80

Get it from Amazon for $23.70 (also available in a second version).

Also check out a Taylor Swift Eras-inspired sticker book.

19. A felted succulent monster kit in case you KNOW yourself and know that you and live plants just can't coexist. Instead, whip up some nice little desk buddies to rival your cubicle mate's gorgeous desk plants. 

www.amazon.com

It has enough supplies to make at least four little creatures. 

Promising review: "I was really excited when I got this kit. It comes with all the tools you need, including a variety of colors, and it inspires such fun creature ideas! It also includes a QR code that takes you to several (short) tutorials for different shapes, and teaches you the basics of needle felting! I thought it was going to be much harder than it was. (You don’t even need to watch the whole tutorial to pick it up.) I actually bought the same kit for a friend, who loved it also!" —Kt

Get it from Amazon for $28.99.

20. A lightweight, beginner-friendly sewing machine if you've saved what feels like a million TikToks about sewing projects and finally wanna give one a stab. It comes with 27 built-in stitches so you can get ALL kinds of creative. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

It comes with 6 sewing feet, a 3-piece needle set, a twin needle, 4 bobbins, a manual, and more.

Promising review (from a beginner): "So simple and easy to use and thread! I have three other machines that were given to me, but they are much too complicated for me. I saw a review on YouTube for this machine and absolutely fell in love with it. Buy it, you won't regret it." —Bodega Bwin

Promising review (from a sewing machine veteran): "Easy to thread, great selection of stitches. Over the years, I have gone through a few Singers. So this time I wanted to try Brother. I’m so happy I did! Definitely worth the price. It’s on the cheaper end and does well! My niece is 13, and it’s easy enough for her to start on as well." —tanya c

Get it from Amazon for $129.99+ (available in 13 bundle types).

21. Or a mini animal sewing kit that doesn't require any prior sewing experience OR a sewing machine to craft. I mean, just look at them! Maybe you'll fall in love with these and finally buy a sewing machine like you keep thinking about. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is so much fun and so relaxing. Even if you are a beginner, this product will help build some skills. The quality is the same as the food kit and worked great for me. I love that I can be creative and keep the patterns and make whatever I want. Absolutely brilliant concept and fun project. I made a crow from the owl pattern and plan to make a winter bird as well." —Lissa

Get it from Amazon for $15.39.

22. And a Fiskars fabric cutting setwith a rotary cutter, sewing ruler, and folding cutting mat for when you get bold enough to try to start some quilting. (But you can start MUCH smaller.) This will help you get precise, neat cuts so your project is easier to complete and ends up being an even better looking "after." 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Honestly, it’s a little on the pricey side, but I say it's worth every penny! I am recently getting back into sewing and use all of these items every time I do a new project. I hope they last a long time!" —Tyrell Thompson

Get them from Amazon for $76.42.

And if you're on the prowl for some solid crafting scissors, Fiskars are my all-time fave!

23. A miniature coffeehouse kit can help you make your own Central Perk at home while honing in on a hobby that demands attention to detail.  

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This was my first ever miniature project. The instructions were clear and all parts were present. If you are patient, you can do this. Very please with results. I continue to add little things as I find them in shops (like a welcome mat, a kitty, more baked goods)." —Basketball Mom

Get it from Amazon for $35.69.

24. A quilting design coloring book that'll make for a relaxing screen-free activity AND perhaps inspire your next new hobby thanks to all the enchanting designs! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Stephanie's artwork in this book consists of lovely floral and botanical quilt blocks and straightforward geometric designs. Both allow for simple coloring or the opportunity to experiment with a color palette without committing to large fabric purchase. The geometric designs take up the entire page primarily and the quilt blocks are 7.5" x 7.25".

The book itself is of nice quality. The paper is thick and could stand up to more than pencils and markers. The best part is that the pages are perforated!" —Julie V

Get it from Amazon for $12.99.

25. A beginner's wood carving kit in case you've thought it always looks so fun in old-timey movies but haven't had the gumption to DIY it just yet. 

www.amazon.com

Each kit includes two wood carving blocks (one cherry and one basswood), a carving knife, sharpening supplies, a template, and three types of sandpaper.

Promising review: "The company is very supportive and their kit is great. It has everything you need to start working with wood. Additionally, I have really appreciated the professionalism and customer service received from them." —Sam

Get it from Amazon for $31.99.

26. A 5-pound bucket of Crayola Air Dry Clay will help you really get a bit wild with it because you've been tempted to take that $70 pottery class your friend swears by, but you'd like to play around with a cheaper alternative at home before committing. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Psst — a lot of reviewers use silicone or plastic molds to get specific shapes! 

Promising review: "It’s honestly just a really nice material to work with! If you want to create things with clay, this is definitely a good choice! It’s definitely not for professional use, but I feel like that’s a given. I mean, it is Crayola. But all in all, great for those who want to use it for fun!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $10.62. 

27. And a beginner-friendly mini pottery wheel kit if your nemesis (who probably doesn't know they're your nemesis) has been taking pottery classes and you started pricing them out and thought eh. This'll help you channel your creativity while you FINALLY watch the new Cape Fear TV series. (At this point, I feel like the only person who hasn't seen it all.) 

www.amazon.com

Each kit comes with a pottery wheel machine, a power adapter, eight sculpting tools, two paint brushes, three packs of air-dry clay, and 12 paints. 

Promising review: "I am amazed how well thought through this product is. It is very compact and has everything you need to get started and try your hand at pottery! My kids immensely enjoyed using it and were very excited with their creations. It's very compact, built with very good quality materials. The wheel is very stable, and you can control the speed as you get the hang of it. It's well priced for a starter kit and overall a great kit." —Synghal

Get it from Amazon for$49.99.

28. A DIY clay dish craft kit if you'd prefer some solid direction for getting creative. Just call this kit your muse and whip up a gorgeous little bowl for knickknacks at your desk, like lip balm, a mini box opener, and more. Also, it's air-dry!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This kit is fantastic! It comes with everything you need to create beautiful and unique jewelry dishes. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it perfect for all ages. The clay is high-quality and easy to work with, and the finished dishes are both functional and stylish. This kit is a great way to spend a creative afternoon and makes a wonderful gift idea. Highly recommend." —Funky Feedback

Get it from Amazon for $14.99. 

29. A marble paint kit for a family activity that you can later use in OTHER crafts. The gift that keeps on giving!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I remember doing this craft in art class as a kid. I purchased this for a 5-year-old and she had a great time making paper that she is going to use as covers for books and other projects! Definitely recommend buying as a rainy day project!" —LB

Get it from Amazon for $16.99.

30. A pineapple string art kitthat won't care that you're not so great at coloring or painting in the lines. One reviewer said it took them about two hours to complete. It's going to look so charming up on your wall! 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This was a perfect craft for me. The finished product is very appealing. It took only one evening plus 15 minutes to finish the next day." —zenMom

Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in four designs).

31. A transparent embroidery kitso you can pick out a design that'll ~mesh~ well with your existing decor. 

The Cherry Blossom US / Etsy

The Cherry Blossom US is a North Carolina-based small biz. 

Promising review: "This is the cutest embroidery kit! I purchased this for my mom who's just been placed in a nursing home, and she loves cross-stitching. I can't wait for her to see this. I know she'll love it!" —Janae

Get it from The Cherry Blossom US on Etsy for $16.19+ (available in nine designs).

32. Hand Lettering 101 if your penmanship has been compared to that of a doctor's or a chicken's, and you were so rudely reminded of it when filling out cards for people on your list. Recipients won't even know what's coming the next time you send out a card.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Not only is this introductory book beautifully put together, but the author also helps you to build your own beautiful style! She provides easy-to-follow guides and plenty of room to practice. Overall, she provides the tools a new hand lettering artist needs in their toolbox and references for different alphabet styles that I continuously look at to practice lettering. I’ve been practicing lettering for awhile and have picked up a couple of books here and there to practice with, but this book really took my hand lettering to the next level physically and with confidence. I also really appreciate that the author used good quality paper to practice on, as I’ve used other books with poor quality paper that has ruined some of my pens. Definitely recommend this to any and especially new hand letterers!" —Melissa

Get it from Amazon for $19.96.

33. A terrarium starter kit with a pair of dinos that'll find a nice lil' home in it.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I cracked it open and built a terrarium! I had the glass bowl and the cactus clippings on hand and hoped everything else would be there. Indeed, all you need including a little plant food and a brush. Took me hardly anytime at all and it came out great. Highly recommend as a fun craft for young and old alike." —Kimm Parker

Get it from Amazon for $24.95+ (available without a container or with a variety of containers).

34. An owl macrame wall art kit just begging to fill that blank space on your wall that needs a little something. 

BeanDaikon / Etsy

BeanDaikon is a Hanoi, Vietnam-based shop specializing in crafting kits.

Get it from BeanDaikonon Etsy for $33.01+ (available in a variety of colors).

35. A beeswax candle kit can help you make the perfect charming candles you've been seeking out but haven't found in your budget — just yet. 

www.amazon.com

Each kit includes seven beeswax sheets with six lavender flowers, two cinnamon sticks, two dried orange slices, burlap thread, white lace, cotton wicks, two decorative bees, and instructions. Candleology is a small business!

Promising review: "I purchased this set for our Hanukkah celebrations this year and made the candles with the kids. Super easy directions, and we love the outcome (pictured above, right)!" —Amazon customer

Get it from Amazon for$27.99.

36. A Van Gogh–inspired washi tape set to use for junk journaling, personalizing stationery and journals, and all kinds of crafting projects. For the uninitiated, washi tape is just sticky enough to stick to paper and surfaces but can easily be peeled off and repositioned without leaving behind a mess.

Amazon

Promising review: "Very colorful, excellent quality tape that adheres well. There is not much per roll, so think of it as a sampler. Each roll has about 20% of what you would get if you bought a normal single roll." —Eric

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

37. Amodeling clay kit of a lively koi pond to bring some extra dimension to a gorgeous piece of art. If you can't decide between modeling clay and painting, this is a fun compromise. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Plenty of colors! I even had some left over to make rocks and flowers! The clay is super soft and sticks to the canvas like magic! Not too sticky as to not be able to remove but sticky enough to adhear to the canvas and itself without water! Easy to follow instructions with room to be creative! Absolute best kit for crafters and artists a like! The tool is perfect for air dry clay and they give you more than enough varnish. Only thing was that one package of clay was dry but it didn't matter as you have plenty! 100% best ever!" —Clarice Lyon

Get it from Amazon for $34.99.

38. A tiger face punch needle kit for a snazzy interior addition that you can point at and say, "I made that" anytime someone asks. But, also anytime someone *doesn't* ask. 

Tina's House / Etsy

Tina's House is a Sydney, Australia–based small biz. 

Get it from Tina's House on Etsy for$54.75 (available in three colors).

39. A crochet rainbow dot afghan blanket PDF pattern if you're feeling super ambitious (I believe in you!) and wanna wrap yourself up in something you made with your own hands. The concept! Can you believe?!

Mx Domestic / Etsy

Mister Domestic is a queer-owned Etsy shop from creative phenom Mathew Boudreaux. I started following them on Instagram awhile back and though I'm not up to the level of crafting to do this afghan (just yet...who knows with this winter!), I love their social media presence and am endlessly entertained and inspired. They also sell lots of other dreamy patterns (like this heart one) and quilting supplies on their shop. Boudreaux is also the owner of the online sewing school SEW U, which is def worth a visit if you're wanting to expand your creative horizons.

Get it from Mx Domestic on Etsy for $6.

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