Crafting a Summer of Creativity
Summer is here, bringing long sunny days, endless imagination, and the perfect opportunity for kids to dive into exciting arts and crafts. Whether it’s a break from screen time, a way to spark creativity, or just a fun bonding activity, crafting remains a timeless summer pastime.
But this summer, crafting is getting a fresh twist. New trends are emerging that make projects more creative and meaningful—like upcycled art that encourages sustainability or sensory crafts that keep kids engaged for hours. These trends are easy to follow, budget-friendly, and packed with fun for kids of all ages, making them perfect for at-home activities, summer camp projects, and group craft sessions.
To help you make the most of your summer crafting adventures, we’ve rounded up the top five kids' arts and crafts trends for the season. From eco-friendly projects to multicultural crafts, there’s something here for everyone. So, grab your craft supplies, roll up your sleeves, and let’s explore what’s hot in kids’ crafting this summer!
1. Eco-Friendly and Upcycled Crafts: Creativity with a Green Twist
Crafting has never been greener! With families becoming more environmentally conscious, eco-friendly and upcycled projects are making waves this summer. Not only do these crafts teach kids the value of sustainability, but they also turn everyday household items into beautiful, functional creations. Plus, they’re budget-friendly—no need to splurge on expensive supplies when your recycling bin holds a world of possibilities!
These projects are perfect for families looking for creative activities at home and summer camps wanting to introduce sustainability into their craft sessions. Upcycling teaches kids to think outside the box while having fun with materials they might otherwise throw away.
Here are a few fun and easy upcycled craft ideas that kids (and parents) will love:
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Bottle Cap Mosaics: Gather up colorful bottle caps from soda bottles or jars, and transform them into stunning mosaics for picture frames or wall art. Kids can play with patterns and colors to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Tip: Pair this craft with non-toxic glue or adhesive, like our kid-safe glue options, to make cleanup and crafting a breeze! Or, instead of bottle caps, check out our mosaic supplies for even more creative options! -
DIY Bird Feeders: Turn cardboard tubes, old milk cartons, or mason jars into bird feeders that can hang outside for feathered visitors to enjoy. Paint them with eco-friendly paints and add twine for easy hanging.
Pro tip: A craft kit with pre-cut shapes or all-in-one materials, like our birdhouse craft kits, can make it even easier for families and camp groups to start this project. -
Herb Planters: Collect a few used tin cans, paint them with bright summer designs, and plant herbs or flowers inside. It’s the perfect way to combine gardening and crafting into one fun activity.
Looking for vibrant paints and kid-safe brushes? Check out our child-friendly painting supplies to get started! For an even easier project, explore our planters, perfect for a quick and fun summer craft!
These projects not only spark creativity but also help kids develop a deeper appreciation for reusing and recycling. Summer camps can even turn it into a fun group challenge by asking kids to identify and repurpose items from around the campsite.
Pro Tip: If you want to make upcycling easy, consider stocking up on crafting basics like glue, paints, or blank wooden frames that can be incorporated into any project. Check out our full supplies listing.
2. Outdoor Nature-Inspired Art: Creativity in the Great Outdoors
Summer is the perfect time to take crafting outside! Nature offers a treasure trove of inspiration and materials for kids to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind projects. Not only does crafting outdoors encourage children to explore their surroundings, but it also gives them a chance to connect with nature in a meaningful way. From leaves and twigs to flowers and rocks, every corner of the outdoors can spark endless creativity.
These types of projects are perfect for summer camps and kids' programs, where hands-on activities help children engage with the natural world. Incorporating nature crafts into camp activities not only fosters creativity but also encourages teamwork and outdoor exploration.
Here are some fun and easy nature-inspired art projects to try this summer:
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Leaf and Flower Pressing: Encourage kids to collect vibrant leaves and colorful flowers from their backyard or a nearby park. Press them into a journal or use them to decorate handmade cards, bookmarks, or picture frames.
Looking for a simple way to start? Check out this step-by-step guide from Woodlark Blog on how to make a DIY Flower Press, so kids can preserve their nature finds with ease! -
Nature Paintbrushes: Grab some twigs and attach leaves, feathers, or grass with a bit of twine to create custom paintbrushes. Kids will love experimenting with the unique textures and patterns they can make on paper.
Pair this with washable, non-toxic paints, like those in our washable paint collection to keep the fun mess-free! -
Pebble Painting: Collect smooth stones or pebbles and let kids decorate them with bright paints and markers. These can be used as garden décor, paperweights, or even little keepsakes.
Our paint sets are perfect for projects like this, offering durable, weather-resistant paints that make your designs last!
Nature-based projects aren’t just fun—they also encourage mindfulness and creative thinking. For summer camps, these activities can be a great way to incorporate art into outdoor learning, giving kids a chance to observe, collect, and create using the natural world around them. Parents can also organize a "nature scavenger hunt" where kids gather materials to use in their crafts.
Pro Tip: Consider stocking up on supplies like twine, washable paints, or sketchpads for kids to capture their outdoor inspirations. Or, for even more outdoor creativity, try Crayola Washable Sidewalk Chalk to encourage kids to bring their art to the pavement! Browse our full selection of nature-themed crafts for everything you need to turn a walk in the park into a creative masterpiece.
3. Sensory Play Meets Crafting: Engaging All the Senses
This summer, crafting is all about creating experiences that engage multiple senses. Sensory play crafts are perfect for keeping kids entertained for hours while encouraging hands-on learning and creativity. From squishy, squiggly textures to colorful, scented materials, these projects stimulate fine motor skills, spark imaginative play, and are just plain fun!
Why is sensory crafting so great? It’s an amazing way for kids to explore creativity through touch, smell, and sight. Sensory crafts are especially popular in summer camps and arts programs, where engaging, hands-on activities help children stay focused, relax, and learn through play.
Here are a few sensory crafts that are guaranteed to be a hit:
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Homemade Kinetic Sand: Mix together fine sand, cornstarch, and water, and let kids color it with food dye or sprinkle in glitter for a magical twist. Kinetic sand is perfect for molding, shaping, and even cutting with cookie cutters!
Want to explore more sand-based crafts? Check out our fun Sand Art options for creative ways to use sand in crafting! -
DIY Scented Playdough: Add a few drops of essential oils or vanilla extract to playdough for an extra sensory dimension. Kids can sculpt shapes, stamp patterns, or use craft cutters to create mini art pieces. This is a perfect activity for sensory play stations at summer camps or a calming, hands-on craft for younger kids.
Stock up on Kid-Safe Playdough to make this project even more fun and versatile! -
Puffy Paint Artwork: Combine shaving cream, white glue, and food coloring to make fluffy, three-dimensional paint. Kids can create colorful, textured designs on cardboard or paper that dry into raised art. It’s a great project for both home crafting and summer programs looking for an engaging, mess-friendly activity.
Need materials? Our bulk Craft Bulk Basics includes all the essentials to make this project a breeze!
Sensory crafts are ideal for kids of all ages, but they’re especially great for younger children and campers who thrive on hands-on experiences. Plus, they encourage kids to experiment with textures, colors, and smells in a way that’s both creative and calming.
Pro Tip: Make sensory play even easier by creating a dedicated "sensory craft box" filled with items like kinetic sand, foam paint, and molds—perfect for family craft time, summer camps, and group activities!
4. Collaborative Group & Family Projects: Crafting Memories Together
Crafting isn’t just for kids—it’s for families, groups, and teams too! Collaborative projects are a huge trend this summer, encouraging families, summer camps, and arts & crafts programs to work together on creative, hands-on activities. Whether it’s a group mural, matching DIY tie-dye shirts, or garden stepping stones, these crafts bring people together to create lasting memories and meaningful art.
Why are group crafts so great? They promote teamwork, communication, and creativity while giving everyone a chance to contribute to a shared masterpiece. Summer camps and kids’ programs especially love these projects because they foster connection, cooperation, and artistic expression among campers.
Here are some fantastic family- and team-friendly craft ideas to try:
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DIY Summer Mural: Roll out a large sheet of butcher paper or a canvas and let everyone contribute to a vibrant summer-themed mural. Add handprints, drawings, or even pressed flowers for a collaborative masterpiece that’s perfect for displaying at home, in a classroom, or at camp.
Need supplies? Our canvas options, washable paint sets, and craft paper are great for big group projects! -
Matching Tie-Dye Shirts: Create personalized tie-dye shirts as a family or group! Whether you're at home, in a summer camp, or part of a team-building activity, matching tie-dye shirts make for a fun, creative bonding experience. Kids and adults alike will love experimenting with different colors and patterns.
Check out our Tie-Dye Kits, complete with dyes, gloves, and rubber bands for mess-free fun! -
Garden Stepping Stones: Design and decorate stepping stones using cement, molds, and embellishments like handprints, names, or colorful glass gems. Each person in the group can personalize their own stone, creating a collection of unique memories for a backyard, school garden, or camp walkway.
Our DIY Mosaic Votive Holders include decorative glass pieces that can be used for beautiful designs! Want to add personality? Try our Googly Eyes Pack for a playful touch!
These collaborative projects aren’t just about crafting—they’re about teamwork, creativity, and making memories. Whether it’s a rainy day family craft session, a summer camp team-building project, or a group activity for an arts & crafts program, these ideas bring people together for hands-on fun.
Pro Tip: Set up a "crafting station" in your home, classroom, or camp with shared supplies like brushes, paints, and stencils so everyone can easily participate!
5. Cultural and Global Crafts: Exploring the World Through Creativity
This summer, families, summer camps, and arts programs are turning to cultural crafts as a way to teach kids about different traditions from around the world. These crafts inspire creativity while introducing children to global patterns, colors, and artistic techniques—making crafting both fun and educational. From vibrant designs inspired by Mexican folk art to intricate patterns of African and Indian textiles, these projects offer a colorful way to expand kids’ horizons while celebrating diversity.
Why is cultural crafting important? It helps kids develop an appreciation for global traditions while encouraging them to express creativity through different artistic styles. Summer camps and educational programs can use these crafts as part of multicultural learning experiences, connecting art with history, geography, and storytelling.
Here are some great ways to bring the world into your crafting corner:
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Mexican-Inspired Papel Picado: Teach kids about the vibrant tradition of papel picado, or "cut paper," used in Mexican celebrations. With just colorful tissue paper, scissors, and creativity, kids can craft intricate designs to hang as decorations.
Looking for a full kit? Look at our Tissue Paper products to have everything you need to start this vibrant tradition at home.
Check out more Mexican-inspired crafts for additional creative ideas! -
African Patterned Kente Cloth: Let kids explore the bold, geometric patterns of African kente cloth by creating their own interpretations using strips of paper or fabric with colorful markers or paint. They’ll learn about symmetry, color theory, and the cultural significance behind the designs.
Stock up on Fabric Paint to make this a fun and mess-free activity.
Check out our collection of African-inspired crafts for even more ways to explore this beautiful art form! -
Japanese Origami and Washi Paper Art: Introduce kids to the intricate world of Japanese origami, where they can fold paper into cranes, flowers, and more. Pair it with washi paper crafts for a full exploration of Japanese artistic traditions.
Get started with our Origami Paper Squares and Origami Paper Assorted Sizes to bring your creations to life!
For more colorful crafting options, explore our Colorful Paper products.
Crafting inspired by different cultures not only promotes creativity but also fosters curiosity and appreciation for diversity. Parents, teachers, and camp leaders can make these projects even more meaningful by sharing stories, traditions, or fun facts about the cultures behind the crafts—turning them into a full educational journey.
Pro Tip: Host a "World Craft Day" where kids pick a country, learn about its traditions, and create a craft inspired by that culture. Our products make it easy to explore different cultures through hands-on, engaging activities that bring art and history together!
Make This Summer a Creative Adventure
Summer is the perfect season to spark creativity, encourage exploration, and make unforgettable memories through arts and crafts. From eco-friendly projects that teach sustainability to tech-enhanced creations that bring art into the digital age, this summer’s top trends are all about inspiring kids to think outside the box.
No matter which trend speaks to you, the key is to make crafting fun, accessible, and meaningful. Whether you’re turning trash into treasure, gathering natural materials for outdoor art, or experimenting with glowing LED projects, these crafts offer something for everyone.
Ready to start crafting? Check out our EconoCrafts product catalog for all the supplies you’ll need to bring these ideas to life. Share your summer creations with us on social media and tag us—we’d love to see what you and your kids create this season!
Let’s make this summer a creative adventure filled with color, fun, and memories that will last a lifetime.
