Entertaining teens and keeping them away from screens can be tricky! Crafting is really beneficial for teens of all ages. It helps them become more creative, let off steam, express themselves and discover their true passions.
We've rounded up crafts for teens so that no matter how fussy yours is, you can find them a creative project.
There's everything from air dry clay to jewellery making to keep them entertained. Finding the best crafts for teens has never been easier.
37 craft ideas for teens
1. Candle painting
Candle painting is a wonderfully creative craft that teens will love. All you need is a white candle, a few coloured tea light candles and a paintbrush!
While you can decorate candles using paint markers, it's safer to use wax if you want to light them.
2. Pottery painting
Create unique ceramics with these exciting pottery painting ideas. Pottery painting is a great craft for teens to enjoy with their friends – they can catch up with each other while they paint.
3. Self portrait art
This self portrait painting tutorial by Esther Curtis can be used to create a fun piece of art for a teen's bedroom.
They can add their own motivational slogan to make their self portrait even more personal.
4. Mug painting ideas
Make your own original designs with these inventive mug painting ideas. Doodle little pictures, paint geometric patterns or experiment with cool marbled effects.
5. Moon phase garland
Bring magic into your bedroom with this enchanting moon phase garland. This enchanting decoration is made using polymer clay that's been rolled to create this gorgeous marbled look.
6. Air dry clay ideas
Air dry clay is one of the most popular crafts at the moment and it's easy to see why – with a packet of clay you can make everything from jewellery dishes to Christmas decorations.
Browse our air dry clay ideas and see where your imagination takes you.
7. Butterfly art
Brighten up any room with this hand-painted butterfly art idea! You can paint the butterflies in any colour and come up with your own patterns.
8. Paint by numbers kits
A paint by numbers kit is the perfect activity for a rainy weekend! Put on your favourite show, make a drink and settle in for a relaxing painting session.
9. Painted plant pots
Upcycle some old tin cans into colourful plant pots! All you need is some acrylic paints and a brush.
Check out our painted plant pots tutorial for ideas to copy, or come up with your own.
10. Resin rings
Shine bright with your own handmade accessories! These pretty resin rings are an easy way to add extra sparkle to any outfit.
Discover how to make resin rings with Gathered.
11. Natural lip balm
Is there anything cooler than making your own cosmetics? These sweet little lip balm tins are so easy to make at home and they make amazing gifts for friends and family.
Learn how to make lip balm with our easy tutorial.
12. Bath bombs
Looking for an alternative to shop-bought bath bombs? Making your own bath bombs is so satisfying, as you can customise them with different scents and colours.
Find out how to make bath bombs at home with Gathered's easy step-by-step guide.
13. Wax melts
Wax melts look cute and can be customised with your choice of essential oils. Once they're made, you can put them in an oil burner with a burning tea light underneath to release the fragrance.
Follow our how to make wax melts guide to whip up your own batch.
14. Seed bead bracelets
These delicate seed bead bracelets are perfect for summer. Threading the beads together takes time, but it's well worth the effort.
Why not make matching bracelets for a friend?
15. Watercolour painting ideas
Watercolours paints are affordable and incredibly versatile. They can be used to create everything from beautiful patterns to pretty flower paintings.
Explore our watercolour painting ideas to find your next project.
16. Polymer clay earrings
Get creative with colours and craft your own bold polymer clay earrings. Once you've mastered the basic technique, you can have fun coming up with your own designs.
17. Soap making
Making your own soap is a lot easier than you might think! The most simple soap making method is the melt and pour technique and you can even buy kits with everything you need to get started.
Make your own bars with Gathered's guide to melt and pour soap making.
18. T-shirt printing
Want an exclusive t-shirt design that no one else owns? Make your own using this fabulous DIY t-shirt printing tutorial by Shikira Alleyne-Samuel.
19. Tie dye t-shirt
Tie dye t-shirts are a summer wardrobe staple! Wear them for chilling at home, as a cute festival look or pack one in your bag for a day at the beach.
Take a look at our tie dye patterns to find the perfect one for you.
20. Cyanotype printing
Create beautiful prints for your bedroom using cyanotype printing. Place plants or other objects on top of chemically treated paper and leave it in the sun to reveal your original prints.
21. Punch needle plant hanger
Punch needle plant hangers are very on-trend and are a fun way to bring a pop of colour to any room.
Punch needle embroidery is very satisfying and a great way to relieve stress too.
22. Embroidered badges
If you've never tried embroidery before, these cheerful embroidered badges will make you want to learn.
Clare Albans' designs will help you feel positive whenever you need a boost. These cute badges make sweet gifts for friends too.
Never tried embroidery before? Check out our embroidery for beginners guide to get started.
23. Crochet jumper
The shops are filled with cute crochet jumpers and cardigans at the moment. If you'd love to have a go at making your own, this is the ideal pattern to start with.
The jumper is made up of granny squares, which are one of the first things beginners usually make when they take up crochet.
Learn how to make a crochet jumper with our free pattern.
24. Geode coasters
These stylish geode coasters look expensive, but they're a lot cheaper to make than you might think. You can use them as coasters, or keep them as decorations.
25. Embroidery on clothing
Don't throw away your old clothes! You can give them a new lease of life by adding a dash of embroidery.
You'll save money and help the environment at the same time. Find out how with our embroidery on clothes guide.
26. Easy scarf pattern
Make your first scarf with this fantastic easy scarf pattern. You only need to learn one stitch to knit this pattern, so you'll be able to whip it up in no time at all.
This is a brilliant project to make in the autumn when the weather's starting to get cold!
27. Flower wall
Make your bedroom the envy of all your friends by making your own stunning flower wall. You can use your choice of colours and flower types to come up with your own colourful display.
28. Tassel earrings
This craft idea is for older teens who have their ears pierced. Let them choose their favourite colours and create these funky earrings. For a younger tween alternative help them make their tassels into necklaces.
29. Pom pom keyrings
Use our how to make a pom pom tutorial to pick up everything you need to know, then let them make their own fluffy pals with this free pom pom bear pattern!
30. Friendship bracelets
Use our simple to follow video and let your teens and tweens learn how to make friendship bracelets.
31. Woven wall hanging
Set them up with different coloured yarn and our how to weave and DIY loom tutorial - it'll keep them entertained for hours.
32. Macrame plant hanger
Learn how to make a macrame plant hanger with this great project. It's a fab way of introducing teens to the world of macrame.
33. Floral paper garland
Craft this paper floral garland together and hang them around your teenager's bed for a handmade touch.
34. Pencil case
You'll need to help your teens with sewing the zip in, but making a pencil case ready for when they go back to school is a fab project to work on together.
35. DIY picture blocks
All your teens will need is some wooden blocks and paint and then they can make their very own picture holders. These would be fab gifts for their friends too.
36. Weather paperclips
These cute little paper clip toppers are the ideal little companions for back to school teens.
37. Macrame bunting
For older teens this heart macrame bunting tutorial is a lovely project. We also have a library of basic macrame knots which they can follow along with.
Amazing crafts for teens to inspire their creativity
Crafting with your teen or letting them make something with their friends could help to inspire a lifetime of creativity.
They'll make memories that they'll treasure for years to come – and may even continue crafting into adulthood!
Arts and crafts for kids to beat boredom
Do you have younger children to entertain? There are lots of brilliant arts and crafts that are guaranteed to fire up their imaginations, no matter how young they are!
Check out Gathered's arts and crafts for kids to find plenty of fun ideas to try.
