60+ Fun Crafts for Tweens and Teens

Looking for amazing craft ideas for tweens and teens? Explore these Fun Crafts for Tweens and Teens that they are sure to love.

These Fun Crafts for Tweens and Teens are perfect for older kids who want to make stuff for fun or to sell. From cute homemade squishies, practical duct tape and paracord crafts to beautiful jewelry there is something on this list for everyone.

I’m going to just start by saying… this is a long post. But, it’s totally worth it to scroll all the way and see all of the amazing ideas here. I was trying to come up with around 50 craft ideas for tweens and teenagers since that’s the age group my kids are in, but there were too many craft ideas I couldn’t leave out – They’re just.that.good.

Everything here is geared towards 8-year-olds and up. I know you’ll find something that is just right for your older kid’s personality. Plus, most of these are easy and cheap crafts which only require a few, inexpensive supplies.

In this round-up, you will find some fantastic ideas for both girls and boys, and they will be spoiled for choice. Save these tween and teen crafting projects for when you’re on the hunt for rainy day activities or add a few crafts to your summer bucket list.

Bookmark this page to save for summer craft ideas when the boredom starts kicking in!

Duct Tape Crafts for Tweens and Teens

I am always amazed at the amazing things you can make with duct tape. You can pretty much use it like fabric, but since it’s adhesive, there’s no sewing! It’s great for tween crafts and crafts for teens. Explore the creative duct tape craft ideas below.

Main supplies needed: Duct Tape

1. Upcycled Pencil Case using Duct Tape

Transform an empty cardboard snack box into this amazing Upcycled Pencil Case. Pick up some funky patterned duct tape and check out this tutorial for guidance.

Learn more: Sustain My Craft Habit

2. Duct Tape Beads

These easy Duct Tape Beads are a fun project for tweens and teens. All you’ll need to make the beads are plastic straws, duct tape, scissors and twine to make them into a necklace.

Learn more: Clumsy Crafter

3. Duct Tape Earrings

You can pretty much make any kind of jewelry with duct tape. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces… There are so many ways to make them.

Learn more: Sugar Bee Crafts

4. DIY Duct Tape Backpack Bag

Design your own DIY Duct Tape Backpack Bag with this fun tutorial. This design will speak more to boys and girls can pick duct tape in their preferred pattern.

Learn more: Dukes & Duchesses

5. Duct Tape Tablet Case

Many kids at this age have a tablet or Kindle that they use, or maybe even a smartphone and this Duct Tape Tablet Case will be handy. See how to make it via the link below.

Learn more: Organize & Decorate Everything

6. Duct Tape Book Cover

This Duct Tape Book Cover tutorial shows you how to make the book cover with a fastener, pen holder, and pocket. Kids can personalize it to their heart’s delight!

Learn more: Duck Brand

7. Duct Tape Wallet

This pretty Duct Tape Wallet is perfect for keeping chore money and birthday gift cards. Choose a pretty pattern and follow the instructions in this tutorial to make it.

Learn more: DIY Beautify

Paracord Crafts for Tweens and Teens

Paracord rope is a lightweight, nylon, utility rope that is often used in survival applications. The cord has many uses, however, and it comes in so many colors and patterns that it also lends itself to some fun craft projects.

Main supplies needed: Paracord Rope

8. Paracord Snakes

Has your adolescent asked for a pet snake yet? Mine certainly has! I think I’ll direct her to these cute Paracord Snakes she can make herself, haha 🙂

Learn more: Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

9. Paracord Pineapple Key Fob

Follow the photo tutorial here to learn how to make this sweet Paracord Pineapple Key Fob using paracord rope. This is a fun teen craft idea for those looking forward to driving soon.

Learn more: Swiss Paracord

10. Paracord Buddies

These Paracord Buddies come together pretty quickly and are fun to customize with kids’ favorite colors. Hang them on a jacket to keep them close, or attach them to a backpack. Follow the tutorial here to make your own.

Learn more: Craft and Creativity

11. DIY Paracord Keychains

Keep the kids busy making these DIY Paracord Keychains with this tutorial. And if the kids enjoy making these, they’re great to give away as gifts to their friends too.

Learn more: Artsy Fartsy Mama

12. Paracord Bracelets

Many of the paracord rope kits come with buckles for making bracelets, belts, and more. I like this Paracord Bracelets tutorial because it uses sliding knots instead of buckles, so it’s easy to slide on and off and you don’t need to worry about having buckles on hand. You can use beads to decorate the paracord or use another colored cord, like the one shown.

Learn more: Paracord Guild

13. Paracord Hammock Chair

This Paracord Hammock Chair is a homemade teen project for kids who enjoy camping, hiking, backpacking, etc. It’s easier than you might think to create a functional hammock chair from paracord rope.

Learn more: Intense Angler

Squishy Crafts for Tweens and Teens

Squishies are as fun to make as they are to play with. And, they’re easier than you might think to make.

How to Make Squishies

Main supplies needed for super-easy DIY foam squishes:
– inexpensive memory foam pillow
– sharp scissors
– puffy paint

Basic Foam Pillow Squishy Tutorial:

1. Draw your pattern onto a piece of memory foam pillow.
2. Cut the foam into the shape you want based on the pattern. You’ll want to keep the shapes simple when you’re first starting out.
3. Use puffy paint to paint the foam in the colors you want.
4. Allow to dry completely. This can take up to 24 hours.
5. Have fun squishing!

14. DIY Squishies

Excited to learn how to make your own DIY Squishies? This tutorial will teach you a step-by-step process that once you learn you can create your own designs.

Learn more: Down Redbud Drive

15. DIY Rainbow Squishy

Learn how to make this giant DIY Rainbow Squishy. This tutorial uses memory foam in combination with puffy paint to make this adorable squishy toy.

Learn more: Sugar Spice and Glitter

16. DIY Watermelon Squishy Toy

Check out the materials you’ll need and the tips to make this cute DIY Watermelon Squishy Toy. This one is a great Summer project to keep the kids happy.

Learn more: Buggy and Buddy

Homemade Slime Recipes, Tutorials, and Kits for Tweens and Teens

Slime is everywhere! And my kids never get tired of making it. They seem to enjoy making it over playing with it, but it’s ok because sometimes it’s all about the process. Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to make, and surprisingly easy to clean up after.

How to Make Slime

Main supplies needed (the recipes differ, but common ingredients are listed here):
– glue
– borax
– food coloring

17. Unicorn Slime

Fun swirls of glitter and pastels are just what we love. Use this Unicorn Slime recipe to make this one, or get the kit with everything you need.

Learn more: The Best Ideas For Kids

18. Galaxy Slime

We love anything galaxy-inspired and this wonderful Galaxy Slime recipe is perfect for kids who enjoy exploring outer space.

Learn more: Little Bins Little Hands

19. Glow in the Dark Slime

Grab this Glow in the Dark Slime kit for everything you need to make fabulous glow-in-the-dark slime.

Find it here

20. Fluffy Slime Recipe

If you haven’t made fluffy slime, it should probably be at the top of your list to do next. The texture is so smooth and irresistible, you won’t want to put it down! Check out this Fluffy Slime Recipe via the link below.

Learn more: The Best Ideas For Kids

Paper Crafts for Tweens and Teens

You can’t go wrong with paper crafts because there are so many options, and paper is generally inexpensive and easy to come by.

21. Folded Paper Bracelets

These beautiful Folded Paper Bracelets are made with watercolor paintings. Have fun painting and folding your own unique paper bracelet (or make a bigger one for a crown!).

Learn more: Picklebums

22. Paper Quilled Monograms

These Paper Quilled Monograms require a little bit of patience and dexterity, which makes them perfect crafts for older kids. A monogram is a project they’ll love to keep and frame. See this simple tutorial, and save time with pre-cut quill paper.

Learn more: The Spruce Crafts

23. Hexaflexagons

My kids learned how to make these paper Hexaflexagons that continually fold in on themselves from YouTuber Vi Hart and became completely obsessed. Here is a great tutorial to get started.

Learn more: Chaotically Yours

24. Origami Picture Frames

These beautiful Origami Picture Frames are folded with colorful scraps of construction paper into flower-like origami frames. They’ll look lovely displaying your favorite photos of friends and family.

Learn more: Handmade Charlotte

25. 16 Point Origami Star

This 16 Point Origami Star is impressive to see and fun to make. Use your favorite colors and make plenty of them to decorate your room.

Learn more: Dream A Little Bigger

26. Paper Bag Stars

My daughter made these Paper Bag Stars at school and couldn’t want to come home and make more. I love this tutorial as it uses the splatter paint technique to decorate them.

Learn more: Babble Dabble Do

Pom Pom Craft Ideas for Teens and Tweens

Pom poms are delightfully irresistible because they are small and fluffy. As such, they lend themselves very well to being made into all kinds of adorable creations.

Main supplies needed:
– yarn or pre-made pom poms

If you’re making your own pom poms, you can either buy pom pom makers or simply check out this post with 7 different ways to make a pom pom.

You can also get some really cute project ideas of varying pom-pom-making skill level from the book “Pompomania: 30 cute and characterful pompoms”.

27. Pom Pom Bookmarks

As much as we use our Kindles and e-readers, I know that books are not completely obsolete just yet. My oldest loves reading and still prefers “real” books over her Kindle. These poofy Pom Pom Bookmarks are fun to make and use yourself, and also make great gifts paired with a favorite read.

Learn more: Design Mom

28. Pom Pom Animals

This Pom Pom Animals kit includes yarn and lots of tiny bits, plus instructions for making over 20 tiny pom pom animals. All you’ll need is a fork to wrap the yarn and scissors to shape the pom poms into fluffy spheres. I love grabbing kits like these for the kids to work on over the summer, or during school breaks.

29. Pom Pom Letters

All you need to make these adorable Pom Pom Letters is cardboard or wooden letters and a bunch of colorful pom poms. Perfect to create a fun word display in your bedroom.

Learn more: Bespoke Bride

30. Pom Pom Cactus

If you haven’t been able to keep those little succulents alive that you keep buying, then this cute Pom Pom Cactus is just what you need. Check out this fun tutorial to craft them.

Learn more: Laura Radniecki

31. DIY Pom Pom Earrings

You can make pom poms in lots of different designs, or choose one solid color, and attach it to fishhook earrings. If dangly earrings aren’t your style, you can also pick up some mini pom poms and attach them to post earrings. If you love these pretty DIY Pom Pom Earrings above head to this post.

Learn more: Honestly WTF

Jewelry Crafts for Tweens and Teens

Main supplies needed:
Starting with a basic jewelry making kit, your tweens and teens can make their own jewelry that they’ll love wearing. And they’ll be proud knowing that they made it themselves.

32. DIY Tassel Earrings

You can keep these DIY Tassel Earrings simple with just one color, or use different colored embroidery floss to make them multicolored. They’re totally adorable and quick to put together.

Learn more: Made with Happy

33. Finger Knitted Necklace

There are lots of different ways to turn t-shirts into necklaces. I love how these Finger Knitted Necklaces turned out. Go find some old shirts and make your own with this tutorial.

Learn more: Infarrantly Creative

34. Avocado and Toast Shrink Plastic Earrings

Shrink plastic is so fun and versatile, that it never gets old. Grab your shrink plastic sheets and create your own Avocado and Toast Earrings, or come up with your own design. These can also be used as charms on a bracelet.

Learn more: Club Crafted

35. Wire Wrapped Rings

These gorgeous Wire Wrapped Rings are a beginner-level tutorial that older kids can have a go at. They will learn to use a simple wire-wrapping technique to craft these pretty rings.

Learn more: Moms & Crafters

36. Square Knot Bracelets

The humble square knot bracelet gets an upgrade with these gorgeous macrame-style Square Knot Bracelets. Grab some jewelry connectors that match your style and get to work on your new accessories. These are fun to make with friends and make great gifts.

Learn more: Honestly WTF

Melty Bead Crafts

Melty beads (AKA Perler beads or fuse beads) are fun to create with and we never get tired of them. They are pretty small and can become messy if they spill, but if you keep them well-contained they’re really easy to clean up.

You can turn your finished, fused beads into key chains, backpack hangers, magnets, pins, ornaments, or even earrings using the mini beads.

Main supplies needed:
– assorted melty beads
– bead canvas
– tweezers
– ironing paper
– iron

37. Create your own Cute Designs

There are endless possibilities for what you can make with your beads and a pegboard. While this is one of the great things about melty bead crafts, it can also be intimidating when you first start. If you like having a bit of structure to start from, using shaped pegboards may be a great way to start.

Another way to create your own designs is to sketch your work out on graph paper or work it out using online 8-bit graphics tools like this. When you’re finished, you can put them in frames, attach them to jump rings and use them as key fobs or backpack hangers, attach a magnet to the back, turn them into earrings, use them as gift hangers, and anything else you can think of!

38. Make Favorite Characters

Make your Favorite Characters with Perler beads! You can follow a pattern or create your own. Need some Perler bead patterns? Check out our Perler Bead Patterns page. We also love using the Beadcraft books, where you can find Minecraft, Pokemon, and lots of popular gaming characters.

39. Create Beaded Necklaces

Perler beads are so versatile, you don’t just have to use them as melty beads. String them onto a chain to make beautiful beaded necklaces. I love this Beaded Necklace and this tutorial has instructions on how to make it.

Learn more: Joann

40. Create a Bowl

These bowls are amazing. A big bowl will take some time and patience, but you can follow the same method with smaller glass bowls if you’re short on time (or patience!). Find the tutorial below.

Learn more: Vikalpah

41. Make a Pair of Cute Cactus Earrings

You can make cute tiny things with mini beads that are great for turning into earrings. I’ve created these Cute Cactus Earrings and made a fun tutorial for you.

Learn more: Fun Loving Families

42. Make a Perler Bead Headphone Case

If your earbuds are always getting tangled, you can use melty beads to make a simple holder to wrap the cords around. I love these pretty Perler Bead Headphone Case designs and you can see how to make them in this post.

Learn more: My Frugal Adventures

Clay Crafts for Tweens and Teens

Clay is a beautiful relaxing medium to work with for tweens and teens. Explore some lovely clay projects below with air dry clay and polymer clay. Also, remember to check out the 20 Things to Make with Air Dry Clay for more ideas.

Main supplies needed:
– air dry clay
– polymer clay

43. Clay Alphabet Dishes

Using air dry clay and alphabet cookie cutters, you can make some lovely personalized dishes like these Clay Alphabet Dishes to hold small desktop items. These are very useful for containing small things like hair ties or rings.

Learn more: Willowday

44. BFF Heart Necklaces

You can create colorful necklaces using polymer clay, which you’ll need to bake, or from air dry clay. These beautiful BFF Heart Necklaces are crafted from air dry clay with a heart cookie cutter and painted with some acrylic paint.

Learn more: A Kailo Chic Life

45. Feather Pendant

And here is a pretty Feather Pendant crafted with polymer clay. You can pick different colors of clay to make the leaves and mix and match them together in one necklace. This would be a lovely project for teen girls.

Learn more: Dream A Little Bigger

46. Cute DIY Phone Holder

This Cute DIY Phone Holder is adorable and ready to take on big tasks, like holding your phone for a bit while you tend to other things.

Learn more: Doodle & Stitch

DIY Soaps and More

Bath and body projects are a favorite of mine. I love all the scents and fun colors! If you like the convenience of crafting from a kit, I’m sharing a couple to give them a try!

47. DIY Gemstone Soaps

I love these colorful DIY Gemstone Soaps. You’ll need a few soap-making supplies, but once you have everything you can make these in about 10 minutes!

Learn more: Happiness is Homemade

48. Rainbow Soap

What could be better than starting your day with a hot shower and some bright, colorful Rainbow Soap?! These are easy to make using the melt-and-pour method. See this tutorial for instructions.

Learn more: Growing Up Gabel

49. Soap Making Kit

If you’d love a ready-to-go kit then this Soap Making Kit is a fantastic way to get started with soap-making.

50. Soap Jellies Kit

And here’s another one that is pretty cool for the tweens and teens. You can get this Soap Jellies Kit via the link below.

51. DIY Donut Bath Bombs

These DIY Donut Bath Bombs are full of fun! First, you get to have fun making them, then you get to enjoy a nice bath. Win-win!

Learn more: Club Crafted

52. Kool Aid Lip Balm

I’m on the lookout for some yummy Kool-Aid flavors so we can make our own Kool Aid Lip Balm! We found some very inexpensive lip balm containers at Hobby Lobby that we can use once we’re ready.

Learn more: I Don’t Have Time For That

Miniature Crafts for Tweens and Teens

When you make something smaller, it instantly becomes more cute. These mini crafts are cute and tiny and loads of fun for tweens and teens to create.

53. Mini Unicorn Rainbow Donuts

There are a couple of different ways to go with tiny food. There’s tiny food that is actually real food that you make in miniature sizes and then can eat. Real tiny food is quite popular at our house, and our 10-year-old has made tiny chips, tiny pancakes, and more. Here’s a recipe that you can use, along with this mini donut pan, to make these delicious Mini Unicorn Rainbow Donuts with a rainbow-colored dough and a unicorn glaze.

Learn more: The Flavor Bender

54. Polymer Clay Donut Charms

Then there’s the tiny food that you make from clay (or other materials), and you can use it for jewelry, like these adorable Polymer Clay Donut Charms. See this tutorial on how to make them into a pretty necklace.

Learn more: Artsy Fartsy Mama

55. Fairy Gardens (or mini gardens)

These tiny gardens and terrariums are so fun to get creative with. You can create a little terrarium garden to keep in your bedroom. Or venture outside and find the perfect spot to create your own tiny fairyland. Want some guidance for the best plants to use for indoor and outdoor fairy gardens? Check out this fairy garden plant guide from Empress of Dirt.

Learn more: Crafts by Amanda

56. Miniature Plant Holders

You can buy wine corks for crafting and use them to make Miniature Plant Holders. I absolutely love these charming wine cork succulent planter magnets.

Learn more: The Decorated Cookie

57. Mini Nebula Jars

Take all the beauty of a nebula and bottle it! These Mini Nebula Jars are so pretty and can be worn as a necklace pendant. Tweens and teens will have so much fun making them.

Learn more: A Crafty Spoonful

Sharpie and Tie Dye Crafts for Tweens and Teens

Use markers and dyes to color your world! You can give just about anything white a personal touch by adding your own colorful designs. Decorate shoes, mugs, hats, tea towels, shirts, plates, phone cases…and anything else that looks like it just needs a little something extra. 🙂

Main materials needed:

Big Set of Sharpie Markers or Tulip Dye Kit

58. Tie Dye Shirts

Tie-dying shirts never get old. You can personalize them in a million different ways, and it’s always exciting to see how the finished shirt comes out. Check out this guide for Tie Dye Shirt patterns and different folding techniques.

Learn more: Sarah Maker

59. Sharpie Tie Dye Shoes

We made our Sharpie Tie Dye Shoes this Spring and I love how bright and colorful they turned out! The only thing I would do differently is use a better pair of white canvas shoes next time.

As much as we love how these look, the cheap pairs of tennis shoes that we bought are terribly uncomfortable! Maybe buy a cheap pair to practice and then go in for a comfy pair when you feel confident in the design you want to make.

Learn more: Fun Loving Families

Also, check out more DIY shoe decorating ideas here.

60. DIY Tie Dye Shrinky Dink Keychains

These DIY Tie Dye Shrinky Dink Keychains are such a cool project. Find out how to make them with Sharpie markers and rubbing alcohol for the “tie dye” look.

Learn more: One Little Project

Crafting Memories

I’m a mom to an 11-year-old and a 13-year-old who are as different as night and day. But, they both like to get crafty every now and then when the mood strikes them. It’s been so fun watching them explore new crafts and develop their creativity. Plus, I’m always glad to see them doing activities that don’t involve a screen.

I hope you found inspiring crafts for tweens in your life. Or even teen craft ideas! I highly recommend joining your kids in creating something. Even if you’re “not a crafty person”, the memories you make with your kids will more than makeup for your less-than-perfect fairy house or duct tape earrings!

Most of the tween craft ideas (and teen crafts) shared here are even more fun as a group. Invite the kids’ friends. Keep these craft ideas on hand for sleepovers or for helping your older kid make some DIY gifts for their friends!

Most importantly, have fun creating!

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