10 Crafts to do Instead of Scrolling on Your Phone!

Picture this: It’s hour three of scrolling through your phone. You’ve watched 127 TikToks featuring cute animals, completed the Wordle (hopefully with success), and even diagnosed yourself with a rare disease you found on Google. So, what now? Well, I have an idea for you: CRAFTS! Yes, crafts are the perfect solution to end your doomscrolling. No, you are not too old to enjoy crafts, and yes, you should probably head to your nearest Michaels/art store right now!

In this blog post, I will share 10 different craft ideas that you can do alone or with friends to stay busy and foster your creativity. You can adapt these projects to fit your own style or follow them as they are to kickstart your DIY journey. While there are not image examples for every single craft, a simple Google search should help you find visual examples. Let’s dive in!

1. Air-Dry Clay Magnets

Air-dry clay is an easy and fun material to use. To make air-dry clay magnets for your fridge or any magnetic surface, start by shaping your clay. You can create anything, like letters or food items! After the clay dries for the recommended time, use acrylic paint and a brush to colour your creations. Once the paint is dry, glue small magnets to the back of your pieces using strong glue. Wait for the glue to dry, and now you have your own clay magnets! (You need: air-dry clay, acrylic paint, glue, and magnets).

2. Beaded Curtains

There is nothing more whimsical than beaded curtains. To make them, string various beads onto jewelry string. Create as many strings as you need, and make them as long as you want to fit your space. Tie each string to a long wooden dowel to form your curtain. You can also tie them directly to an existing curtain pole if you prefer. Now hang the dowel anywhere you like and enjoy how the sun shines through the beads! (You need: beads, jewelry string, and a wooden dowel).

3. Painted Jenga Game

Jenga is a fun game, but you can make it even better by painting the pieces in bright colours. Use acrylic paint to decorate each Jenga block for a personal touch. After the paint dries, seal each piece with a thin layer of Mod Podge and let it dry completely. Now, your Jenga set will be unique and extra colourful for your next game day! (You need: Jenga game, acrylic paint, and Mod Podge).

4. Name Banners

Name banners are fun to make with friends or family and can be hung on bedroom doors. First, trace a triangle shape onto felt, along with the letters of your name and any other designs you want. Next, cut everything out and arrange the letters and shapes on the triangular piece of fabric (the banner). Use hot or white glue to stick your letters and shapes onto the triangle. You can add lace, glitter, gems, or anything else you like to make it more personal, and you’re done! (You need: felt, scissors, and hot or white glue).

5. Beaded Plants

Are you a serial plant killer? If so, beaded plants are the solution! To make one, string different green beads onto thin beading wire. Create several strands to make your plant look fuller. Once you finish, fill a plant pot with flower foam and stick the wired beads into the foam. You can arrange the beads in any way you like to create a unique plant that doesn’t need water! (You need: beads, jewelry wire, a plant pot, and flower foam).

6. DIY Bookmarks

If you enjoy reading, DIY bookmarks are a fun craft for you! First, cut rectangles from thick paper or cardstock to make the shape of the bookmarks. Then, use paint, coloured pencils, or markers to decorate the paper. Feel free to get creative and make different bookmarks for specific books or series!

7. Painted Light Switch

White light switch covers are out, and whimsical, painted ones are in. You heard it here first, folks! For this DIY, start by carefully unscrewing your light switch cover from your wall, rinsing it off and drying it fully. Now, using acrylic paint or acrylic paint markers, create your own design on the cover. You can keep it simple with stripes or polka dots, or get wild and recreate the Mona Lisa! For extra protection, seal your design with a thin layer of Mod Podge. Once dry, re-attach it to your wall and you’re all done! (You need: Screwdriver, light-switch cover, acrylic paint/markers, and Mod Podge).

8. Decorated Frames

Decorating frames is fun because you can use any materials you like to personalize them! You can glue on buttons, shells, gems, lace, or pom poms. You can also paint them with acrylic paint or add glitter glue. It’s really that simple, and they make great personalized gifts for friends and family! (You need: a frame, and anything you can glue onto a frame).

9. Jean Pocket Holder

This project is simple and fun. To start, cut out the pocket from a pair of jeans you don’t plan to wear again. Leave some space around the pocket to frame the material. Next, place the pocket in a frame without glass. Now you can hang the framed pocket on your wall to hold your sunglasses, keys, or anything else that fits! (You need: an old pair of jeans, scissors, and a frame).

10. Bedazzle Everything You Own

For craft #10, I thought I would introduce you to the world of bedazzling everyday objects. You can use small gems and super glue to add sparkle to anything! Decorate the caps of your makeup products, your digital camera (but not the lens), hair clips, or water bottles. It’s up to you, and it makes everything more fun!

I hope you have been inspired by these crafting ideas and feel ready to try something new!