Easy Summer DIY Ideas You’ll Enjoy Without Breaking a Sweat
Beat the heat with a few easy summer DIY ideas. From handmade wreaths to homemade candles, these simple projects are a great way to stay busy and creative.
If there’s one thing I try to avoid during the summer months, it’s spending hours indoors working on DIY projects that leave me sweating more than the sticky, humid weather outside.
Summer is supposed to feel a little easier than the rest of the year.
I’m talking lazy afternoons, lounging on a float in the pool, a cold drink in my hand, and not a care (well mostly not a care) in the world.
However, creativity is something I just can’t turn off…no matter the season.
For summer though, it has to be simple.
The kind of projects that are low effort but high reward (my personal fav).
DIYs I can make in minutes, with materials I most likely have on hand, and that add a little charm to our home without breaking a sweat.
That’s exactly what this roundup is all about.
These easy summer craft ideas are meant to be enjoyed now and later from simmer pots and floral arrangements to homemade vanilla extract (yes, summer is a great time to think ahead to the holidays).
So whether you’re crafting on a rainy afternoon or just looking for a reason to sit in the shade, I hope you find inspiration in this roundup of seasonal projects.
Getting Creative This Summer
Are you ready to get creative without breaking a sweat?!
Here’s a general idea of the summer projects in this post and the supplies that you’ll need to create them…
Types of Summer DIYs
- Outdoor Crafts
- Summer Table Accessories
- Beachy Home Decor
- Nature Inspired Art
- Upcycled Garden Decorations
- Seasonal Gifts
- Patriotic Projects
- Easy Home Accents
Materials You’ll Need
- Fresh Flowers & Herbs
- Air Dry Clay
- Seashells
- Candle Wax & Wicks
- Lemongrass Essential Oil
- Mason Jars or Glass Containers
- Vanilla Beans
- Bourbon
- Scrabble Tiles
- Wood Skewers
- Ribbons
- Dutch Oven or Saucepan
- Hot Glue Gun & Glue Sticks
- Scissors or Wire Cutters
- Grapevine Wreath
supplies you’ll need
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NOTE: I’ve linked all the materials you’ll need within each project to make it easier to find something specific.
11 Easy Summer DIY Projects You’ll Actually Enjoy
These are some of our favorite summer projects at Eleanor Rose Home that are simple, charming, and you can enjoy making (and using) all season long.
simple cozy living
Want more inspiration to make your home feel cozy and inviting?
Check out our collection of home decor ideas for creative tips and stylish touches you’ll love!
Air Dry Clay Flower Frogs
These DIY flower frogs are a great way to transform ordinary vessels (like mason jars or swing top bottles) into pretty vases to display fresh cut flowers from your garden.
They’re easy to make, customizable, and add vintage style to any floral arrangement with no special tools required.
Hydrangea Arrangement
Bring summer’s iconic blooms indoors with a super simple hydrangea arrangement.
All you need is a few hydrangea stems, some pro tips & tricks, and you can create a beautiful centerpiece that looks full and effortlessly styled.
All-Natural Citronella Candles
Ditch store bought citronella candles and make your own all-natural ones!
These candles are made with lemongrass essential oil, lemon slices, and fresh rosemary to help keep bugs away while still adding a cozy, handmade touch to your porch or patio.
Scrabble Tile Plant Labels
Add a quirky, cottage style touch to your herb garden or potted plants with these DIY plant markers.
They come together in minutes, are a fun way to reuse old game pieces, and they bring personality and whimsy to your summer garden.
I’m Heidi, the heart and hands behind Eleanor Rose Home.
I’ll show you that your home can become a place of warmth, comfort, and style with practical tips, creative ideas, and my own journey to help you create a space that feels like you…welcoming, personal, and full of charm.
Fresh Rosemary Grapevine Wreath
Made with fresh rosemary clippings, this herb wreath adds natural greenery to your kitchen, entryway, or even your outdoor spaces.
The scent is wonderfully fresh and earthy, and as it dries, the wreath takes on a rustic charm that can last multiple seasons.
It’s beautiful hung as-is or you can dress it up with a ribbon for an easy summer accent that brings the garden indoors.
Lemonade Concentrate
An easy homemade lemonade concentrate using four simple ingredients.
It’s perfect for mixing up a quick glass or pitcher whenever you’re looking for a refreshing drink on a hot summer day.
Store it in the fridge or freezer and enjoy the taste of freshly squeezed lemonade without a big fuss all summer.
Homemade Lemonade Recipe
Learn how to make lemonade with homemade lemonade concentrate for a delicious, refreshing summer drink.
All Green Simmer Pot
If you’re not familiar with simmering pots, it’s a pot of water filled with various ingredients (typically a mix of herbs, spices, fruits, or flowers) which simmers on the stove, creating a fragrant aroma.
I created this particular recipe for summer with lime slices, fresh thyme, mint, and water.
One of the things I love most about stovetop potpourri is that it’s a great way to use up fruit and herbs that may be past their prime.
Here’s how to easily make an all-green simmer pot for your home…
What You’ll Need:
- 1 Lime Sliced
- 4 Sprigs of Thyme
- 2 Sprigs of Mint
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 4 cups Water
Combine all ingredients in a Dutch oven, bring to a simmer over low heat, and simmer uncovered for up to 2 hours. Replace water as needed.
Ribbon Garland
Here’s what I love about this DIY…
It’s so easy it’s almost silly, and you can completely customize it to match the style of your home or to match the season.
This project is all about making something simple that feels elevated whether you use soft pastels, bold Americana colors, or a mix of textured ribbons.
Patriotic Wreath
This DIY wreath is a fun and festive way to celebrate summer holidays like the Memorial Day, Flag Day, or 4th of July.
Made with red, white, and blue ribbon and flags attached to a floral wreath, it adds a pop of color to your front door or entryway.
It’s easy to make in under 5 minutes and completely customizable.
Homemade Vanilla Extract
I like to make DIYs like this when it’s so hot outside it feels like you’re on the surface of the sun.
It’s the perfect kind of slow, simple project you can do in the comfort of air conditioning…quiet, satisfying, and something you’ll actually use (or gift) later on.
With just two ingredients, vanilla beans and bourbon, you can create a flavorful extract that’s perfect for holiday baking or gifting.
If you start a batch this summer, by Christmas, you’ll have a homemade gift that smells as good as it tastes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special tools or supplies for these summer projects?
Most of these DIYs can be made with items you already have at home or with a few basic supplies like ribbon, jars, or herbs. I’ve linked materials in each project to make it easier if you need something specific!
How long do these summer crafts take to make?
Each DIY is designed to be simple and quick because that’s how I roll. Most take under an hour to make. A few, like the vanilla extract, take time to set, but the actual hands-on time is minimal.
Are these DIYs kid-friendly?
Yes, many of them are! Simmer pots, ribbon garlands, and scrabble tile plant markers are great for the kiddos to help with (with supervision, of course). The candles and vanilla extract involve heat or alcohol, so you might want to DIY those yourself.
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My Final Thoughts on Easy Summer DIY Ideas
Summer is a great time to get a little crafty, especially when the projects are this simple and satisfying.
I hope this roundup has inspired you to make a little something with your hands, whether you’re decorating for July 4th, prepping thoughtful gifts for the holidays, or just looking for an excuse to stay out of the sun.
Let me know which project you’re excited to try, or if you’ve made one already, I’d love to see how it turned out!
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xoxo, heidi
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Yes, making vanilla extract is super simple!!! Let me know how you like both the lemonade concentrate and the vanilla extract once you make them. Thanks Ashley!
Who knew making your own vanilla extract could be so simple with so few ingredients! I am obsessed with vanilla and can’t wait to give this a try – my whole house can smell of vanilla – absolutely lush! I’m also going to try and make my own lemonade concentrate – lemons always made me feel like going out and enjoying the summer sunshine! xxx