A table with various everyday items such as mason jars, paint brushes, and fabric scraps arranged neatly next to a pair of scissors and a glue gun
How to Turn Everyday Items into Trendy DIY Crafts for Any Skill Level
Written by Rosemary Stitches on 5/3/2025

Creative Bottle and Tin Can Crafts

Recycled plastic bottles and tin cans offer endless possibilities for trendy crafts. They can be transformed into planters, lanterns, storage containers, or desk organizers.

Cleaning and painting these items allows for unique customization with acrylic paints or decorative paper. Cutting and shaping bottles creates vases, bird feeders, or even wall art pieces.

Aluminum cans can be hammered flat and cut into shapes for wind chimes, or used as holders for craft supplies. For more inspiration on turning everyday containers into stylish items, there’s a detailed collection of upcycling ideas for beginners.

Safety should be considered when working with metal edges or heated bottles, especially for young children. Gloves and adult supervision are recommended if sharp objects like scissors or craft knives are used.

Cardboard-Based Decor

Cardboard is sturdy and easy to work with, making it perfect for DIY home decor and organizational tools. Shoeboxes and large packaging boxes can be turned into drawer organizers, decorative storage bins, or costume props.

Leftover cereal boxes can be cut and glued to build small shelves, magazine holders, or pen cups. Painting or wrapping these boxes with fabric or recycled decorative paper adds a personal touch and helps them blend with any décor.

For wall art, pieces of cardboard can be cut into geometric shapes, covered with colored paper, and arranged into striking patterns. Families and classrooms can also experiment with constructing cardboard playhouses or doll furniture.

As with most recycled crafts, using hot glue or white glue ensures strong, lasting results.

Seasonal DIY Decor Using Common Household Items

Many household items such as glass jars, fabric scraps, and old magazines can be transformed into eye-catching seasonal home decor. These do-it-yourself crafts are accessible for any skill level, offering both style and affordability.

Spring and Summer Decorations

Spring and summer are perfect seasons to bring fresh colors and lively textures into the home. Empty glass bottles or jars become chic flower vases when wrapped in twine, painted, or decorated with washi tape.

Soda cans can be cut and shaped into unique tealight holders for outdoor tables. Homemade paper garlands using old magazines create festive, eco-friendly banners for mantels or walls.

Tables can be brightened with fabric scrap placemats or coasters, stitched or glued. Egg cartons become floral wall art by cutting and painting the cups in pastel shades, then gluing them together into a bouquet.

To add greenery, make hanging planters out of tin cans or plastic bottles. With some string, these containers can be suspended by windows or on patios.

The possibilities for upcycled spring and summer home decor are nearly endless.

Autumn and Winter Accents

Autumn and winter decor emphasizes warmth and coziness with deeper colors and textured materials. Mason jars are easily turned into candle holders by wrapping them with burlap or twine and adding seasonal touches like cinnamon sticks or pinecones.

Old sweaters can be repurposed as decorative throw pillow covers or wrapped around glass votives for a soft, inviting glow. Felt scraps make excellent autumn leaf garlands or winter snowflake mobiles—both easy crafts for beginners.

Pumpkin shapes cut from cardboard and decorated with paint or fabric are perfect for fall. For winter, create snowy lanterns by adding Epsom salt or glitter to jars.

Many of these projects are highlighted in DIY craft kits for seasonal decorations. These ideas combine creativity and practicality, easily adapting to changing seasons.

Advanced DIY Techniques for Unique Creations

Advanced DIY crafts for adults offer opportunities to transform everyday items into striking art. Methods like resin casting and mixed media introduce a broad range of materials and open up possibilities for originality.

Exploring Resin Jewelry

Resin jewelry has emerged as a top trend for crafters seeking modern, personalized pieces. It allows creators to embed tiny flowers, beads, glitter, or even fabric scraps, producing unique necklaces, rings, and earrings.

The process involves mixing two-part epoxy resin, pouring it into silicone molds, and carefully adding inclusions for decorative effect. Safety remains essential, especially when handling resin.

Working in a well-ventilated area, wearing gloves, and following manufacturer instructions help prevent mishaps. Many hobbyists use toothpicks or tweezers to arrange small objects in the resin before it cures, ensuring precise placement.

Finishing touches, such as sanding rough edges or buffing the final piece, produce a polished look. Resin jewelry makes ideal gifts or products to sell because of its customizable nature.

To explore more about crafts suitable for various skill levels, visit these creative adult craft ideas.

Mixed Media Crafts

Mixed media crafts blend materials like paper, fabric, metal, and paint to create textured, layered works. Crafters can upcycle old magazines, junk mail, or unused clothing as base materials.

Adhesives such as Mod Podge or gel medium secure items for collage-style art on wood panels or canvas. Techniques include stamping, stenciling, decoupage, and adding embellishments such as buttons, yarn, or wire.

Incorporating these elements brings depth and personality, appealing to those who enjoy experimenting with texture and color. Mixed media supports both wall art and three-dimensional projects.

Layering is key: start with broad shapes or backgrounds and build up finer details. Patience is important as drying times vary between mediums.

Mixed media encourages creative freedom, making it one of the most versatile fun crafts for adults to explore.