14 Relaxing Arts and Crafts for Adults to Try This Weekend
Arts and crafts for adults aren’t just about making pretty things — they’re about carving out a pocket of calm in your busy week.
Whether you’re looking to destress after work, create something beautiful for your home, or finally tackle that Pinterest board you’ve been curating for months, these DIY craft ideas are here to help. No judgment if your first attempt looks more “abstract” than intended; that’s part of the charm.
Fun fact: Studies show that mindful crafting can reduce cortisol levels by up to 25% — basically, your glue gun is therapy in disguise ✨.
Contents
- 0.1 How long do most DIY craft projects take?
- 0.2 Can I sell handmade crafts I make from these ideas?
- 1 Why Handmade Crafts Matter
- 2 14 Creative Hobbies to Spark Your Weekend
- 2.1 1. Watercolor Resist Art with Salt
- 2.2 2. Beginner Macrame Plant Hanger
- 2.3 3. Pressed Flower Bookmarks
- 2.4 4. Resin Coasters with Dried Botanicals
- 2.5 5. Hand-Lettered Inspirational Quote Prints
- 2.6 6. Mini Embroidery Hoop Art
- 2.7 7. Geometric String Art
- 2.8 THOUDONER DIY 3D String Art Crafts Kit for Adults Beginner Unique…
- 2.9 8. Scented Soy Candle Making
- 2.10 9. Painted Terra Cotta Pots
- 2.11 10. Washi Tape Journal Covers
- 2.12 11. Air-Dry Clay Trinket Dishes
- 2.13 12. Upcycled Wine Bottle Vases
- 2.14 13. Abstract Acrylic Pour Painting
- 2.15 14. Felted Wool Dryer Balls
- 3 Grab Your Glue Gun and Get Started
- 4 FAQs
How long do most DIY craft projects take?
Most beginner craft sets can be completed in 30 minutes to 2 hours of active time, though projects like resin art or pressed flowers require additional curing or drying time.
Can I sell handmade crafts I make from these ideas?
Absolutely! Many adult craft projects like macrame plant hangers, resin coasters, and painted pots sell well at craft fairs, on Etsy, or through social media — just ensure you’re using original designs or properly licensed patterns.
Why Handmade Crafts Matter
There’s something magical about creating with your own two hands. Adult craft projects connect us to a slower pace of life, where we’re not scrolling or multitasking — just creating. Crafting for beginners might feel intimidating at first, but remember: every expert was once a beginner who didn’t give up after the first wonky attempt.
These therapeutic art projects double as self-care activities that leave you with something tangible to show for your time. They say idle hands are the devil’s workshop — but with the right craft supplies, they’re pure creative gold 🎨.
14 Creative Hobbies to Spark Your Weekend
Warning: You might start hoarding mason jars, fabric scraps, and “interesting” rocks after reading this.
1. Watercolor Resist Art with Salt
Create dreamy, galaxy-like paintings using simple watercolors and table salt. This stress relief craft is all about letting go and watching the magic happen as salt absorbs pigment in unexpected patterns.
What You’ll Need:
- Watercolor paints
- Watercolor paper
- Table salt
- Paintbrush set
- Small container of water
How to Make: Paint wet, vibrant watercolor washes on your paper. While still wet, sprinkle salt generously across the surface. Watch as the salt creates starry, crystalline textures. Let dry completely (about 30 minutes), then brush off the salt to reveal your masterpiece.
🛒 Pro Tip: A quality watercolor painting tutorial set on Amazon often includes artist-grade paints that blend beautifully — worth the small splurge for results that actually look professional.
Time Needed: 45 minutes (including drying time)
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
Eco Note: Use recycled paper scraps for practice rounds.
2. Beginner Macrame Plant Hanger
Macrame projects for adults are having a major moment, and this simple plant hanger requires zero previous experience. Think boho vibes, natural textures, and that satisfying rhythm of knotting.
What You’ll Need:
- 100 feet of macrame cord (cotton or jute)
- Metal or wooden ring (2-inch diameter)
- Scissors
- Potted plant
- Measuring tape
How to Make: Cut eight 12-foot strands of cord. Fold in half and attach to the ring using lark’s head knots. Divide into four groups of four strands. Create square knots down each group for about 10 inches, then join neighboring groups with more square knots to form the basket. Gather all strands and tie a final knot at the bottom.
🛒 Pro Tip: Grab a macrame cord bundle online — it comes in gorgeous natural shades and gives you enough for multiple projects.
Time Needed: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate ⭐⭐
3. Pressed Flower Bookmarks
Turn a weekend walk into art by preserving wildflowers between pages. These handmade crafts for adults make thoughtful gifts and keep summer alive all year long.
What You’ll Need:
- Fresh flowers and leaves
- Heavy books
- Parchment paper
- Cardstock or thick paper
- Mod Podge or clear adhesive
- Ribbon
How to Make: Place flowers between parchment paper sheets inside a heavy book. Press for 7-10 days. Once dried, arrange flowers on cardstock rectangles, seal with a thin layer of Mod Podge, and add a ribbon through a hole-punched top.
🛒 Pro Tip: A flower press kit speeds up the process to 2-3 days and keeps petals perfectly flat — ideal if patience isn’t your strong suit.
Time Needed: 15 minutes active time, 7-10 days pressing
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
Eco Note: Forage responsibly and never pick endangered species.
4. Resin Coasters with Dried Botanicals
Resin art for beginners sounds intimidating but it’s actually quite forgiving. These glossy coasters look expensive but cost just a few dollars per set to make.
What You’ll Need:
- Clear epoxy resin kit
- Silicone coaster molds
- Dried flowers, leaves, or glitter
- Mixing cups and stir sticks
- Protective gloves
How to Make: Mix resin according to package directions (usually 1:1 ratio). Pour a thin layer into molds, arrange your botanicals, then cover with more resin. Pop any bubbles with a heat gun or lighter. Let cure for 24 hours before removing from molds.
🛒 Pro Tip: Look for beginner resin kits on Amazon that include everything — resin, hardener, molds, and gloves — so you’re not hunting for supplies.
Time Needed: 30 minutes active, 24 hours curing
Difficulty: Moderate ⭐⭐
5. Hand-Lettered Inspirational Quote Prints
Adult coloring books are great, but creating your own hand-lettered art feels even more personal. No fancy calligraphy skills required — just a steady hand and a love for pretty words.
What You’ll Need:
- Watercolor paper or cardstock
- Fine-tip markers or brush pens
- Pencil for sketching
- Ruler
- Eraser
How to Make: Lightly sketch your favorite quote in pencil, planning letter sizes and spacing. Trace over with markers, varying thickness for visual interest. Add simple flourishes or botanical doodles around the text. Erase pencil marks once ink is dry.
🛒 Pro Tip: Dual-tip brush pen sets give you thick and thin lines in one tool — perfect for beginners learning hand lettering.
Time Needed: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
6. Mini Embroidery Hoop Art
Embroidery for beginners starts with simple designs that pack maximum charm. Think tiny florals, abstract shapes, or cheeky phrases stitched onto fabric you already own.
What You’ll Need:
- 4-inch embroidery hoop
- Cotton fabric (muslin or linen work great)
- Embroidery floss in 3-4 colors
- Embroidery needle
- Scissors
- Transfer pen or pencil
How to Make: Stretch fabric in the hoop and secure. Sketch or trace your design onto the fabric. Using basic stitches (backstitch, satin stitch, French knots), fill in your design. Trim excess fabric from the back and display as-is or add a fabric backing.
🛒 Pro Tip: Embroidery starter kits include pre-printed patterns and color-coordinated floss — zero guesswork, all the satisfaction.
Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
7. Geometric String Art
Paper crafts for adults get a modern upgrade with this string art technique. It’s equal parts math and meditation, with stunning wall-worthy results.
What You’ll Need:
- Wooden board (12×12 inches)
- Small nails (1 inch)
- Hammer
- Embroidery floss or thin string
- Printed geometric template
- Tape
How to Make: Tape your template to the wood. Hammer nails at each marked point around your design’s outline. Remove paper and tie string to one nail. Weave string between nails in a pattern that creates your geometric shape — triangles, hearts, or mountains work beautifully.
🛒 Pro Tip: Pre-stained wooden boards from craft stores save you a step and look instantly polished.
Time Needed: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate ⭐⭐
- 【Easy to use】: Easy to operate and get started with.
- 【Instructions】: The product comes with detailed instructions. Help you operate.
- 【Decoration】:The patterns are bright and beautiful, which can be used to decorate your bedroom and living room.
8. Scented Soy Candle Making
Candle making kits turn your kitchen into a mini apothecary. Choose calming lavender, energizing citrus, or cozy vanilla — this is self-care you can literally light up.
What You’ll Need:
- Soy wax flakes (1 pound)
- Candle wicks with metal tabs
- Glass jars or tins
- Essential oils or candle fragrance
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
- Thermometer
How to Make: Melt wax to 170°F. Secure wick to jar bottom with a dab of melted wax. Add fragrance oil (about 1 ounce per pound of wax) when wax cools to 140°F. Pour into jars, keeping wick centered. Let set for 24 hours before trimming wick and lighting.
🛒 Pro Tip: Complete candle making kits come with wicks, jars, and wax — you just add your favorite scent.
Time Needed: 1 hour active, 24 hours setting
Difficulty: Moderate ⭐⭐
9. Painted Terra Cotta Pots
Transform plain pottery into personalized planters using acrylic paints and your favorite patterns. These grown-up crafts are perfect for gifting or brightening your windowsill.
What You’ll Need:
- Terra cotta pots (any size)
- Acrylic craft paints
- Small paintbrushes
- Painter’s tape (optional)
- Clear acrylic sealer spray
How to Make: Clean pots and let dry completely. Use painter’s tape to create stripes, geometric patterns, or color blocks. Paint with 2-3 thin coats, letting each dry between applications. Remove tape while paint is slightly tacky. Seal with acrylic spray for weather resistance.
🛒 Pro Tip: Multi-surface acrylic paint sets in soft pastels or bold jewel tones give you endless color options for just a few dollars.
Time Needed: 45 minutes plus drying
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
Eco Note: Upcycle cracked or chipped pots with creative paint coverage.
10. Washi Tape Journal Covers
Adult craft ideas don’t get simpler than this. Washi tape transforms plain notebooks into personalized planners, art journals, or gift-worthy stationery in minutes.
What You’ll Need:
- Plain journal or composition book
- Washi tape in 4-5 coordinating patterns
- Scissors
- Optional: stickers, stamps, or printed labels
How to Make: Plan your design — stripes, patchwork, or geometric shapes work well. Apply washi tape strips directly to the cover, overlapping edges and trimming excess with scissors. Smooth out air bubbles as you go. Layer different patterns for visual interest.
🛒 Pro Tip: Washi tape variety packs give you dozens of patterns for the price of a latte — and they last for ages.
Time Needed: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
11. Air-Dry Clay Trinket Dishes
Work with air-dry clay to create organic-shaped dishes for jewelry, keys, or desk supplies. This is mindful crafting at its finest — no kiln or pottery classes required.
What You’ll Need:
- Air-dry clay (white or terracotta)
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters or freehand shapes
- Sandpaper (fine grit)
- Acrylic paint or glaze (optional)
How to Make: Roll clay to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut shapes with cookie cutters or shape freehand into organic ovals. Press thumb into center to create a shallow well. Let dry for 24-48 hours, flipping halfway through. Sand rough edges smooth and paint or seal if desired.
🛒 Pro Tip: Look for air-dry clay that doesn’t crack easily — some brands are specifically formulated for thinner pieces like these dishes.
Time Needed: 30 minutes active, 24-48 hours drying
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
12. Upcycled Wine Bottle Vases
Turn empty wine bottles into rustic vases using paint, twine, and a little creativity. Perfect for upcycling guilt after a particularly good Friday night.
What You’ll Need:
- Clean glass wine bottles
- Chalk paint or acrylic paint
- Jute twine or ribbon
- Hot glue gun
- Sponge brush
- Rubbing alcohol for cleaning
How to Make: Clean bottles thoroughly with rubbing alcohol. Apply 2-3 coats of paint, letting each dry completely. Once dry, wrap twine around the neck and secure with hot glue. Add a single stem flower or dried grasses for instant charm.
🛒 Pro Tip: Chalk paint adheres to glass without primer and gives that trendy matte finish everyone loves — grab a few colors to mix and match.
Time Needed: 1 hour plus drying
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
Eco Note: This is the perfect excuse to “research” different wine varieties.
![8 Pack [1 L / 33 fl. oz.] Swing Top Glass Bottles w/ Airtight Stopper Lids – Flip Top Brewing Bottle for Fermentation, Kombucha, Mead, Vinegar, Beer, Kefir, Wine, Soda – With 8 Extra Seals & 2 Pourer](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71Dxyt2F7pL._SS520_.jpg)
13. Abstract Acrylic Pour Painting
Let go of control and embrace beautiful chaos with acrylic pour painting. This creative outlet for adults is mesmerizing to create and produces surprisingly professional-looking abstract art.
What You’ll Need:
- Canvas (8×10 or 11×14 inches)
- Acrylic paints (3-5 colors)
- Pouring medium
- Plastic cups
- Wooden stir sticks
- Drop cloth or plastic sheeting
How to Make: Mix each paint color with pouring medium in separate cups (roughly 1:1 ratio). Layer colors into one cup without stirring. Place canvas upside-down on the cup, then flip quickly. Lift cup and tilt canvas gently to move paint across the surface. Let dry flat for 24 hours.
🛒 Pro Tip: Acrylic pouring medium is worth buying — it keeps paint flowing smoothly without cracking as it dries.
Time Needed: 30 minutes active, 24 hours drying
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
14. Felted Wool Dryer Balls
These little eco-warriors replace dryer sheets, reduce static, and make the most satisfying weekend project. Plus, you’ll feel extra virtuous every laundry day.
What You’ll Need:
- 100% wool roving or yarn
- Old pantyhose or mesh bag
- Hot water
- Dish soap
- Essential oils (optional)
How to Make: Wrap wool tightly into a ball about the size of a tennis ball. Secure end by needling it into the ball. Place in pantyhose leg, tying off between each ball. Wash in hot water with soap and a load of towels. Dry on high heat. Repeat wash/dry cycle 2-3 times until fully felted. Add a few drops of lavender oil before each use if desired.
🛒 Pro Tip: Wool roving specifically for felting comes in gorgeous natural colors and felts faster than regular yarn.
Time Needed: 30 minutes active, multiple wash cycles
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
Eco Note: One set lasts 1,000+ loads — talk about sustainable crafting.
Grab Your Glue Gun and Get Started
These 14 relaxing arts and crafts for adults prove that creativity doesn’t require a massive budget, art degree, or even a dedicated craft room.
Whether you spend 20 minutes washi-taping a journal or invest a weekend afternoon in macrame, you’re giving yourself the gift of slowing down and making something beautiful. Start with whichever project makes you think “I could totally do that” — because you absolutely can. Now go forth and create something that sparks joy (and maybe Instagram-worthy photos) 🎨.
If you’re looking for even more ways to bring creativity into your home, check out our DIY wall art ideas for budget-friendly décor that complements your handmade pieces perfectly.
FAQs
What are the best stress relief crafts for beginners?
Watercolor painting, adult coloring books, and air-dry clay projects top the list — they’re low-pressure, don’t require expensive supplies, and let you zone out while creating.
Where can I buy adult craft supplies online?
Amazon, Etsy, and specialty craft stores offer everything from resin kits to macrame cord, often with beginner-friendly bundles that include all the basics you need to start.
Are crafting subscription boxes worth it for adults?
If you love variety and trying new techniques without research, yes — they deliver curated supplies and instructions monthly, perfect for discovering new creative outlets for adults.
