40 Outdoor DIYs to Kick Up Your Summertime Crafting

Looking for the perfect outdoor craft to crank up your summer? From refurbishing lounge furniture to prettying up planting stations, one of these 20 ideas is certain to suit your fancy.

By: Kamron and Ellie Sanders

Related To:

DIY Tin Can Lanterns

Light up the long summer nights with the help of these vintage-feeling lanterns. Not only is this a simple craft that packs a big design punch, but these lanterns can be created for next to nothing as well, which makes them that much more appealing.

Make It: How to Make Tin Can Lanterns

Dress Up Your Cooler

Now that coolers are becoming more fashionable than utilitarian, it's time to up your cooler game! Make your next picnic pop with this super stylish, customized cooler. A little decoupage glue, some paper and polyurethane take an inexpensive cooler from boring to beautiful. Get crafting on your own cooler, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: Picnic Prep: How to Dress Up Your Cooler

Turn Lemons Into Lemonade

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. So, when life gives you long summer days, you make — you guessed it, a lemonade stand. This easy-to-DIY portable lemonade stand is ready to travel wherever your kiddo's first business venture takes them! Quench your summertime thirst with our helpful video, below.

Watch the Video: Easy DIY Lemonade Stand

Say Hello to The Summer Wreath

Once you take down your Holiday wreath, your front door looks a little naked. So, why not throw up a warm-weather wreath for summer? This faux lavender and eucalyptus wreath is the perfect DIY summer accessory for any front door. Dress up your door with our helpful how-to, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: Make Faux Feel Fresh With a DIY Lavender Wreath

DIY This Double-Duty Plant Wall

Even if you have a small deck or patio, you can still enjoy lots of lush greenery. Take advantage of vertical space by hanging potted plants from this DIY living wall. As the plants grow, they’ll also provide privacy for your outdoor living area. Get out your green thumb and get started, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Build an Outdoor Plant and Privacy Wall

Craft a Kiddie Car Wash

Get your camera out because crafting this kiddie car wash is sure to result in some adorable photo ops. This clever car wash uses PVC pipes so you can set it up when you want and quickly disassemble it for easy storage. Wash and learn with the adorable video, below.

Watch the Video: DIY Kiddie Car Wash

Cast a Glow On Summer Fun

Those warm summer nights just got a whole lot brighter! Your little scientist will love mixing up this glow-in-the-dark spray chalk almost as much as they'll love playing with it. All it takes is some washable neon paint, cornstarch and warm water to make the mix, but don't forget the blacklight to bring it to life. Mix up your own with our video, below.

Watch the Video: Glow-in-the-Dark Chalk Spray

Then, Fill Your Water Guns

What better use for glow-in-the-dark spray chalk than water gun painting? This fun craft can be done in the daytime, but the real fun starts when you pull out the black light at night to see everyone's creations. Find more fun summer party ideas, below.

See More Photos: Throw the Ultimate Summer Party for Kids With These Tips

Make Your Own Welcome Mat

Stop searching for the perfect summer doormat, because we've found it. By using our provided templates, you can craft a cute coir doormat that will brighten up your guest's faces every time they see it. Want a more personal touch? Pick up a pack of stencils and say exactly what you want. Get started with our helpful how-to, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: Make an Easy + Welcoming Spring Doormat

Hang Up Some Boozy Bliss

You know what your back porch is missing? A hanging outdoor bar. Well, that is unless you already have one. If not, we've got everything you need to build your own out of inexpensive pallet wood so you and your friends can start the summer off right. Crack open our helpful how-to below to get started.

GET THE HOW-TO: Build a Hanging Outdoor Bar

From: Sam Henderson

Say No to Pricey Outdoor Furniture

This just in: outdoor furniture is shockingly expensive! Instead of draining your accounts in order to relax on your patio, try your hand at crafting your own. With pallet wood, you'd be surprised how easy it is to DIY your own stylish furniture on a budget. Pair your creation with outdoor cushions and pillows for the ultimate relaxation spot. Get building with our pro tips, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make Stylish Outdoor Pallet Seating

Make Every Night S'mores Night

If you've ever seen those modern glass fire pits, then you understand the visual impact they have on an outdoor space. They're cozy, warm and oh-so-beautiful! However, they can be a little pricey, so we've come up with an easy version that will make every summer night s'mores night. Light your fire with our video, below.

Watch the Video: Tabletop Fire Pit

Summer Camp Sunprints

Get scientific with your kiddos this summer by crafting these so-cute sun prints. This clever craft uses sun-sensitive photographic paper (find it in the kid's science section in your local craft store) and a few other craft materials to create solar works of art. Frame them, hang them on the fridge or create a sun print scrapbook. The choice is yours and we've got a helpful how-to, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: Grown-Up Science Project: 3 Gorgeous Ways to Craft With Sun Prints

Build a Backyard Bocce Ball Court

Got a flat spot in your yard? Then you have the perfect spot for a bocce ball court. This scaled-down bocce ball court is perfect for any size yard and can easily be made in one weekend using common tools and easy-to-find building supplies. Put your DIY skills to the test this weekend with our pro tips, below.

See More Photos: Build a Bocce Ball Court

From: Strand Hill Properties and Luxury Portfolio International®

Take a Bite Out of Boring Towels

For kids, pool days are all about fun. So, why should your little one have to settle for a boring towel? Use your crafting skills to give them a towel they'll want to dry off with. With some felt and a sewing machine, this quick craft turns a standard bath towel into a truly terrifying shark towel that they'll love to show off. Bite into this how-to, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: A Jaw-Dropping DIY Shark Towel for Kids

Preserve Your Summer Blooms

These pressed flower lanterns are the perfect glowing addition to a warm summer’s eve under the stars. They're easy and cost almost nothing to make. Plus, you can use them to preserve your favorite summer flowers even after the blooms have passed. Learn how to press your best blooms with our helpful tips, below.

See More Photos: How to Make Pressed Flower Lanterns

Create a Custom Obstacle Course

Get bendy with pool noodles to create a custom course that gets kids moving and giggling! Just stake dowels into the ground and slide the noodle over them in various ways to create all types of fun obstacles. Find more fun ways to play with pool noodles, below.

See More Photos: 10 Ways to Turn Pool Noodles Into Almost-Free Backyard Kids' Games

Craft the Quintessential Tree Swing

There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned plank-and-rope swing. These classic backyard staples are as easy to DIY as they look and can be completed in an afternoon. So, what are you waiting for? We've got everything you need to know in the how-to, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Classic Tree Swing

Or, Go All-In On a Full-Size Swing Set

Go big or go home, right? If you have multiple children and want to avoid the taking-your-turn conversation, maybe you should just opt for a full-size swing set. This A-frame swing set is geared toward the more audacious DIY-ers, but the end result is as fun as it is beautiful. Put your building skills to the test with our pro tips, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Build a Modern A-Frame Swing Set

Cool Down the Dog Days of Summer

Don't forget your four-legged friend when you break out the frozen treats this summer! Unfortunately, most frozen novelties aren't suited for a pup's stomach, but this simple DIY frozen dog treat is. By crafting these yourself, you can ensure you are only giving your best friend dog-friendly foods. Whip up your own with our tasty tips, below.

learn more: Dog Days of Summer: Cool Off Your Pup With Frozen Treats

DIY Your Own Outdoor Movie Theatre

Nothing sounds better than a warm Friday night spent watching movies in the backyard. If this sounds like a pipe dream, we've got good news. DIYing your own outdoor movie screen is easier than it sounds. And projectors? They're cheaper than ever! Get ready for summer movie nights with our video, below.

Watch the Video: DIY Outdoor Movie Screen

Slug-Repelling Penny Ball

Create a shiny copper garden feature while simultaneously ridding yourself of those slime-slinging slugs. For an added bonus, it will only cost a few pennies to make!

Make It: Make a Slug-Repelling Penny Ball for Your Garden

Drip-Paint Pots

Paint drips have never looked so pretty. Bring a fresh new look to any outdoor space by sprucing up all those plain pots that are just lying around.

Charming Rain Chain

Don't let a rainy day keep you down. Create this outdoor craft easily in one afternoon, and reap the rain chain benefits all season long.

Make It: DIY Terra-Cotta Rain Chain

Relaxing Water Feature

Simple water features don't have to break the time or money bank. Enhance a deck's, porch's or backyard's relaxation potential with this unique DIY.

Make It: Dress Up Any Outdoor Space With a DIY Fountain

Terra-Cotta House Number Tower

Need a unique way to display your house number? This terra-cotta tower should do the trick. A few hours and some old terra-cotta pots will completely rejuvenate the look of your porch.

Make It: Terra-Cotta Tower House Number Display

Tomato Cage Turned Plant Stand

There always seem to be excess tomato cages hanging around. Why not turn them into something creative and useful? A few simple steps can transform a former plant companion into a foliage support system.

Make It: 3 Fun Ways to Take Tomato Cages From Practical to Pretty

Mason Jar Lanterns

Sweet, sweet summertime. Add to the scrumptiousness of summer produce with these adorably delicious lanterns created from Mason jars. Add citronella-scented pods, and they can double as bug-repelling jars.

Make It: DIY Mason Jar Fruit Lanterns

Modern House Number Planter

Try this new take on your house number: modern planters. Not only will it bring some foliage life to a front stoop, but it will also showcase your address in a whole new way.

Make It: DIY Modern House Number Planters

DIY Super-Sized Tic Tac Toe

Super-size your fun this summer with a giant backyard game. Adults and kiddos alike are certain to get a kick out of this larger-than-life version of tic-tac-toe.

Make It: Giant Outdoor Tic-Tac-Toe With Hula Hoops

Recycled Bottle Birdfeeders

Feed the birds, and do your environmental duty. Create a beautiful birdfeeder out of recycled bottles, and you may even become a bird-watching fanatic.

Make It: DIY Bird Feeder From Recycled Bottles

Wooden Lounge Update

Take those chaise lounges from tired to tropical, and breathe new life into your outdoor space without having to spend a fortune. You can update those old wooden lounge chairs in a few simple steps with the help of this DIY.

Make It: Give a Tired Outdoor Wood Chair a Tropical Update

From: Samantha Pattillo

DIY Glass Bottle Citronella Torch

A few spare minutes is all you need to create these bug-ridding torches that will help you enjoy your outdoor space all season long.

Make It: Turn Old Glass Bottles Into Citronella Torches

From: Chelsea Faulkner

Planters With a Pop of Color

Yet another use for inexpensive pallets, and this one is a definite win. Forget those plain planters for the season, and create lively, colorful plant boxes in a few simple steps with the help of this DIY.

Make It: Upcycle Old Pallets Into Colorful Planter Boxes

Hand-Stamped Herb Planters

Rustic, hand-stamped herb pots are just what the craft doctor ordered. The perfect front porch garden addition, these uniquely crafted pots are a wonderful afternoon pick-me-up craft that is certain to be a hit all summer long.

Make It: How to Make Hand-Stamped Terra-Cotta Herb Planters

Giant Outdoor Kerplunk Game

Kick up your backyard's fun factor with this giant kerplunk game, which is sure to entertain kids and adults all summer long.

Make It: Kerplunk Into Summer With This Giant Yard Game

DIY Bug Hotel

If you have mixed emotions about bugs, this adorable bug hotel may be just the thing to bring you over to the bug side. With the help of your kiddos, create an environment that those helpful critters can inhabit all summer long.

Make It: How to Build a Bug Hotel

DIY Beverage Stand

Add a functional piece to your backyard space or party venue without spending a fortune. It's a standing table that doubles as a beverage cooling station — what could be better?

Make It: Refresh Your Party With a DIY Beverage Stand

Photo By: Rae Sturm

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Photo By: Allie Holcomb King

Photo By: PopFizz | Bryan Allen

Photo By: Jalynn Baker

Photo By: Rae Sturm

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Photo By: PopFizz | Bryan Allen

Photo By: Jason Kisner

Photo By: Strand Hill Properties, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Cassidy Garcia

Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

Photo By: Mom’s Design Build

Photo By: Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Photo By: Jalynn Baker

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Photo By: Sanders, Keri

Photo By: Mike Faulkner

Photo By: Cassidy Garcia

Photo By: Andy Vinson, Loch & Key Productions

Photo By: Cassidy Garcia

40 Outdoor DIYs to Kick Up Your Summertime Crafting

Related To:

DIY Tin Can Lanterns

Dress Up Your Cooler

Turn Lemons Into Lemonade

Say Hello to The Summer Wreath

DIY This Double-Duty Plant Wall

Craft a Kiddie Car Wash

Cast a Glow On Summer Fun

Then, Fill Your Water Guns

Make Your Own Welcome Mat

Hang Up Some Boozy Bliss

Say No to Pricey Outdoor Furniture

Make Every Night S'mores Night

Summer Camp Sunprints

Build a Backyard Bocce Ball Court

Take a Bite Out of Boring Towels

Preserve Your Summer Blooms

Create a Custom Obstacle Course

Craft the Quintessential Tree Swing

Or, Go All-In On a Full-Size Swing Set

Cool Down the Dog Days of Summer

DIY Your Own Outdoor Movie Theatre

Slug-Repelling Penny Ball

Drip-Paint Pots

Charming Rain Chain

Relaxing Water Feature

Terra-Cotta House Number Tower

Tomato Cage Turned Plant Stand

Mason Jar Lanterns

Modern House Number Planter

DIY Super-Sized Tic Tac Toe

Recycled Bottle Birdfeeders

Wooden Lounge Update

DIY Glass Bottle Citronella Torch

Planters With a Pop of Color

Hand-Stamped Herb Planters

Giant Outdoor Kerplunk Game

DIY Bug Hotel

DIY Beverage Stand

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