• 79 ideas
  • Checked October 2026

Art and Craft Ideas for Teenagers

Press the button for three things to make for a room, a bag or a friend.

Art and Craft Ideas for Teenagers

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  1. A bracelet kit packed in a tin for a friend to finishA small tin, floss cut to length, beads, a hand-drawn instruction card. Wind each color on a card bobbin.
  2. A constellation embroidered on a back pocket in white threadJeans you own, white thread, a needle, chalk. Chalk the stars, make each a small cross, join them in running stitch.
  3. A pixel picture on a window built from sticky notesSticky notes in four colors, graph paper, a pencil. Plan it square by square, then stick from the bottom row up.

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All 79 ideas

Room and desk 16

  • A bedside pocket sewn from a folded placemat A fabric placemat, needle and thread. Fold up the lower third, stitch both sides, tuck the top under the mattress.
  • A cork pinboard painted in a triangle grid A cork board, masking tape, acrylic paint, a flat brush. Tape triangles, paint every other one, peel while damp.
  • A desk mat made from a map under clear film An old map, clear self-adhesive film, a ruler, scissors. Smooth the film from the middle out, round the corners.
  • A door sign that flips between two messages Thick cardboard, paint, letter stickers, ribbon. A different message on each face, edges painted to hide the layers.
  • A doorway curtain of paper chains fading light to dark Paper strips in five shades of one color, a stapler, a tension rod. Staple chains to one length and hang them.
  • A dry-erase week planner inside a picture frame A frame with glass, patterned paper, a ruler, a dry-erase marker. Rule seven columns, frame it, write on the glass.
  • A fringe of yarn fading through three shades on a driftwood stick A driftwood stick, yarn in three shades. Loop long strands over the stick light to dark, trim the bottom into a V.
  • A gallery of washi-tape frames stuck straight on the wall Washi tape, printed photos, a ruler. Tape a frame around each photo and overlap the corners squarely.
  • A garland of puffy paper stars along a bookshelf Paper strips, a needle, thread. Knot a strip flat, wrap the tail around it, pinch in the five sides, string them.
  • A necklace tree from a painted twig wedged upright in a jar of pebbles A branching twig, a jar, pebbles, paint. Paint the twig one color and wedge it upright so it cannot tip.
  • A pen pot wound in bands of embroidery floss A clean can, double-sided tape, floss in five colors. Cover the can in tape, wind each band tight with no gaps.
  • A photo wall of twine lines and mini clothespins Twine, removable hooks, mini clothespins, printed photos. Hang three lines at even gaps so it reads as one piece.
  • A shelf initial of cardboard wrapped in yarn Thick cardboard, scissors, yarn, glue. Cut a block letter, wrap the short way first, then the long way to cover it.
  • A wall collage of magazine pages in one color family Magazines, scissors, removable wall putty. Keep to one color, overlap the pages, square off the outer edge.
  • A year jar that takes one folded note a week A large jar, colored paper slips, a pen, a label. Letter the year on the label and date every slip.
  • Three embroidery hoops framing fabric scraps as wall art Three hoops in different sizes, fabric scraps, scissors. Stretch each scrap drum-tight, trim it close behind the hoop.

To wear and carry 16

  • A bag charm of three floss tassels on a clip Embroidery floss in three colors, a swivel clip, scissors. Wrap each tassel neck tightly and trim the ends level.
  • A bandana dotted in fabric paint with the end of a new pencil A plain bandana, fabric paint, a new pencil, cardboard under it. Dot in rows, then set the paint as its label says.
  • A beanie with one initial in chain stitch A plain beanie, embroidery floss, a needle, chalk. Chalk the letter on the cuff, cover the line in chain stitch.
  • A canvas tote with a cluster of hand-sewn patches A plain tote, embroidered patches, pins, needle and thread. Pin the whole cluster before sewing the first patch.
  • A constellation embroidered on a back pocket in white thread Jeans you own, white thread, a needle, chalk. Chalk the stars, make each a small cross, join them in running stitch.
  • A cord anklet with six beads and a sliding knot Waxed cord, six beads. String the beads, cross the ends, tie a sliding knot around both so it adjusts.
  • A glasses sleeve of felt stitched down one side and across the end Felt, embroidery floss, a needle, a button. Fold the felt around the glasses, blanket-stitch two edges, add a flap.
  • A knotted floss wristband in a zigzag of four colors Embroidery floss, tape. Knot from each edge to the middle, row after row, and finish both ends with a braid.
  • A plain headband wrapped in two crossed ribbons A plastic headband, two ribbons, fabric glue. Glue the ends inside, cross the ribbons at even gaps all the way.
  • A ring twisted from one length of craft wire Craft wire, a thick marker, small pliers. Wrap twice around the marker, coil a rosette on top, tuck the ends in.
  • A scrunchie made from a cotton tube and a loop of elastic A cotton strip, elastic, a safety pin, needle and thread. Sew a tube, turn it, thread the elastic, close the gap.
  • A stretch bracelet spelling a nickname in cube beads Letter beads, spacer beads, stretch cord. Center the name between spacers, knot twice, hide the knot in a bead.
  • A T-shirt turned into a tote with a knotted base An old T-shirt, scissors. Cut off the sleeves and neck, fringe the hem, double-knot the fringe in pairs.
  • A zipper pull woven square on square from two flat cords Plastic lacing in two colors, a small clip. Cross the laces into a square, pull tight, stack the squares evenly.
  • Shoelaces dip-dyed so the tips are darkest White cotton laces, fabric dye mixed as labeled, a cup, gloves. Dip the ends, lift a little every few minutes.
  • Snap hair clips topped with felt fruit slices Snap clips, felt scraps, fabric glue. Layer a rind, a slice and seeds, and glue a felt strip inside the clip.

Gifts for friends 16

  • A bookmark woven flat from four narrow ribbons with frayed tails Four narrow ribbons, a needle, thread. Weave over and under in a flat braid, stitch across each end, fray the tails.
  • A bracelet kit packed in a tin for a friend to finish A small tin, floss cut to length, beads, a hand-drawn instruction card. Wind each color on a card bobbin.
  • A crossword of inside jokes drawn on graph paper Graph paper, a ruler, a fine pen. Fit the answers together first, ink the grid, number it, write the clues.
  • A felt keychain stuffed and stitched in the shape of a friend's initial Felt, embroidery floss, a needle, stuffing, a key ring. Cut the letter twice, stitch the edges, stuff before closing.
  • A felt pin of a friend's pet layered from scraps Felt scraps, fabric glue, a pin back, a photo of the pet. Cut the body, add the markings, glue the pin on.
  • A fold-out card whose panels spell a name, one letter each A long strip of cardstock, scissors, pens. Fold like an accordion, one letter a panel, decorate the cover last.
  • A gift box whose four sides fall open to show photos Cardstock, a ruler, glue, small prints. Score a cross of five squares, fold the sides up, hold them with a lid.
  • A letter written on a blank jigsaw and sent in pieces A blank jigsaw puzzle, fine pens, an envelope. Write while it is assembled, then break it up and mail it.
  • A matchbox holding a folded strip of inside jokes An empty matchbox, a long paper strip, pens, washi tape. Fold the strip like an accordion, cover the box.
  • A mini scrapbook of one day out on a binder ring Cardstock rectangles, a hole punch, a binder ring, photos, tickets, glue. Punch every card in the same spot.
  • A paper collage cut to sit behind a see-through phone cover A clear case, paper cuttings, a pencil, scissors. Trace the case, cut the collage to fit, leave the lens hole clear.
  • A photo-strip bookmark sealed in clear tape Four small prints, cardstock, clear packing tape, a hole punch, ribbon. Tape both faces, trim, add the ribbon.
  • A set of magazine words backed with magnet strip for locker-door poems Magazines, scissors, adhesive magnet strip, a small box. Pick words a friend would use, back each one, pack the box.
  • A sheet of hand-drawn stickers on label paper Full-sheet label paper, markers, scissors. Draw small, outline each in black, cut leaving a white edge.
  • A stack of "open when" envelopes for a friend who is moving Envelopes, note cards, pens, a ribbon. Letter each envelope with its moment and tie the stack.
  • A stapled booklet of tear-out favors, one promise a page Cardstock strips, a stapler, pens, washi tape. One favor a page, a cover, and tape over the staples.

Upcycle 16

  • A clipboard made from the cover of a worn-out hardback A hardback cover, a large binder clip, glue, paper. Line the inside face with paper and clip it at the top.
  • A jar night light lined with tissue-paper circles A clean jar, tissue paper, decoupage glue, a battery tea light. Overlap the circles and seal with a top coat.
  • A jeans pocket glued to a planner as a pen holster A hardback planner, a jeans pocket, strong fabric glue. Glue the pocket on three sides and press it under books.
  • A pencil case from a jean leg closed with a button One jean leg, needle and thread, a button, elastic cord. Sew the cut end shut, use the hem as the opening.
  • A phone stand folded from a strip of cereal box A cereal box, scissors, a ruler, washi tape. Fold a strip into a Z with a lip, cover it in tape so the print is hidden.
  • A plain notebook re-covered with an old map A notebook, a map, a glue stick, scissors. Wrap the cover, miter the corners, glue the first page over the flaps.
  • A pocket sewing kit inside a mint tin An empty mint tin, felt, glue, needles, thread wound on a card, two buttons. Line the lid with felt to hold the needles.
  • A savings jar with a paper goal scale up its side A clean jar, a paper strip, a pen, clear tape. Rule the scale like a thermometer and tape over it to protect it.
  • A shoebox charging station with cable slots A shoebox, patterned paper, glue, scissors. Cut slots in one long side, cover the box, label each slot.
  • A wall basket woven from cereal-box strips Cereal boxes cut in even strips, glue, clothespins. Weave a base, fold the strips up, weave around, clip until dry.
  • A wall organizer of jean pockets on a fabric panel Pockets cut from old jeans, a fabric panel, fabric glue, a dowel. Line the pockets up in rows before gluing.
  • An earring rack of ribbons stretched across an empty picture frame An old frame with no glass, ribbon, thumbtacks. Stretch three ribbons across the back, tack them tight, hook earrings.
  • Boot cuffs cut from sweater sleeves An old sweater, scissors, needle and thread. Cut each sleeve end, keep the ribbing as the top, hem the cut edge.
  • Cardboard letters covered in comic pages Corrugated cardboard, scissors, old comic pages, glue. Wrap each letter, snip the paper at the curves so it lies flat.
  • Coasters coiled from the seams of old jeans Jean seams cut free, fabric glue or thread. Coil each seam flat and tight, gluing as you go, and tuck the end under.
  • Mailing envelopes cut from glossy fashion spreads Magazine pages, an opened envelope as a template, a glue stick, white labels. Trace, cut, fold, add a label.

With friends 15

  • A banner of fabric squares, one decorated by each friend Cotton squares, fabric markers, cord, clothespins. Agree one color for every border so it reads as a set.
  • A bracelet swap where everyone knots one for their neighbor Embroidery floss, tape, scissors. Each person picks colors for their neighbor and ties it on at the end.
  • A homemade trivia game about your own friend group Index cards, pens, cardboard, a brad for the spinner. Each person writes five questions; the spinner picks who answers.
  • A photo backdrop of paper fans and streamers Paper in three colors, tape, string, crepe streamers. Fold fans in three sizes and overlap them in one corner.
  • A pixel picture on a window built from sticky notes Sticky notes in four colors, graph paper, a pencil. Plan it square by square, then stick from the bottom row up.
  • A shared scrapbook passed around, one spread each One blank book, glue, pens, everyone's photos. Each person fills a spread and signs it before passing it on.
  • A time capsule box decorated together A lidded box, paint or paper, notes, small objects, tape. Seal it and letter the opening date on the lid.
  • Birthday crowns built for each other from cardstock Cardstock strips, scissors, stickers, tape. Draw names, build a crown for that person, fit it to their head.
  • Charms made from a shared bowl of beads A bowl of mixed beads, head pins or cord, round-nose pliers. Each person makes a charm for someone else at the table.
  • Compliment slips sealed in a jar for each person to take home A jar each, paper slips, pens, labels. Everyone writes a slip for every other person; the lids go on unread.
  • Embroidery-thread wraps wound down a friend's braid Embroidery floss, scissors, a comb. Braid a thin strand, wrap the floss tightly down it, knot the end twice.
  • Goal boards collaged side by side from one magazine pile Poster board each, magazines, scissors, glue sticks. Lay everything out before any glue goes down.
  • Photo props on sticks: glasses, hats and speech bubbles cut from cardstock Cardstock, scissors, markers, tape, paper straws. Each person makes two props, then everyone swaps for the photos.
  • Team shirts printed through one shared stencil Plain shirts, cardboard for the stencil, fabric paint, sponges. Dab straight down and lift the stencil cleanly.
  • Tie-dyed socks, one pair each, from a shared kit White cotton socks, a tie-dye kit, rubber bands, gloves, a covered table. Band them differently, dye, compare.

How it works

These art and craft ideas for teenagers are things a 13 to 17 year old would keep or give, sorted by where they end up. Each names its materials and the step that makes it look finished.

Read the full guide

Arts and crafts ideas for teens, by where they end up

Room and desk holds a cork pinboard painted in a triangle grid and a dry-erase week planner inside a picture frame. To wear and carry runs from a knotted floss wristband in a zigzag of four colors to a ring twisted from one length of craft wire. Upcycle starts with jars, old jeans and cardboard.

With friends

These are made by a group: a pixel picture on a window built from sticky notes, a photo backdrop of paper fans and streamers, a time capsule box decorated together. Quick holds the makes with the fewest steps.

Questions and answers

What crafts can a teenager make for their room?

Room and desk has makes that go on a wall, a shelf or a desk: a gallery of washi-tape frames, a fringe of yarn fading through three shades on a driftwood stick, a desk mat made from a map under clear film.

What can teens make as gifts for friends?

Gifts for friends holds small things with a private meaning, such as a matchbox holding a folded strip of inside jokes, a crossword of inside jokes drawn on graph paper or a felt pin of a friend's pet.

What can I make from old jeans?

Upcycle holds a wall organizer of jean pockets on a fabric panel, a pencil case from a jean leg closed with a button, coasters coiled from the seams and a jeans pocket glued to a planner as a pen holster.

Are these crafts for boys or for girls?

Neither. Nothing on the list is sorted by who makes it. Pick by where the thing will end up, or press the button until one sounds like yours.

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