Not every project needs to be a weekend commitment. These crafts can be started and finished in under an hour, require minimal supplies, and work well for complete beginners.
Painted Rock Paperweights
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: Under $5
Find a smooth flat rock or buy a bag of craft stones. Paint a solid base color and let it dry for 10 minutes. Add a simple design on top using a contrasting color or a paint pen. Dots, simple flowers, geometric shapes, and word art all work well. Seal with Mod Podge when dry.
Supplies needed:
- Smooth rocks
- Acrylic paint
- Paint pen or thin brush
- Mod Podge
Tissue Paper Flowers
Time: 20 minutes
Cost: Under $3
Stack 6 to 8 sheets of tissue paper in the same or complementary colors. Fold the stack accordion style in one inch folds from one end to the other. Pinch the folded stack in the center and wrap a pipe cleaner around the middle to form the stem. Fan out the layers on each side and separate them gently to form the flower shape.
Supplies needed:
- Tissue paper
- Pipe cleaners
- Scissors
Washi Tape Phone Case
Time: 15 minutes
Cost: Under $10
Buy a plain clear or white phone case. Cover the back with strips of washi tape in different patterns, alternating directions for variety. Trim any excess tape along the edges with scissors or a craft knife. The result is a custom phone case that can be changed whenever you want a new look.
Supplies needed:
- Plain phone case
- Washi tape assortment
- Scissors
Twine Wrapped Vase
Time: 45 minutes
Cost: Under $8
Take any glass jar or bottle. Starting at the bottom, apply a thin line of hot glue and press twine against it. Continue wrapping the twine tightly around the jar, applying small amounts of hot glue every few rows to keep it in place. Work your way to the top and trim any excess. The finished piece works as a vase, pencil holder, or decorative accent.
Supplies needed:
- Glass jar or bottle
- Jute twine
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
Paper Bead Bracelet
Time: 30 to 45 minutes
Cost: Under $5
Cut long thin triangles from magazine pages, scrapbook paper, or old book pages. Starting at the wide end, roll each triangle tightly around a toothpick or skewer. Secure the pointed end with a small dab of glue. Slide the bead off the toothpick and seal with Mod Podge. String finished beads onto elastic cord and tie off.
Supplies needed:
- Magazine pages or decorative paper
- Toothpicks or skewers
- White glue
- Mod Podge
- Elastic cord
Stamped Gift Bags
Time: 20 minutes
Cost: Under $6
Buy plain kraft paper gift bags from the dollar store. Cut a potato or sponge into a simple shape like a star, leaf, or heart. Dip it into acrylic paint and press it onto the bag in a repeating pattern. Let dry completely before using. These work for birthdays, holidays, or everyday gift giving and cost a fraction of store bought decorative bags.
Supplies needed:
- Plain kraft paper bags
- Potato or sponge
- Acrylic paint
- Paper plate for paint
For more beginner projects and supply recommendations, visit our Start Here page.