[Summer Vacation Crafts] Not just make-and-done! A collection of practical ideas you can use every day
We often hear things like, “I don’t know what to make for my summer break project,” or “I want to create something practical!” But don’t worry.
With simple, everyday materials, you can make wonderful projects that are useful in daily life.
Here, we introduce crafts that grow more endearing the more you use them: a sturdy pen holder made from a milk carton, a cute felt humidifier, a metal door plate made from an aluminum sheet, and more.
They’re all simple to make, yet durable enough to use long after they’re finished.
This summer break, try your hand at practical projects the whole family will love!
- For summer vacation homework! Simple and amazing crafts for elementary school students that you’ll want to make after seeing them
- [Middle School Students] Easy One-Day Science Projects and Crafts Ideas
- For upper-grade boys! Simple yet awesome craft project [Don’t call it lazy]
- Recommended for elementary school students! Science fair topics & craft ideas
- [For Adults] Simple yet Impressive Crafts: A Stylish, Eye-Catching Collection
- Kids get hooked on crafts with toilet paper rolls! Idea collection for elementary school students
- A collection of summer vacation craft ideas made with 100-yen shop materials
- [For Upper Elementary Students] Simple but Awesome! A Collection of Summer Vacation Craft Ideas
- [Summer Vacation Crafts] Stylish Ideas for Girls
- DIY science projects that elementary school boys will love: ideas you can make with everyday materials
- Recommended performance ideas for elementary school (middle grades) cultural festivals and learning presentations
- Make it with everyday materials! A collection of fun summer vacation craft ideas
- [Milk Carton Crafts] Fun ideas for elementary school kids. Perfect for summer vacation homework!
[Summer Vacation Crafts] Not just something you make and forget! A collection of practical ideas you can use every day (1–10)
Handheld fan made from scrap materials

Let’s make a realistic-looking handheld fan out of recycled materials! It won’t produce wind, but you can enjoy watching it spin.
First, poke a hole in the center of two popsicle sticks, thread a bamboo skewer through them to make the propeller, and connect two toilet paper rolls, covering them with origami paper to create the handle.
Cut a circle from thick paper, cover it with origami paper, and punch a hole in the center to make the part behind the propeller.
Slide a short piece of straw onto the bamboo skewer of the propeller, then pass it through the circular part and attach the circle to the handle.
Let the bamboo skewer extend out above the handle, wrap kite string around it, then cut a slit in the handle to guide and secure the string.
Make a hole on the side of the handle, thread the kite string through, and add a bead to the end of the string—and you’re done!
lampshade

Here’s a lampshade idea that also works as room decor.
Brush glue mixed with water onto an inflated balloon, then stick on small torn pieces of washi paper.
For sturdiness, layer the washi several times until the balloon’s color isn’t very visible.
Be sure to leave an opening where the light will go.
Since washi is white, use tissue paper if you want to add color.
Once it’s completely dry, pop the balloon and remove it, then secure a wire along the inside edge of the opening for the light to finish it off.
Gem-like soap

Gemstone soaps are available as DIY kits, but they’re easy to make as long as you have glycerin soap and coloring.
Cut the glycerin soap into small pieces and place them in a container, then heat in a microwave at 500W for 10 seconds.
Mix in your favorite colorant to add color, and add aroma for fragrance.
Once you’ve made a few colors, pour them into another container in layers and let them set—that’s it! Try changing the color combinations and see what kinds of gemstones you can create.
Using a clear soap base also gives a light, airy look and is highly recommended.
[Summer Vacation Crafts] Not just for making and forgetting! A collection of practical ideas you can use every day (11–20)
Cute herbarium

Why not try making a herbarium, a popular interior decoration? Prepare a container, your favorite flowers and beads, and baby oil.
First, place the flowers and beads into the container, being careful not to overfill it.
Also, if anything tends to float when put in liquid, soak it in the liquid beforehand.
Once you’ve added all the parts, slowly pour in the baby oil, close the container lid, and it’s done.
You can also focus on choosing a stylish container and decorate it with stickers or washi tape to make it extra cute.
Felt Humidifier

In winter, the air gets dry and it’s easy to strain your throat.
To get ready for the cold season, why not make your own personal humidifier that you can keep in your room as a summer vacation project? By simply changing the felt piece on top, you can enjoy different styles of humidifiers.
The basic structure is a felt craft placed on top of a ceramic vessel filled with water.
Felt absorbs water well, providing a gentle humidifying effect.
You can crochet the felt into flower shapes or make cute animals—both are great! It’s also fun to do felt crafts with friends.
If you add a few drops of essential oil to the water, everyone might feel a bit more luxurious.
Be sure to change the water frequently to prevent mold!
Knitted tissue cover

Tissue paper has also become an indispensable part of modern life, hasn’t it? In the kitchen and the living room, it’s handy to have one tissue box per room.
So how about making a lovely crocheted tissue box cover? Many elementary and middle school students might say, “I’ve never knitted or crocheted before…,” but since it’s summer vacation, trying something new could be fun.
There are plenty of lesson videos on video sites that teach crochet from the basics.
If you’re nervous about starting alone, it’s a great idea to begin with a friend.
It’s a recommended independent study project for everyone, regardless of gender!
3 simple coasters

How about making coasters as a summer vacation craft? Here, we’ll introduce three methods.
The first is a coaster made by arranging tiles on top of paper clay.
The second is a coaster made by lining up beads and melting them in the microwave.
The third is a summery coaster that expresses a seasonal scene by placing shells, sequins, and stickers in resin.
They’re all easy to make, so give them a try.
You can buy most of the materials at 100-yen shops.



