[Summer Vacation Crafts] Not just make-and-done! A collection of practical ideas you can use every day

Diatomaceous earth coaster

Diatomaceous Earth Coaster DIY Kit: Basic How-To

When you leave a glass filled with a cold drink on the table, condensation forms and makes the surface wet.

Let’s try making your own diatomaceous earth coasters that absorb those droplets.

Because it’s closely related to staying hydrated, it’s also perfect as a summer science project.

The steps are simple: put water in a paper cup, add diatomaceous earth powder and stir, pour it into a mold, and let it dry—that’s it.

The key is to mix so there’s no unevenness and to remove air bubbles thoroughly; keep this in mind to make a sturdy coaster that won’t crack.

If you use waterproof paint at the water-mixing stage, you can color the entire piece as well.

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kappamaki

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Botanical candle

[100-Yen DIY] How to Make a Botanical Candle (with Detailed Explanation) / Making a Botanical Candle

Let’s add some flair to candles and make cute-looking botanical candles.

The process is simple: pour melted wax into a candle mold and let it harden.

A key point is the double-layer structure—an inner core where the flame burns and an outer layer sprinkled with dried flowers.

This design prevents the flame from catching on the outer decorations, making it nice and safe.

It’s also important to place the dried flowers with gaps so the wax can flow and set properly; proceed while keeping balance in mind.

Bring out your originality with your choice of dried flowers and other decorations.

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kappamaki

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How to make a pencil case

How to repurpose a plastic wrap core: Pen case edition

You can stand your favorite pens upright! Here’s how to make a cute pen case using a plastic wrap core.

First, cut the wrap core to a length that fits your pens.

It’s tough, so kids should have an adult help.

Next, place the core on thick paper, trace around it with a pencil, cut it out, and glue on a lid and a base for the case.

Once the glue dries, decorate it with your favorite wrapping paper or stickers.

Finally, roll up some thick paper, push it into the case, and trim any excess—and you’re done!

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kepiko

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A piggy bank that helps you save while having fun

http://www.lemon8-app.com

Let’s use Daiso’s 3-tier drawer case to make a fun, game-like piggy bank over summer break.

First, flip the second and third drawers upside down and reassemble them so the flat sides face the front.

Next, cut corrugated plastic (plastic cardboard) into any shapes you like and attach it to the outside of the drawers to create a design that looks great.

Inside, apply double-sided tape so coins pause partway and drop slowly as they travel down.

With a piggy bank you made yourself, saving money becomes fun and easier to turn into a habit.

It’s a unique, practical idea that can change your everyday life through creativity and ingenuity.

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mutō

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Original handmade watch

Summer Vacation Craft Series ♡ Part 6: Handmade Clock ♡ Let’s Make Your Very Own Original [Koujoucho] DIY

When you go to a 100-yen shop or a handmade goods store, you can find just the clock movement for sale.

Let’s use that to make your own original clock! For the base of the clock, use a photo frame or a plastic plate.

Once you decide where to fix the movement, drill a hole.

Tighten the nut to secure the movement, and then decorate it to your liking.

Paint it, attach parts, or add glitter to make it sparkle—depending on your ideas, you’ll end up with a clock full of originality!

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Hane Keisuke

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Original T-shirts made with stencil printing

Perfect for summer vacation crafts and DIY! How to make an original T-shirt with stencil printing!

How about making your own T-shirt over summer vacation? We’ll use a technique called stenciling to create an original T-shirt.

You place a cutout of letters or illustrations on the fabric and paint over it with ink or other pigments.

Since you’ll wear the T-shirt, you’ll likely wash it too.

When stenciling on T-shirts or fabric, be sure to use fabric ink that won’t wash out.

While this can be a summer vacation homework project, it can also become a fun summer memory.

You might even make matching T-shirts for the whole family.

There are stencil T-shirt kits available online, so why not give them a try?

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Nakajima Junko

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Let’s make a cardboard pochette

[Anywhere Art Summer Vacation Craft] Let’s Make a Cardboard Pochette — For Elementary School Students

Here’s an introduction to making a pochette using cardboard.

Do you have cardboard boxes at home from parcel deliveries or from purchases at the supermarket? If you have some on hand, you can make a pochette simply by cutting it into shape, folding it, and assembling it.

Cardboard has lines where the inside is hollow.

The key is to keep those lines in mind when you cut.

If you want to create curves in your cardboard parts, cut across those lines.

Doing so will expand your creative possibilities.

Designing the pochette itself is sure to be an enjoyable time, too.

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Nakajima Junko

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