[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 (31–40)
desk lamp
@gakky_07 How about this for your summer vacation project?Summer Vacation Craft#Summer VacationDesk lamp
♬ Fun Isono Family / Sazae-san [Cover] – Sound Works
Here’s an idea for making a desk lamp that uses a magnet-mountable LED light.
The stand is entirely wooden, and the arm is movable so you can adjust the angle.
First, think about what size you want and what kind of structure you’re aiming for, and try drawing a design plan.
Once the plan is ready, figure out the lengths and quantities of wood you’ll need and source the materials.
These days, you can even find small pieces of wood at 100-yen shops, so those might work as well.
One of the joys of woodworking is choosing the finish—whether to go for a natural look with varnish or oil, or paint it your favorite color—so definitely consider a variety of options.
Key rack made from 100-yen shop materials
This is a key rack packed with ideas, made using photo frames.
Prepare three identical photo frames: two will form the body and one will be the lid.
Start by making the body.
First, cut a cork sheet to fit the inside dimensions of a photo frame, apply a decorative remake sheet, and attach it to the first frame.
Next, glue the second frame on top of the first.
That completes the body.
Then, use hinges to connect the third frame to the body as a lid.
Finish by attaching an arch latch.
By inserting aluminum pins into the cork sheet, you can hang your keys on them.
It’s a creative project that turns photo frames into a key rack.
Try painting it or adding your own touches to make it uniquely yours.
cool pen holder
Let me introduce a very handy and stylish pen holder.
Prepare a wooden box, wooden boards, an interior mesh frame, paint, a brush, glue, and sandpaper, and let’s get started.
Cut the wooden boards, paint them, and glue them together.
Glue on the interior mesh frame as well.
Once it’s dry, it’s complete.
This pen holder makes the contents easy to see and offers great ventilation—give it a try! Adding illustrations or decorations to give it a personal touch will make it even more wonderful.
Sumikko Gurashi piggy bank
I’ll introduce how to make a Sumikko Gurashi piggy bank out of origami.
Prepare two sheets of origami paper and one small sheet, then let’s get started.
Use the small origami paper to make the 5-yen coin part.
Fold the corners toward the center, then fold the surrounding corners as well.
It will form the shape of a 5-yen coin, so draw the details with a felt-tip pen.
For the base piggy bank, fold the origami toward the center to create creases.
Following the creases, tuck the paper inward to form a square box.
Make two identical boxes; on one of them, attach the 5-yen coin and draw the face.
The key point is to change the color of the origami depending on the character.
Candy Magnet
Let’s make a magnet that looks like a candy with twisted ends.
The materials and steps are very simple, so it’s highly recommended.
First, prepare strong magnets from a 100-yen shop, a plastic bottle cap, and a fabric scrap with a pattern you like.
Start by gluing the magnet to the back of the bottle cap.
Next, cut the fabric scrap to 14 cm by 10 cm, then fold back and glue three sides, leaving just one of the short sides unfolded.
Once the glue is dry, wrap the bottle cap with the fabric and secure it with glue.
Finally, to create the candy shape, gather and stitch the fabric at both ends with thread.
You’re done! Try making lots in different colors and patterns.
[Summer Vacation Crafts] Not just for making and forgetting! A collection of practical ideas you can use every day (41–50)
gel candle
At 100-yen shops, you can find a product called gel candles, and with them you can easily make homemade candles.
Gel candles are easy to handle, and you can even pour two different colors one on top of the other to create a two-layer candle.
The way the colors blend slightly between the layers also gives it a lovely look.
Plus, by placing items you like—such as colored sand, seashells, or dried flowers—into the glass before pouring in the gel candle, you can create a more stylish and original piece.
Give it a try and make one with your own sense of style.
disposable chopstick coaster
Introducing a chopstick coaster that lets you feel the warmth of wood.
Gather disposable chopsticks, glue, sanding sealer, varnish, and a brush, and let’s get started.
Glue chopsticks around the base board.
If you score the chopsticks with a utility knife before splitting them, they’ll break cleanly.
Lightly sand the tips to round them off.
Continue gluing the chopsticks from the outside toward the inside.
Adjust the size of the chopsticks as you go, fitting them while slightly changing the angle.
Brush on varnish and let it dry, and you’re done.
Give it a try!