[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!
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[Summer Vacation Crafts] Not just something you make and forget! A collection of practical ideas you can use every day (31–40)
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.
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!
small accessory case
Let me introduce a cute and handy little storage container.
Get a wooden box, a cutting board, a round dowel, a hot glue gun, and a saw, and let’s get started.
Use the hot glue gun to attach the cutting board to the left and right sides of the wooden box.
Cut the round dowel to the appropriate length, sand the ends smooth, thread it through the holes, and secure it with the hot glue gun.
The process is simple and easy to make, so definitely give it a try.
It’s also recommended to paint it to add a personal touch.
[Summer Vacation Crafts] Not just for making and forgetting! A collection of practical ideas you can use every day (41–50)
Handmade shaker coaster
Introducing original handmade “shaker” coasters that capture the feel of the seasons.
Gather styrofoam board, background design paper, a clear file, plastic sheet, double-sided tape, beads or seashells, and sand, and let’s get started.
First, decide what kind of coaster you want to make.
Cut the styrofoam board to create the coaster base.
Attach the base pieces together for the bottom section.
Apply masking tape around the edges, add seashells and sand inside, then seal it with the lid using double-sided tape—and you’re done! Give it a try!
Insect interior
This is an idea for turning insect specimens into stylish interior decor.
When you think of specimens, you might picture them in a box, but what we’re introducing here uses a jar.
You’ll need a jar with a cork lid, an acrylic sheet, and an insect specimen.
The process is simple: first, cut the acrylic sheet to a size that fits inside the jar.
Next, make a slit in the cork lid, insert the cut acrylic sheet, and secure it with adhesive.
Finally, attach the insect specimen to the acrylic sheet and close the lid to finish.
Using a clear acrylic sheet makes it look as if the insect is floating inside the jar, creating a very chic look.