If you’re anything like us, the holidays — and winter in general — spark a desire to do some cozy crafting. When the creative urge hits, the last thing you want to do is abandon your warm blanket and mug of cocoa to hit the craft store. And you may not want to learn a new skill, like sewing or woodworking, either. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

We’ve put together a list of 99 crafts that don’t require any special supplies or talents — most of which are also very affordable and use supplies you have at home. Enjoy! ✨

Crafts for adults

Sophisticated crafts don’t have to require tons of expensive tools. The ideas below mostly use paper, fabric scraps, and items found in nature or the kitchen. 

1. Grab a few sheets of paper and fold some origami. These candles, stars, and doves all look fun to make. Create a stash of your creations now, and then next time you’re at the craft store, pick up the supplies to turn them into a mobile. 

2. Don’t toss your junk mail just yet — use it to make paper beads with the help of a few household items.  

3. Go for a stroll and keep your eyes out for pretty flowers. Collect a few to take home and press. They’ll become the star of lots of future art projects. 

4. When was the last time you made a collage? Learn some simple techniques to make your next one pop. 

“Don’t toss your junk mail just yet — use it to make paper beads with the help of a few household items.”

5. Want to elevate the pages of your journal or a greeting card? Head to the kitchen and make some natural dyes for your paper. 

6. Have some liquid glue on hand? Make your own Mod Podge to use for decoupage projects. (We can’t get enough of these decorative seashells.) 

7. So many feelings can’t be conveyed into words. That’s where an art journal comes in. While there are endless ways to express yourself with an art journal, all you really need is paper, a pen, and permission to doodle, scribble, or draw. 

8. Vision boards aren’t just for the new year. You can create one for the start of a new season, a momentous occasion in your life (like a new job), or, heck, even just the beginning of a new week. 

9. Coasters are the quintessential hostess gift. You can make your own set with fabric scraps and DIY Mod Podge (see number six above). Or, if you have a strong adhesive on hand, try this cute woven version. 

Holiday crafts

Indulging your creative side while creating holiday magic is our idea of successful multitasking. Here are a few crafts that get the job done! 

10. About to finish a carton of juice or milk? With the help of wax paper, you can create a glowy addition to your festive decor. 

11. Christmas paper garlands have a nostalgic charm and require so few supplies. That’s why we love ‘em! Here are 17 ideas to get you started. 

12. Most single-use wrapping paper isn’t great for the environment. If you haven’t had a chance to pick up the eco-friendly kind, now’s the chance to make your own. There are tons of tutorials out there, but we love this person’s simple approach. 

“Most single-use wrapping paper isn’t great for the environment. If you haven’t had a chance to pick up the eco-friendly kind, now’s the chance to make your own.”

13. Like the idea of making your own menorah this year? You’ve got options! If you’ve got a few craft supplies on hand, little ones will love to make these clothespin menorahs. Or, use a recycled egg carton. Grownups can make this elegant coffee-speckled menorah using homemade air-dry clay.  

14. If you’re celebrating Kwanzaa with little ones, you can make a unity cup together, or if you have acrylic paints on hand, follow along with this DIY duo.  

15. Party hats aren’t just for birthdays. DIY a fun New Year’s Eve accessory using paper and whatever bits of ribbon and baubles you scavenge around the house. 

16. Celebrate the holidays with a DIY nature garland. You can use items from your kitchen, yard, or nature walks. All you really need is some twine, ribbon, or yarn, but we’re inspired by this elaborate version, too. 

17. It can be a balm at the darkest time of year to celebrate the winter solstice, which heralds longer days. These DIY suncatchers use mason jar lids to capture winter’s gentle light. 

18. Poinsettias are beautiful during the holidays, but they can be toxic for your furry family members. Thankfully, this coffee filter version is a gorgeous (and easy!) replacement. 

Crafts you can give as gifts

Knowing someone took the time to hand-make us a gift will always bring tears to our eyes. If you want to gift your loved ones something special, try one of these crafts. They mostly use supplies you already have at home. 

19. A paper mache bowl that’ll make them smile anytime they drop their keys or change in it.  

20. Make a set of hand-marbled stationery they’ll use to write you a thank you note. 

    21. Dry fruit for simple, beautiful ornaments, or use rice to dry flowers for an everlasting bouquet.  

    22. Repurpose old candles and an egg carton to make giftable homemade wax melts. 

    “Make a set of hand-marbled stationery they’ll use to write you a thank you note.”

    23. Have a beloved book you want to share? Annotate it with notes and beautiful illustrations before giving it to your recipient. 

    24. Or how about making them a paper flower bouquet that will never wilt? 

    25. If you have a beloved photo of you and your recipient, it may be time to make them a photo puzzle. 

    26. There’s something special about lighting a candle with an old-fashioned match, and we love this sweet upcycle for decorating matchboxes. 

    27. If you already have a gift, we love the idea of upcycling old paintings or greeting cards into pretty gift tags. 

    Process-focused crafts

    To make your crafting more mindful, focus on the process of creating rather than the outcome. These craft ideas will help you engage your senses and create a moment of zen. 

    28. A nature mandala is the perfect way to get outside, slow down, and connect with nature. 

    29. Make a coffee or tea stain for fabric. Pause to breathe in the comforting aroma. 

    30. Create a nature texture rubbing from leaves around your home. Maybe it’ll inspire a whole nature journal? 

    31. How meditative would it be to create drip candle artwork? 

    “How meditative would it be to create drip candle artwork?”

    32. If you feel like getting crafty in the kitchen, make some herb-infused olive oils and relish in their invigorating scent. 

    33. Create no-sew drawer sachets with cloth scraps, rice, and essential oils. 

    34. If you have Epsom salts on hand, DIY bath salts are the perfect way to enliven your senses.  

    35. Or, maybe you’d prefer to make a simple sugar scrub to sweeten up bathtime. 

    36. Not into writing? Now could be the time to start an audio journal. We’re thinking of all the fun possibilities here, like recording a few seconds of a song you love, or documenting the ambient sounds at your favorite café.

    Crafts for teens

    Holiday break is (hopefully) free from schoolwork, which means teens can relax and get creative. These ideas probably won’t require a run to the craft store and they leave plenty of room for self-expression.

    37. You can never have too many notebooks. While there are tons of elaborate DIYs out there, we like that this one requires only paper, a hair elastic, and an upcycled greeting card. 

    38. Transform an old t-shirt into a no-sew tote bag, perfect for taking a book to your favorite café.

    39. Switching up your phone cases is fun, but they can get pricey quickly. This detailed tutorial for making your own custom phone insert has endless possibilities.  

    “Transform an old t-shirt into a no-sew tote bag, perfect for taking a book to your favorite café.”

    40. Do you have lots of instant film photos lying around? This DIY photo garland couldn’t be easier, and it’ll add so much charm to your bedroom wall. 

    41. If you’re into the minimalist line art trend, try your hand at this contour drawing tutorial. Whichever sketch you like best goes in a frame!

    42. If you have some bleach on hand, you can customize a cool t-shirt. 

    43. Looking for a super-simple way to use your film photos? All you need is a paperclip and tape for an adorable bookmark. 

    44. Create a custom filter for your phone camera using household items and some creativity. 

    45. Change up the vibe in your room by adding paper cutouts to your lampshade. (Here’s an example of how to do it.) 

    Crafts for kids 

    Have restless kiddos at home? Easy household crafts to the rescue. Think sculptures, jewelry, and more made from stuff you’ll find in your cupboards and drawers. 

    46. Almost anything can become a puppet, even socks, paper bags, and toilet paper rolls. 

    47. Or, save those toilet paper rolls to make a feeder for the birdies. 

    48. Create sculptures in homage to your favorite people using only tinfoil! 

    49. Go for a walk, collect some rocks, and then paint them. If you don’t have acrylic paints on hand, nail polish works too. 

    “Create sculptures in homage to your favorite people using only tinfoil!”

    50. Some things are classics for a reason. Make a pretty pasta necklace to wear all season long. 

    51. Bigs and littles alike will get a kick out of transforming a potato into a stamp. Personalize everything from art projects to t-shirts. 

    52. Dig out those cupcake liners from the back of the cabinet and help them metamorphose into butterflies. 

    53. Make a paper plate mask in the morning and put on a living room performance to rival Broadway in the evening. 

    54. Have extra tissue paper lying around from wrapping presents? Turn it into cheery “stained glass.” 

    Quick crafts

    Sometimes you have more desire to make something than you have time or patience. That’s fine! There are plenty of quickie crafts for scratching that creative itch.

    55. If you have a thick sheet of paper and some scissors, you have everything you need to create your own latté art stencil. 

    56. If you’re like us, you tend to hang on to pretty scraps of fabric, wrapping paper, and more. You can turn them into beautiful wall decor if you have a frame lying around. 

    57. Who else is loving the triumphant return of the hair scrunchie? To make your own no-sew version, gather fabric scraps and a hair elastic. 

    “If you have tissue paper left over from holiday gifting, you’re well on your way to some abstract wall art.”

    58. If you have tissue paper left over from holiday gifting, you’re well on your way to some abstract wall art. 

    59. We’re so inspired by this artful way to take a moment with nature. 

    60. Don’t forget how simple creativity can be. If you only have a few minutes, that’s enough time to grab some paper and draw your feelings. 

    61. A statement candle can tie a whole room together. If you’d like to jazz up one you already have, all you need is paint. 

    62. Use some scrap fabric or wrapping paper to upgrade your wooden spoons with homemade Mod Podge. 

    63. Grab some flowers from your garden (or that bouquet on your table) and hang them to dry. 

    Nature-inspired crafts

    Ah, Mother Nature, our forever muse. Now’s your chance to dive into these crafts, inspired by our beautiful planet. 

    64. This paper petal press made with household items is so delicate and pretty. 

    65. Pick some fresh wildflower blooms for pounded flower art. 

    66. If you happen to have some wire on hand, forage for leaves in your neighborhood and make an adorable mini wreath. 

    67. Or, preserve the leaves you find with old melted candles. 

    “Pick some fresh wildflower blooms for pounded flower art.”

    68. We love this stunning herbarium that uses an upcycled jar and baby oil to preserve nature on your windowsill. 

    69. Have berries, olive oil, or beets at home? You’ve got everything you need to make a natural lip stain. 

    70. Make your own ink from coffee, raspberries, or tea. We envision using leaves and flowers as stamps for organic art! 

    71. Whip up some homemade natural food coloring. Then use it to dye sugar or coconut flakes for charming baked goods. 

    72. Use twine, sticks, and whatever natural elements you find to create unique woven art. 

    Upcycled crafts

    If you’re trying to live more sustainably, upcycling is a great place to start. Try a few of these crafts to get the (repurposed yarn) ball rolling. 

    73. We can’t get over these floral greeting cards made from tea bags. (You’ll need pressed flowers for this craft, so bookmark it for later and go forage for some blooms!) 

    74. This scrappy fabric garland would add so much warmth to your home. It’s perfect for repurposing clothes that aren’t in good enough condition to donate. 

    75. Go through that pile of tops you never wear and turn them into something new with these no-sew updates. 

    76. Make an easy, reusable heating pad with an upcycled sock and some rice. 

    “Make an easy, reusable heating pad with an upcycled sock and some rice.”

    77. Getting ready to start seeds for spring? No need to buy seedling trays. Use your junk mail! 

    78. Make a no-sew braided rag rug using fabric scraps. Keep it for yourself, or donate it to an animal shelter for animals to lounge on. 

    79. Need a handy little basket? Grab an old newspaper and a stapler and get to making! 

    80. Upcycle leaves or dried flowers into confetti for your next celebration. So much prettier than the plastic stuff.  

    81. Use tape, parchment paper, and upcycled magazine pages, drawings, or photos to make your own stickers. 

    Home design crafts 

    Any craft that’s fun now and can become a decor piece later has our vote. Try some of these and tell us your favorite!

    82. Use homemade salt dough to create a stylish wall hook (or five).  

    83. If you have string lights and an egg carton, you have just about everything you need to make these magical fairy flower lights. 

    84. Ready to upgrade your kitchen towels? Look no further than the refrigerator for these fruit- and veggie-stamped towels. 

    85. These mini photo dioramas made with upcycled lids would add such a whimsical touch to your walls, don’t you think? 

    “Ready to upgrade your kitchen towels? Look no further than the refrigerator for these fruit- and veggie-stamped towels.”

    86. Why aren’t we, as a society, talking more about paper mache? You can create some seriously stunning decor with it. Plus, it’s super easy to make. 

    87. We don’t know about you, but nothing in our home is safe from the addition of a cute little bow. Candles, stemware — even the branches of our houseplants. This fabric scrap bow tutorial makes it all possible. 

    88. You know that old book you keep meaning to donate? What about turning it into art instead? We can’t get over this book page bow garland. 

    89. If you’ve got paint and baking soda, you can update an old vase or bottle with a stoneware-inspired finish.  

    90. Potpourri is back in style, and we’re thrilled! Here’s some inspiration to make your own. Use what you have around the house. 

    Crafts you can take your time on

    There’s something uniquely satisfying about crafts that take time to create. If you’re up for a longer project, dig into one of these. 

    91. Have you ever seen something as ephemeral and beautiful as this leaf membrane art? The final product is worth the weeks of waiting. 

    92. Enfleurage is a simple way to capture the scent of your favorite flowers at their peak. All it requires is a little patience (and coconut oil). 

    93. Natural dye takes some time to make, but it creates fabrics that rival those of our favorite sustainable clothing brands!

    94. This food scrap art is almost too darling for words. Be sure to budget plenty of time for your food scraps to dry between book pages. 

    “Have you ever seen something as ephemeral and beautiful as this leaf membrane art? The final product is worth the weeks of waiting.”

    95. Start a scrapbook to update with your favorite memories as time goes on. Here’s an easy way to make a scrapbook base at home using glue, paper, and cardboard you may already have.  

    96. Create your own paint-by-numbers, then take your time filling it with color. 

    97. Create gorgeous, organic-looking paper at home without any special supplies. 

    98. You probably have everything you need to make a natural wood stain and update your furniture at home. 

    99. Did you find some pretty rocks? Polish them by hand for a soothing long-term project. They’ll look great in a glass bowl with candles when you’re done. ✨

    There you have it! There are tons of ways to indulge your creativity without buying expensive equipment or mastering a complicated new skill. Let us know which crafts you try in the comments. We can’t wait to hear about it!

    Nicole Ahlering is a wellness writer living in Southern California. When she’s not writing, she’s combing the beach for shells, at the Pilates studio, sipping matcha, or doing crafts with friends. She believes the secret to happiness is slowing down.