When it comes to DIY projects, it seems like little kids and grownups have all the fun—but that doesn’t have to be the case. Even though these days it feels like teenagers can’t tear themselves away from social media for a hot second, DIY crafts for teens present an easy way to engage teens (sans cellphone!) and allow them to flex their creative muscles.
Plus, if they end up loving their work they can post it on Instagram for their friends to fave. Need more incentive? They can make some extra money by selling these cute items, and what teen isn’t eager to put some extra money in their pocket?
The following 16 crafts for teens are total upgrades from those grade-school projects your kids used to bring home from school (meaning, no popsicle sticks and Elmer’s glue required). So the next time you’d like to entice your teen to put away her smartphone for a few hours, use one of these cool DIY crafts for teens to inspire her.
Featured image: Local Adventurer
16 Clever & Cool DIY Projects For Teens
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Raw Stone Earrings
These raw stone earrings are a cinch to make and only take about five minutes to complete from start to finish. Even your teen has the attention span to create them!
Source: Alice and Lois
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Crystal Knob Boxes
These may been teen-friendly to make, but they are so lovely that I'm tackling them as one of my own DIYs!
Source: Homey Oh My
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DIY Bath Bombs
We couldn't create a roundup of DIY crafts for teens without bath bombs! These are especially perfect if the high price tags of bath bombs has kept your house from being able to enjoy fizzy, luxurious baths as often as you would all like.
Photo: DIY Projects
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Constellation Coasters
These coasters are out of this world! If you have a decent printer at home, all you need to do is find a stellar image you want to use and print it out.
Source: Almost Makes Perfect
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Concrete Gem Mini Planters
Decorate bookshelves and more with a mini collection of these bitty planters.
Photo: PROPER
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DIY Cord Tacos
Teens have tons of gadgets. These cute cord tacos make it simple to keep headphones and all the other cords from getting tangled.
Source: Local Adventurer
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Hexagon Tray
You and your teen are five easy steps away from a cool new tray that holds just about anything.
Source: PROPER
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Pom-Pom Keychain
Super-fast and super-fun to make, this pom pom keychain will make it easy to stop losing your keys. The color possibilities are endless!
Photo: Made In A Day
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Gem Magnets
The perfect addition to any teen's locker!
Photo: PROPER
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Diamond Pillow
Cover the bed or fill a bean bag chair with these fun pillows in a rainbow of colors.
Source: Little White Whale
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Marble Dipped Mugs
These DIY mugs are perfect for teens who are about to head off to college.
Source: The Sweetest Occasion
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Watercolor Backpack
Update a book bag with some markers and rubbing alcohol.
Source: Momtastic
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Embroidered Headphones
Give a pair of boring headphones a colorful makeover with a little embroidery thread.
Source: Apartment Therapy
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Mudcloth-Inspired Organizer
This is a great vessel for hanging pics of friends from school or fave mementos.
Source: A Bubbly Life
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Marbled Ring Dishes
The multi-ring stacking trend makes these awesome dishes a necessity.
Source: A Beautiful Mess
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Tee Shirt Tote
Upcycle an old tee and use it to carry school supplies.
Source: Mommy Potamus