Middle schoolers are bursting with creativity and energy, making it the perfect time to dive into some arts and crafts. Let’s explore 20 fun and engaging craft ideas that will keep their hands busy and their minds inspired.

Recycled Paper Bag Stars

Transform simple paper bags into stunning stars — a perfect blend of creativity and sustainability!
Transform simple paper bags into stunning stars — a perfect blend of creativity and sustainability!

Turn ordinary paper bags into stunning stars with a few cuts and folds. These stars were a staple in my home growing up, always adding a whimsical touch to any room.

Give these a look:

  • Brown Paper Bags: Create whimsical stars with these eco-friendly brown paper bags. Perfect for crafting fun days.
  • Craft Scissors: Achieve clean, precise cuts for your paper stars with these high-quality craft scissors.
  • Non-Toxic Craft Glue: Ensure your creations hold together safely with this easy-to-use, non-toxic craft glue.

String Art

Discover the art of simplicity and creativity with this captivating string art masterpiece.
Discover the art of simplicity and creativity with this captivating string art masterpiece.

Design geometric patterns using nails and colorful string on a wooden board. I love how the intricate designs emerge, a testament to patience and creativity combined.

Items that may come in handy:

  • String Art Kit: Discover your creative potential with a complete string art kit perfect for beginners and enthusiasts.
  • Colored Embroidery Thread: Add vibrant colors to your string art projects with a variety of embroidery thread options.
  • Wooden Art Board: Start your creative journey with a durable wooden board ideal for string art projects.

DIY Dream Catchers

Weave a touch of magic into your space with this DIY dream catcher!
Weave a touch of magic into your space with this DIY dream catcher!

With some yarn, beads, and feathers, create a dream catcher to hang over your bed. It’s a soothing project that weaves a touch of magic into any space.

Possibly handy products:

  • Dream Catcher Craft Kit: Create your own dream catcher with this all-in-one kit designed for ease and creativity.
  • Colorful Yarn Assortment: Add vibrant colors to your dream catcher with this set of assorted yarns.
  • Feather and Bead Set: Enhance your dream catcher with a variety of feathers and beads for a whimsical touch.

Bottle Cap Magnets

Transform everyday bottle caps into stunning magnets that add a touch of whimsy to any space.
Transform everyday bottle caps into stunning magnets that add a touch of whimsy to any space.

Turn bottle caps into funky magnets with a bit of paint and a magnet strip. These quirky creations always spark conversation and a smile.

These products might help:

  • Acrylic Craft Paint Set: Unleash your creativity with vibrant acrylic paints ideal for decorating bottle caps.
  • Self-Adhesive Magnet Strips: Easily turn bottle caps into magnets with convenient self-adhesive magnet strips.
  • Bottle Cap Assortment: Gather a variety of bottle caps for unique craft projects and endless fun.

Yarn Wrapped Letters

Add a personal touch to your space with vibrant yarn-wrapped letters—simple, elegant, and oh-so-crafty!
Add a personal touch to your space with vibrant yarn-wrapped letters—simple, elegant, and oh-so-crafty!

Transform simple cardboard into room decor by wrapping them in colorful yarn. I remember the joy of seeing my initials come to life with vibrant patterns, perfect for personalizing a space.

A few helpful options:

  • Colorful Yarn Set: Explore vibrant creativity with a colorful yarn set for your crafting adventures.
  • Cardboard Letter Blanks: Start crafting with sturdy cardboard letter blanks, perfect for easy wrapping.
  • Craft Glue for Fabric: Secure your creations effortlessly with reliable craft glue designed for yarn and fabric.

Paper Mâché Bowls

Discover the art of patience with these stunning paper mâché bowls – where simplicity meets craftsmanship.
Discover the art of patience with these stunning paper mâché bowls – where simplicity meets craftsmanship.

Use newspaper strips and glue to create magnificent paper mâché bowls. Layer by layer, these bowls become a testament to patience and artistry.

Some ideas to consider:

  • Paper Mâché Glue: Enhance your project with this versatile adhesive designed for perfect paper mâché creations.
  • Newspaper Craft Paper: Use these recycled newspaper strips for an eco-friendly approach to your bowl-making process.
  • Paint Set for Crafts: Add vibrant colors to your bowls with this comprehensive set of non-toxic craft paints.

Nature Collages

Embrace nature's artistry: Create stunning collages with the simple beauty of leaves and flowers.
Embrace nature’s artistry: Create stunning collages with the simple beauty of leaves and flowers.

Collect leaves, flowers, and twigs to create natural collages on paper. As a kid, these projects always made me feel connected to the world outside my window.

Check if these fit your needs:

  • Pressed Flower Kit: Preserve your flowers and leaves perfectly for stunning collages. Start crafting beautiful nature art today!
  • Glue Sticks: Secure leaves and flowers effortlessly. Get clean, lasting results with these easy-to-use glue sticks!
  • Decorative Scrapbook Paper: Enhance your nature collages with vibrant paper backgrounds. Choose your favorite designs now!

Clay Pinch Pots

Embrace the beauty of simplicity with handcrafted clay pinch pots.
Embrace the beauty of simplicity with handcrafted clay pinch pots.

Mold air-dry clay into small pots, perfect for holding trinkets. Crafting these pots is a tactile experience that always leaves me feeling grounded.

A few things you might like:

  • Air-Dry Clay 5lb Package: Create beautiful pinch pots with easy-to-mold clay. Perfect for endless crafting possibilities.
  • Modeling Tools Set: Enhance your clay creations with detailed modeling tools. Craft with precision and ease.
  • Acrylic Paint Set: Add vibrant color to your clay pots with this versatile paint set. Ideal for creative projects.

Magazine Strip Coasters

Crafted with care: A sustainable twist on coasters, combining artistry with everyday function.
Crafted with care: A sustainable twist on coasters, combining artistry with everyday function.

Roll strips of old magazines into beautiful coasters that are both functional and artistic. It’s a craft that reminds me of the joy in recycling and creativity.

Might be a good match:

  • Craft Glue: Secure your magazine strips with strong adhesive, ensuring long-lasting and durable coasters.
  • Mod Podge: Seal and protect your coasters with a glossy finish, making them resistant to spills.
  • Scissors for Crafts: Effortlessly cut magazine strips with precision using specialized crafting scissors.

Melted Crayon Art

Transform old crayons into a stunning, minimalist masterpiece—where color meets creativity.
Transform old crayons into a stunning, minimalist masterpiece—where color meets creativity.

Recycle old crayons into beautiful, abstract art pieces by melting them onto canvas. Watching the colors blend and flow is like witnessing a little piece of magic unfold right before your eyes.

Try these:

  • Canvas Panels for Acrylic Painting: Create stunning crayon art on high-quality canvas panels. Perfect for vibrant and durable art pieces.
  • Assorted Crayon Set: Explore creativity with a variety of colorful crayons. Ideal for blending and melting magic.
  • Craft Heat Gun: Melt crayons efficiently with a dependable craft heat gun. Essential for flawless melted crayon art.

Tie-Dye T-Shirts

Unleash your creativity with tie-dye: where vibrant colors meet minimalist charm.
Unleash your creativity with tie-dye: where vibrant colors meet minimalist charm.

Create vibrant patterns on plain t-shirts using tie-dye techniques. I still remember the thrill of untying my shirts to reveal bursts of color.

May just do the trick:

  • Tie-Dye Kit: Explore endless color combinations with this easy-to-use tie-dye kit, perfect for beginners.
  • 100% Cotton T-Shirts: Create vibrant designs on these soft, absorbent cotton t-shirts ideal for tie-dye projects.
  • Tie-Dye Rubber Bands: Secure your t-shirts for unique patterns using these durable, high-quality rubber bands.

Painted Rocks

Transform ordinary stones into vibrant garden art with this simple yet charming craft idea.
Transform ordinary stones into vibrant garden art with this simple yet charming craft idea.

Collect smooth rocks and transform them into colorful garden art. This simple craft is a delightful way to add personality to any garden path.

A few relevant products:

  • Acrylic Paint Set: Explore vibrant colors for your rock art projects with this versatile acrylic paint set.
  • Fine Tip Paint Brushes: Achieve intricate details in your designs using these high-quality fine tip brushes.
  • Canvas Apron for Painting: Stay clean and organized with this durable canvas apron during your creative sessions.

Homemade Scented Candles

Handcrafted Elegance: Bring warmth and a personal touch to your home with DIY scented candles.
Handcrafted Elegance: Bring warmth and a personal touch to your home with DIY scented candles.

Melt wax and add essential oils to create personalized scented candles. Crafting these brings a warmth and fragrance to any home.

Useful items to consider:

  • Soy Wax for Candle Making: Create long-lasting scented candles with eco-friendly soy wax. Perfect for personalized home fragrances.
  • Essential Oils Set: Enhance your candles with a variety of essential oils. Choose scents to match any mood.
  • Candle Wicks with Wick Holder: Ensure even burning with quality candle wicks. Includes holders for easy setup.

Pasta Jewelry

Craft your own pastel perfection with this delightful pasta jewelry project!
Craft your own pastel perfection with this delightful pasta jewelry project!

Paint pasta shapes and string them into necklaces or bracelets. It’s a simple yet charming way to add a pop of color to any outfit.

Products that could assist:

  • Assorted Pasta Shapes: Transform everyday pasta into colorful jewelry pieces, adding flair and creativity to your outfits.
  • Acrylic Craft Paint Set: Bring your pasta jewelry to life with vibrant colors, sparking imagination and personal expression.
  • Jewelry Making String: String your painted pasta into unique jewelry pieces, showcasing a blend of creativity and style.

Watercolor Resist Art

Unveil creativity with watercolor resist art—where every peel is a delightful surprise!
Unveil creativity with watercolor resist art—where every peel is a delightful surprise!

Use masking tape or wax to create patterns on paper before painting with watercolors. The big reveal, peeling away the tape, never fails to delight.

A few choices to try:

  • Watercolor Paint Set: Explore vibrant colors with this watercolor set, perfect for creating beautiful resist art patterns.
  • Artist Masking Tape: Create sharp lines and patterns with ease using this versatile and easy-to-peel masking tape.
  • Watercolor Paper Pad: Achieve superior results with this high-quality watercolor paper perfect for resist art techniques.

Egg Carton Flowers

Breathe new life into everyday materials with this charming egg carton flower, celebrating the beauty of sustainable artistry.
Breathe new life into everyday materials with this charming egg carton flower, celebrating the beauty of sustainable artistry.

Transform egg cartons into delightful floral art with a bit of paint and creativity. These flowers bring a touch of springtime indoors, no matter the season.

Check these products out:

  • Acrylic Paint Set: Unleash your creativity with vibrant colors that bring egg carton flowers to life. Easy to use.
  • Paint Brushes Set: Achieve precision and artistry in painting your egg carton flowers with these versatile brushes.
  • Hot Glue Gun: Securely assemble your egg carton flowers with ease using this reliable hot glue gun.

Fabric Scrap Bookmarks

Transform your reading experience with handcrafted fabric bookmarks, where simplicity meets artistic flair.
Transform your reading experience with handcrafted fabric bookmarks, where simplicity meets artistic flair.

Sew or glue fabric scraps into unique bookmarks. These little pieces of art make reading feel even more personal and special.

You might give these a try:

  • Fabric Scrap Assortment: Explore diverse patterns and colors. Create personalized and artistic bookmarks effortlessly.
  • Fabric Glue: Securely bond fabric scraps with ease. Achieve professional results without sewing.
  • Embroidery Scissors: Cut intricate designs precisely. Enhance your bookmark craft with sharp, durable scissors.

Upcycled Tin Can Lanterns

Illuminate your summer nights with the warm glow of a handcrafted tin can lantern, where simplicity meets elegance in every recycled detail.
Illuminate your summer nights with the warm glow of a handcrafted tin can lantern, where simplicity meets elegance in every recycled detail.

Punch holes in old tin cans to create beautiful outdoor lanterns. Lighting these up on warm summer nights always brings a sense of coziness to my backyard.

Consider these options:

  • Metal Punching Tools Set: Create intricate designs with ease using a reliable metal punching tools set for your lanterns.
  • LED Tea Light Candles: Illuminate your lanterns safely with these long-lasting, easy-to-use LED tea light candles.
  • Heavy Duty Jute Twine: Hang your lanterns securely with strong, durable heavy-duty jute twine, perfect for outdoor use.

Bubble Wrap Painting

Unleash creativity with bubble wrap painting - where fun meets art!
Unleash creativity with bubble wrap painting – where fun meets art!

Use bubble wrap to stamp fun textures onto paper. The popping sound and unexpected patterns make this craft both entertaining and artistic.

Possibly helpful picks:

  • Acrylic Paint Set: Unleash colorful creativity with a vibrant acrylic paint set, perfect for bubble wrap painting projects.
  • Bubble Wrap Roll: Get ready to stamp fun textures using high-quality bubble wrap, adding excitement to your art.
  • Watercolor Paper Pad: Enjoy durable watercolor paper pads that enhance your bubble wrap stamping techniques beautifully.

Photo Collage Boards

Craft your story: Dive into a world of memories with a vibrant photo collage board, where simplicity meets creativity.
Craft your story: Dive into a world of memories with a vibrant photo collage board, where simplicity meets creativity.

Arrange photos, magazine clippings, and mementos on a board for a personal collage. This project is a reflective journey through memories and stories.

You might like:

  • Decorative Cork Board: Start your collage by pinning memories on a versatile cork board. Easy and organized fun awaits!
  • Colorful Push Pins: Brighten your collage with colorful push pins. Add a splash of color to your memory board!
  • Photo Print Set: Enhance your collage with vibrant photo prints. Capture and display your favorite moments easily!