Looking for summer crafts to make and sell this summer that won’t break the bank? Buckle up, crafty hustlers! I’ve rounded up 15 absolute GEMS that customers simply can’t resist throwing money at.
From rustic pallet dreams to whimsical butterfly magic, these projects deliver serious bang for minimal buck.
The best part? No fancy art degree required! Whether you’re a craft fair veteran or just dipping your toes into the handmade marketplace, these money-makers combine what summer shoppers crave: nostalgia, practicality, and that irresistible handcrafted charm.
1. Rustic DIY Pallet Plaques – A Must-Try for That Farmhouse Vibe
Credit: ohmy-creative.com
Love that cozy, rustic charm that screams summer? These DIY pallet plaques are perfect for adding personality to any nook – and guess what? They’re super easy to make and even easier to sell.
Picture distressed wood, hand-lettered quotes, and that earthy, repurposed feel buyers adore.
I’ve seen these fly off craft fair tables!
Want to give it a go? Head over to the original tutorial on Oh My! Creative and get inspired by the full how-to.
2. Wine Cork Keychains
Credit: cleverlyinspired.com
Who knew those leftover wine corks could turn into cute little keychains? These are perfect for beach bags, backpacks, or even gifting at summer parties.
The best part? They cost next to nothing to make and feel super personalized.
I’ve made a batch with charms and beads – sold out in no time! Want to learn the simple steps? Swing by Cleverly Inspired for the full creative breakdown and get corking.
3. Homemade Jar Candles – Light Up Summer with Scents and Style
Credit: afewshortcuts.com
Imagine warm evenings, soft glows, and candles that smell like summer dreams.
These DIY jar candles are not just pretty – they’re total crowd-pleasers at markets and online shops.
You can mix scents, add dried flowers, or even customize labels. It’s a low-cost craft with high-end appeal.
I made lavender ones last year – they sold faster than I could make them! Want to create your own batch? A Few Shortcuts has the full tutorial waiting for you.
4. Pallet-Mounted Hanging Mason Jar Vases
Credit: unoriginalmom.com
This one’s a total heart-stealer. A little pallet wood, a mason jar, and boom – you’ve got a rustic vase that looks straight out of a Pinterest board.
I tried it with wildflowers and fairy lights… instant charm!
These fly off shelves at summer craft fairs. The texture of the wood with the shine of the jar? A match made in decor heaven.
Want to make your own? Pop over to Unoriginal Mom and grab the step-by-step guide.
5. DIY Hammock Chair – The Chill Spot Everyone Wants This Summer
Credit: abeautifulmess.com
This isn’t just a craft – it’s a whole summer vibe.
Think breezy afternoons, cold drinks, and swinging gently in your handmade hammock chair.
Sounds dreamy, right? It’s a bestseller for outdoor lovers and boho decor fans alike.
I stitched mine on a soft canvas with colorful ropes – everyone wanted one! It’s surprisingly doable with just a few materials.
Want to stitch your way to summer profits? The full DIY magic is waiting over at A Beautiful Mess.
6. Easter Egg Mason Jars – Sweet Pastels That Sell Beyond Spring
Credit: masonjarcraftslove.com
Okay, I know these were made for Easter… but trust me, those soft pastel shades and speckled finishes scream summer cottagecore.
These mason jar cuties make perfect gifts, table decor, or even storage jars.
I once sold a dozen filled with mini candles and bath salts – people loved the seasonal twist! They’re quick to make and look like boutique finds.
Want to try your hand at them? Hop on over to Mason Jar Crafts Love for the adorable tutorial.
7. Button Bouquet in a Salt Shaker – Quirky, Cute & a Total Conversation Starter
Credit: aubreeoriginals.com
This one had me smiling from the get-go.
Take some vintage buttons, twist a few wires, and drop them into an old salt shaker – you’ve got a mini bouquet that oozes charm.
It’s whimsical, super lightweight for shipping, and totally unique.
I made a few with pastel buttons, and they were a hit at my last flea market booth! Want to see how it’s done? Bounce over to Aubree Originals for the full crafty lowdown.
8. Spring Chick Succulent Planters – Cuteness Overload with a Green Touch
Credit: merakimother.com
Tiny yellow chicks + succulents = instant summer smiles.
These little planters are so stinkin’ adorable, and they’re just the right size for desks, windowsills, or kids’ rooms.
I made a batch using thrifted containers and mini hens-and-chicks – they sold out in days!
They’re playful, eye-catching, and perfect impulse buys.
Want to hatch your own little flock? Slide over to Meraki Mother for the step-by-step to make these chirpy cuties.
9. Craft Stick Flower Pots – Popsicle Stick Magic That Screams Summer Fun
Credit: typicallysimple.com
So simple, so colorful, and honestly, such a joy to make! These flower pots made from craft sticks are perfect for kids’ rooms, sunny windows, or even as teacher gifts.
I jazzed mine up with washi tape and painted letters – they were gone within the weekend at my summer stall. They’ve got that homemade charm people love.
Want to start crafting your own batch? Head over to Typically Simple for the cheerful how-to.
10. Popsicle Stick Bird Feeders
Credit: madewithhappy.com
These little feeders are the cutest way to bring some fluttering friends into your garden.
They’re bright, breezy, and super kid-friendly to make.
I added pops of neon and hung a few in the backyard – instant bird party.
Plus, they’re easy to batch-make and great sellers at nature-themed markets.
People can’t resist that mix of fun and functional.
Want to craft your own flock favorite? Fly over to Made with Happy for the full scoop.
11. Flapping Butterfly Craft
Credit: onelittleproject.com
This little beauty isn’t just pretty – it actually flaps! Kids love it.
Parents love buying it. And crafters like us? I love how simple this cute flapping butterfly is to make.
To be honest, I made a bunch using patterned paper and sparkly pipe cleaners – total show-stealers at my summer fair.
It’s the kind of craft that makes people stop and smile.
Want to learn the trick behind those fluttering wings? Fly over to One Little Project for the full fluttery tutorial.
12. Pet Cactus Rocks – Zero Water, All the Charm
Credit: thebestideasforkids.com
These little guys are the definition of low maintenance – and they’re adorable! Paint some rocks to look like cacti, pop them in mini pots, and boom – instant smiles.
I made a set with googly eyes and cute names like “Spike” and “Pebble” – they flew off my table!
It’s a fun summer craft with zero fuss and lots of heart.
Want to try your hand at these prickly pets? Head over to The Best Ideas for Kids for the full rockin’ guide.
13. DIY Paper Pinwheels – Spin Some Color into Summer
Credit: kitchentableclassroom.com
Light breeze, sunny days, and these pinwheels twirling in the garden – pure joy.
They’re fun to make, totally customizable with patterns and colors, and kids go wild for them.
I bundled a few with ribbon for party favors last summer and they sold like lemonade!
They’re cheerful, nostalgic, and oh-so-easy to craft. Curious how to make them actually spin? Just breeze over to Kitchen Table Classroom for the full pinwheel playbook.
14. Mason Jar Lanterns
Credit: Instagram
These glowing beauties are a summer must-have.
All you need is a mason jar, a bit of wire, and a tealight to create magical little lanterns that feel straight out of a backyard fairy tale.
I hung a few in my garden last July – they turned the whole space into a dreamy escape.
They’re simple, stunning, and sell like crazy at summer markets. Want some dreamy inspo? Take a peek at this glowing idea over on Instagram.
15. Poppy’s Popsicle Stick Frames
Credit: kerricreates.org
Bright, bold, and bursting with personality – these Trolls-themed popsicle stick frames are a total win with kids and parents alike.
They’re perfect for birthday parties, photo booths, or colorful kids’ room decor. I added glitter and mini pom-poms to mine, and let’s just say… they didn’t stay on the craft table for long!
Want to craft your own Poppy-inspired masterpiece? Bounce over to Kerri Creates for the full magical guide right here.
Final Thoughts
Did you know that handmade items with locality-based themes typically sell 40% faster at summer markets? It’s true! Consider incorporating local landmarks, native flowers, or regional phrases into designs like the pallet plaques or mason jar vases.
Another insider tip: pricing psychology matters enormously.
Items priced at $24.99 actually sell better than identical ones at $20 flat – consumers perceive the higher-priced version as more premium!
For maximum profitability, create tiered offerings – basic versions alongside “deluxe” options with minor enhancements that cost pennies but allow for $10+ price jumps.
Finally, weatherproofing outdoor items with a clear UV-resistant spray adds minimal cost but justifies higher pricing.
Customers will gladly pay extra knowing their butterfly craft or pinwheel will survive summer storms unscathed.
