Spending time with a friend while making something together is honestly one of life’s underrated joys. Crafting is all about laughing, sharing stories, and maybe even making a bit of a mess in the process. Plus, you get to walk away with something you can actually use or gift.
This list of craft projects covers everything from simple jewelry to decorative home items, so there’s bound to be something that fits your mood, skill, or whatever random supplies you’ve got lying around.
Whether you’re into textiles, natural bits and bobs, or just love playing with art supplies, these are all doable in an afternoon. You’ll get to try painting, beading, clay work, and more!
1) Friendship bracelets weaving
Weaving friendship bracelets are a classic for a reason (they’re super easy and fun!). With just some knotting techniques, you can whip up personalized accessories. Start simple with a three-strand braid, or if you’re feeling bold, try out chevrons and diamonds.
All you really need is embroidery thread (or yarn), a safety pin, and a bit of patience. Make matching sets, swap them, or just see who can come up with the wildest color combo. It’s a chill way to chat and create at the same time!
2) Personalized photo frame decorating
Decorating photo frames together is a fun way to showcase favorite memories. Grab some plain wooden or cardboard frames and customize them with whatever you’ve got: paint, fabric scraps, beads, buttons or ribbons, or even no-bake clay if you’re feeling adventurous (see video above)!
You can each go for totally different vibes, and the results are always unique. Plus, it’s a nice excuse to print out some photos instead of letting them rot in your phone.
3) DIY scented candles
Making scented candles with a friend is surprisingly easy and feels a bit luxurious. You just need wax, wicks, containers, and some good-smelling oils.
Melt the wax, add your favorite scent, pour it into containers, and pop in the wicks. The best part? You get to pick the fragrance and style, so it’s all you. These make great gifts or cozy additions to your space, and you’ll probably save money compared to buying fancy candles at the store.
4) Hand-painted flower pots
Hand-painting flower pots is a low-pressure way to add personality to your space. Grab some terracotta pots, acrylic paints, and brushes, and let your imagination take over. Geometric patterns, doodles, or just wild color blocking, it’s all fair game.
It’s easy for beginners but still fun if you’re more experienced. And painting together just makes the whole thing more lively. Plus, you end up with something cute for your windowsill or porch.
5) Custom tote bag painting
Painting tote bags is an affordable way to make something you’ll actually use. Use fabric or acrylic paint, and just heat-set it after.
You can keep things simple with painter’s tape or stencils, or freehand some flowers, quotes, or whatever comes to mind. No need for perfection, as sometimes the quirks make it better. And hey, you both get a new bag at the end.
6) Paper quilling bookmarks
Paper quilling is one of those crafts that looks way harder than it is. With some paper strips, glue, and a quilling tool, you and your friend can roll and shape paper into surprisingly intricate bookmarks.
Make flowers, hearts, or just funky geometric shapes. If you want them to last, laminate the bookmarks. They’re sweet little gifts for book lovers or just a nice treat for yourself.
7) Homemade bath bombs
Bath bombs are fun to make and even more fun to use. All you need is baking soda, citric acid, essential oils, and a bit of color.
Mix the dry ingredients, add your scents and color, then squish the mixture into molds. Try different combos (lavender and oatmeal, maybe?) and see what you like. It’s a hands-on project that leaves you with something practical (and fizzy).
8) Macramé plant hangers
Macramé plant hangers are a great way to dip your toes into knotting crafts. You’ll need some cord, scissors, and a metal ring. One of you can hold while the other knots, as it makes the process a bit easier.
Start with square or spiral knots; they’re simple to pick up. You get a handy way to show off your plants, and honestly, they look pretty cool hanging in a window.
9) Polymer clay jewelry making
Polymer clay jewelry is approachable and leaves a lot of room for creativity. With basic techniques, you and your friend can make earrings, necklaces, or bracelets, no need for fancy equipment.
The clay is easy to shape and comes in a wild range of colors. Try simple arch dangles or geometric shapes if you’re just starting out. You’ll both end up with one-of-a-kind pieces.
10) Collage art on canvas
Grab some magazines, photos, and printed images and dive into collage. Work on your own canvases or team up on one big piece.
Stick everything down with mod podge or craft glue, and don’t worry too much about making it perfect, as layering different textures and colors is half the fun. It’s a great way to capture inside jokes, shared interests, or just whatever catches your eye.
11) Tie-dye t-shirts
Tie-dye never really goes out of style, does it? Fold, twist, or scrunch up some shirts, then go wild with the dye. Spirals, stripes, bullseyes – there’s no wrong way.
It’s messy, colorful, and you’ll both end up with shirts that are as unique as your friendship. Plus, it’s surprisingly satisfying to unwrap them and see how the patterns turned out.
12) Watercolor friendship cards
Making watercolor cards is a low-stress way to get creative and send some love. Paint simple designs (leaves, flowers, or just soft washes of color) on sturdy paper.
You can add handwritten messages, doodles, or borders. Even if you’re not a “painter,” the results are always charming. These cards end up as little keepsakes that mean a lot.
13) Pressed flower bookmarks
Pressed flower bookmarks are a lovely blend of nature and craft. All you need is cardstock, some dried flowers or leaves, and a way to seal them (laminate, contact paper, or even packing tape does the trick).
Arrange your flowers however you like, seal them up, and you’ve got a personalized gift for any bookworm. It’s simple, but the results are always pretty.
14) Beaded keychains
Beaded keychains are quick, easy, and surprisingly addictive. Grab some key rings, assorted beads, and cord or wire.
You can keep it simple or get fancy with patterns and shapes. They’re practical, make cute gifts, and you can clip them onto keys, bags, whatever. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover beads.
15) Scrapbook memory albums
Scrapbooking together is a great way to relive shared experiences. Fill pages with photos, ticket stubs, notes, and whatever else reminds you of good times.
Pick a theme (travel, inside jokes, birthdays etc.) and run with it. Stickers, washi tape, and fun layouts make each page feel special.
16) Decorative candle holders
Making candle holders is both creative and practical. Use reclaimed wood, clay, or glass jars to come up with designs that fit your vibe.
Sand wooden blocks and drill them for tea lights, or shape clay into whatever strikes your fancy. The finished candle holders add a cozy touch to any room.
17) Hand-stamped greeting cards
Hand-stamped cards are a breeze to make and look surprisingly polished. Grab some cardstock, ink pads, and a few stamps.
Mix up patterns, colors, and try layering images or making your own backgrounds. It’s a fun way to play with design without needing to draw everything from scratch. These cards work for any occasion, and you can never have too many on hand.
18) Clay pot wind chimes
Wind chimes from clay pots are a quirky, satisfying craft. You’ll need small terracotta pots, twine, beads, and maybe some basic tools to poke holes or shape things.
Stack the pots, thread them with twine, and add beads for color and sound. Hang your finished piece outside and enjoy the gentle clinking every time the wind picks up.
19) Painted rocks garden markers
Painting rocks for garden markers is both useful and fun. Pick out some smooth stones and use acrylic paints to write the names of herbs, veggies, or flowers.
It’s a creative way to organize your garden, and the pops of color look great among the plants. Just remember to seal them so your designs don’t wash away in the rain.
20) Handmade soap bars
Making soap bars with a friend is honestly a pretty fun way to get creative and end up with something useful. You can mess around with different scents, colors, or toss in things like essential oils and exfoliants, whatever feels right.
If you go with a melt and pour base, you don’t need fancy gear or a science degree. It’s nice knowing exactly what’s in each bar, and you can make them as gifts or just to keep your own stash feeling a little more special.