Description
Being stuck at home doesn’t have to feel boring or unproductive. With a few simple supplies and a little creativity, you can turn long days inside into a chance to make beautiful, useful things.
This post is all about easy, low-stress crafts for adults—projects you can do at your kitchen table with basic materials, many of them recycled. The photo above shows a gorgeous example: a rainbow wall hanging made from painted cardboard loops, woven together and topped with faux greenery. It looks like something from a boutique home décor shop, yet it’s made from things you probably already have.
Below you’ll find:
- Why crafting at home is so good for your mood
- A featured project: the Rainbow Woven Wall Hanging (with full instructions)
- A list of 20 at-home quarantine craft ideas for adults you can try next
- Tips for storing supplies and making the most of what you already own
Why You’ll Love This
- Stress relief & mindfulness: Repetitive motions like painting, cutting, and weaving help calm the mind and pull your focus away from news and screens.
- Budget-friendly: Many of these crafts use recycled items—cardboard, jars, scrap fabric, old magazines—so you can create without spending a lot.
- Beginner-friendly: No advanced skills required. If you can cut, glue, and follow simple steps, you can make something beautiful.
- Customizable décor: Create pieces in colors and styles that match your home—modern, boho, minimalist, or colorful and quirky.
- Productive “me time”: Crafting gives you a satisfying sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.
- Gift-ready: Many of these quarantine crafts double as thoughtful handmade gifts for future birthdays, holidays, or “just because” surprises.
Preparation and “Cooking” Time
For the Rainbow Woven Wall Hanging (the project in the photo):
- Preparation Time: 20–30 minutes
- Collecting cardboard tubes, cutting them into rings, gathering paint and greenery
- Active Crafting Time: 60–90 minutes
- Painting, drying, weaving, and assembling
- Drying Time: 1–2 hours
- Depends on the type and thickness of paint
Total Time: 2–3 hours (most of it relaxing “paint and podcast” time).
For the other craft ideas in the list below, most projects fall between 30 minutes and 2 hours each.
Ingredients (Materials)
For the Rainbow Woven Wall Hanging
- Empty toilet paper rolls or paper towel tubes (10–20 rolls, depending on size)
- Acrylic paint or craft paint in rainbow colors
- Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink, etc.
- Paintbrushes or foam brushes
- A half-circle base such as:
- A plastic serving tray
- A cardboard circle cut in half
- A shallow metal or wooden wall basket
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks or strong craft glue
- Faux greenery, moss, or small artificial plants for the top edge
- Twine, rope, or ribbon for hanging
- Scissors
- Optional: clear varnish or Mod Podge for sealing the paint
General At-Home Craft Supplies
Keep these on hand for the rest of the quarantine craft ideas:
- Cardboard boxes and tubes
- Jars, cans, and bottles (clean and label-free)
- Scrap fabric, old T-shirts, and socks
- Yarn, string, or twine
- Washi tape or masking tape
- Basic sewing kit (needle, thread, a few buttons)
- Markers, pens, and colored pencils
- Mod Podge or white glue
- Ruler, pencil, and cutting mat (optional but helpful)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Featured Project: Rainbow Woven Wall Hanging
1. Prepare the Cardboard Rings
- Collect toilet paper rolls (or cut paper towel rolls into shorter pieces).
- Use scissors to cut each roll into even rings, about 1–1.5 cm (½ inch) wide.
- Gently squeeze each ring into a slightly oval shape—this will help with the woven, scale-like look.
2. Paint the Rings
- Divide the rings into groups—one group for each color of the rainbow.
- Paint each group thoroughly, inside and outside.
- Place them on scrap paper or a plastic sheet to dry.
- Once dry, add a second coat if you want stronger color.
Tip: Work in a gradient—start with warm colors (red, orange, yellow) and move into cool tones (green, blue, purple).
3. Prepare the Base
- If using a plastic or wooden half-circle tray, wipe it clean.
- If using cardboard, cut out a large circle, then cut it in half.
- Paint the base black, dark brown, or any neutral color to make the rainbow pop.
- Allow the base to dry completely.
4. Plan the Layout
- Arrange your painted rings on the base before gluing:
- Start at the bottom edge with the darkest color (e.g., deep blue or purple).
- Lay the rings in a row, overlapping slightly like fish scales.
- For the next row, place rings between the gaps of the row below, moving up the base.
- Gradually transition the colors as you move upward—blue > teal > green > yellow > orange > pink > red, or any gradient you like.
- Adjust until you like the overall pattern.
5. Glue the Rings in Place
- Working from the bottom row upward, lift each ring and add a small dab of hot glue or strong craft glue where it touches the base.
- Press the ring down firmly for a few seconds until the glue holds.
- Continue row by row, making sure each new row overlaps the one below and hides the glue points.
6. Add Greenery at the Top
- Once all rings are glued, take small pieces of faux greenery or moss.
- Glue them along the top edge of the half-circle base so they spill over slightly, as if plants are growing out of the rainbow.
- Fill in any bare spots until the top looks lush and textured.
7. Add the Hanging String
- Turn the piece over.
- Glue or staple a piece of twine or rope to the back on both sides, forming a secure hanging loop.
- If your base is heavy, consider using picture-hanging hardware or adding extra reinforcement.
8. Finish and Hang
- Optional: Seal the painted rings with a light coat of clear varnish or Mod Podge for durability and a subtle sheen.
- Let everything dry thoroughly.
- Hang your rainbow wall decoration on a hook or nail and enjoy the color it brings to your space.
How to Serve (Use & Display Your Crafts)
- Hang the rainbow wall art near a window, entryway, or workspace to brighten your daily routine.
- Create a gallery wall featuring multiple quarantine crafts: paintings, macramé, paper art, and framed quotes.
- Use smaller projects (like jars, coasters, or candles) to refresh your desk, coffee table, or nightstand.
- Keep a small basket labeled “Quarantine Makes” where you store finished crafts—pull them out when you want to change up your décor or need a quick gift.
Additional Tips
- Schedule craft time: Treat it like a real appointment—one or two evenings a week dedicated purely to making.
- Work in batches: For painted projects, prep and paint everything in one session, then assemble or decorate on another day.
- Use what you have: Before buying anything new, check your kitchen, recycling bin, and closet for potential materials.
- Mix crafts with self-care: Pair crafting with tea, a favorite playlist, or an audiobook to turn it into a mini retreat.
- Share virtually: Show your creations to friends or family via video call or in a private group to stay connected.
Recipe Variation – 20 At-Home Quarantine Crafts for Adults
Here are 20 craft ideas you can try while staying home, including the rainbow wall hanging above:
- Rainbow Woven Wall Hanging (Hero Project)
- Painted cardboard loops woven and glued onto a base with greenery on top.
- Jar Candle Makeover
- Clean old jars, paint or decoupage the outside, and add tealights or LED candles.
- Fabric Scrap Bunting
- Cut triangles from leftover fabric or old clothes, sew or glue onto a string, and hang across a wall.
- Painted Plant Pots
- Use acrylics or paint pens to decorate terracotta or plastic pots with patterns, words, or doodles.
- DIY Macramé Hanger
- Learn a few basic knots and turn simple rope into plant hangers or wall hangings.
- Magazine Collage Art
- Cut images and words from magazines to create vision boards, abstract art, or mood collages.
- Hand-Lettered Quotes
- Practice brush lettering or faux calligraphy and frame your favorite motivational phrase.
- Upcycled T-Shirt Tote Bag
- Turn an old T-shirt into a no-sew or easy-sew shopping bag.
- Painted Rock Messages
- Collect smooth stones and paint them with tiny landscapes, patterns, or uplifting words.
- Homemade Coasters
- Use cork sheets, old tiles, or thick cardboard covered with paper and seal with Mod Podge.
- Watercolor Bookmark Set
- Cut watercolor paper into strips, paint simple washes or flowers, and laminate or seal.
- Embroidery Sampler Hoop
- Use scrap fabric stretched in an embroidery hoop to practice simple stitches and designs.
- Pressed Flower Frames
- Press leaves and flowers in heavy books, then arrange in glass frames or on cardstock.
- DIY Photo Display
- Clip printed photos onto a piece of twine stretched across a frame or along a wall.
- Origami or Paper Sculpture Animals
- Fold cats, dogs, cranes, or dinosaurs and display them on a shelf or mobile.
- Hand-Painted Mugs (Using Porcelain Markers)
- Decorate plain mugs, bake per marker instructions, and enjoy your custom drinkware.
- Yarn Wall Tassel
- Wrap yarn into bunches, trim into tassels, and tie onto a wooden dowel for a boho wall hanging.
- Cork Board Makeover
- Paint or cover a cork board with fabric, add a frame, and use it as an inspiration board.
- Mini Clay Planters
- Use air-dry clay to sculpt tiny pots for succulents or faux plants, then paint them.
- Gratitude or Memory Jar
- Decorate a jar and fill it with slips of paper listing things you’re grateful for, memories from quarantine, or future plans.
Freezing and Storage
No freezer involved—but storing your supplies and finished projects properly will make crafting easier:
- Finished Crafts:
- Keep delicate items (paper art, collages) in envelopes or flat boxes.
- Wrap fragile pieces in tissue paper and store in a labeled bin.
- Supplies:
- Use jars, small boxes, and baskets to separate paint, paper, fabric, and tools.
- Label containers so you can quickly find what you need.
- Store paints and glues upright with lids tightly closed to prevent drying out.
A small, organized “craft corner” turns spontaneous creative urges into actual finished projects.
Special Equipment
You can do most of these crafts with very basic tools, but these extras are nice to have if you craft often:
- Hot glue gun (for stronger, quick bonds)
- Cutting mat and craft knife
- Small drill or awl (for making holes in wood or thick cardboard)
- Laminator or clear contact paper (for bookmarks, suncatchers, and preserving art)
- Good-quality paintbrush set
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I’m not very “artistic.” Can I still do these crafts?
Yes. These projects are designed to be simple and forgiving. Focus on enjoying the process, not perfection. Start with easy tasks—painting pots, making collages, or decorating jars—and build confidence as you go.
2. What if I don’t have many supplies at home?
Use what you have: recycling (cardboard, jars), old clothing, printer paper, pens, and a bit of glue or tape are enough for many of the projects listed. You can always adapt ideas to fit your materials.
3. How do I keep things from getting too messy?
Work on top of old newspapers, a plastic tablecloth, or a cardboard sheet. Keep a small trash bag and a damp cloth nearby. Choose water-based paints and washable glue whenever possible.
4. Can I do these crafts with friends or family online?
Absolutely. Pick one project, share a supply list, and craft together on a video call. It’s a great way to stay connected while apart.
5. How do I stay motivated to finish projects?
Start with small, quick crafts so you experience the satisfaction of finishing. Create a visible “done” space where you display your pieces—that visual reward encourages you to keep making.
6. Are these crafts safe for kids too?
Most are, with supervision. Adults can do the cutting or hot-gluing, while kids enjoy painting, sticking, and decorating. Just adapt the projects to their age and abilities.
Conclusion
Quarantine and quiet days at home don’t have to feel empty. With a few humble supplies, you can fill your space with color, texture, and handmade warmth.
From the vibrant Rainbow Woven Wall Hanging to simple painted jars, bookmarks, and collages, these 20 at-home quarantine crafts for adults give you endless ways to relax, express yourself, and make your home feel more like you. Pick one idea that excites you, gather your materials, put on some music, and start crafting—one small project at a time.
