57 Simple & Easy Adult Art Projects​ for 2025

Adult art projects let you tap into your creativity while learning a new skill, something you may have left behind while climbing the corporate ladder or doomscrolling on your multitude of apps. Get back to those care- and digital-free, time passing days with easy crafts to do at home or treat yo'self with thoughtful gifts for crafters.

After doing some digging, we found that scientists told CNN that crafting can significantly boost overall well-being, so adult art projects aren’t just fun — they could even make you healthier. And along the way, you may even save some cash, as DIY décor is usually much cheaper than store-bought. But what are some simple adult art projects? What is the hottest craft right now for adults? 

Let us guide you through some of the simplest arts and crafts for adults, including group craft ideas and easy, one-hour art projects. Get ready to throw your phone down the toilet (metaphorically, of course), relieve some stress and have fun with these adult art projects. You might discover your new favorite hobby as you near the end of the list.

Jump to Section

• One-Hour Art Projects For Adults
• Simple Adult Art Projects For Beginners
• Unusual Crafts For Adults
• Group Craft Ideas For Adults
• Adult Art Projects FAQs

One-Hour Art Projects For Adults

1. Tattooed Pencil Cups

If your desk is looking a little dull and you need a sprinkle of color, these simple adult art projects will bring a statement piece to the workplace, and they're functional, too. Tattooed pencil cups are just regular cups or mugs with tattoo paper covering them, offering a unique, personalized look to your pen receptacles. 

2. DIY Coasters

DIY coasters are one of the easiest adult art projects, like seriously. So they're a really good place to start if you're just getting back into art projects. You only need four supplies: tiles, Mod Podge, resin and any images of your choosing. These make great gifts, too, especially if you use pictures of someone’s pets, family members or favorite singers, bands or films.

3. Marbled Mugs

Forget one-hour adult art projects; these marbled mugs are made with nail polish and will be ready in minutes. Take a disposable pan or something similar and fill it with about 2 to 3 inches of warm water. You can add more or less water if you like. Basically, the mug will be colored up tp the highest water level. Then, the easiest step of all, pour in your nail polish to the water's surface. The more you add, the less white will show on the mug, so it's up to you. And for the most difficult (yet still super easy) step, use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the nail polish quickly. This creates the marbled effect. Dunk your ceramic mug into the water, covered with nail polish. When it's completely dry, apply a thin coat of dishwasher-safe Mod Podge. And that's it, your new favorite coffee holder. 

4. Fabric Bowls

Fabric bowls are such fun adult art projects because you can customize them using any fabric you like. It's a great upcycling project if you have a bunch of old t-shirts you never wear, but they're too sentimental to throw away. 

5. Stamped Tea Towels

Adult art projects can even bring life to fruit that’s too bruised to eat. Don’t throw it away just yet; rather, channel your inner Matisse to give it purpose. Slice that old apple in half, dip it in paint and press it on tea towels. Now you have a tea towel with a story. Thanks, Granny Smith!

6. DIY Dry-Erase Board

Who doesn’t love adult art projects that are easy enough for kids to do? With dollar-store picture frames and washi tape, you can make a DIY dry-erase board to use for family bulletins, as a reminder for forgetful types or a few motivational quotes for students.

7. Lace Mason Jars

Prince would approve of these adult art projects. Lace is a beautiful addition to many containers, including decorative mason jars. Spray paint and lace trim transform ordinary jars into stunning décor. They're especially great for summery baby shower decorations or DIY wedding decor.

8. Homemade Bath Salts 

The best adult art projects are functional, like DIY bath bombs or bath salts. You just need Epsom salt, your favorite essential oils and the corresponding dried flowers or herbs (for example, rose essential oil and dried rose petals). Now you can enjoy luxurious soaks that leave your bathroom smelling delightful. 

9. Painted Bangles

If you need adult art projects for beginners that are fun and simple — and slightly nostalgic — grab some wooden bangles and paint or stencil your favorite patterns onto them. Maybe someone will notice them at the next social gathering and want to order a few from you. 

10. Easy Landscape Painting

You don’t have to be Picasso to make beautiful adult art projects. Grab a thrifted frame and some acrylic paint in several shades of green, and get painting! You can find YouTube tutorials on how to make easy landscape art in minutes. Or go old-school and watch some very zen Bob Ross videos. Even if you always color outside the lines or have trouble drawing a circle, you can do this craft.

11. Cord Organizer

Adult art projects can have practical uses, too. In fact, we think these are the best kinds of projects. So if you're more logical than aesthetic, why not organize your cords — DIY-style? All you need is felt and Velcro. And if you're pedantic, you may need a measuring too. 

12. Painted Basket

Want to do some one-hour adult art projects that look like they took much longer to create — for clout when the family comes to visit, of course. Then, get a woven basket and paint your favorite pattern or design on it. Explain how painstakingly long it took, while basking in the lie.

13. DIY Bulletin Board

In just 10 minutes, you can create a custom bulletin board with a canvas and fabric — or cork board and Post-Its. Even if you’re brand-new to crafting, this is one of the most foolproof adult art projects. And again, it's a functional one. Now you can announce to the entire family that you're out of milk. 

14. Decorative Clipboard

Some of the most rewarding adult art projects turn everyday objects into something beautiful. A decoupage clipboard would be such a thoughtful gift for a teacher or healthcare provider in your life. Bedazzle it in bling or decoupage it with their biggest celebrity crush.  

Simple Adult Art Projects For Beginners

15. Painted Rocks

Painting rocks make easy adult art projects, especially for parents with kids. Imagine adorable garden or front porch decorations created by the entire family. Choose to paint whimsical designs, such as fairies and mushrooms, or write inspirational messages or just your names with decorative frills. It's by far one of the most fun and lighthearted adult art projects. 

16. Glitter Phone Case

Turn a dollar-store clear phone case into a DIY masterpiece with Mod Podge gloss and glitter. Nothing beats simple adult art projects, especially when you get to show them off on a night out.

17. Photo Magnets

If you need easy, inexpensive adult art projects, make personalized photo magnets with flat glass beads and your own photos. Nope, you don't have to put your own photos, select scenes from your favorite movies or tragically hip stills of your idols. These are great for gifting, of course, because you can personalize them.

18. Paper Flowers

Adult art projects for beginners don’t have to look like they’re for beginners, and paper flowers are a prime example. Choose brightly colored paper and learn simple origami techniques for the easiest, professional-looking party decorations or even chic coffee table decor.

19. Felt Ball Garland

String up some felt balls and make them into a garland. For fun and whimsical adult art projects that can be used time and again, from Thanksgiving décor to Christmas ornaments, Hanukkah furnishings and Kwanzaa decorations, add a pop of color to your home with these fluffy garlands. 

20. Cupcake Liner Wreath

Another adult art project that can double as a decor centerpiece for any seasonal occasion is a cupcake liner wreath. We're thinking joyful Christmas wreaths for your Dollar Tree DIY adult art projects. Whether you paint the liners to look like spring or summer flowers, or festive DIY Fall decor, this will become your new favorite project because it’s simple, yet fun. 

21. DIY Mouse Pad

Make your own mouse pad with a cork circle, and cover it with scrapbook paper for a customizable craft that adds a sprinkle of joy to the monotonous workday. You can also go scavenge for leather cut-offs and design a style mouse pad from what would have been discarded trash. Talk about a thrift flip.

22. Sharpie Flower Pots

Looking to start small with your adult art projects? You could basically complete this one with your eyes closed. Use letter stickers to spell a name or word on a ceramic flower pot, then use a Sharpie marker to add dots around each letter. When you pull up the stickers, the word is still there in the negative space. And voila, you have a personalized flower pot for your home.

23. DIY Bunting

Adult art projects that double as party decorations? Say less! Turn old denim into a DIY bunting that you can reuse for festivities. 

24. Decorative Switch Plates 

Instead of buying different switch plates for every room in your house, or fancy, costly ones, just cover each one with scrapbook paper. This way, you’ll save money while still getting the custom look you want. 

25. Pressed Flower Art

Pressing flowers is the best way to preserve a memory. Maybe you got a special flower as part of your Valentine's Day gifts? You can make art, bookmarks, cards, jewelry and more by pressing them. Place the flowers between two sheets of parchment paper, then add heavy objects on top and leave them for 2-3 weeks. Hey presto, you have your immortalized memory to frame or utilize. 

26. Mason Jar Pencil Holders

If you’re looking for simple adult art projects, you won’t find an easier craft than these mason jar pencil holders. Decorate mason jars with wrapping paper of your choice, and that’s it! And don’t feel like you’re limited to pencils; you can fill the jars with anything you like, from cooking utensils to paint brushes. 

27. Cup Wraps

Let’s face it: you probably don’t need another tumbler. Luckily, thanks to this adult art project, you don’t have to buy every latest design. Rather, customize your next tumbler (or any other cup) you already have. Order cup wraps online and apply them with a few basic craft-store supplies.

28. Stencil Tote Bag 

Don’t you just love simple adult art projects that look like they took a long time to make? Stencil tote bags definitely fit the bill. All you need for this stylish, customizable accessory is your choice of stencils and acrylic paint. To create a stencil, print your design on paper in black ink, then cut out the black part. It's as easy as that. 

Unusual Crafts For Adults

29. Decoupage Soap

Decoupage is one of the most versatile techniques for adult art projects, but many people are surprised to learn that it can be used to add a bit of color to soap. Create custom soap bars for yourself or as a gift. Here's our guide on how to make soap to get you started. 

30. Magnetic Clothespins

The most unusual crafts for adults are often the most rewarding because they prove you can find beauty in anything. Use tissue paper to create decorative magnetic clothespins that look so cute on the fridge. Wrapping paper and a little decoupage have the same effect. 

31. Wine Cork Board

Sometimes, unexpected items come in handy for adult art projects. Love vino? Then, start saving your wine corks to make a corkboard that you can use for reminders, family photos, the kids’ artwork or anything else you’d like to display. Now, every time you take a sip of Pinot, you know it's for art's sake.

32. Flower Pounding

Don’t worry, we’re not encouraging violence towards plants here. Flower pounding is one of the most unique adult art projects because it lets you preserve cut flowers without drying or pressing them. Also known as hapa-zome or tataki-zome, it's a traditional Japanese craft that transfers natural pigments from flowers and leaves onto fabric or paper using a hammer, creating beautiful botanical prints. Place the flowers on any fabric of your choice (decorative towels, napkins, etc.) with a piece of wax paper on top, then gently pound them with a hammer until they leave impressions on the material. 

33. Leaf Imprint Jewelry Dish 

You can create the loveliest jewelry dishes using leaves from your indoor plants or garden. Simply roll the leaves onto air-dry clay with a rolling pin, and you get a unique décor piece that looks like it came from an expensive store.

34. DIY Side Table

Buying a side table at a furniture store? Expensive, right? Making your own? Far cheaper (and surprisingly simple). You just need three wooden legs, a wooden circle and a round cake pan for hidden storage. It's a DIY Mid-Century Modern classic that won't break the bank.

35. Antique Vase

Antique vases can cost a small fortune, especially if they have one of these valuable pottery marks. Luckily, there’s a trick for making a convincing dupe at home. You just need an old vase (or pitcher), stucco patch and spackling to create a décor piece that’s one of the most unusual crafts for adults that come out insanely beautiful. 

36. Vintage Pinboard

A lot of the best adult art projects repurpose vintage items. For this craft, old window frames get a second life as a decorative pinboard with the addition of bulldog clips. You can add photos, greeting cards or anything else you like to the board.  

37. Woven Coasters

The beauty of unusual crafts for adults is that they make creative use of materials you may not often work with, like burlap. Stitch colored borders onto burlap squares for unique coasters that add rustic warmth to your coffee table. These customizable coasters may make the perfect gift for that coffee lover in your life.

38. Custom Accent Wall

Instead of hiring painters, create your own custom accent wall using stencils with household items like sponges. Print an outline, cut it out, and get stenciling. 

39. DIY Hanging Shelf

If you want adult art projects that are versatile, you can’t beat a DIY hanging shelf. With a piece of poplar wood, macrame cording and a drill, create a shelf to display all your favorite Funko Pops and graphic novels.

40. Paper Flower Gift Topper

Everyone will ask you for the secret to these paper-flower gift toppers. A surprisingly simple paper-folding technique is all it takes to create a gorgeous design that adds a personal touch to presents. 

41. Cork Trivet

Using cork and hot glue, you can make a trivet in any design you like. Your kitchen table just got a makeover and is thanking you for it. 

42. Luminary Bags

Luminary bags, or paper lanterns as some call them, make beautiful holiday decorations for nighttime events. You can also use them for parties to line your walkway. The best part is how easy they are to craft up: Once you cut out the desired shape of a paper bag, all you need to do is place tealights inside. You may want to place a glass cylinder around the tea candle if it's super windy where you are.  

Group Craft Ideas For Adults

43. DIY Photo Pendants

Adult art projects with sentimental value are best done in groups because you can share stories and bond with each other. Whether you want to cherish the memory of a loved one or show off your kid’s latest school picture, photo pendants are easy and affordable to make. If you want to perfect your photo-taking skills, photography classes teach you tips and tricks to take your shots to the next level.

44. Yarn Wall Art

Art classes don’t just teach you how to paint. You can learn all sorts of different craft techniques, including yarn wall art. All you need for this project is yarn and cardboard, and the result is a cute wall hanging. Take a class with friends and get crafting! 

45. Dyed Glass

Did you know that you can dye glass with food coloring? Invite some friends over and make tinted mason jars, wine glasses or anything else your hearts desire.

46. Stamped T-Shirts

Some adult art projects are just more fun with friends, and stamped T-shirts are one of them. Trace any design you want onto a styrofoam surface (such as a takeaway container), then brush it with paint. Then, it’s time to stamp your shirt. 

47. Homemade Keychains

Wood circles and scrapbook paper are all you need to create custom keychains. This is one of the best group activities for adults because you can create a keepsake for your crew to carry with them — a reminder of the beautiful connection you all share. The chain is such a great metaphor for friendship, too. 

48. Flower Crowns

Is your friend group attending a festival, wedding or other event? Make flower headbands for the perfect finishing touch on your outfit. It's a great Spring craft idea to complement your summery Easter outfit ideas.

49. Washer Necklaces

Homemade jewelry is a great bonding adult art project to make with friends because you create, chat, design and wear your finished items together. Washer necklaces are so simple to create and customize with Mod Podge and scrapbook paper.

50. DIY Essential Oil Candles

Candle-making classes are a great introduction to adult art projects. Learn how to add your favorite scents to make your home smell lovely, or give the candles as gifts. There are so many types of candles to create, from beeswax to soy. Here's our guide on how to make candles, complemented by our candle-making 101 guide to get you started. For further adult art projects that use upcycling, learn how to make DIY candle holders.

51. Clay Christmas Ornaments 

Learn the basics of pottery with pottery classes, then use your newfound skills to create clay Christmas ornaments to display on the tree with pride. 

52. Hand-Painted Doormat

Painting doormats with your friends is such a fun way to spend an afternoon. You just need natural coir mats and outdoor acrylic paints, then it’s time to let your creativity shine. Whether you opt for a seasonal design or a cute message, the options are endless.

53. Lavender Soap

Learning how to make handmade soap is one of the most practical adult art projects for beginners and a fun group activity. All you need is goat’s milk, dried lavender, lavender oil, and soap molds. Here's our quick guide on how to make soap at home. 

54. Floral Candles

Adult art projects can also be great mindfulness activities, especially when they have intricate details that require intense focus. It may take you a while to paint floral designs onto taper candles, but the result (and the inner peace you’ll feel when you’re done) is worth the effort. Turn this craft into a group activity and spend quality time creating something beautiful with your crew.

55. Tassel Earrings 

Adult art projects also make excellent girls' night ideas. With silk tassels, gold end caps and earring hooks, you can have a jewelry-making party with your closest friends while you catch up with each other (or gossip — no judgment here!). 

56. DIY Bookmarks

Use felt scraps to create DIY bookmarks that match your personality. Animals, plants, food items, a coffee mug, a rainbow… You name it, and you can make it. You can also paint bookmarks with ink and a pen. This would be such a fun book club activity. 

Adult Art Projects FAQs

What Is The Hottest Craft Right Now For Adults?

Some of the most popular adult art projects include embroidery, crocheting and pottery. If you’re looking for paint party ideas for adults, diamond painting and watercolor painting are also trending. For those unfamiliar with diamond painting, it involves placing small jewels onto canvas to create a sparkly image. 

What Are Some Creative Activities For Adults?

In addition to adult art projects, other creative activities for adults include dancing, learning a new musical instrument, creative writing, photography, cooking and gardening. These hobbies help you escape the stress of daily life and practice mindfulness while engaging in activities that bring you joy.

Art projects aren’t just for schoolchildren. Self-expression has no age limit, and these adult art projects prove it. Now that you know the best arts and crafts for adults, which one will you try first? 

For a range of entertaining art project ideas for adults, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!