### Exciting Summer Crafts for Tweens: Top Picks

Summer is the perfect time for tweens to unleash their creativity and embark on exciting craft projects. Whether indoors on a rainy day or outside in the sunshine, these crafts are engaging, fun, and designed to spark imagination. Here are some top picks for summer crafts that tweens will love to create and proudly display.

#### 1. **Tie-Dye T-Shirts**
Tie-dyeing is a classic summer craft that allows tweens to experiment with colors and patterns. They can create unique designs on plain white t-shirts or other fabric items.

**Materials*
- White cotton t-shirts or other fabric items
- Tie-dye kits or fabric dye
- Rubber bands
- Plastic gloves
- Plastic bags (for wrapping)

**Instructions*
1. Prepare the dye according to the kit instructions.
2. Twist, fold, or scrunch the fabric and secure with rubber bands to create different patterns.
3. Apply the dye to the fabric using squeeze bottles or brushes, wearing gloves to protect hands.
4. Place the dyed fabric in plastic bags and let it sit according to dye instructions.
5. Rinse and wash the fabric as directed, then let it dry to reveal the vibrant tie-dye patterns.

#### 2. **DIY Friendship Bracelets**
Making friendship bracelets is a creative and social activity that tweens can enjoy with friends or family. They can experiment with different colors and patterns to create personalized bracelets.

**Materials*
- Embroidery floss in various colors
- Scissors
- Tape or safety pins (to secure the bracelet while working)

**Instructions*
1. Choose the colors of embroidery floss for the bracelet.
2. Cut several strands of floss, each about 24 inches long.
3. Tie a knot at one end, leaving a tail for tying later.
4. Secure the knot to a flat surface or tape it to your jeans.
5. Braid, knot, or weave the strands together to create the desired pattern.
6. Tie a knot at the end and trim any excess floss.

#### 3. **Suncatchers**
Suncatchers are a delightful craft that tweens can hang in windows to catch the sunlight and create beautiful reflections. They can be made using a variety of materials and designs.

**Materials*
- Clear contact paper or plastic sheet
- Tissue paper in various colors
- Scissors
- Ribbon or string (for hanging)

**Instructions*
1. Cut a shape (like a butterfly, flower, or geometric shape) from the contact paper or plastic sheet.
2. Cut small pieces of colored tissue paper.
3. Peel off the backing of the contact paper and place it sticky-side up on a flat surface.
4. Arrange the tissue paper pieces on the sticky surface to create a colorful design.
5. Once finished, place another layer of contact paper over the design to seal it.
6. Cut around the edges and punch a hole for hanging with ribbon or string.

#### 4. **Decorative Mason Jars**
Transforming mason jars into decorative pieces is a creative and versatile craft that tweens can use to store treasures, display flowers, or even as candle holders.

**Materials*
- Mason jars
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrushes
- Decorative stickers, gems, or ribbons (optional)

**Instructions*
1. Clean and dry the mason jars thoroughly.
2. Paint the outside of the jars with acrylic paint in desired colors or patterns.
3. Let the paint dry completely between coats if necessary.
4. Add decorative stickers, gems, or ribbons to embellish the jars further.
5. Once decorated, use the jars to store small items, hold flowers, or as luminaries with tea light candles.

#### 5. **Dream Catchers**
Making dream catchers is a meaningful and artistic craft that tweens can customize with beads, feathers, and other embellishments. They can hang them in their rooms to promote good dreams and creativity.

**Materials*
- Embroidery hoop or metal ring
- Yarn or string
- Feathers, beads, ribbons, and other decorative materials
- Scissors

**Instructions*
1. Wrap yarn or string around the embroidery hoop or metal ring to create a web-like pattern in the center.
2. Tie and secure the yarn at various points to create the web.
3. Attach feathers, beads, and ribbons to the bottom of the dream catcher with knots or glue.
4. Tie a loop of yarn at the top of the dream catcher for hanging.

### Conclusion

Summer crafts for tweens are a fantastic way to keep them engaged, creative, and entertained during the break from school. Whether they're tie-dyeing t-shirts, making friendship bracelets, creating suncatchers, decorating mason jars, or crafting dream catchers, these projects encourage self-expression and artistic exploration. Encourage your tween to try these crafts individually or with friends to make the most of their summer days with fun and creativity.