20 fun and inspiring DIY projects for your next crafternoon

Step away from your routine and try one of these easy ideas — complete with snack suggestions

Jamey Ordolis · CBC Life · Posted: Apr 26, 2024 4:59 PM EDT | Last Updated: April 26

Left to right: 3 taper candles in candleholders; a floral arrangement with spring blooms; a swan-shaped trinket dish — (Photo, left to right: Michael Kai Young, Betty Shin Binon, withwendy)

There's been a huge resurgence in crafting, and it's clear that adults are seeking more playful and meaningful ways to spend their time. My friend group likes hosting "crafternoons" because they pull us out of our daily routines, and we get to make things that have meaning beyond their practical use. I love all the pieces I've made with friends, no matter how wonky they are.

For a get-together like this, you can keep the food and drink light. Easy-to-make and easy-to-eat finger foods are my go-to for a lengthy session. One of CBC Life's crostini recipes — with honey roasted pears and ricotta or with cranberry chutney and brie — is always a great choice. Pair these with Eric Kim's kimchi sandwiches and a decadent shrikhand for dessert. If you plan to meet for only a couple of hours, a simple party dip or a strawberry cardamom yogurt cake is perfect. You can keep the drinks light since you'll be focused on your crafts.

On that front, we've got so many great DIY projects on this list for you to choose from. You can refill old candle jars, make pressed flower art in just one session with a microwave hack, learn to arrange and paint a still life, or get outside and tie-dye some stuff. I'm personally tempted to use Wendy Liu's instructions for making a small swan trinket dish out of polymer clay and scale it up five times to create a big cachepot.

So, message the group chat and clear the table — whether your friends are artistically inclined or just up for a laugh, these gatherings are about enjoying the process and having a nice time together.

Refill your old candle vessels