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Crafts To Do With Friends (Checklist Included)

If you’ve been searching for fun crafts to do with friends, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re hosting a girls’ night in, need something creative for a weekend hangout, or just want to break the boredom with your besties, I’ve got you covered.

I remember one afternoon when my friends came over and we ended up making the cutest pipe cleaner flowers — totally unplanned but honestly one of the best memories. Crafting together isn’t just about making something cute; it’s about laughing, talking, and feeling creative again.

So today, I’m sharing 5 super fun DIYs that are perfect for crafting with friends, plus a printable checklist to make planning your next get-together even easier.

Add a little sparkle to your journaling with this fun best friend craft idea! This vibrant image shows two friends decorating mini spiral notebooks with glittery washi tape, holographic stickers, and dreamy lettering like “Dream Big.” Surrounded by rainbow pens, colorful paper, and hands-on creativity, this setup is perfect for a DIY craft night, journaling session, or gift-making afternoon. Get inspired to make your own personalized notebook full of positive vibes and shimmer!

I get commissions for purchases made through some of the links in this post. There is no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

Why Crafting With Friends Is So Fun

There’s something so special about sitting around a table with your friends, snacks nearby, music in the background, and a bunch of craft supplies in the middle.

You don’t need to be an expert or spend hours prepping. In fact, the best part about crafting with friends is that it’s low-pressure and high-fun — everyone gets to create something, no matter their skill level.

What makes it even better? It’s budget-friendly. Instead of going out and spending money, you can use materials you already have or grab a few affordable supplies and still make something beautiful.

Plus, it’s the perfect way to celebrate a birthday, plan a girls’ night in, or even just hang out on a random Tuesday.

Want to make it extra special? Try hosting a themed night like a sip and paint party where everyone gets to relax, paint, and enjoy a drink.

Or go full nostalgia with girly crafts like friendship bracelets and scrapbook collages. However you spin it, the goal is the same — good friends, good vibes, and something cute to take home.

5 Creative DIYs to Try With Friends

1. Make Pipe Cleaner Flowers

These retro-inspired flowers are making a comeback thanks to TikTok, and I totally get the hype. They’re colorful, cute, and take just minutes to make — perfect for when you want a quick win that still feels super crafty.

Why you’ll love it:
It’s beginner-friendly, mess-free, and a total throwback to those childhood craft days (but cuter). Plus, you can use them as room decor, little gifts, or even add them to a bouquet made of denim flowers.

Brighten up your day with these whimsical pipe cleaner flowers! 🌼 This colorful flat lay showcases vibrant blooms in shades of pink, yellow, blue, and green, arranged beautifully in a mini glass vase. Accompanied by loose pipe cleaners and a cute pair of scissors, this setup is perfect for crafting inspiration. The soft natural lighting and shadows on the white tabletop create a cheerful backdrop for your creative projects. Get inspired to craft your own flower bouquet today.

Supplies you’ll need:

  • Colorful pipe cleaners (get a variety pack!)
  • Wire cutters or scissors
  • Optional: mini vases, glue, pom-poms

How to make them:

  1. Start with one pipe cleaner and roll it into a spiral for the center of the flower.
  2. Take 5–6 more pipe cleaners and bend them into petal shapes.
  3. Twist the petal pieces around the center spiral.
  4. Use a green pipe cleaner as the stem by twisting it to the base.
  5. Add leaves or a second flower if you’re feeling extra!

2. Paint Your Own Tote Bags

Tote bags are the kind of craft that’s both fun and functional — which is why they’re a hit at craft nights. You and your friends can each design a custom bag to match your vibe, whether it’s artsy, sassy, or totally minimalist.

Why you’ll love it:
It’s like wearable art. You get to show off your creativity and end up with something you’ll actually use. And if you’ve got a Cricut, this is a great chance to break it out for custom stencils or iron-on designs. If you’re looking to stock up on the right tools, check out my favorite must-have Cricut t-shirt supplies.

Paint your way to a cuter tote! This Pinterest pin features a lovely sunflower and daisy tote bag, hand-painted for a touch of personality. It's the perfect project for craft night, combining simple supplies and a blank canvas into something beautiful. The soft tones and minimal setup make this a must-pin for any DIY-loving bestie.

Supplies you’ll need:

  • Blank canvas tote bags (you can find them for $2 or less)
  • Fabric paint or acrylic paint + fabric medium
  • Paint brushes, sponges, or stencils
  • Scrap cardboard (to place inside the bag and avoid bleed-through)

How to make them:

  1. Slide cardboard into each tote to keep paint from seeping through.
  2. Sketch your design lightly with pencil or chalk.
  3. Use brushes or sponges to paint your design.
  4. Let dry completely, then heat-set with an iron if needed.
  5. Add extra flair with puff paint, rhinestones, or fabric markers.

3. DIY Beaded Friendship Bracelets

This one’s a classic, and honestly it never gets old. Making bracelets is one of those crafts that’s super relaxing, especially when you’re chatting and catching up with friends.

Why you’ll love it:
It’s a sweet, simple way to make something personal. And if you sell crafts on the side, friendship bracelets are always a hit at markets. I talk more about that in my post on most profitable crafts to sell.

Craft your own colorful connection with these beaded friendship bracelets! This playful flat lay features alphabet beads, pastel cords, and sweet messages like “Besties” and “Friends” laid out in a vibrant workspace. It’s the perfect DIY for girls' night, birthday parties, or just a cozy afternoon with your best friend.

Supplies you’ll need:

  • Elastic cord or embroidery floss
  • Assorted beads (letter beads are fun!)
  • Scissors and optional clasps or crimps

How to make them:

  1. Cut a length of cord (measure your wrist first).
  2. String on beads in your desired pattern.
  3. Tie it off with a double knot or secure with a clasp.
  4. Make a matching one for your bestie!

4. Create a Wall Collage Together

Wall collages are a vibe, especially when you make one together using favorite photos, quotes, and doodles.

Why you’ll love it:
It’s part scrapbook, part vision board, and totally customizable. Plus, it makes for a great gift or dorm room upgrade. You can even use monthly milestone photo ideas if you want to get creative with themed collages.

Create your own aesthetic wall collage with this fun and expressive DIY idea! This pin captures a cozy craft session with photo prints, magazine clippings, washi tape, and scissors scattered across a pastel poster board. Whether you're decorating a dorm, home office, or just want a creative outlet with friends, this collage setup is the perfect way to personalize your space and make meaningful memories while you craft.

Supplies you’ll need:

  • Magazine clippings, stickers, and photo prints
  • Poster board or cork board
  • Scissors, tape, washi tape, glue sticks

How to make it:

  1. Gather your photos and cutouts.
  2. Arrange them in a layout before gluing them down.
  3. Add in washi tape borders, doodles, or quotes.
  4. Hang it up and admire your masterpiece!

5. Decorate Mini Notebooks or Journals

If you and your friends are into journaling or just love pretty stationery, this one’s for you. It’s also a calm, mindful activity to wind down your hangout.

Why you’ll love it:
There’s no wrong way to decorate a journal. Plus, it makes a sweet gift or something to keep for yourself. And if you’re feeling extra crafty, follow it up with a project from my air dry clay tutorial.

Turn blank notebooks into little works of art! This cozy pin features three decorated journals with whimsical designs and soft pastel accents. Whether you're planning a craft night or just want to make your desk a little cuter, this project is a great way to get creative without a big mess or long supply list.

Supplies you’ll need:

  • Plain notebooks or journals
  • Washi tape, stickers, markers
  • Craft paper, glue, ribbon, or lace

How to make it:

  1. Cover the front of the notebook with craft paper.
  2. Add stickers, names, or hand-drawn designs.
  3. Embellish with lace, tabs, or glitter if that’s your style.
  4. Done! It’s ready to be filled with thoughts, dreams, and doodles.

Free Checklist: Crafts To Do With Friends

To make your next craft day even easier, I put together a free checklist you can print or save on your phone. It includes:

  • Supplies list for all 5 crafts
  • Space to add your own ideas
  • Tips for setting up a chill craft space

It’s perfect for spontaneous weekends, birthday hangouts, or even as a kids-at-home boredom buster.

Yield: 1

Crafting with Friends

This sweet tote bag painting idea is all about bringing your favorite blooms to life. With vibrant yellow and white florals on a neutral background, this image gives major handmade style vibes. Great for beginners and seasoned crafters alike, it’s a perfect way to combine fashion and creativity in one fun afternoon project.

Need fun crafts to do with friends? Try these 5 creative DIYs with a free printable checklist—perfect for craft nights, birthdays, or lazy weekends.

Instructions

Crafts To Do With Friends - Free Checklist 

Use this checklist to plan your next craft night or weekend hangout. It includes the supplies you'll need and space to add your own ideas! 

1. Pipe Cleaner Flowers 

- Colorful pipe cleaners 

- Wire cutters or scissors 

- Mini vases (optional) 

- Pom-poms or glue (optional) 

2. Painted Tote Bags 

- Blank canvas tote bags 

- Fabric or acrylic paint with medium 

- Paint brushes or sponges 

- Cardboard inserts 

- Stencils (optional) 

3. Beaded Friendship Bracelets 

- Elastic cord or embroidery floss 

- Assorted beads (including letter beads) 

- Scissors 

- Clasps or crimps (optional) 

4. Wall Collage 

- Photo prints and magazine clippings 

- Poster or cork board 

- Washi tape, glue, or tape 

- Scissors 

5. Decorated Mini Notebooks

- Plain notebooks or journals 

- Stickers and washi tape 

- Markers and pens 

- Craft paper, glue, ribbon or lace 

Add your own ideas: 

[__________________________] 

[__________________________] 

Notes: 

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________

www.paperflodesigns.com

Want More Ideas for Craft Nights or Gifting?

If you’re loving these group DIYs, you might also enjoy these posts:

Ready to Turn Your Hobby Into Income?

Crafting with friends is fun, but it can also be the start of something bigger.

If you find yourself loving the creative process and thinking, “I could totally sell this,” you’re not alone. I started the same way!

Take the next step and check out how you can start with the most profitable crafts to sell.

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