26 DIYs to Do During the Dog Days of Summer

POPSUGAR Photography
POPSUGAR Photography

Summer is filled with days at the beach, relaxing with friends, and the motivation to try something new. If you find yourself looking for an adventure on a sunny afternoon, why not try one of these DIYs? Along with making something for yourself (or someone special), many of these projects make use of things you already have on hand. And you might find yourself becoming a bit of a smart crafter, mastering the art of making your own lip balms and chic decor.

— Additional reporting by Erin Cullum

01
Painted Glass Jars
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Painted Glass Jars

Transform basic glass jars into pretty containers — or for a Summer soiree! And this DIY is so easy to make.

02
Learn How to Tie-Dye
Flickr user Brent Leimentstoll

Learn How to Tie-Dye

Transform basic whites into something fabulous with this easy tie-dye tutorial.

03
Grow an Herb Garden
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Grow an Herb Garden

Put citrus peels to good use, and sprout a kitchen-counter herb garden that can be planted in pots or outdoors.

04
Fresh Toner
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Fresh Toner

DIY your own face toner using apples for a really fresh face this Summer.

05
Outdoor Solar Lights
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Outdoor Solar Lights

Get any party started with outdoor solar lights that cost basically nothing to make when you pick up the materials at your local dollar store.

06
Outdoor Movie Projector
Flickr user plural

Outdoor Movie Projector

Be the envy of your neighborhood, and follow these steps for setting up an outdoor movie experience in your own backyard.

08
Cute Bracelets
POPSUGAR Studios

Cute Bracelets

Watch this DIY video showing how to make the cutest bangles this Summer.

09
Soft Feet
POPSUGAR Photography | Lauren Levinson

Soft Feet

Every girl wants smooth feet during sandal season, so make this cooling and soothing cucumber foot mask for a real at-home spa treat.

10
Travel Tile Coaster
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Travel Tile Coaster

Use maps from all the places you have traveled to create these cute coasters that protect your tables.

11
DIY Holey Tee
POPSUGAR Studios

DIY Holey Tee

Follow these video directions to make your new favorite Summer tee.

12
Pretty Pom-Poms
POPSUGAR Photography | Emily Bibb

Pretty Pom-Poms

Make any outdoor patio better with pretty DIY pom-poms.

13
Coffee Bean Body Scrub
POPSUGAR Studios

Coffee Bean Body Scrub

Banish cellulite with this DIY body scrub that leaves legs looking fabulous.

15
Cheek Stain
POPSUGAR Studios

Cheek Stain

Make your own cheek stain for perfectly pink cheeks.

16
Short Shorts
POPSUGAR Photography | THEM TOO

Short Shorts

Follow these directions for the perfect denim shorts.

17
Denim Coasters
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Denim Coasters

You're already DIYing your own cutoffs, so use the leftovers to roll denim coasters.

18
Flower Crown
POPSUGAR Studios

Flower Crown

Even if you're not hitting the festival scene this Summer, a flower crown is a lovely addition to any outfit.

19
Lemon Soaps
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Lemon Soaps

Put lemon rinds to good use, and make lovely lemon minisoaps to freshen hands.

20
Rose Petal Lip Balm
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Rose Petal Lip Balm

Save your rose petals, and mix together a pretty lip balm that also makes a great homemade gift for your friends.

21
Flower Pushpins
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Flower Pushpins

Turn fabric flowers into the cutest pushpins that everyone will be envious of at the office.

22
Lighten Up
POPSUGAR Photography | Matthew Barnes

Lighten Up

Naturally lighten your hair for your best-ever Summer locks.

23
Citrus Candles
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Citrus Candles

Fill ends of oranges or limes with candle wax and wicks for long-lasting outdoor candles.

24
Hair Mask
POPSUGAR Studios

Hair Mask

We know you're spending lots of time in the sun, so rejuvenate locks with a soothing hair mask.

25
Solid Perfume
POPSUGAR Studios

Solid Perfume

Upcycle old containers to make your own solid perfume.

26
Update Old Stuff
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Update Old Stuff

Summer is the time to spray-paint, which makes giving old figurines a quick spray a fast way to update decor.