Spending time with your girlfriends doesn’t always have to mean going out for coffee or binge-watching a series. Sometimes, the best memories are made when you’re sitting around a table, laughing, chatting, and creating something together. Crafting is not only fun but also therapeutic, and it’s a fantastic way to bond while expressing creativity. Whether you’re looking for a cozy night-in activity, a weekend project, or something unique for a girls’ night party, here are 13 fun, budget-friendly crafts you can do with your girlfriends.
1. DIY Beaded Friendship Bracelets
Making friendship bracelets is a classic bonding activity that never goes out of style. All you need are beads in different shapes and colors, elastic cord, and scissors. Start by cutting a piece of cord a few inches longer than your wrist size, then thread the beads in any pattern you like—mixing colors, adding charms, or even spelling out words with letter beads. Once you’re happy with the design, tie a double knot and trim the extra cord.
The best part is how customizable this craft is. You can match colors to your personalities, create themed bracelets, or even make matching sets for your whole group. It’s easy, affordable, and leaves everyone with a cute keepsake from the night.
2. Painted Wine Glasses
If you and your girlfriends enjoy sipping wine together, why not create your own custom painted glasses? Grab some plain glassware, acrylic enamel paints, and small brushes. Before painting, clean and dry the glasses thoroughly. Then, unleash your creativity—add polka dots, floral patterns, Halloween themes, or even each other’s initials. Let the designs dry completely, then bake them in the oven according to the paint instructions to make them dishwasher safe.
This activity is a perfect mix of creativity and practicality. Everyone gets to design a glass that feels personal, and you can use them right away during your girls’ night in. It’s also a fun way to remember the evening, since each glass will hold a memory as well as a drink.
3. Homemade Candles
Making candles together is a relaxing and rewarding activity that also leaves you with something useful. You’ll need soy wax flakes, wicks, heatproof containers, and essential oils for fragrance. Melt the wax in a double boiler, then add a few drops of your chosen scent. Place the wick in the center of your container, carefully pour in the melted wax, and let it set for several hours. Once hardened, trim the wick to about half an inch.
The fun lies in the variety—you and your friends can experiment with different scents, add dried flowers for decoration, or layer colors for a unique look. Not only do you walk away with beautiful candles, but the process itself creates a calming, chatty atmosphere perfect for bonding.
4. Painted Tote Bags
Custom tote bags are both stylish and practical, making them a fantastic craft to do with girlfriends. All you need are plain canvas totes, fabric paint or markers, and a few brushes. Start by slipping a piece of cardboard inside the bag to keep the paint from bleeding through. Then sketch or freehand your designs—floral patterns, quotes, or even abstract splashes of color. Once dry, the bag is ready to use as a reusable shopping or everyday carry-all.
This project gives everyone a chance to showcase their personal style. You could even theme your designs, like matching bags for your group or seasonal artwork for fall. The best part is walking away with a functional, personalized accessory you’ll actually use.
5. DIY Flower Crowns
Flower crowns bring a touch of whimsy and elegance to any girls’ night. For this craft, gather faux flowers, floral wire, tape, and scissors. Start by shaping the wire into a circle that fits your head, then wrap it with floral tape for comfort. Attach the flowers by wrapping their stems around the wire or securing them with hot glue. Layer different colors and sizes until you’re happy with the look.
Making flower crowns is not only fun but also perfect for photo ops. You can go boho with wildflowers, glamorous with roses, or playful with bright colors. The activity sparks creativity while leaving everyone with a wearable accessory for selfies or even themed parties.
6. Memory Scrapbooks
Scrapbooking is a wonderful way to celebrate friendship while getting crafty together. All you need are blank scrapbooks, printed photos, decorative paper, stickers, and glue. Start by choosing a theme—maybe your favorite trips together, milestone moments, or simply funny memories.
Then arrange your photos on the pages, adding captions, doodles, and embellishments for a personalized touch.
What makes this activity special is the shared storytelling. As you flip through old pictures and create pages, you’ll relive memories and laugh together. Plus, each person leaves with a keepsake full of friendship and fun. It’s the kind of craft that strengthens bonds while preserving them in a tangible way.
7. DIY Face Masks (Natural Skincare)
Nothing says relaxation with girlfriends like making your own natural face masks. This craft doubles as self-care and fun! Gather simple ingredients like honey, yogurt, oatmeal, or avocado, and mix them into nourishing blends. For example, honey and yogurt make a soothing hydrating mask, while oatmeal and banana are perfect for calming the skin. Each person can whip up a mask that suits their skin type, then apply while chatting and laughing together.
The best part? You don’t need fancy supplies—everything is usually in your kitchen. Not only is it affordable, but it’s also a bonding activity that leaves everyone glowing. Pair the masks with candles and music, and suddenly your craft night feels like a spa night.
8. Painted Plant Pots
Bring some life to your space with painted plant pots—a simple yet creative project. All you need are terracotta pots, acrylic paint, brushes, and optional sealant. Begin by painting a base color, then add designs like stripes, polka dots, or even geometric patterns. If you want to get artsy, try painting flowers, mandalas, or abstract art.
Once dry, seal the pot so it lasts longer, especially if it’ll be outdoors.
The fun comes from experimenting with different styles. Each friend can create a pot that reflects her personality, and afterward, you can plant herbs, succulents, or flowers in them. Not only do you end up with a handmade decoration, but you also bring a little green energy into your home.
9. Tie-Dye Shirts or Bandanas
Tie-dye never goes out of style, and it’s one of the most exciting crafts to do with friends. Grab plain white T-shirts or bandanas, fabric dye kits, rubber bands, and gloves. Start by folding and twisting the fabric into different shapes, securing with rubber bands. Then apply various dye colors to create bold, unique patterns. After setting and rinsing, each person will have a vibrant piece of wearable art.
The magic of tie-dye is that no two pieces ever turn out the same. It’s a perfect mix of creativity and surprise. Whether you make matching bandanas for the group or unique shirts, it’s a fun, slightly messy activity that guarantees laughter and unforgettable memories.
10. DIY Jewelry Dishes
DIY jewelry dishes are a cute and functional craft to make with friends. Using air-dry clay, shape small bowls or trays with your hands, then smooth out the edges. Once dry, paint them with acrylic paints in colors and designs you love—metallics, polka dots, or abstract brush strokes always look chic. For a polished finish, seal with a clear gloss spray.
These dishes are perfect for holding rings, earrings, or tiny trinkets. The best part is how customizable they are; each friend can design one that matches her personality or home decor. It’s a relaxing craft that leaves you with something useful and stylish.
11. Glitter Mason Jars
Glitter mason jars instantly add sparkle to your space and are super fun to make with girlfriends. Start with clean jars, brush the inside or outside with Mod Podge, and sprinkle glitter generously. Shake off the excess, let it dry, and repeat if you want a bolder shimmer. Add fairy lights or tea candles inside for a magical glow.
They work beautifully as table centerpieces, room decor, or even cute gifts. With different glitter colors, everyone can personalize their jar, from bold purples and greens to soft golds and silvers. They’re inexpensive, quick to make, and guaranteed to light up the room—literally and figuratively.
12. Personalized Mugs
Grab some plain ceramic mugs and oil-based paint pens or ceramic markers, and you’re ready for a fun mug-decorating session. Each person can doodle, write quotes, or draw patterns that reflect their style. Once finished, bake the mugs in the oven (follow pen instructions) to set the designs so they’re dishwasher safe.
It’s an easy craft that makes for a wonderful keepsake—you could even create matching “friendship mugs” for the group. Personalized mugs are also great gift ideas, so you can get creative while thinking ahead for birthdays or holidays. Plus, you’ll enjoy your coffee or tea even more in a mug you made yourself.
13. Vision Boards
Vision boards are not only a fun craft but also a meaningful way to bond with friends. Gather magazines, scissors, glue sticks, poster boards, and markers. Everyone cuts out images, words, or phrases that inspire them—goals, dreams, or simply things that make them happy. Then, arrange and glue everything onto the board, decorating with doodles, washi tape, or stickers.
As you craft, share your goals and dreams—it often sparks deep conversations and laughter. Vision boards can be hung in your bedroom or workspace as daily motivation. It’s a craft that combines creativity with personal growth, making it perfect for a girlfriend’s night in.
Final Thoughts
Craft nights with girlfriends are more than just DIY projects—they’re opportunities to laugh, bond, and create lasting memories. The best part? These crafts are affordable, beginner-friendly, and fun to make together. Whether you’re painting, beading, or tie-dyeing, the process is just as important as the finished product.
So grab your supplies, call your girlfriends, and let the crafting (and laughter) begin!
