Get ready for summer vacation, or keep crafting while you’re away with my favorite fun ideas!
Whether they’re for a journey or a staycation, I love making summer vacation DIY projects! Customizing clothing, accessories, and travel items for yourself and others is a great way to stay organized, too! I’ve gathered some of my best summer crafts that you can make ahead of time, or even while you travel!
This is a Cricut Mystery Box project — it uses all the same vinyls that you could have gotten in the “World of Enchantment” mystery box that came out in April 2023. While this mystery box is no longer available for sale, you can still purchase the individual vinyls, which are all links below in my material list. Learn more about Cricut Mystery Boxes and their contents in my Cricut Mystery Box Guide.
Ready for some amazing summer vacation DIY projects? This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Read my full disclosure policy.
I just got back from an AH-mazing vacation that I’d been looking forward to for a while! We visited many beautiful places around Hawaii, which is now one of my favorite places ever! I’m so grateful for the experience and would love to share some of the highlights with you!
As usual, I prepared for the trip by making things! I made special luggage tags and some themed clothing for Greg and myself. We really love getting into vacation mode together, especially since we celebrated our 15th anniversary on the trip! Many of you have sent us well wishes for the milestone and we appreciate all the nice thoughts!
I used vintage-style polyester dresses as the bases for my Dole Whip and Orange Bird dresses. It took some time to print and place the designs, but was a lot faster than sewing dresses with themed fabric. I’m so excited make more sublimation dresses, it’s a really fun activity!
And it was super comfy to wear since the sublimation designs didn’t change the texture of the fabric!
Also, I knew I’d have the urge to craft and customize on the trip, so I packed my Cricut Joy and a handful of supplies and materials. Some of my best ideas happen when I get to relax, is it the same for you?
We decided to pay our respects at the Pearl Harbor memorial, so I added some simple color-changing hearts to a polka dot dress that morning.
In the sun, the blue showed up to create the stars and stripes design. I feel very fortunate that we were able to visit and remember those lost and who served.
Later, I was so happy to share the beautiful view from my vacation “craft table” with many of you on Facebook Live and decorate a sun tea jar in Kona. I edited the free file right in Cricut Design Space, so I was able to add the location and create a vacation souvenir! And I had so much fun with you! The file and font are in my free resource library, so you can make your own custom craft projects, too!
It was an easy peasy little project but I love it so much! And the temperature-activated vinyl I tried is so cool! When it’s cooler than 88℉ (31℃) it’s dark magenta like the color on the roll in this photo. When it gets hotter than that, it turns light pink like you can see on the jar and my Joy! What a fun project.
It was a fabulous vacation full of wonderful experiences and memories. I am so fortunate to do what I love and appreciate your support, which made this vacation a reality!
Are you ready for a vacation? I hope you get to take one to your favorite place, no matter where it is! Check out some of my favorite summer vacation DIY projects below the tutorial to help you get ready!
Materials to Make A Sippin’ On Sunshine Sun Tea Glass Jar
- Glass Carafe – I used a 67 oz style from Target, but you can easily resize the design to fit another jar
- Heat Activated Color Changing Vinyl – I used Magenta to Light Pink for this fun craft
- A way to cut your vinyl – I used a Cricut Joy, but any Maker or Explore will work, too, that’s the best part of a small design
- Weeding Tool
- Scraper tool – or a gift card!
- Cricut Joy StandardGrip Machine Mat
- StandardGrip Transfer Tape
- Scissors
- Rubbing alcohol
- Lint-free cloth
- Design #476 – My free SVG/PDF/DXF cut files (available from my free resource library — get the password at the bottom of this post)
And here are some bonus links for the other projects I made!
- Hearts Dress: Polka Dot Blue Dress with red and white Iron-On Vinyl and white to blue UV Activated Iron-On Vinyl to match my Popsicle Shoes
- Orange Bird Outfit: Champagne Polyester Dress (color is currently available, but I hope it comes back!) with sublimation designs and Orange Shoes
- Dole Whip Outfit: Yellow Stripe Polyester Dress with sublimation designs, Pineapple Shoes and a White Faux Vinyl Purse with gold Iron-On Vinyl
Missed the World of Enchantment Mystery Box? Not to worry, here is the full list of items!
- Permanent Mosaic Vinyl Sampler, Dragon – four 12″ x 12″ sheets in Lime Green Holographic Scales, Cherry Metallic Circles, and two Solid Silver Matte Metallic (Project Idea: Glitter Wine Glasses)
- Ceramic Mug Blank, White – 12 oz (Project idea: Cricut Mug Ideas)
- Glitter Iron-On Vinyl, Muliti-Pink – one 12” x 19” roll (Project idea: Custom Cork Coasters)
- Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets, Ultra Violet – two 12″ x 12″ transfer sheets (Project idea: Infusible Ink Hat)
- Foil Iron-On Sampler, Spring Meadow – four 12″ x 12″ transfer sheets in Chrome, Lilac, Pink, and Lemongrass (Project idea: Heart Mandala Shirt)
- Permanent Heat-Activated, Color-Changing Vinyl, Magenta – Light Pink – one 12” x 24” roll (Project idea: Tutorial Coming soon)
- StrongGrip Cutting Mat, three 12″ x 12″ mats – (Project idea: Waterfall Card)
- Infusible Ink Pens set, Neons – five (.04) in Neon Pink, Neon Blue, Neon Orange, Neon Yellow, and Neon Green (Project idea: Easy Infusible Ink Pen Projects)
- Cricut Cutie – Blush (Previously Released) (Project Idea: DIY Display Case)
How to Make a Color-Changing Jar for Sun Tea
Summer Vacation DIY Project: Color-Changing Sun Tea Jar
Make a sun tea jar with a vinyl design that changes color in the sun!
Materials
Tools
Instructions
STEP 1: GET MY FREE SIPPIN ON SUNSHINE DECAL DESIGN
First, download my Sippin on Sunshine Decal SVG/DXF/PDF files from my free resource library. It's Design #476. You can cut the design in many ways, but I uploaded the SVG to Cricut Design Space and Added it to a blank Canvas.
TIP: If you're not sure how to upload an SVG cut file to Cricut Design Space, watch this helpful video training series I made. If you're on an iPhone or iPad, here's how to download and upload SVG files to the Cricut Design Space app.
STEP 2: PREPARE AND CUT YOUR DECAL DESIGN
Be sure to measure your item and size it accordingly. Remember when resizing and object in Design Space, keep the lock icon closed in the Size menu.
Make sure your machine is selected and click Make It in the upper right corner. I chose my Joy.
Check that the mat looks correct, and you don't have to mirror the design since we're using adhesive vinyl. Click Continue.
On the Make screen, select "Heat/Cold Activated Color Changing Vinyl" and set the pressure to "More
Trim your vinyl to size and place it face up on the mat. Use a brayer to make sure it is adhered to the mat.
Load your mat into the Cricut Joy and click the Go button. Make sure the cut has gone all the way through. If it didn't, just press Go again before removing the mat.
Unload your mat, flip it over and unroll the vinyl from your mat.
Using your weeding tool, weed the excess vinyl away from you image. Don't forget the counters (inside) of your letters. I put the flower designs right on my Joy!
STEP 3: APPLY YOUR DECAL
Clean the pitcher with rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth, then let it dry.
Cut a piece of StandardGrip transfer tape a bit larger than the decal, then peel it off the liner. Using the taco method, lower the sticky side of the tape on to the middle of the design, then let the sides fall in place to cover the rest. Use a scraper to burnish both sides to help the vinyl move off its liner and on to the transfer tape.
Place the pitcher with the area you want to decorate facing you. With the decal straight (you can fill it with water to create a level line where you want the bottom to go!) place the vinyl on the jar. Use the scraper to burnish the vinyl to the glass, then carefully peel off the transfer tape.
STEP 4: SHOW IT OFF
When you fill the jar with cold water or place it in the sun, watch it change colors!
Notes
I used JM Groovy, a font I designed in the Sippin on Sunshine SVG. You can get it in my library under Design #477.
Even More of My Favorite Summer Vacation DIY Projects
Summer Vacation In Style!
Star Wars Cosplay without the Costumes: Disneybounding!
With a few DIY details, we can all be big kids on vacation!
DIY Minnie Mouse Nail Tips - Vinyl Appliques Made on the Cricut
Complete your Disney outfit with custom nail designs!
Make Hair Bows with Mermaid Tails, Butterfly Wings, and Hearts!
Add some vacation fun to any 'do with these easy craft ideas!
Host With the Most!
Freehand Marker Mugs
Use Cricut Infusible Markers to turn mugs into works of art with the whole family!
How To Layer Vinyl For Custom Cups
Having guests over for a summer party? Make a custom cup to help keep their drinks straight. Gift them at the end of night (fewer to wash!) or if you use removable vinyl, start over with rubbing alcohol.
How To Glitter Wine Glasses
If you want to celebrate with some sparkle, I have tips on containing the glitter!
Prepare For The Fun!
Cricut Cards For Beginners
Learn how to make easy beginner cards with your Cricut to invite your friends to party!
How to Make Envelopes
Sending invites for a barbecue or summer party? Make some custom cards and envelopes!
The Great Outdoors!
Lantern Decor Ideas
Make my favorite DIY lanterns and luminaries for a table centerpiece, a front porch, host gift. Just make sure the weather will be dry!
For The Perfect Beach or Pool Day!
100+ Cricut Vinyl Projects With Beach And Cruise Designs
Create fun, nautical Cricut vinyl projects and find links to dozens of other tutorials for fun summer crafts!
Family Fun
DIY Funny Socks with Sayings — "If You Can Read This, Bring Me..."
Custom vinyl socks are great for a family vacation!
Beginner Sublimation T-Shirt
Learn how to make a beautiful sublimation T-shirt with easy techniques for flawless application!
Yay For Your Yard!
How To Cut Metal With Cricut
Make a custom wreath and learn which adhesive won't melt in the summer heat!
How to Make a No-Sew Face Mask From a T-Shirt or Cotton
Yard work means pollen! Keep the sneezing at bay with a simple mask.
Paper Cut Lamp
Learn how to make your very own Paper Cut Lamp with incredible detail and a wilderness scene!
Craft On The Go
Paper Flower Designs - 20+ Options!
Cut your flowers ahead of time and you can assemble these paper crafts anywhere!
Easy 3D Paper Birds
These Easy 3D paper birds can sit unassisted on a shelf or be hung to add a fun pop of color.
Ice Cream Treat Box / Popsicle Box
This cute ice cream treat and Popsicle-shaped box holds party favors, trinkets, and gift cards!
Dollar Tree Cricut Projects
If you get the urge to craft on vacation, I bet there's a Dollar Tree nearby! Here are some projects for inspiration using common products and simple materials.
Travel Memories
DIY Map Pillow with State-to-State Hearts
Commemorate a summer road trip with a keepsake you can stitch along the ride.
DIY Exploding Butterfly Box with Flying Butterflies!
Save your vacation mementos in any of the boxes! And make your own butterflies with popsicle sticks!
House-Shaped Display Case
This house-shaped display case makes a great home for Cricut Cuties, Funko Pop figures, or anything small and lightweight like vacation souveniers!
Answers to Your Questions About Summer Vacation DIY Projects
Q: How do the color-changing vinyls work?
A: There are two kinds to try! I used UV-reactive vinyl on a dress, and it worked really well, even in lightly filtered sunlight! And then I tried the temperature-reactive vinyl on a sun tea jar, which completely changed colors when the jar cooled or heated up! Both are prefect for the summer months and are a fun way to customize projects.
Q: Which font did you use in the Sippin on Sunshine SVG?
A: I used JM Groovy, which is available in my free resource library as Design #477. You can learn how to create your own fonts, too, in my Fonts Firsthand Workshop over summer break.
Q: Can I really create a custom dress for my vacation?
A: Yes! As long as you start with a mostly polyester dress in white or off-white, you can add sublimation designs to bring your dream dress to life! I can’t wait to see your great ideas.
Q: What kind of summer vacation DIY projects are good for rainy days?
A: You can try any easy craft ideas you like to celebrate the summer holidays! If you need to keep the whole family entertained, even the big kids, try a big project like a paper flower wall. Especially if you’re having a celebration! The colorful paper flowers are easy crafts, but making enough for a backdrop might take the entire family working a little bit at a time. Rainy or hot summer days are the perfect time to relax and make some beautiful paper crafts together!
Get my free SVG/DXF/PDF files for the “Sippin’ on Sunshine” pitcher design!
Now, I’d love to see summer vacation DIY projects! If you make any of these easy summer crafts, please share a photo in our Facebook group, email it to me at [email protected], or tag me on social media with #jennifermaker. I’d love to see your creative ideas, art projects, and frugal fun for the warm weather
Love,
Want to remember this? Save the list of summer vacation DIY projects to your favorite Pinterest Board.
