Spring brings longer days and the perfect excuse to get creative without draining your wallet. These 30 budget-friendly DIY projects transform simple materials into charming seasonal decorations and useful items. Most cost under $10 and take less than an hour to complete. You’ll find ideas using supplies you already own or can pick up at dollar stores. From garden decorations to home accents, each project proves that beautiful spring crafts don’t require expensive materials or advanced skills. Grab your glue gun and let’s create something wonderful.

Mason Jar Flower Vases with Painted Stripes

Empty jars from your pantry become stunning vases with painter’s tape and acrylic paint.

Wash and dry jars completely before starting. Wrap painter’s tape around the jar in even sections. Paint between the tape with spring colors like mint, coral, or buttercup yellow. Let dry for 30 minutes, then peel away the tape.

Cost: Under $5 if you have jars already. Acrylic paint runs about $2 per bottle at craft stores.

Add grocery store flowers or clippings from your yard. These work beautifully as gifts too. Stack different sizes for visual interest on shelves or windowsills.

Paper Plate Flower Wreaths

Paper plates fold and cut into realistic-looking flowers for door decorations.

Cut plates into petal shapes, leaving the center intact. Layer three plates per flower, offsetting the petals. Paint centers bright yellow or orange. Glue flowers onto a cardboard ring cut from cereal boxes.

Cost: $3 for a pack of 50 plates. You’ll use about 12 for one wreath.

This project works great with kids who can help with painting. Spray with clear sealant if hanging outdoors. Change colors to match your door or porch furniture.

Tin Can Herb Planters

Soup cans and coffee tins get new life as rustic herb containers.

Punch drainage holes in the bottom using a hammer and nail. Wrap cans with burlap, twine, or fabric scraps. Secure with hot glue. Fill with potting soil and herb seedlings.

Cost: Free if using recycled cans. Herb seedlings cost $2-3 each.

Place on kitchen windowsills for easy access while cooking. Basil, parsley, and chives grow well indoors. Write herb names on wooden craft sticks as markers. Water when soil feels dry to the touch.

Egg Carton Seed Starters

Start your garden indoors using egg cartons you’d normally toss out.

Fill each cup with potting soil. Plant seeds according to packet directions. Water gently and place in a sunny window. The carton acts as a biodegradable planter.

Cost: Nearly free. Seeds run $1-2 per packet.

Label each section so you remember what’s growing. When seedlings are ready, cut apart the cups and plant them directly in the ground. The cardboard breaks down naturally. Great for tomatoes, peppers, and flowers.

Wine Cork Mini Planters

Save corks from bottles and hollow them into tiny succulent holders.

Cut a small cavity in each cork using a sharp knife. Fill with a pinch of soil. Tuck in small succulent cuttings. Attach magnets to display on your fridge.

Cost: Free with saved corks. Succulent cuttings often come free from friend’s plants.

These thrive with minimal water—once every two weeks. Air plants work too and need even less care. Arrange several together for bigger visual impact. Give as party favors or teacher gifts.

Clothespin Photo Garland

Display spring memories with twine and basic wooden clothespins.

String jute rope or twine across a mantel, wall, or window frame. Clip photos, cards, or artwork with clothespins. Swap images throughout the season.

Cost: $4 for twine and a bag of clothespins.

Print photos at home or use a drugstore for cheap prints. This works for kids’ artwork too. Paint clothespins in spring colors for extra flair. Space clips evenly for a clean look. Takes five minutes to assemble.

Painted Rock Garden Markers

Rocks from your yard become charming plant labels with paint.

Wash rocks and let dry. Paint with white acrylic as a base coat. After drying, write plant names or draw simple vegetable icons. Seal with clear coat.

Cost: $3 for paint and sealer if buying new.

Use a thin brush or permanent marker for lettering. Place markers at the head of garden rows. These withstand rain and sun better than wooden stakes. Kids love decorating these for school gardens or class projects.

Popsicle Stick Bird Feeders

Build simple feeders for backyard birds using craft sticks.

Glue popsicle sticks into a square frame, leaving gaps between sticks. Create a floor and small roof. Thread twine through the top for hanging. Fill with birdseed.

Cost: $2 for a pack of 100 sticks.

This project takes about 20 minutes once glue dries between steps. Hang near windows for easy bird watching. Refill weekly depending on bird activity. Squirrels might visit too. Use weatherproof glue for outdoor durability.

Fabric Scrap Bunting Banners

Old fabric scraps transform into festive banners for porches or parties.

Cut fabric into triangles about 6 inches wide. Fold the top edge over ribbon or twine and glue. Space triangles evenly along the length.

Cost: Free with fabric scraps. New fabric quarters cost $2-3.

Mix patterns for a cheerful look. Cotton works best and won’t fray as much as other materials. These banners work for birthdays, Easter, or everyday spring decor. Hang indoors or out. Machine wash if needed.

Terracotta Pot Wind Chimes

Small clay pots and hardware store finds create musical garden accents.

Drill small holes in pot bottoms using a masonry bit. Thread twine through holes and tie knots inside. Hang pots at varying heights from a branch or hook. Add a metal spoon or washer in the center.

Cost: $5 for small pots and hardware.

The pots make soft clinking sounds in the breeze. Paint pots in bright colors or leave natural. Space pots so they touch when wind blows. Hang from shepherd’s hooks in garden beds.

Cardboard Tube Butterfly Decorations

Toilet paper tubes cut and painted into flying butterflies for windows.

Flatten tubes and cut wing shapes from the sides. Paint with bright patterns. Attach a small bead body in the center with glue. Hang with fishing line.

Cost: Free with saved tubes and craft paint.

Cut different wing shapes for variety. Use markers if paint feels too messy. Hang at different heights near windows. Light shines through creating pretty shadows. This keeps kids busy on rainy spring afternoons.

Thrift Store Teacup Planters

Mismatched teacups from secondhand stores become charming planters.

Ensure cups have drainage by adding pebbles at the bottom. Fill with potting mix and small flowers like pansies or violas. Group several together.

Cost: $1-2 per cup at thrift stores.

Look for chipped or cracked cups that work fine for plants. The vintage look adds character. Display on outdoor tables or porch steps. Water sparingly since drainage is limited. Mix patterns and colors for an eclectic feel.

Yarn Pom-Pom Garland

Leftover yarn becomes fluffy decorative garlands for any room.

Wrap yarn around your fingers 50 times. Tie the center tightly with a separate piece. Cut the loops and fluff. Thread onto string, spacing evenly.

Cost: $3 for yarn if purchasing new.

Making pom-poms is meditative and takes practice. Each one takes about five minutes. Kids can help with the wrapping part. Hang across shelves, beds, or mantels. Mix sizes for visual texture. Store flat in a drawer between seasons.

Painted Flower Pot Towers

Stack different sized pots for vertical garden displays.

Paint pots in gradient colors using acrylic paint. Let dry completely. Stack with largest on bottom. Plant trailing flowers in top pots and upright varieties below.

Cost: $8 for three pots and paint.

This saves ground space while adding height to patios. Petunias, lobelia, and sweet potato vine work well. Water the top pot and it drains to lower levels. Secure with plant stakes if stacking high.

Washi Tape Picture Frames

Plain frames get instant updates with decorative tape.

Clean frame edges with rubbing alcohol. Apply washi tape in stripes, patterns, or geometric designs. Trim excess with scissors. Insert spring photos or artwork.

Cost: $5 for a roll of washi tape.

This changes the look of frames you already own without permanent alterations. Peel off anytime to try new patterns. Mix multiple tape colors for borders. Great for renters who can’t paint. Works on mirrors too.

Cupcake Liner Flower Bouquets

Baking supplies double as craft materials for paper flowers.

Flatten cupcake liners and layer three together. Poke a pipe cleaner through the center. Twist the liner around the stem to create petals. Add a button center.

Cost: $4 for liners and pipe cleaners.

These never wilt and last indefinitely. Make a dozen in 30 minutes. Use for table centerpieces at spring parties. Kids can make these for Mother’s Day gifts. Store in vases year-round or pack away flat.

Succulent Cork Magnets

Wine corks become functional fridge magnets with live plants.

Cut corks lengthwise for a flat surface. Glue small succulent cuttings on top. Attach magnetic strips to the back with strong adhesive.

Cost: Under $5 with free cork collection.

Air plants need no soil and absorb moisture from air. Mist lightly once a week. These make conversation-starting fridge decor. Give as housewarming gifts. Use strong magnets so they don’t slide down.

Painted Glass Bottle Vases

Glass bottles get designer looks with chalk paint.

Remove labels by soaking bottles in warm soapy water. Dry completely. Apply two coats of chalk paint. Let dry between coats. Optional: sand lightly for distressed look.

Cost: $6 for chalk paint that covers many bottles.

Use wine bottles, soda bottles, or juice containers. Group odd numbers together for better visual impact. Paint in matching colors or create an ombre effect. Skip flowers and use as shelf decor too.

Lace Doily Sun Catchers

Paper doilies and glue create temporary window art.

Brush Mod Podge onto a window. Press doily flat against the wet glue. Apply another coat over the top. Let dry clear.

Cost: $3 for doilies and Mod Podge.

The dried glue becomes translucent and holds doilies in place. Light creates beautiful patterns. Peels off easily with warm water when you want to change. Try different sizes and patterns. Perfect for renters or seasonal changes.

Button Flower Canvas Art

Spare buttons become three-dimensional wall art.

Paint simple stems and leaves on small canvas. Glue buttons in clusters to form flower heads. Layer different sizes for dimension.

Cost: $5 for canvas and buttons from craft stores.

Raid your sewing kit for free buttons first. Mix colors randomly or stick to a palette. This works on any canvas size. Add painted butterflies or bees around the flowers. Frame or hang as-is.

Pinecone Fire Starters

Collect pinecones from the yard and make useful fire starters.

Tie a wick or cotton string to each pinecone. Melt old candle wax or paraffin in a double boiler. Dip pinecones in colored wax. Let cool on wax paper.

Cost: $4 for wicks and wax if needed.

These start campfires or fireplace fires quickly. The wax burns longer than paper. Add essential oils to the wax for scent. Package in bundles as gifts for camping friends. Store in cool, dry places.

Newspaper Seedling Pots

Old newspapers roll into free biodegradable pots.

Wrap newspaper around a jar or can to form a cylinder. Fold the bottom to create a base. Secure with tape if needed. Fill with soil and seeds.

Cost: Completely free.

Plant the entire pot in the ground when seedlings are ready. Newspaper decomposes naturally. This saves money on plastic pots. Perfect for starting many plants at once. Label with permanent marker. Water carefully as newspaper softens.

Spoon Garden Markers

Thrift store spoons get repurposed as elegant garden labels.

Find cheap spoons at garage sales or dollar stores. Stamp or paint plant names on handles using waterproof markers. Push handles into soil near plants.

Cost: $2-3 for several spoons.

The metal withstands weather better than wood or plastic. Creates a vintage cottage garden look. Bend spoon bowls at an angle for easier reading. Paint in bright colors or leave silver. Clean with soap and water between seasons.

Clothespin Bag Clips

Paint clothespins to match your kitchen for pretty chip clips.

Paint wooden clothespins with acrylic paint in your kitchen colors. Let dry completely. Use to seal snack bags, coffee bags, or paper packages.

Cost: $2 for paint and clothespins.

This beats buying plastic bag clips. Makes a great hostess gift bundled in sets of five. Add magnets to backs for fridge storage. Use for hanging recipes or notes too. Paint patterns or keep solid colors.

Ribbon Bookmarks

Ribbon scraps and pressed flowers create special bookmarks.

Cut ribbon 8-10 inches long. Press small flowers between book pages for a week. Laminate flowers to ribbon ends with clear contact paper. Trim edges neatly.

Cost: Under $3 for ribbon and laminating sheets.

These work as thoughtful gifts for readers. Use different ribbon textures like satin or grosgrain. Flowers can be from your garden or purchased. Skip flowers and add beads instead. Personalize for recipients with favorite colors.

Milk Jug Mini Greenhouse

Gallon milk jugs protect seedlings from late frost for free.

Cut jugs in half horizontally, keeping the handle attached. Place bottom half over young plants. Remove caps to prevent overheating on sunny days.

Cost: Free with recycled jugs.

This extends your growing season by protecting against cold nights. Remove jugs once plants outgrow them or frost risk passes. Works for individual tomato plants or pepper seedlings. Reuse for multiple seasons. Weighted edges with stones prevent blowing away.

Twine-Wrapped Planters

Plain pots get textured updates with simple twine wrapping.

Start at the bottom of a pot and glue twine in place. Wrap tightly around the pot, adding glue every few inches. Continue to the rim.

Cost: $4 for a roll of twine covering several pots.

This hides damaged or outdated pots instantly. Creates a natural, organic look. Use different colored twine for variety. The texture adds visual interest to porches. Seal with clear spray if using outdoors to prevent fraying.

Upcycled Sweater Planter Cozies

Old sweaters become cozy wraps for indoor pots.

Cut sleeves from worn sweaters. Measure and trim to pot height. Slide over pots and secure with buttons or safety pins. Cuff the tops for finished edges.

Cost: Free with old clothing.

This adds softness to hard ceramic pots. Protects surfaces from scratching. Change sleeves seasonally for different looks. Hand wash if they get dirty. Works best with fitted sleeves that hug pots snugly. Thrift store sweaters work perfectly.

Wooden Spoon Plant Stakes

Turn extra wooden spoons into whimsical plant supports.

Paint spoon bowls with flowers, bugs, or spring designs. Seal with clear coat. Push handles into soil beside growing plants for support or decoration.

Cost: $3 for spoons at dollar stores.

These work for tomatoes, peppers, or flowering plants. The painted ends add color to greenery. Kids enjoy the painting part. Label plants by writing names on the handles instead. Beats plain wooden stakes for visual appeal.

Conclusion

Spring crafting doesn’t mean spending big money at specialty stores. These 30 projects prove you can create beautiful, useful items with supplies you already have or can find cheaply. Start with one or two projects that excite you most. Involve kids, friends, or make them solo during quiet afternoons. Each craft saves money while adding personal touches to your home and garden. The best part? You made it yourself. Which project will you try first this spring?