Are you the creative type? Are you into arts and crafts? If so, how about trying your hand at some of these outdoor garden crafts? There are many health benefits to getting outside in the fresh air, and trying out new creative projects can be a great way to relax and unwind.
DIY Birdhouse
One of the most classic garden crafts is the DIY birdhouse. This project is perfect for those who love spending time outdoors surrounded by nature. All you need to create your own birdhouse is some wood, a drill, paint, and some basic carpentry skills. Creating a birdhouse is a great way to add a pop of colour to your garden, and it can also provide a safe place for birds to nest.
Garden Bench
Another great outdoor garden craft is a garden bench. This project is perfect for anyone who wants to add a little seating to their garden. Garden benches are relatively easy to build, and they can be customised to fit any space. You can use wood or stone to create your bench, and you can even add some cushions or pillows for extra comfort. If you’re short on budget, how about upcycling old pallets into a unique garden seating area?
Garden Trellis
If you’re looking for a way to add some vertical interest to your garden, consider building a garden trellis. Trellises are great for climbing plants, and they can also be used to support hanging baskets or potted plants. Garden trellises are relatively easy to build, and there are various materials you could use. Traditionally they’re made from long wooden batons, either screwed or nailed together, but you could also create a trellis from bamboo canes, wire, string or metal.
Garden Fountain
Another great project to try is a garden fountain. Garden fountains add a touch of elegance to any garden, and they can also provide a soothing sound. Water features can be made from materials like stone, ceramic, or metal and for the main reservoir, you could even upcycle old items like plastic boxes, sinks or bathtubs. There are some very inexpensive pumps available and some can even run off a small solar panel. Will you go for a traditional bubbling water fountain or create a miniature cascading waterfall?
Outdoor Fire Pit
If you’re looking for a way to add some warmth to your garden, consider building an outdoor fire pit. Outdoor fire pits are great for entertaining, and they can also provide a place to gather around on chilly nights. While you can buy pre-made pits from the garden centre, it’s much cheaper (and more fun) to create your own. They can be made from materials like stone, brick, or metal and don’t need to be complicated in design. Of course, safety is one of the most important things to consider when creating your custom fire pit. Make sure the sides are sufficient to keep everything in place and consider how you’ll safeguard against people coming into contact with hot surfaces. It’s best to install your fire pit away from any flammable materials and foliage.
Wind Chime
Wind chimes are a classic garden craft, and they’re also a great way to add some soothing sound to your garden. Depending on the kind of sound you’d like to create, you could try different materials for the chimes, such as metal, glass, or stone. Making a wind chime can also be a great little upcycling project. Get creative and see what you can use from around your home and garden to create interesting shapes and sounds!
Garden Gnome
Garden gnomes are a classic garden craft, and they’re also a great way to add some personality to your garden. Garden gnomes are commonly made from clay, terracotta, or concrete, and can be quite easily produced using a mold. If you’re particularly artistic, you try sculpting one from scratch. Otherwise, you might start with a ready-made gnome painting kit – start with a plain white gnome and bring it to life with some bright and colourful painting!
Garden Obelisk
If you’re looking for a way to add some height to your garden, consider building a garden obelisk. These are great for climbing plants, and they can also be used to support hanging baskets or potted plants. You can also paint them any colour you wish, creating a cheerful centrepiece all year round.
In this handy tutorial, Clinton Wood shows us how to make a cheap ad simple obelisk from a few strips of wood…
Bee House
If you’re looking for a way to help the environment, consider building a bee house. If done correctly, bee houses provide a safe place for bees to nest, which in turn can help to pollinate your garden. It’s vitally important to construct your bee house correctly, to give visiting bees the best chances. They’re commonly made from wooden blocks adapted with long holes for the bees to nest in. The holes must be the right length and diameter and it’s also important to clean out the holes periodically to ensure that they stay suitable. Check with a wildlife expert before making your bee house, to make sure yours will be suitable for the bees in your area.
Hanging planter
Hanging planters are a great way to add some colour and life to your garden. They’re also a great way to save space, as you can hang them on walls or fences. You could use plastic or ceramic pots or for hanging baskets, use wireframes and coco fibre. There are also some attractive wicker options to try. As for hanging your planter, there are many options from garden twine, rope or metal chains. You could plant bedding flowers, or seasonal flowering bulbs, or create an attractive evergreen display with some trailing ivy. Brighten up shady spots with fuschias, begonias or ferns.
Garden stepping stones
Besides being a useful way to get around the garden, stepping stones are a great way to add some interest and texture to your plot. There are various ways to approach it, but one of the most simple ideas is to create concrete stepping stones using a pie dish as a mold.
In this video, ‘Marvellous Maryam’, shows us a fantastic method for making concrete stones, decorated with glass and stones…
Mosaic Garden Art
Mosaic garden art is a beautiful way to add some colour and life to your garden. Mosaic garden art is made by arranging small pieces of coloured glass, tile, or stone into patterns. You could create standalone art pieces to display in your outdoor space or use the technique to decorate table tops, bird baths, plant pots or even pathways.
Garden Sculpture
You might not consider yourself to be much of an artist, yet creating a garden sculpture can be a very fun and rewarding experience. At the end of the day, there aren’t any rules when it comes to creating art of this kind, and whatever you create is sure to provide an interesting talking point for you and your garden guests. Scultures typically come in a wide range of styles, from modern, abstract designs to large 3-dimensional animal-inspired shapes. They can be made from many different materials like metal, stone, clay or glass and you might also use some upcycled bits and pieces to create your next masterpiece!
Garden Arches
Garden arches are a great way to add some height and drama to your garden. Like trellis and obelisks, they can also be used to grow climbing plants, such as climbing roses, clematis, jasmine or ivy. Garden arches are available in a variety of styles, and they can be made from materials like wood, metal, or even plastic.
Fairy Garden
Fairy gardens are a great way to add some magic and whimsy to your garden. Fairy gardens are usually small, and they’re often created within a container or on a platform of some kind. You might create a fairy garden in an old planter, raised bed, half-barrel, bird bath or even an old, upcycled sink. Your fairy garden might represent a miniature world, with dainty flowers, animal sculptures and magical items such as toadstools and, of course, fairy houses.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – 15 ways to get crafty and creative outdoors in your garden. These are a fun way to get outdoors and add some life and personality to your garden. Some of your creations could be very useful too. Once you’ve perfected your own, why not try one of these ideas to create a unique gift for someone special?
What crafty creations have you made in your garden? Tell us all about them in the comments below!