Making From Home Resources: At-Home Maker Projects

Looking for some fun at-home maker projects to keep you busy? Below are some projects that all ages can do at home with minimal materials and tools!

Featured Library Resource: How to Make a Zine
Miami's Art Librarian, Stefanie Hilles, has put together a guide on how to make your own zine using things you have around your house!

Got Cardboard?

If you've got extra cardboard or boxes waiting to be recycled, you can do these projects!

10 Steps for Building Your Own Cardboard Cat Castle
An easy step-by-step tutorial to create a two-tiered castle for your furry friend!
Cardboard Basics Tutorial
A beginner's guide to chip/matte board model making for designers & architects.
Cardboard Carpentry Techniques Learning Library
These short videos demonstrate cardboard carpentry techniques as used at the Adaptive Design Association, Inc.
Cardboard Technique Inventory from Art of Digital Fabrication
An illustrated guide to various techniques for making with cardboard.
How to Work With Cardboard
A detailed blog post from ikatbag that covers the ins and outs of making things with cardboard.
Instructables Craft - Cardboard
A section of Instructables projects that are made out of cardboard.

These projects require only paper and common materials like scissors, glue, tape, etc.

Build an Accurate Animal Paper Model
Looking to kill some time? A lot of time? Like, 60+ hours of time? This project could be for you! Learn how to translate a 3D computer model into a paper sculpture!
DIY Geometric bowls
A tutorial for creating decorative geometric bowls with only paper and glue.
Instructables - Paper
A wide variety of project-based tutorials using paper as a medium.
Make Tissue Paper Roses
Create a beautiful bouquet for a family member, friend, or yourself without ever leaving the house!
Make Your Own Handmade Paper
Don't have paper? No problem! Make your own with this tutorial.
Origami Newspaper Pots for Seedlings
Use newspaper to create biodegradable pots to start your summer garden seeds or gift a plant to a friend.
Origami Paper Tetrahedra Sculpture
Math and paper craft collide to create this eye-catching tetrahedra sculpture.
Strong Paper Structure Activity
Using only newspaper and tape, compete with your friends or family on who can make the tallest structure that can support the most weight!

15 Ways to Turn T-shirts into Jewelry
A whole list of ideas for turning old t-shirts into new jewelry.
DIY Galaxy Print T-Shirt
A dark-colored t-shirt, bleach, a spray bottle, and optional metallic paints make this easy DIY project super easy to make at home.
Easy Knit Grocery Bag
Make a reusable grocery bag out of an old knit shirt!
Jersey Knit Bracelet
Use fabric from an unwanted t-shirt to create a stylish bracelet.

Arm-Knit Infinity Scarf
Arm knitting is a technique for knitting with no need for needles - just your own two arms! If you've got some yarn lying around, you can create this stylish infinity scarf.
Key Hanger
Having trouble keeping track of your keys? Make a key hanger out of an old picture frame.
Toilet Paper Roll Animals
This one is fun for all ages! Everyone has used toilet paper rolls. Use them to create adorable animal decorations for your home.
DIY Yarn Art | Easy Tactile Canvas 'Paintings'
Make a collection of mini artworks using yarn, mini canvases, and glue!

COMPAS Home Studio Art Lesson Plans for Virtual and Remote Learning
"Lessons span multiple art forms and mediums and are designed to be quick, fun, educational programs that use whatever students might have in their own homes. New lessons plans will be added periodically."
DIY Instructional Videos from Fort Vancouver Libraries' Jamie Bair
Jamie Bair, Fort Vancouver Libraries' Experiential Learning Librarian shares a collection of fun make-at-home projects.
DIY Videos from Manatee Libraries, Florida
DIY arts and crafts video series created by librarians Chris Culp and Rachel Suntop.
Johns Hopkins #EngineeringatHome Videos
A collection of videos from Johns Hopkins Engineering students with at-home engineering projects.
Make:Community Projects
Explore a collection of maker projects ranging from drones, to electronics, to fiber arts, to sculpture, to paper crafting, and many more.
Maker Studio CoBuild 19
A YouTube playlist of at-home maker projects from Maker Studio.