8 Memorial Day Craft Ideas for the Long Weekend

For some, Memorial Day weekend represents the kick-off to camping season — for others, it’s a time to reflect on the sacrifice of those who have served the United States. And for those of us who love to make stuff, it’s a much-needed extra day to breathe, catch up on reading, and maybe make something cool. If you’re in the latter (read: non-camping) camp, we give you full permission to stay inside (or head out on the porch) and get your craft on this weekend. And if you’re not sure what to get up to, here are some Memorial Day craft ideas:

Make a picnic blanket: Anyone can lay down an afghan and call it a picnic blanket, but this cool double-sided, DIY waterproof design is perfect for damp days spent in the lawn or the park. Get the tutorial from Design*Sponge here.

Make some patriotic pops: These icy treats definitely count as a craft…they’re just a craft you can eat! The Little Kitchen has the recipe for these tasty delights, which are a perfect time-killer for little ones who want to help out but might not quite be old enough for more advanced cooking.


Make a centerpiece: If you’re having a cook-out this weekend, delight your guests with an elegant floral centerpiece, themed for the event. And you don’t even need a lot of stuff to do it; take Kiana Underwood’s lead and use the blooms (and buckets) in your yard.

Make some felted poppies: “Poppies (sometimes referred to as Memorial Day Poppies or Remembrance Poppies),” writes Dusty, of All Things G&D, “are a symbol of Memorial Day, worn or displayed in honor of the men and women who have given their lives in service of our country.” Pay homage to those who have served the nation with these beautiful buds, which will last way longer than real flowers. Get the how-to here.

memorial day crafts
Image via Audrey B. on Flickr

Make a pretty pendant banner: Practice your sewing skills with a fun pendant banner (also called bunting) — the perfect decor for a party, a barbecue, or just around the house. The Goodness has a great tutorial; bonus points if you use patriotic colors for the holiday weekend!

Make a patriotic wreath: Compliment your bunting with a ruffly wreath that you can use this weekend…and again over the Fourth of July! This is a fun craft that incorporates a lot of skills, but is also blissfully simple — and the end result is lovely. Ramblings of a Suburban Mom has the tutorial.


Make a scrapbook: What’s that? You aren’t scrapbooking yet? Well, well! This weekend, we’re rebroadcasting Becky Higgins’ scrapbooking class. Learn how to make simple, stylish scrapbooks that represent your taste. Or, check out all of our other incredible scrapbooking content.


Make a thank-you card: Want to thank our men and women in uniform? Organizations like A Million Thanks collect letters and cards for troops serving overseas. This pop-up card tutorial from Gina Heart is a fun paper craft for any indoor day, but can make an especially meaningful note on Memorial Day.


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Hanna Brooks Olsen is a writer and editor for CreativeLive, longtime reporter, and the co-founder of Seattlish. Follow her on Twitter at @mshannabrooks or go to her website for more stuff.