Walking into Hobby Lobby is a dangerous game for people like us. You go in for a single bottle of acrylic paint, and you walk out with a cart full of wooden signs, fake flowers, and three different kinds of glitter you’ll probably never use. We’ve all been there. :/
But here’s the thing—with a little bit of creativity (and a game plan), you can turn all that stuff into some seriously impressive DIY projects. I’ve spent way too many hours wandering those aisles, so I’ve rounded up my absolute favorite 15 DIY Hobby Lobby crafts that actually look high-end, use mostly store-bought supplies, and won’t leave you with a mountain of regret.
Ready to get crafty? Let’s go!
1. The “Better Than Anthropologie” Beaded Drapes
Ever seen those gorgeous beaded curtain ties or drawer pulls at high-end home stores and balked at the price tag? I know I have. The good news? You can make them for a fraction of the cost.
Head to the jewelry-making section. This is your goldmine. Grab a bag of wooden beads (they come in every shape and size imaginable), some gold acrylic paint, and a spool of quality cord or thick twine.
- What you’ll do: Paint half the beads gold and leave the others natural. Once they’re dry, simply string them onto the cord in a pattern you love.
- Pro Tip: Tie a knot between each bead to keep them spaced perfectly. I made a set of these for my kitchen cabinet doors, and I swear, they look exactly like the Pottery Barn ones. FYI, you’ll need a hot glue gun to secure the ends of the cord so they don’t fray!
2. Custom Poured Paint Planters
Are your sad, plastic plant pots bringing you down? Let’s fix that. Hobby Lobby has a wall of terracotta pots just begging for a makeover.
Grab a few pots, a bottle of Liquitex pouring medium, and a couple of acrylic paints in coordinating colors. You’ll also want some craft sticks and cheap plastic cups.
- The Process: Mix your paint with the pouring medium according to the instructions (it’s usually a 1:1 ratio). Layer the different colors in a cup, then flip it onto the pot and watch the magic happen.
- Why I love it: No two pots are ever the same. It’s like creating a little piece of abstract art for your succulents. Just be sure to seal it with a clear spray sealer from the spray paint aisle so it lasts outside.
3. Faux Leather & Rattan Wall Hanging
Boho wall decor is still having a moment, and honestly, I hope it never leaves. This project combines two of my favorite things: texture and minimalism.
You’ll need a small rattan placemat (yes, a placemat!), a square of faux leather from the fabric remnant bin, and a wooden dowel.
- Assembly: Cut the faux leather into a fringe or a simple hanging shape. Attach it to the rattan placemat by weaving or gluing it. Then, tie the whole thing onto the wooden dowel with some jute twine.
- Personal Anecdote: I originally tried this with real leather, but the faux stuff is way easier to cut and doesn’t have any imperfections. Plus, it’s cheaper. Win-win!
4. Chalk Paint® Makeover on a Thrifted Frame
Okay, this isn’t technically a frame from Hobby Lobby, but hear me out. Grab an old, ugly frame from a thrift store (or your grandma’s basement), and hit Hobby Lobby for the supplies.
You’ll need a small bottle of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® (they have a great selection) and some clear wax.
- The Transformation: Give that frame a couple of coats of paint—no sanding required, which is my favorite part. Then, buff on the wax for a smooth, velvety finish.
- The Result: It instantly goes from dated to high-end antique. It’s like magic in a can, IMO. You can even distress the edges lightly for that “shabby chic” look we all secretly love.
5. Glittered “Frozen” Style Mason Jars
These make amazing gifts, wedding centerpieces, or just a little sparkle for your bookshelf. Head to the candle-making section for plain mason jars and the paper crafting aisle for ultra-fine glitter and Mod Podge.
- How to do it: Paint a layer of Mod Podge onto the outside of the jar using a foam brush. While it’s wet, sprinkle the glitter all over. Let it dry, then seal it with a layer of spray sealer so the glitter doesn’t end up all over your house.
- Word of Warning: Don’t use cheap, chunky craft glitter for this. Trust me. It looks like a disco ball threw up on your jar. Spend the extra dollar on the ultra-fine stuff for a smooth, professional finish.
6. Wooden Sign with Vinyl Lettering
Hobby Lobby is famous for their wooden signs. You can buy a pre-made one, but where’s the fun in that? Instead, buy a raw wood plank or a shaped blank (like a rectangle or a state outline).
Then, head to the Cricut/vinyl section. You don’t even need a Cricut machine! You can buy pre-cut vinyl phrases.
- The Simple Method: Pick a vinyl saying you love. Clean the wood surface, then use transfer tape to apply the vinyl perfectly to the wood.
- Why this is better: You get exactly the saying you want, and you can stain the wood yourself to match your decor perfectly. I made one that says “Coffee, Plants, and Books” for my living room, and it’s my favorite thing.
7. Painted Serving Tray from a Picture Frame
This is one of those “why didn’t I think of that?!” projects. Find a large, deep-set picture frame in the framing department. You’ll also need a piece of scrapbook paper or a small canvas that fits inside the frame.
- Build it: Remove the glass (or keep it if you want a glass top). Paint the frame itself a fun color. Insert your pretty paper or small canvas into the frame as the “bottom” of the tray.
- Finishing Touch: Glue on two decorative drawer pulls from the hardware aisle to the sides to serve as handles. Boom. A custom serving tray for your next brunch.
8. DIY Concrete Coasters
Get your industrial chic on with these super simple coasters. Grab a set of small, square silicone molds from the baking or craft section. You’ll also need a bag of cement-all from the floral department (yes, they sell it for weighting down fake flowers, but it works perfectly for this).
- Mix and Pour: Mix the cement with water until it’s the consistency of brownie batter, pour it into the molds, and tap it to release air bubbles.
- Finishing: Once dry (give it 24 hours), pop them out. You can leave them raw for that industrial feel, or seal them with a matte sealer. They make awesome gifts, especially paired with a fancy candle.
9. Upgraded Boring Baskets
We all have them. Those plain, rope or seagrass baskets that hold everything from blankets to dog toys. They’re functional, but they can be a little…blah.
Fix that with a simple trip down the fabric ribbon aisle. Grab a few spools of wide, textured ribbon—think velvet, chunky knit, or even faux leather.
- The Hack: Simply wrap the ribbon around the middle of the basket and tie it in a big, floppy bow. You can also weave it through the basket weave if the basket has large gaps.
- Instant Upgrade: It adds a pop of color and texture in seconds. You can change the ribbon out with the seasons!
10. Leather Tassel Keychains or Bag Charms
Leather tassels are everywhere, and they are ridiculously easy to make. Head to the leather crafting aisle (usually near the yarn) and buy a small square of soft, garment-weight leather.
- Step-by-step: Cut the leather into a rectangle. Fringe it from the bottom up, leaving a solid top portion. Roll it tightly, glue the seam, and attach it to a keychain ring or a swivel clip.
- So satisfying: The smell of the leather, the way it feels… I made a set of these for my bridesmaids as part of their gifts, and they were a huge hit. You can even stamp initials into the leather!
11. Abstract Resin Art on a Small Canvas
Resin can be intimidating, but Hobby Lobby sells small, user-friendly ArtResin kits that are perfect for beginners. Grab a small canvas, some alcohol inks or acrylic paints, and a heat gun (optional but fun).
- The Process: Pour your resin according to the directions (timing is critical!). Drop in your colors and use a straw or the heat gun to move the colors around.
- The Wow Factor: It creates a glossy, glass-like finish that looks like it belongs in a gallery. Just make sure you work in a well-ventilated area. This is a bit of a splurge project, but the result is so worth it.
12. Gnome Ornaments (For Any Season)
Gnomes are a Hobby Lobby staple. You can buy them pre-made, or you can raid the faux fur and wood bead sections to make your own tiny army.
- How to make them: A large wood bead is the head, glued onto a cone shape (you can buy foam cones in the floral department). Glue faux fur around the base of the bead for the beard, and add a little hat made from felt.
- Seasonal Fun: Make them in red and white for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or use plaid fabric for fall. They are ridiculously cute and addictive to make. Fair warning: you won’t be able to stop.
13. Dip-Dyed Kitchen Utensils
Those plain wooden spoons and spatulas in the kitchen gadgets section are just waiting for a little personality.
You’ll need Rit dye (yep, the fabric stuff) and some water.
- The Technique: Boil water, add the dye, and then only dip the handle of the utensil into the dye. Hold it there for 5-10 minutes, checking the color intensity.
- The Effect: You get a gorgeous, modern ombre effect. Seal them with a food-safe mineral oil or beeswax finish so they’re safe to use. They add such a fun pop of color to a utensil crock!
14. Wired Ribbon Wreath
Forget those expensive, pre-made wreaths. Buy a simple wire wreath form and go wild in the ribbon aisle. This place is heaven. Get 3-4 coordinating ribbons in different widths and patterns.
- The Method: Cut the ribbon into long strips. Tie each strip onto the wire form in a simple knot. Keep adding ribbons, pushing them close together, until the form is completely covered.
- Endless Possibilities: Fluff the ribbon loops as you go. You can make a huge, fluffy wreath for your front door for a fraction of the price of a store-bought one. I make one for every season now!
15. Personalized Doormat with Stencils
Finish off your front porch with a custom doormat. Buy a plain coir doormat (the bristly kind). Grab a reusable stencil with a fun word or pattern and some outdoor-grade spray paint.
- The Trick: Position the stencil on the mat and secure it with painter’s tape. Hold the stencil down firmly (this is important to avoid bleeding) and spray light, even coats.
- The Result: A $15 doormat that looks like a $50 custom order. Mine says “Hello, Gorgeous” and it makes me smile every time I come home.
Wrapping It Up (Before I Go Back to Hobby Lobby)
So, there you have it! Fifteen ways to wander the aisles of Hobby Lobby with purpose and actually make something awesome. The best part is that these projects aren’t just about following instructions; they’re about making something that feels like you.
The store is basically one giant craft kit waiting to be assembled. You just have to look at things a little differently. That wooden plaque? It’s the base for a piece of art. Those fabric remnants? They’re future throw pillows. A pack of plain glass ornaments? They’re a canvas for your next masterpiece.
I’d love to know—which of these DIY Hobby Lobby crafts are you going to try first? Or better yet, what’s the most random item you’ve ever turned into something amazing? Drop your thoughts in the comments! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’m out of Mod Podge… again. 😉
