Got a hot glue gun and itch to find your next craft? These hot glue gun crafts are extra fun to make and most are beginner-friendly! Give these projects a try and get creative!
Hot glue is like…the glue that keeps craft projects together, pun intended. Hot glue guns are a really useful tool, and, believe it or not, they can be used for more than just adhering things together.
You can make actual craft items with the glue—be it ornaments, toys, accessories, or just to bring the entire project together. So, without further ado, take a look at these 41 hot glue gun crafts.
1. DIY Pencil Case
Source: craftsyhacks.com
Are you looking to stand out on your first day back at school? Or do you just want another fun upcycling craft project to work on? This DIY pencil case has you covered on both counts!
It’s unique, chic, and surprisingly elegant for something that’s made from empty toilet paper rolls, don’t you think? It even got a zipper closure system that makes it all the more functional.
Grab some colored felt sheets from here, this nylon zip, and your toilet rolls. You’ll also need your sewing kit—just needle, thread, and a few pins—and you’re all set.
2. Snail Shell Craft
Source: thecrazyoutdoormama.com
Have you ever picked up a snail shell on a hike or stroll up the beach? Well, even if you didn’t, you can go looking for them; they’re usually found at the base of bushes and trees, too.
So why don’t you and your kids make an adventure out of it and go hunting for snail shells? I’ve got a great snail shell craft project that would also be perfect for the next science project.
The first thing you need to do after you’ve collected your snail shells is to design your snail using the printable template provided. Then you can get to the fun part of decorating it!
Check out more DIY seashell crafts here.
3. DIY Dollar Tree Lantern
Source: craftsyhacks.com
Don’t you love a good lantern to light up your house? Not just your home but also your front porch, backyard, and garden paths.
You can make one—or half a dozen—of our own with just a few supplies from a dollar store near you. You’ll need a few dollar tree frames, a pair of pliers from here, decorative tape, and, of course, your hot glue gun.
Hot glue is all you need to use as an adhesive, so that means you won’t need your hammer, nails, or any heavy-duty tools.
4. No-Sew Pillow Covers
Source: thirtysomethingsupermom.com
I love to sew, I really do. But sometimes, I just want to get a project done quickly and don’t want the hassle of pulling out and setting up my sewing machine.
If you’re looking for a no-sew project as well, then check out this DIY pillow cover. You’ll need a few toss pillows, or some pillow stuffing, instead. You can find either one here.
Next, you’ll have to pick out your fabric. If you have scrap cloth in your craft stash, then that should work. Otherwise, you can upcycle a tablecloth, an old tee, or other fabric you have at home.
Have a ton of scrap cloth? Take a look at these scrap fabric projects for more craft ideas!
5. DIY Bookmark For Kids
Source: craftsyhacks.com
It’s super important for kids to cultivate the habit of reading, don’t you think? But when they’re young, it can be a bit of a chore for them to sit down and read when they could be outside playing.
Why don’t you help them make a few of these DIY handprint bookmarks to get them hooked? The way I see it, kids are more likely to do something if they have had an active role in making it.
So, if your kids make bookmarks, they’re more likely to use them to read, don’t you think?
6. Party Hat
Source: lovelyindeed.com
Is a party truly complete without party caps? Sure, the cake, the food, and all that are great, but you’ve got to have party caps!
Nothing too big or flamboyant, though, so these mini hats should be exactly right. Just download and print the mini hat template provided to begin.
Then, grab some cardstock—preferably pattered, elastic cords from here, a few pom-poms, and your glue gun. You can also use a cutting machine like Cricut and upload the template onto that. That way, you can design your hat any way you like.
7. Rope Coasters
Source: craftsyhacks.com
You can’t have too many coasters around your home. I usually scatter a few around every room so that I never have to do without.
They’re super inexpensive, easy to make, and are a great way to add to your decor, as well. These DIY rope coasters, for example, add the perfect beachy and rustic touch to your room.
Grab some thick manilla rope from here, a pair of scissors, your pen, a piece of fabric, and a wooden disk or slice(look here). Then, just start twining your rope to make your coasters, securing them in place with hot glue.
Check out more crafts for adults here.
8. Succulent Wall Decor
Source: makingmanzanita.com
Don’t you just love this lush, green succulent wall decor? Would you believe me if I told you it was a fake wall decor piece and that all the succulents you see aren’t real?
That just makes it even more amazing because it means you don’t have to worry about maintaining it. Just a good dusting every now and then should do the trick.
So, go ahead and pick out your faux succulents. You can intersperse a few ferns, heather, reed grass, moss, and other faux foliage to really make the succulents stand out.
9. How to Make Bookmark
Source: craftsyhacks.com
If you’re an avid reader, then I bet you love bookmarks just as much as you love the actual books you read. I also bet you’re constantly on the lookout for different bookmarks to make.
This adorable bird bookmark is made from colored felt sheets. All you need is a couple of jumbo paper clips, your hot glue gun, a needle and thread, a couple of markers, and a pair of scissors.
Once you’ve gathered everything you need, go ahead and draw your bird and cut it out to make your template. Now you’re all set to start cutting into the felt sheets.
10. Magnolia Leaf Wreath
Source: chatfieldcourt.com
This magnolia leaf wreath is definitely a visual treat. Just imagine how earthy and rich it would look once you’ve mounted it up on your front door.
What do you need, you ask? First, you’ll need to pick out some fresh magnolia leaves—with the stems. Then, you’ll need your basic wreath-making essentials: a grapevine wreath form, a hot glue gun, and floral wire.
Before you start making your wreath, remember that you’re using real leaves. So, expect the leaves to dry up a bit; it’s completely natural!
Check out more wreath ideas here.
11. Rope Organizer Desk
Source: craftsyhacks.com
I wonder, did you save some rope from that rope coaster project you worked on a while ago? If you did, you might want to pull it out because you’re going to be making these fabulous DIY rope-wrapped desk organizers!
Don’t tell me you’ve never just dumped all your pens and markers in a draw and have had to paw through the mess to find what you need. Well, that’s why you need these chic organizers.
You know, you can also use one of them as a planter. Your desktop would look so bright and cheerful with a little succulent, don’t you think?
12. Wine Cork Christmas Ornament
Source: greenwithdecor.com
I’m sure you’ve heard about DIY projects with wine bottles, but what about a project involving wine bottle corks? Have you thought about upcycling those wine corks into, say, Christmas tree ornaments?
If you’ve saved the corks as well as the bottles, then it’s time to dip into that stash. Or, you can just pick them up from here. You’ll need 11 corks per ornament.
Grab a green sharpie and color the flat top part of the cork green. Then, hot glue the corks together into a tree-shaped ornament.
Finally, just glue a length of ribbon over the ‘tree’ and leave enough room on top so you can hang it up as an ornament.
Feel free to check out more Christmas tree decorations here.
13. Yarn Wrapped Glass Vase
Source: craftsyhacks.com
Do you have a glass vase at home that’s just a little too shabby to use? Why don’t you give it a bit of a makeover with this project instead of throwing it away?
The best way to cover up any dings, dents, or scratches is to hide them away. How? You wrap the vase with yarn, of course?
You can just as easily use rope or twine to the same effect. Different colored and textured yarn or thread can add a ton of layer and depth to the vase.
This yarn-wrapped vase can do so much to jazz up your space—and all that before you put flowers in it!
Check out more creative yarn projects here.
14. Snow Globe Mason Jar
Source: happiestcamper.com
Mason jars are so versatile. They make for one of the best craft supplies at hand for so many projects.
Take this mason jar snow globe, for example. Doesn’t it look amazing? You can make it at home, and all you need to get started is a mason jar, a hot glue gun, and your fillers of choice.
You can make a seasonal snow globe, or you can stick to this classic ‘reindeer in the snow’ theme. A little bit of polyfill should pass for snow.
You can also add a couple of bottle brush trees from here to really set the scene. Check out mason jar gift ideas here.
15. Hair Bows
Source: craftsyhacks.com
Hair bows are a great hair accessory for when you don’t have too much time to work on your hairdo. They also help you coordinate your outfit and accessories.
But, in your quest to perfectly match your hair bows to your outfit, you can end up spending a ton of money. So why don’t you consider making your own hair bows instead of buying them?
You’ll need scraps of fabric or felt, some wide ribbon, a hot glue gun, a pair of scissors, and any other embellishment you think you’ll need to decorate your bows.
16. Acorn and Pinecone Wreath
Source: craftinvaders.co.uk
Your fall decor wouldn’t be complete without an acorn and pinecone wreath hanging on your front door. It’s easy-to-make, and, the best part? You can rope your kids into a day outdoors on an acorn and pinecone hunt.
Grab a grapevine wreath from here, a hot glue gun, and a can of sealant spray like this. You can also pick out a few fall-colored faux florals and leaves to add to your wreath.
If you want a few extra pops of color, all you need to do is add a few faux cranberries to the mix, too.
17. Yarn Wrapped Flower Pot
Source: craftsyhacks.com
Yarn wrapping projects sure are popular, don’t you think? I mean, look at this yarn-wrapped flower pot, for example. Doesn’t it look fabulous?
And not just yarn, but jute twine, too, can prove to be the perfect wrapping agent. The latter can bring some much-needed texture to your pots, especially if you’re using a simple white pot like this.
So, grab your hot glue gun and apply a generous bit of glue—you need to make sure that the yarn or twine sticks and then stays in place.
18. Lavender Crochet Wall Art
Source: goldenlucycrafts.com
Don’t put away your skein of yarn just yet; I have a crochet project for you to try. This wall art incorporates crochet, color, and good old-fashioned bees—it doesn’t get more wholesome than that.
You can make use of the pattern provided to guide you while crocheting your lavender plants and bees.
You’ll also need your glue gun to stick the lavender appliques, the bees, and any other embellishments you use to the canvas. Remember to check and coordinate your crochet hook size and yarn, too.
19. Rope Basket Organizer
Source: craftsyhacks.com
This beautiful rope basket organizer marks the fourth yarn or rope-wrapped DIY project on this list, and, well, are you really surprised? Just look at that basket and tell me it doesn’t look like something you’d typically spend a bomb on in a shop.
Instead, you’re going to be making it right at home for a fraction of the price you’d normally pay for them. All you need are a few supplies like colored rope, your hot glue gun, and a pair of scissors.
You’ll also need a couple of small dowels from here to use as handles.
20. Dog Treat Photo Cube
Source: thirtysomethingsupermom.com
I bet you scratched your head a bit when you read the title. What are dog treat photo cubes, you ask?
In a nutshell, it’s a box made by lining photo frames into a cube and using said box to hold dog treats. Sounds interesting, doesn’t it?
You can find all the materials you need at a local dollar tree, including the frames. You can use a knob like this and hot glue it to the lid of the ‘box.’
When you’re done adhering all the sides and the bottom together, allow it to dry completely before filling it with treats. Don’t forget to slip a few pictures into the frames, too!
21. Cork Bulletin Board
Source: greenwithdecor.com
Do you remember the wine cork Christmas tree ornament you made earlier? Do you have those corks left? I think this project will put those corks to good use!
Grab your hammer, a few nails, an old frame, and this saw tooth hanger. Also, don’t forget your hot glue gun while you’re at it.
This herringbone-patterned wine cork display will class up any room or joint. You’d never guess that it was made from old wine corks, and if you did, it only adds rustic charm to your decor!
22. Pom Pom Magnets
Source: lovelyindeed.com
We’re all on a quest to find the best magnets ever for our refrigerators. But did you ever think you’d come across these adorable fluffy pom pom magnets?
Not only do they look great, but they’re also a great craft project for you and your kids to work on! You probably already have everything you need(yarn, hot glue, scissors) but do you have these magnet rounds?
If you have one of those nifty pom pom makers, then your project just got way easier. Make your pom poms, hot glue magnetic rounds to the back of it, and voila, they’re ready!
23. St. Patrick’s Day Craft
Source: greenwithdecor.com
You think of St. Patrick’s Day decor items, and you always think of bright green—almost fluorescent—colors. But check out this elegant, mellow, sage green decoration!
First, you’ll need to pick out some burlap ribbons—you can find sage green burlap ribbons right here! Next, look in your recycling bin for a few soup cans you can use to wrap the ribbon around.
Then, grab your paint and brushes and stencil the letters on the cans. You know, you can also make these a seasonal decor piece. Just paint ‘Thankful,’ and you’re all set for Thanksgiving!
24. Hot Glue Gun Station
Source: craftbits.com
You know, for a list of craft and DIY projects using glue guns, it’s about time we got around to this particular one: a DIY glue gun station! It’s the perfect setup to stow your glue gun away!
This isn’t just a place to stash your glue gun away but also a workstation. You’ll need an old milk crate that you can repurpose, some gorilla wood glue, and a metal chopper.
You’ll also need a cutting board like this—preferably made of wood. Just follow the instructions, and you’ll have a hot glue gun workstation up and ready to use in no time.
25. Decorative Framed Mirror
Source: artsykarma.com
When you can jazz up your mirror with a decorative frame, you’ll never be able to go back to just plain old mirrors. Luckily this project is easy to make!
You can use this as a wall-hanging decor piece, too. Just think of how gorgeous a framed mirror would look in your foyer. Convenient, too, for you to do a quick touch-up and dash when you’re in a hurry to get going.
So, go ahead and pick out the mirror—the shape and size—you want to glam up, as well as your hot glue gun to get started!
26. Embellished Hand Towel
Source: familyfocusblog.com
Usually, the hand towels you pick up at stores are pretty basic and generic. Unless you want to spend a pretty penny to buy super-chic and fancy ones, your choices are limited.
Or are they? You don’t need to contend with generic towels, not when you can jazz them up with a few embellishments and your hot glue gun.
Use buttons, beads, patterned or textured ribbons, and more. You can also give your towels a nice trim with lace or burlap(look here)
27. DIY Cocktail Stirrers
Source: modpodgerocksblog.com
Can you think of how adorable these cocktail stirrers would look on your beverage counter? If you’re hosting a party, you can just pop these in a container and add them to your bar counter decor.
You can make these 3D gem DIY cocktail stirrers quite easily; all you need is a gem mold from here. You can use hot glue or a mod melter as the base and these stir sticks.
When you’ve filled your mold with hot glue, use a clothes peg to hold the stirrer in place while the glue sets. You might also consider adding colored dye to the glue too!
28. Round Wall Planter
Source: makingmanzanita.com
What if I told you that that this gorgeous planter was once an old galvanized metal bin? It really looks incredible now, doesn’t it?
A planter like this would be just what your room and decor need—a touch of mid-century western meets rustic-chic. The bonus? You get to use this planter as a small stand, too!
Grab your toolbox, some plywood, a bit of sandpaper, and your hot glue gun. While you’re at it, also pick out the plant you want to use. While you can just use faux plants, I think that a money plant would be just the right choice!
29. DIY Boho Succulent Planter
Source: craftsyhacks.com
After that wall planter you just made, I can understand your fascination and need for more greenery around your home. Check out this boho succulent planter!
It looks like a little terrarium, doesn’t it? You can fill it up with faux succulents or other seasonal foliage if you prefer. That, along with some textured rocks and some sand for a beachy-effect, should round off your planter nicely!
So, grab an old cardboard box—a shoebox or a gifting box should suffice—and start lining it with hot glue to stick your skewers on.
30. Magic Wands
Source: redtedart.com
Halloween props can be quite expensive, especially if you or your kids want something that isn’t generic and common. Take these wands, for example. They’re not like the kind you’ll usually find at stores.
You can make your own wands—Harry Potter or Princess, it’s up to you—right at home, and you get to personalize it! You can top the wands with earthy little items like a shell, a pinecone, or an acorn.
Grab your paints, brushes, and hot glue gun, and get started on crafting your magic wand.
31. Clay Pot Thanksgiving Craft
Source: organized31.com
You can pick up clay or terracotta pots like the kind you see here at just about any garden store or look online here. You can use them as planters, sure, or you can jazz them up to use as decoration for Thanksgiving.
You’ll want to go through your decoration stash for some fall and Thanksgiving-themed props, like faux fall florals and leaves. You can also make your own props, like that Pilgrim’s hat you see there.
The most popular way to decorate your Thanksgiving pot is to turn it into a pumpkin, of course. I absolutely love that coiled vine made from pipe cleaner, don’t you?
In fact, take a look at these 27 pipe cleaner crafts while you’re at it!
32. Mickey Mouse Wine Cork Craft
Source: ottawamommyclub.ca
Wine might be for the adults, but who said you couldn’t use the wine corks as a craft item? You know what you could make with your kids using those corks? These adorable Mickey Mouse toys!
It’s a project that’s sure to add a good dose of Disney and animation to your kids’ rooms. In fact, you can think of starting them off on a whole collection of Disney-themed wine corks.
First, slice off two thin circles from the bottom of your cork to use as ears. You can use an X-acto knife to do this and carve grooves in the body of the cork to fix these ears.
33. Spider Craft
Source: ellemariehome.com
If you’ve got a kid who’s fascinated with creepy crawlies, then the only way to keep them away from the real ones is to let them channel that fascination towards crafts. Fake spiders are definitely better than real ones, yes?
So, check out this quick and creepy spider made completely from hot glue. You’ll need a few toothpicks, black paint, wax paper, and plenty of glue sticks(look here).
Once you’ve assembled your supplies, just follow the instructions, and you can make your spiders super quick and super creepy! In fact, check out these 27 spider crafts that your bug-loving child will enjoy!
34. Lazy Susan For Vitamins
Source: vegandollhouse.com
Lazy Susan’s are every skilled organizer’s go-to product. It helps to organize your home and make it easy and effective for you to optimize space in the best possible way.
This particular Lazy Susan is ideal to organize your bottles of prescriptions and vitamins. Of course, you can also use it to organize other items, but this one is just what you need to help you remember to take your vitamins.
And, if that isn’t enough, just look at those colorful and cheery pom poms!
35. Hot Glue Earrings
Source: mamasmiles.com
Hot glue earrings? Sounds pretty intriguing doesn’t it? It’s surely something, alright: gorgeous, artsy, and super easy to make.
You’ll just need your hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, and a couple of earring hooks from here. Then, all you have to do is let your artistic streak and creativity take over and create some gorgeous earrings…freestyle!
Check out more DIY earring ideas here.
36. Snow Queen Crown
Source: tikkido.com
Just admit it; we’ve all wanted to wear a tiara or crown at one point in our lives. Me, I saw Frozen and had to have me one of those icy crowns fit for an Ice Princess.
This sparkly crown is made with glitter and a glue gun. The more shades and colors of glitter you add, the more vibrant and colorful your crown will be.
Just remember to add silver and maybe even a little sea-green to the mix and it’ll look fabulous!
37. Harry Potter Mini Snitch Pen
Source: redtedart.com
Let’s jump from Frozen to another much-loved magical movie: Harry Potter!
You think of Harry Potter, you think of magic brooms, wizards, witches, wands, and Quidditch. And nothing says Quidditch like a snitch. So, take a look at how to make this DIY Harry Potter mini snitch pen.
You will need a biro, a can or bottle of gold and white paint, and your hot glue gun. Your snitch’s wings will be white in color, or, alternatively, feel free to paint the entire snitch gold.
38. Floral Wood Welcome Sign
Source: modpodgerocksblog.com
I love putting up little signs and messages all around my home. They can say a lot about a person and can also boost the decor and theme of the room at the same time.
It’s super popular to have a sign that says ‘hello’ to welcome guests, friends, and family. This floral wood sign combines rusticity and quirky elegance in one go.
Just prop it up on a few books, and set out a couple of little knick-knacks and baubles to bring the display together, and you’re set!
39. Icicle Ornaments
Source: craftsbyamanda.com
With Christmas right around the corner, it’s time you started thinking about your tree and decorations. Have you thought about the ornaments you’re going to put up?
If you’re looking for ideas, why don’t you take a look at these icicle ornaments? They add a ton of texture to your trees. There’s just something really festive about these squiggly-looking icicles, too.
Feel free to play around a bit with color, and also add glitter to your hot glue before you set it.
Check out these beautiful dollar tree Christmas decoration ideas.
40. Balloon Animal Drink Stirrers
Source: lovelyindeed.com
You remember those stirrers you made earlier? I bet they were a hit at your party. Here’s another idea for another DIY drink stirrer, this one animal-themed.
I think these animal stirrers would be a hit at your kids’ party. They’re cute, easy-to-make, and they’re pretty great as a souvenir, too!
Besides, who wouldn’t love a cute balloon-like dog sitting atop their drinks?
41. DIY Cotton Stems
Source: makingmanzanita.com
Sure, you can have flowers and other leafy greenery in your vases. But what about these cotton stems? Don’t you think they’d be a great addition and a pretty great alternative?
You’ll need a few cotton balls, of course, as well as a few twigs, a pine cone or two, and your hot glue gun. Remove any leaves or stubs from your twigs, first.
Then, remove the pines from the pine cone and clean them before you hot glue the pines around the cotton. Allow the glue to dry and then stick the twigs in a vase!
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Friday 17th of February 2023
can you do a diy cat hot glue craft