When the weather outside is less than agreeable, plug in your glue guns. While some rainy days and heatwaves call us straight to the sofa to dive into a new book or break out a deck of cards, there are times when we'd rather get creative and tackle something a little more hands-on. It's an ideal opportunity to pick up a new DIY project, so we turned to our archive to select ones inspired by all things summer.

Dreaming of better weather ahead? Why not craft an insulated cooler for your next picnic; a gorgeous, gauzy canopy for bug-free afternoons; or a mini fire pit to gather 'round at night. Wondering what to do with all those flowers in your garden? Follow expert advice from floral artists on how to arrange blooms beautifully in any size vase, or whip up a spa-inspired aromatic shower bundle using fresh herbs. If DIY-ing decor to freshen up your space is more your thing, try your hand at working with clay to craft a delicate swan trinket dish, or take out your power tools and make your very own mid-century modern plant stand. Or, if you're in the mood to make something you can wear instead, learn how to bead friendship bracelets that exude last-day-of-summer-camp vibes or sew up a whole stack of scrunchies. 

Find the instructions for all of these projects — and so many more ways to make the most of a day spent indoors this summer — below.

Picnic DIYs: A mini insulated cooler, virgin mojito-inspired ice cubes and a tote that becomes a blanket

A small, medium or large dried floral arrangement 

3 DIY ways to display your beloved childhood stuffed animals

Mid-century modern wooden plant stand

A pillowcase with sashiko-inspired stitching

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