Summer is finally here, and it’s the perfect time to turn your creative spark into a side hustle. Whether you’re looking to fund your next vacation or just want a productive way to spend your sunny afternoons, making and selling DIY home décor is a winner.
The best part? You don’t need a massive workshop or years of experience to start. Most of these projects are budget-friendly, beginner-ready, and use items you can find at thrift stores or even in your own recycling bin.
Ready to turn “trash” into cash? Here are 15 easy summer DIYs you can make and sell today.
1. Coastal Jute-Wrapped Vases
Turn plain glass jars or thrifted vases into high-end coastal décor. Grab some jute rope and a hot glue gun. Start at the bottom and wrap the rope tightly around the glass, securing it as you go.
- The Sell: These are perfect for beach houses or “boho-chic” summer mantels.
- Pro Tip: Add a few decorative knots or a small starfish for extra flair.
2. Painted Terracotta Pots
Standard orange terracotta pots are cheap and everywhere. Give them a modern upgrade with acrylic paints. Think bright citrus patterns, teal waves, or simple geometric shapes in sunny yellows and whites.
- The Sell: Group them in sets of three for a higher price point.
- Start Right: If you aren’t sure which colors will sell best, check out my Paint Brand Guide to see my top recommendations for finishes that last.
3. Faux Pottery Vases
Texture is huge right now. Take any mismatched thrift store vases and coat them with a thin layer of joint compound. Once dry, sand lightly and paint in earthy, sandy tones.
- The Sell: They look like expensive stone or clay pottery for a fraction of the cost.
4. Upcycled Picture Frame Chalkboards
Find large, ornate frames at yard sales. Remove the glass (or paint it with chalkboard paint), and refresh the frame with a crisp white or soft pastel.
- The Sell: These are popular for summer weddings, outdoor parties, or kitchen menus.
5. Vintage Book Bundles
Stack 3–5 old hardcover books with neutral spines. Wrap them in twine and tuck in a sprig of dried lavender or a small seashell.
- The Sell: These “instant libraries” are favorite shelf-fillers for home stagers and decorators.
6. Rustic “Hello Summer” Porch Signs
Tall “leaner” signs are a staple of summer porch décor. Use a long wood plank, a stencil, and some outdoor-grade paint to create a welcoming vibe.
- The Sell: Personalize these with local town names or “Lake House” themes to increase demand.
7. Chalk-Painted Side Tables
Small side tables are the gateway drug to furniture flipping! A fresh coat of chalk-style paint in a “summery” mint or coral can transform a $10 find into a $60 sale.
- Learn More: If you’re nervous about your first flip, my Beginner Furniture Flip System gives you the exact blueprint to avoid mistakes.
8. Mosaic-Topped Patio Tables
Have an old metal table with a rusty top? Glue down broken ceramic tiles or colorful glass gems in a mosaic pattern, grout the gaps, and seal it.
- The Sell: These are durable, unique, and perfect for outdoor coffee spots.
9. Boho Jar Planters
Clean out your pasta sauce jars! Use macramé cord or simple paint techniques to turn them into hanging planters.
- The Sell: Customers love eco-friendly, upcycled items that save things from the landfill.
10. Decoupage Wall Art
Take a boring, flat piece of thrifted art and “over-stencil” it or use decoupage paper to add a modern botanical design.
- The Sell: Original art always commands a higher price than mass-produced prints.
11. Upcycled Jar Candles
Melt soy wax and add summer scents like coconut, lime, or sea salt. Pour them into unique thrifted glass containers or vintage tea cups.
- The Sell: Scented candles are a top-selling item at summer craft markets.
12. Rope-Framed Mirrors
Grab a plain round mirror and glue several rows of thick nautical rope around the edge.
- The Sell: This fits the coastal and Hamptons-style trends that peak during the summer months.
13. Pastel Dresser Refreshes
Don’t be afraid of bigger pieces! A dated dresser becomes a summer standout when painted in a soft, airy pastel.
- Track Your Wins: Keep your expenses and sales organized with my Profit Planner to make sure you’re actually making money on these bigger flips.
14. Open Bookcase Displays
Take a small cabinet, remove the doors, and paint the inside a contrasting bright color (like sunshine yellow) while keeping the outside neutral.
- The Sell: It’s a great way to display summer collectibles or beach finds.
15. Succulent “Quirky” Planters
Plant succulents in unexpected items: old boots, vintage teapots, or even hollowed-out books.
- The Sell: These are high-margin impulse buys at local markets because they are “cute” and “giftable.”
Start Your Summer Side Hustle Today
Flipping furniture and creating home décor doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The secret is to start small and stay organized. By focusing on these 15 projects, you’ll build your skills and your bank account at the same time.
If you’re ready to take this seriously and turn your hobby into a real profit-maker, don’t guess: get the system. Our Beginner Furniture Flip System is designed to take you from “clueless” to “confident” with step-by-step guides based on real-world projects.
What are you waiting for? Grab a brush and let’s get flipping!
