Want to bring a touch of the tropics inside? Try these 30 creative tropical crafts for adults—ideal for home decor, gifts, or party decor.
Something about tropical-themed crafts instantly makes a space feel more cheerful. Maybe it’s all the bright colours and leafy shapes, or just the fun of creating something that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Either way, I’ve pulled together 30 tropical-inspired DIYs that are perfect if you want to give your home a summery lift.
These projects cover various styles and skill levels, from paper plants and painted pineapples to upcycled furniture and handmade flower decor. Some are quick afternoon projects, and others can be completed over a weekend. They’re all creative, colourful, and ideal for adding a splash of the tropics.
This roundup includes ideas using paper, fabric, plastic bottles, and even a few recycled bits you probably already have at home. It’s a mix of projects that will make your space feel warmer and much more fun.

Tropical Crafts and DIYs For Adults
I’ve rounded up 30 tropical-themed crafts for adults. These are proper DIYs from some brilliant craft blogs, with step-by-step tutorials, not just photos to scroll past.
There’s a good mix here—stuff to hang on the wall, decorate your home, or even give as a gift. Some are quick makes, and others you can really get stuck into over a weekend.
DIY Paper Plants: Mini Tropical House Plants
Craft your own everlasting tropical greenery with these charming DIY paper plants. Using free printable templates inspired by vintage botanical illustrations, you can create mini houseplants that require no watering or sunlight.
Sew It - Monstera Leaf Pillows
Add a splash of tropical charm to your home with these DIY monstera leaf pillows. These leaf-shaped cushions are surprisingly simple and bring a fun, summery vibe to any space.
How To Make A Unique DIY Felt Lampshade
Transform a plain lampshade into a vibrant, tropical statement piece with this DIY felt appliqué project. This tutorial guides you through creating colourful felt leaves, flowers, and birds to adorn your lampshade. Complete with templates and straightforward embroidery instructions.
DIY Tropical Paper Flowers
With this fun DIY, you can create vibrant tropical paper flowers in minutes. Using simple materials like tissue paper, pipe cleaners, and creativity, you can craft colourful blooms perfect for wreaths, garlands, or party decor.
A Fun Parrot Decor For An IKEA Glass Cloche
Using free vintage parrot illustrations and a glass dome, you can create a lively 3D display that's both eye-catching and easy to make. It's a playful way to showcase classic artwork with a tropical twist.
DIY Jellyfish Craft
Turn fabric scraps into charming jellyfish with this playful DIY. With soft stitched bodies and dangly twine tentacles, they’re perfect for tropical ocean-themed decor or a fun way to upcycle odds and ends.
DIY Coasters
Keep your table looking fresh with these summery rope coasters. Made from simple cotton clothesline and painted to look like juicy citrus slices, they’re a fun, no-fuss project that adds colour to any drink situation.
IKEA Hemnes Hack- Upcycled Drawers with Wallpaper
Breathe new life into a plain IKEA Hemnes chest with this clever furniture makeover. Painted in a rich navy and finished with a lively tropical wallpaper, this project completely shifts the look from basic to tropical. With practical tips on aligning patterns and sealing the finish, it’s a great way to personalise your furniture and add a burst of personality to any room.
DIY Hawaiian Paper Lei
Add a burst of colour to your luau with this vibrant paper lei project, you can craft a cheerful lei featuring layered flowers and monstera leaves. It's a fun and creative way to bring a touch of the islands to your celebration.
Tropical Pineapple Wall Display
Turn scraps of crepe paper into a bold pineapple-inspired wall piece with this fun and colourful project. Packed with layered paper flowers and quirky succulents, it’s a brilliant way to add texture, colour, and a bit of tropical personality to your walls.
A Fabulous DIY Denim Fake Snake Plant
By transforming denim into lifelike leaves, complete with wire for shaping and a touch of bleach for that signature variegated look, you can craft a maintenance-free plant that adds a tropical flair to any room. It's a creative, sustainable project that's perfect for adding greenery without the worry of watering.
DIY Hawaiian Wreath
Add island charm to your door with this DIY Hawaiian wreath. Using vibrant faux florals, lush greenery, and a cheerful “Aloha” sign, this step-by-step tutorial guides you through crafting a tropical wreath that's perfect for summer gatherings or simply brightening up your home.
How To Make A Beach Terrarium
Craft a serene beach terrarium using a mason jar, sand, sea glass, and driftwood, you can assemble a miniature tropical coastal scene that brings a touch of the seaside into your home. It's a simple yet charming project that captures the essence of summer.
Paper 3D Tropical Leaf Art
Craft a striking 3D tropical leaf artwork using just paper and a bit of creativity. The tutorial walks you through layering vibrant green leaves to create a dimensional piece simple, stylish, and surprisingly easy to make.
Hawaiian Paper Flowers Party Decor
Create eye-catching oversized blooms with giant Hawaiian paper flower tutorial. This step-by-step guide provides detailed instructions and templates to craft vibrant, layered flowers that bring a touch of the tropics to any space. Ideal for decorating parties, events, or brightening up your home decor.
Tropical Patterned Clock
Using leftover adhesive wallpaper—like bold palm leaf prints—and a touch of paint, you can upcycle a clock into a vibrant, personalised timepiece. It's an easy and affordable project that adds a splash of the tropics to any room.
Hibiscus How to Draw: A Guide to Drawing Beautiful Flowers
Explore the art of drawing tropical hibiscus flowers with this comprehensive guide from Picture Box Blue. The post features six step-by-step tutorials covering various hibiscus varieties, including the Hawaiian yellow hibiscus, Chinese red hibiscus, and the unique Texas Star.
Tropical Leaf and Hibiscus Backdrop
Make a vibrant statement with this tropical leaf and hibiscus backdrop from The House That Lars Built. Made with butcher and crepe paper, it’s perfect for parties, photo booths, or just brightening up a blank wall.
How to Create Beautiful Decoupage Shell Dishes
Turn plain scallop shells into eye-catching trinket dishes with this clever decoupage craft. Using vintage images of tropical fish and tissue paper.
DIY Painted Geometric Pineapple Wood Sign
Turn a thrifted pineapple-shaped cutting board into a vibrant piece of wall art. Sketch a geometric pattern and fill it with a palette of bright acrylic paints to craft a bold, modern take on tropical decor.
Tropical Fabric Birdhouse Decoration
Crafted from upcycled cardboard and adorned with bold tropical fabrics, this handmade birdhouse features a charming wooden roof made from craft sticks and is finished with decorative clip-on birds. It's a creative and eco-friendly project that brings a colourful whimsy touch to any space.
Vintage Tropical Fish Display Using Louis Renard Prints
Transform your space with a fantastical fish display using vintage Louis Renard illustrations, This DIY project involves selecting colourful fish prints and printing them on textured watercolour paper to mimic original paintings. Arranged in a rainbow spectrum within a large frame, this artwork brings tropical elegance to any room.
Plastic Bottle Faux Succulents Terrarium
Give discarded plastic bottles a second life with this inventive plastic bottle craft. Nestled in miniature pots and displayed under upcycled glass cloches, these tiny terrariums bring greenery to your space—no watering required. It's a delightful way to combine sustainability with creativity.
Tropical Paper Flowers
These vibrant paper flowers bring the tropics to your space. Made from colourful scrapbook paper and cardstock, they're a fun and easy project suitable for all ages. Perfect for summer parties, home decor, or brightening your day.
DIY No-Sew Flamingo Lumbar Pillow
Brighten up your space with this playful no-sew flamingo pillow project. With bold colours, fun shapes, and zero stitching required, it’s a quick and quirky way to add a bit of tropical personality to your sofa or bed.
DIY Monstera Leaf Doormat
Add tropical flair to your entryway with this DIY monstera leaf doormat. This project transforms a plain doormat into a bold statement piece using a coir mat, a homemade stencil, and vibrant hot pink spray paint. It's a creative and budget-friendly way to personalise your doorstep with a touch of the tropics.
Tropical Fabric Flowers
Turn your fabric scraps into vibrant tropical blooms with this delightful tutorial. Using patterned fabrics, wire, and simple hand-stitching, you can craft cheerful, bendable flowers that add a splash of colour to any space. Perfect for brightening up your home or gifting to a friend.
Hand Painted Tropical Palm Cocktail Glasses
This DIY will give your glassware a tropical twist. Using glass-friendly acrylic paints, you can adorn thrifted cocktail glasses with freehand palm frond designs.
DIY Resin Beach Coasters
Bring the seaside to your table with these DIY resin beach coasters from Resin Crafts Blog. Layered with real sand and tinted resin, they stylishly and practically capture the look of ocean waves.
Tropical Origami Shirt Paper Banner
Fold up some fun with this tropical origami shirt banner. Made with bright patterned paper and tiny button details, it’s a cheerful DIY perfect for summer parties or decor.
Crepe Paper Tropical Leaf Plant For A Wall Vase
Turn a broken mug into a boho-chic wall feature with this DIY crepe paper tropical leaf plant. Using sturdy Italian crepe paper and floristry wire, you'll craft lush, banana-like leaves that bring a splash of greenery indoors—no watering required. It's a creative way to upcycle and add a touch of the tropics to your decor.
Want More Crafty Ideas?
If you’ve enjoyed these tropical crafts and feel like keeping the summery theme going, you might want to check out a few of my other posts:
- Summer Crafts for Adults – more warm-weather makes that are just as fun as they are doable.
- Pineapple Crafts Roundup – yes, an entire post dedicated to the most decorative fruit.
- Cactus Craft Roundup – if spiky plants are more your thing (and you don’t have to water these either).
Anna
Thursday 22nd of May 2025
Here's another good one: https://www.kristamoser.com/post/you-stitched-what-to-your-table-runner?utm_campaign=f6411f57-ffe3-42fc-bad7-dd1f9b2b8160&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=0b5a483c-dcd9-4b69-a8cb-6506d148997a I ran across it just yesterday and will definitely make this.
Claire Armstrong
Thursday 22nd of May 2025
Thank you, have added it.