Crafts and DIY projects often get written off as things that are stereotypically female —but of course, as a society, we know that that isn’t true.
Still, there are many tutorials online that come from mothering blogs and women’s lifestyle verticals and might not be relatable to the average man. Here are some DIY projects that are as manly as they are fulfilling!
DIY Log Lounger
With the warmer weather around the corner, it’s common to always be on the lookout for the different kinds of outdoor loungers that you can make! This log lounger from Homemade-Modern is both masculine and comfortable. It’s also a lot easier to make than it looks, which is a huge bonus! In fact, while you may not believe us, this unique lounger can actually be made for less than $30 and in less than six hours!
Baseball Lamp
We couldn’t think of a better father-son craft than this unique baseball lamp. Not only is it a way to spend some quality time together, but it will also have the end result of an adorable bedroom lamp that is perfectly suited for your little baseball fan. Get the idea over at Saw It Made It — if you can use balls that have been autographed by your son’s favorite local baseball players, that’s even better!
DIY Home Shutters
If you are looking to change up the outside appearance of your car, think about the kinds of DIY changes that you make first before you look into expensive changes! For example, did you know that it is actually easier to change up your shingles yourself than you probably think it is? You can figure out the details over at Cozy Cottage Cute, but you can of course adapt it to fit the vision that you had for the outside of your house.
Train Set Table
Did you ever long to have a train set as a kid? Now is the time to fulfill these childhood fantasies by following the simple tutorial over at TrendHunter. While this may have been too expensive or too complicated for you to invest in as a child, who is to say that you can’t get into operating your own train set as an adult? It will be sure to provide endless weekend fun!
Leather Hatchet Cover
If you are a man that goes camping often, then you need to have a hacket. There is no denying that this tool is one of the most practical items that you could possibly bring into the wilderness with you. However, leaving the hatchet uncovered on your belt or in your backpack could cause damage — not just to your belongings but also to yourself or others. You will want to put safety first by creating a covering for your hatchet, as seen here at this tutorial from Art of Manliness.
Bacon Scented Candles
Okay, so maybe a candle doesn’t seem like the most “manly” craft in the world — although many men love candles — but what about a bacon scented candle? While this certainly makes for a fun afternoon of crafting on your own, a bacon candle is also an ideal gift that you could make yourself for the man in your life that has everything. Hopefully they do not get too frustrated that the scent of bacon is coming from a candle and not from a pan of bacon cooking on the stove!
Tie Rack
If you (or the man you are crafting for) has an impressive tie collection, whether from work or from social events, you will want to make sure that these ties have a place where they are organized. Otherwise, it is just too difficult to get dressed for a formal occasion, because it will take a good hour or two just to pick out the right tie that you had in mind! You can find out how to make the perfect DIY tie rack tutorial from the kind folks over at Craftaholics Anonymous.
The Ultimate Tool Rack
Having the proper tools in your collection is important, but what’s even more important is having the right place to have your tools on display! While there are certainly many different kinds of tool organizers that you can buy on the market, it is possible that you will not be able to find the right kind of organizer to suit your precise needs. In these cases, it might make sense to create your own tool rack. You can make an impressive one with a surprisingly low effort by following this tutorial from Man Made DIY.
Pyrography Drawing
Have you ever heard of pyrography? As its name would suggest,it refers to etching that is done with fire (more specifically through waht is known as a poker, which is basically the controlled application of heat to create marks). If you’re new to pyrography, prepared to be hooked — it’s just so much fun! You can try your hand at pyrographic designs by following this tutorial over at the Art of Manliness.
DIY Horseshoe Pit
For some people, it doesn’t make sense to do a craaft unless it will result in a tangible end result. If this is you, we won’t take it personally — but we hope that you will realize that crafting isn’t all about making things that look pretty! It can involve the creation of a lot of practical objects as well. Case in point: this awesome DIY horseshoe pit that is sure to keep you and your friends busy through many a summer night.
Cornhole Game
Speaking of DIY games, if horse shoe throw isn’t really your thing, then we have other options for you. While it may sometimes be known by other names (such as bean toss), cornhole is a very popular game, particularly in the midwestern United States. You can easily make your own cornhole game by following these instructions down at DIY Joy —and the best part is that making your own game will only cost a fraction of what it would cost to buy a corn hole game at the store!
DIY Pocket Square
A pocket square is one of those mysterious elements of male fashion. While nobody really knows why they are a thing, or whether or not they always have to “be a thing”, there is no denying that you are never fully dressed without a smile — er, we mean pocket square. Don’t run to the store to buy one too fast, though. You can make your own pocket square by following the directions here.
DIY Cold Beer Tray
Is there anything better than kicking back with a cold beer on a hot summer day? While we will also be satisfied with a lukewarm beer, there is no denying that cold beer is best. If you make this DIY cold beer tray as shown at Trend Hunter, you will never have to settle for the second best lukewarm beer again. You and your friends will be drinking perfectly chilled drinks all summer!
Leather Cup Cozy
Speaking of cold beer, a cup cozy is another popular way to ensure that your beer stays at the perfect temperature throughout the entire long, sunny day. This special cup sleeve from Design Sponge can be made with an insulated leather material, which means that it is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical: two qualities that we love in a craft!
DIY Camping Stool
Here is another must-have item for your next camping trip! While there is something to be said about relying on nature to the fullest by sitting on logs and tree stumps, you never know when you will want to have access to a stool of some kind. This DIY tutorial from Design Sponge will show you how you can make a camping stool on your own so that you will never run out of places to sit while camping.
Grill Master Apron
Do you know of a grill master in your life? Make it official by making them this “grill master” apron from A Worthey Read. Not only will they take this title as a huge compliment, but they will also be saved from hot grill splatter the next time that they do what they do best — operating the grill!
So there you have it — enough ideas to keep you busy for a long weekend, at least! What is the manly craft that you are most looking forward to diving into?