12 Kitschy Crafts That Bring Playful Personality to Your Home

If your home design philosophy centers on not taking your space too seriously—adding playful personality and charm, wherever you can—this craft guide for you. Whether you’re a fan of everything retro, childhood throwbacks, or just love a good dose of whimsy, you’ll be pleased to know kitschy home decor is enjoying a comeback. And what’s more kitsch than a good crafty moment?

From bold colors and vintage throwbacks to cheeky accessories and artwork, we scoured the internet to bring you easy home decor projects sure to make grandma proud. Read on for 13 kitschy craft ideas that will add nostalgia and quirky fun to your home decor.

1. Retro Beaded Fruit

Give your decorative bowl of fruit a major upgrade with this retro-inspired craft. There are a few ways you can bring it to life: For an authentic vintage approach, use straight pins to attach colorful beads to styrofoam fruit forms. You can source materials yourself or search for DIY kits online at places like Etsy. Or you could put a more modern spin on this kitschy craft, using glue and beads, sequins, or a bejeweling kit. After all, when life gives you lemons—bejewel them. 

2. Pompom Framed Art

Is there anything you can’t use pompoms for? Evidently not! We love this DIY wall art idea. Grab premade pompoms at your local craft or dollar store, or use your favorite yarn to make your own (it’s so easy!). Then, glue them to a photo frame or mirror and hang on the wall for a textural art moment. 

3. Colorful Upcycled Wreath

If you’re a “there’s-a-wreath-for-every-occasion” kind of person, you’ll love this vibrant craft. Combine tinsel, faux flowers and greenery, old toys, ribbons, beads, and more to create a colorful, kitschy wreath to spice up your front door, no matter the season. (In fact, we say you should make one for every season.)

4. DIY Clay Food Magnets

We’re not sure if these clay food magnets are technically kitschy or just plain adorable, but they had to make the list. All you need is air-dry clay and paint or polymer clay, depending on your preferences. Once you’ve finished crafting your miniature masterpiece, glue a magnet to the back, and voila! Your fridge will look just as delicious on the outside as it does on the inside.  

5. Beaded Pompom Wall Curtain

Beads and pompoms combine for this simple and cute craft idea. Make several strands using your favorite beads and pompoms, and attach them to a dowel or rod.  Use it in a doorway, as a DIY room divider, as a window treatment, or hanging on the wall as artwork for a unique, eye-catching feature.

6. Barbie Accessory Art

Here’s a craft for all the Barbiecore lovers! Whether you have accessories lying around or are up for a trip to the thrift store to rummage through mismatched Barbie shoes, this ingenious craft idea is too good to pass up. Organize the accessories by color for a cool rainbow look, or do your own thing for a custom take on the trend.

7. Kitschy “Junk” Frame

Ready to clear out your crafting junk drawer? Why not create a fun and colorful “junk” frame with the bits and bobs you have laying around? A regular photo frame can be upgraded using glue and materials like beads, seashells, paper clips, old jewelry, and more.  

8. Mini Frame Magnets

Cute, practical, and oh-so nostalgic, mini frame magnets turn your refrigerator into an unexpected decor moment. There are lots of different ways to make them, from thrifting tiny frames and attaching magnets to crafting them from scratch using popsicle sticks or clay. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to use paint, glitter, or appliqués like beads and jewels to give it that classic kitschy finishing touch. 

9. Maximalist Painted Plant Pots

Do you have a houseplant that needs an extra something? Upgrade its living situation with a DIY kitschy-cute pot. All you need for this craft is some paint, brushes, a terracotta or plastic pot, and an afternoon dedicated to getting imaginative.

10. Beaded Plants

On that note, if you love the look of houseplants but can’t keep one alive for the life of you, a DIY beaded plant can help you get the look without the commitment. These simple beaded “plants” are adorable and fun to make. Style it in a painted plant pot for the ultimate kitschy display. 

11. Kitschy Christmas Ornaments

If you love kitsch, chances are that you’re all for the kitschy Christmas aesthetic. Even though the holiday season is still a few months away, it’s never a bad time to start working on some DIY ornaments so you’re all stocked up when it comes time to decorate the tree. Begin with clear plastic ornaments designed for crafting, and then work your way up to a completely DIY project if you want. Glitter, tinsel, ruffles, beads, and lots of color are your best friends.

12. Beaded Lamp Shade

Give any lamp a creative twist using beads, string, wire. You can remove the fabric from an existing shade to complete this craft, make your own frame with sturdy wire, or buy a premade frame to string your beads from. As with any craft involving light fixtures, be sure to keep fire safety in mind—this includes using non-flammable materials and LED light bulbs (rather than incandescent) for lower heat emissions.