Whether you want to use the summer for personal growth, or have kids out of school who need something better to do with their time than sit in front of the TV, these summer activities are great for hobbyists of any age. Find an activity to do outside on those beautiful days, or inside on those dreadfully hot ones.
1. Learn to Paint this Summer
Image: © Getty Images
This tutorial will take you step by step through the basics of painting.
From deciding to paint with watercolors or acrylics, to learning how to mix colors and start your masterpiece, you could be a Van Gogh by the end of the season.
2. Paint Outside on a Pretty Day
Photo © Getty Images
Painting outside, also called plein air painting, is a great way to enjoy the fantastic summer weather and work on your craft.
Before you go, make sure you have everything on the plein air painting checklist, and then find your favorite spot and start your next masterpiece.
3. Take Great Beach Photos
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If you plan on spending a lot of time on the beach this summer, this guide will help you get the best photos of your vacation.
From dealing with reflections off the water to getting those perfect photos of the fireworks on the horizon, this tutorial has everything you need to take gorgeous beach shots.
4. Stitch a Summer Needlepoint Project
© Cheryl C. Fall
Needlepoint is a great way to pass the time, and it's so portable you can do it virtually anywhere.
Use the basic needlepoint stitch on these patterns while on the bus, on the beach or even on the plane on the way to your vacation destination.
5. Summer Birding
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The beautiful summer weather provides a great environment for birding.
Whether you are learning the basics of birding or want to feed the summer birds in your yard, this is your go to guide for everything about summer birding.
6. Summer Cross Stitch Patterns
© Connie G. Barwick
Decorate your home for the season or just have something to do while you lounge by the pool.
When you finish your summer cross stitch project you can frame it and give your home a summer vibe all year long, or even submit it for dispaly on About.com.
7. Summer Jewelry Projects
© Tammy Powley
A new season means new jewelry to go with all those new summer clothes.
Make yourself new jewelry to wear for a night on the town, or even learn to price your jewelry and sell it on the local promenade to seasonal visitors.
8. Save Your Summer Memories With Miniatures
© Lesley Shepherd
Summer is a time for family fun and making memories. Save those precious moments by making miniatures of your summer fun and putting them on display.
You could also try these quick and easy model horse projects that are great to do on a lazy summer day.
9. Woodworking Projects for Your Patio, Deck or Backyard
(c) Chris Baylor
Use these free plans to get your deck, patio or backyard ready for summer.
If you haven't tried your hand at woodworking before, summer is great time to learn the basics.
10. See a Free Summer Movie
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Take a break from all your summer activities and catch a free summer movie with the whole family.
Or, if you are trying to pull your kids away from the screen this summer, check out these summer reading freebies for kids.
