7 Ways to Plan Crafty Activities With Friends

You may already be hanging out regularly with a solid group of friends. They may be long-time friends from school, your colleagues at the workplace, singles' group or Bible study group from church, or ladies with whom you go out for lunch or cocktails during evenings. 

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And even if you only hang out with certain groups of friends occasionally, you may be at a loss for ideas to do with them this 2025. 

So why not try and incorporate crafts into your group activities this year?

Why Plan Crafty Activities With A Group of Friends?

Crafty activities are relatively frugal.

You and your friends may wish to take a break from going on vacations and taking trips for now, since airfare is pricey. Add to the rates of accommodations and meals, and you'll be sure to rack up some serious expenses. 

However, staying inside with friends doesn't mean getting bored with the usual movie marathons, video games, card and adult board games, or watching sports on TV. 

Crafty group activities can be done at least a couple of weekends a month.

Crafty activities can be low-key and suit even introverts. 

If you'd like to make your introverted friends more comfortable in social settings, you can organize a crafty group activity, with only around 6-8 guests attending. 

Crafts are ideal for introverts who shun making small talk as much as possible. Everyone will  be busy anyway, with your hands preoccupied most of the time. 

Crafty activities can be adapted to suit different friend groups.

Do the words "crafty group activities" conjure images of elderly ladies quilting or working on a scrapbook in your mind? 

Or maybe the words bring up a kindergarten class getting messy with colorful paper and glue. 

Well, you'll be surprised, because with the vast array of crafts available these days, you're sure to find something to suit your group of friends. 

What's even better is, a crafty activity can be incorporated onto different occasions and social settings. 

To illustrate, a crafty group activity might mean painting ceramic mugs, making floral bouquets, and having a calligraphy session during a bachelorette party. 

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Another example is pre-teen girls crafting beaded accessories as the focal point of a pajama party.

You can decorate the venue with the same craft materials you'll use for the group activity. 

This will feel like hitting two birds with one stone. And don't forget to take pictures before, during, and after the crafty activity, if only to remind everyone how much fun it can be.

Crafty activities may help you and your friends cut down on unhealthy habits. 

You and a few of your buddies from work may be trying to cut back on your drinking. So instead of hitting the bars on a weekend night, you decide to host them at home. 

You can try masculine crafts like whittling, making leather coasters, designing manly greeting cards, and crafting accessories like this cool paracord bracelet.

Everyone gets to take home something from the crafty activity.

This is probably the best part of enjoying a crafty activity with friends -- no one will leave home empty-handed! 

Everyone can take pride in their finished crafts that they'd get to take home.

Having said all of the above, here are 7 ways to plan crafty activities with friends:

(1.) Decide on a venue. 

For small groups or during more intimate occasions, it's best to host the crafty activity at home. 

If you need more space, inquire at your local library if you can rent a wing, or a room at a multi-purpose hall. 

If you're craving for a more structured setting and will be needing assistance for your group activity, check into an arts and crafts cafe that charges a small fee for admission and craft supplies. 

If you and your friends won't mind shelling out more money, there are paint-and-sip cafes, ceramics and pottery sessions, and scrapbook retreats to consider.

(2.) Choose a craft that's simple enough that even newbies among the group can do them with relative ease.

Refrain from the types of crafts that are too time-consuming, or those with complex procedures that will easily frustrate the newbies in your group.

(3.) Choose an inclusive craft. 

For your crafty group activity to be successful, make sure everyone is at least a wee bit familiar with the craft. 

For example, there are paper tole kits that are simple enough to assemble. But make sure to explain the importance of the 3D effects of the craft.

(4.) Select a craft that allows everyone to express their creativity and personal tastes. 

You may need to acquire craft materials in different colors, textures, sizes, and shapes. And never disregard good quality.

(5.) Decorate with craft supplies that are easily accessible. 

The key is to take note of craft materials that can easily be ordered online, or bought from arts and crafts stores, or the hobbies section of a general merchandise store or department store.

(6.) Get a teaching assistant to help you demonstrate the procedures. 

This is crucial if you'll be hosting the crafty activity at home. You'll need all the help you can get if you want crafting to go as smooth and seamless as possible. 

(7.) Make a few samples of the finished craft ahead of time.

Everyone in the group must have an idea of what the finished craft must look like (e.g. a decoupaged cardboard box) before they can modify it to suit their tastes and preferences.