Clicky

Ballen Blogger

House and Home

You are here: Home / Home and Garden Ideas / 17 Beach-Themed Crafts That Sell Fast at Summer Markets

17 Beach-Themed Crafts That Sell Fast at Summer Markets

Home and Garden Ideas / by

This website contains affiliate links. Some products are gifted by the brand to test. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The content on this website was created with the help of AI.

Beach-themed crafts sell because they feel like summer. That’s it. They give people a scent, a texture, or a keepsake that reminds them of waves, sand, and sunny days — and if your booth captures that moment, buyers will stop and buy. This isn’t about throwing stuff on a table and hoping for the best. It’s about choosing products that feel beachy, look custom, and are priced for a quick yes. These 17 ideas are designed to pull people in, get them talking, and send them home with something they didn’t plan on buying — which is exactly the point.

Discover creative beach-themed crafts—like shell-filled jars, painted surfboards, and "beach in a jar" decor—perfect for adding coastal charm and boosting sales at summer markets.

1. Seashell Candles in Coastal Jars

Seashell candles are one of the best-selling beach craft items you can make because they hit every note: they smell incredible, they look like something you’d find in a boutique coastal shop, and they give buyers something both decorative and functional. The shell-and-sand aesthetic is timeless, which means these sell at summer markets, coastal gift shops, and online all year long.

What you’ll need:

How to make it:

  • Attach the wick to the center bottom of each jar using a sticker or dot of hot glue. Let it set firm
  • In a double boiler, melt wax to 180°F. Stir gently and remove from heat.
  • Add fragrance oil — use 1 ounce per pound of wax or follow the bottle’s recommended load. Stir slowly for 2 minutes and let cool to around 135°F.
  • Pour a small layer of wax into the jar and let it thicken slightly to hold the wick upright.
  • Carefully pour in the remaining wax, layering in small shells or sprinkling sand along the edge as it firms.
  • While wax is still liquid, use a heat gun briefly on the top surface to pop any air bubbles and smooth it out.
  • Let candles cool undisturbed for 24 hours.
  • Trim the wick to ¼ inch and add a safety label to the bottom.

Pricing tip: Seashell candles priced between $10–$18 each move fast. Bundle 3 for $30 and watch them fly out.

2. Driftwood Wall Art or Mobiles

Driftwood art is beachy in the most natural way possible — it literally comes from the ocean. Wall hangings and mobiles made from driftwood, shells, and sea glass have a handcrafted, one-of-a-kind feel that buyers love because they can’t get it at a big box store. These also photograph beautifully for your booth display and online listings.

What you’ll need:

  • Smooth driftwood pieces (sun-bleached is ideal)
  • Jute twine, fishing line, or clear jewelry wire
  • Shells, sea glass, wood beads, or mini charms
  • Scissors
  • Small drill with fine bit OR hot glue gun
  • Metal eye screws (optional, for cleaner finishes)

How to make it:

  • Sort your driftwood by size. For horizontal wall hangings, choose a single large piece. For vertical mobiles, select 3–5 pieces in graduating sizes.
  • If using a drill, carefully drill small holes in the wood where you’ll thread your twine.
  • Cut twine to length depending on design. For vertical mobiles, you’ll need 2–4 strands of varying lengths to hang shells, sea glass, or beads.
  • Thread twine through each hole and tie off knots securely. Add your decorative elements like shells, sea glass, and beads along each strand before securing them.
  • Tie a loop at the top for hanging. For wall hangings, secure each strand evenly across a horizontal piece.
  • For glue-based builds, hot glue embellishments directly onto the driftwood and glue twine to the back side for a cleaner finished look.

Pricing tip: Small driftwood mobiles sell for $15–$25. Large statement wall hangings with shells can command $40–$65.

3. Beach-Inspired Resin Coasters

Resin coasters are a crowd-pleaser at markets because they look like something from a high-end boutique but are made from materials that cost very little per piece. Ocean-inspired versions with teal, white, and blue swirls look like waves trapped in glass. Add shells or gold leaf and you have a luxury item at a craft price point.

What you’ll need:

How to make it:

  • Prep your workspace with a silicone mat or disposable table covering. Wear gloves.
  • Mix resin and hardener in equal parts following the instructions — stir slowly for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is completely clear with no streaks.
  • Divide resin into separate cups and add your mica or alcohol ink colors. Stir well.
  • Pour one color into the mold first, then layer or swirl in additional colors with a toothpick or skewer.
  • Add optional gold leaf, sand, or shells while the resin is still wet.
  • Use a heat gun or torch quickly over the surface to pop bubbles. Don’t linger — too much heat can cause yellowing.
  • Cover and let cure 24–48 hours. Remove from molds and lightly sand edges if needed.

Pricing tip: Resin coasters sell for $8–$15 each. Sets of 4 priced at $35–$50 are a sweet spot for gifters.

4. Miniature Beach Terrariums

Terrariums are a hit because they’re self-contained little worlds — a tiny beach scene in a jar that someone can put on their desk, windowsill, or bookshelf and feel that beach vibe every single day. They’re also a great impulse buy: compact, lightweight, and easy to carry home.

What you’ll need:

How to make it:

  • Start with a thin layer of pebbles at the base for drainage if using plants. For decorative-only builds, skip straight to sand.
  • Add a generous layer of fine sand — enough to anchor your decorative pieces but not so deep that items get buried.
  • Place your larger miniature pieces first — chairs, umbrellas, or signs — pressing them gently into the sand. Use glue dots under pieces that need to stay upright.
  • Fill in with tiny shells, sea glass, or pebbles around the base of the items.
  • Add air plants last if using — they don’t need soil, so simply tuck them in between other elements.
  • Tip your container slightly to check balance and visibility from multiple angles before finishing.

Pricing tip: Small terrariums: $12–$18. Medium: $20–$30. Dome-style displays: up to $45 if well-styled.

5. Nautical Rope Coasters

Rope coasters are one of the fastest crafts on this list to make and one of the easiest to sell. They’re chunky, tactile, and undeniably nautical — the kind of thing people pick up, feel, and immediately say “I need these.” The materials are cheap, the process is quick, and they bundle beautifully for gifting.

What you’ll need:

How to make it:

  • Start with a tight center coil: fold the rope end tightly and secure with a dab of hot glue. Hold 5–10 seconds until set.
  • Coil the rope around the center, applying a thin line of glue every half-turn to hold it in shape. Keep tension even as you go.
  • Once you reach 4–5 inches in diameter, cut the rope at an angle and glue the end underneath to hide the tail.
  • Flip and check the surface is flat. Press firmly and let sit 10 minutes.
  • Cut a backing circle from cork or felt, slightly smaller than the coaster. Hot glue to the underside for a clean finished look.
  • Bundle sets of 4 together with twine and add a handwritten or printed kraft tag.

Pricing tip: Sell single coasters at $5–$8 or a set of 4 for $18–$24. Add a simple handmade label and they look gift-ready.

6. Sea Glass Wind Chimes

Sea glass wind chimes have a magical quality — they catch light, make a gentle tinkling sound, and feel like summer every time the breeze moves through them. They’re also one of those items that stops people at your booth because they’re visually striking and uniquely handcrafted.

What you’ll need:

  • Sea glass (real or tumbled faux)
  • Driftwood stick or small branch
  • Fishing line or jute string
  • Small drill with diamond bit
  • Optional: beads, metal charms, bells

How to make it:

  • Select 8–15 pieces of sea glass in a complementary color palette (greens, blues, and white work beautifully together).
  • Using a diamond-tip drill bit and slow speed, carefully drill a hole near the top of each piece. Keep the glass wet while drilling to reduce cracking.
  • Thread fishing line or jute through each piece, knotting below so the glass hangs securely.
  • Tie strands to a driftwood stick at varying lengths — shorter pieces toward the ends, longer toward the center, or all staggered for asymmetry.
  • Add small beads, shells, or bells between the glass pieces on each strand for extra visual interest and sound.
  • Tie a loop from the top of the driftwood stick for hanging.

Pricing tip: Sea glass wind chimes sell for $20–$45 depending on size and complexity. Use real sea glass and you can price at the higher end.

7. Hand-Painted Sand Dollar Magnets

Sand dollar magnets are a quick-make, fast-sell item that’s perfect for market impulse buys. They’re small, affordable, and a great set-purchase — people rarely buy just one. The natural shape of sand dollars gives you an instant canvas that looks polished with just a few strokes of paint.

What you’ll need:

How to make it:

  • If using real sand dollars, bleach lightly and let dry fully before painting.
  • Apply a thin base coat of acrylic paint. Let dry completely (about 20 minutes).
  • Add a second layer of pattern — simple dot patterns, watercolor-style washes, or a floral design using a fine brush.
  • Seal with matte or gloss spray sealer once paint is fully dry. Do this outside or in a well-ventilated space.
  • Once sealed, hot glue a round magnet to the back center of the sand dollar.
  • Let the glue set for 10 minutes before packaging or display.

Pricing tip: $4–$8 each or 3 for $18. Display on a magnetic board at your booth for visual impact.

8. Beach Vibe Tote Bags

Tote bags are a blank canvas that people carry around for months — which makes them one of the best mobile advertisements you can sell at a market. Beach tote bags with slogans, wave art, or tropical motifs are summer bestsellers. They’re functional, customizable, and universally loved.

What you’ll need:

How to make it:

  • Design your beach-themed image or quote. Popular options: palm trees, waves, “Beach Please,” “Sandy Toes,” or a simple anchor.
  • If using HTV: cut your design with a Cricut or cutting machine, weed the excess vinyl, and place design side-down onto the tote.
  • Cover with a Teflon sheet or parchment paper and press with a heat press at 305°F for 10–15 seconds (follow HTV brand instructions).
  • Peel the carrier sheet while still warm (hot peel) or after cooling (cold peel) depending on your HTV type.
  • If using fabric paint and stencils: tape the stencil to the bag, dab paint using a foam brush or sponge, peel stencil carefully, and let dry flat. Heat set with iron.

Pricing tip: Beach totes sell for $12–$22 each. Custom name options can push the price to $25–$30.

9. Ocean Scented Soy Wax Melts

Wax melts are a lower-cost, lower-risk version of candles — no wick, no open flame concerns, and faster to make in bulk. Ocean-scented melts in beachy packaging sell incredibly well at summer markets because they give buyers a sensory piece of the beach they can bring home.

What you’ll need:

How to make it:

  • Melt soy wax flakes in a double boiler or microwave-safe pitcher. Heat to 160–170°F.
  • Remove from heat and let cool to 130–140°F before adding fragrance (adding too hot burns off scent).
  • Add 1 oz fragrance per pound of wax. Stir gently and thoroughly for 2 minutes.
  • Add wax dye if desired — a few drops of liquid dye or a small sliver of dye block. Stir until evenly mixed.
  • Pour into clamshell molds or silicone trays. Fill just to the top of each cavity.
  • Let cool completely at room temperature — about 1–2 hours. Don’t move until fully set.
  • Snap closed and label with scent name, ingredients, and burn instructions.

Pricing tip: Sell individual clamshells for $5–$8 or a “Scent the Beach” bundle of 3 for $18. Cost per unit is very low.

10. Beach Memory Shadow Boxes

Shadow boxes are the sentimental purchase at a market — the item that reminds someone of a summer trip, a family beach vacation, or a coastal hometown. They sell well because they feel personal and meaningful, even when they’re not custom-made. The key is making the design feel like it tells a story.

What you’ll need:

  • Shadow box frames (5×7 or 8×10, deep enough to layer objects)
  • Sand, tiny shells, sea glass
  • Miniature items: beach signs, flip-flops, surfboards
  • Printed messages, photos, or quote cards
  • Tacky glue or hot glue

How to make it:

  • Remove the backing from the shadow box and line it with a piece of burlap, kraft paper, or watercolor paper as your base background.
  • Glue down a strip of sand across the lower third of the frame to create a “beach floor.” Press firmly and let dry.
  • Arrange your main elements — a tiny beach chair, a printed quote card, shells — before gluing anything down.
  • Glue elements in layers: background pieces first (quote card), then mid-level (signs or flat shells), then foreground (chairs, 3D shells).
  • Fill in gaps with additional shells, sea glass, or tiny pebbles.
  • Close the shadow box and check alignment through the glass. Make adjustments before the glue fully cures.

Pricing tip: Shadow boxes run $18–$45 depending on size. Offer personalization (add a name or date) and charge $5–$10 more.

11. Shell Jewelry

Shell jewelry feels like summer on your wrist or neck. It’s one of those categories where buyers just reach for it without thinking too hard — it’s pretty, it’s affordable, and it feels beachy in the most authentic way. Shell bracelets, anklets, and necklaces are lightweight to pack and easy to display on jewelry stands.

What you’ll need:

How to make it:

  • Lay out your shells and beads before stringing to plan the pattern.
  • Cut stretch cord to wrist size + 2 inches for knotting allowance. Or cut leather cording to necklace length + 4 inches for clasping.
  • Thread beads and shells in your chosen pattern. Keep it balanced but not rigid — slight asymmetry adds charm.
  • For stretch bracelets: tie a surgeon’s knot at the ends, add a dab of clear glue to the knot, and tuck it inside a bead.
  • For cord necklaces: crimp a jump ring at each end, then attach the clasp hardware.
  • Slide finished pieces onto bracelet display cards or into labeled organza bags.

Pricing tip: Shell bracelets: $8–$14. Shell necklaces: $12–$22. Stack sets of 3 bracelets for $25.

12. Shark Tooth or Starfish Necklaces

Shark tooth necklaces have serious market appeal — they’re edgy, coastal, and perfect for kids and teens who want something that looks like a real treasure from the ocean floor. Starfish versions skew softer and more feminine. Either way, they’re fast to make and reliably popular.

What you’ll need:

  • Shark tooth or starfish pendants (real or resin)
  • Black leather cord, suede, or waxed cotton
  • Adjustable knot or clasp hardware
  • Jump rings and pliers
  • Kraft necklace cards or small cotton bags for packaging

How to make it:

  • If using real shark teeth, select ones with a natural hole near the top or drill one carefully using a diamond bit.
  • Thread a jump ring through the tooth’s hole using jewelry pliers. Close securely.
  • Cut leather cord to 18 or 20 inches. Thread through the jump ring so the tooth hangs centered.
  • Tie an adjustable sliding knot at each end so the necklace length can be customized by the wearer.
  • Add a small bead or charm beside the tooth for extra detail.
  • Display on kraft cards or package in a labeled cotton bag for a polished finished look.

Pricing tip: $10–$18 each. Kids love these, so display at eye level for younger browsers.

13. Surfboard Welcome Signs

Surfboard signs are a market showstopper — they’re large, colorful, and unmistakably beachy. Whether displayed at the entrance of a beach house, on a porch, or hung in a bedroom, buyers can instantly envision where this piece would live in their home. They’re one of those items that draws people to your booth from across the market.

What you’ll need:

How to make it:

  • Sand the wood cutout smooth and wipe clean before painting.
  • Apply 2 coats of base paint in your main color. Let each coat dry completely.
  • Add detail elements: stripes, waves, palm tree motifs, or a tropical pattern using additional colors.
  • Apply text using vinyl transfer, paint pens, or a stencil — “Welcome,” “Good Vibes Only,” “Surf’s Up,” or a family name.
  • Once fully dry, apply 2 coats of clear sealant for durability. Let cure before handling.
  • Add a rope or jute hanger through a pre-drilled hole at the top for display purposes.

Pricing tip: $20–$40 for standard. Personalized names: add $10. Oversized versions: $50+.

14. Salt Scrubs in Beachy Scents

Salt scrubs are a high-perceived-value item that costs very little to make — which is why they’re a market staple for makers who want strong margins. Beachy scents like coconut, sea salt, and driftwood hit the sensory sweet spot at summer markets where people are already in vacation mode.

What you’ll need:

How to make it:

  • Combine 1 cup of salt with ¼ cup carrier oil in a bowl. Adjust oil ratio for your preferred consistency — wetter scrubs feel more luxurious, drier ones are less oily.
  • Add 10–20 drops of fragrance oil. Stir thoroughly.
  • Optional: add a tiny pinch of mica powder or food-grade glitter for shimmer.
  • Scoop into jars, pressing gently to pack. Leave ¼ inch at the top.
  • Wipe rims clean and secure lids. Apply a label with product name, ingredients, and how-to-use instructions.
  • Add a wooden scoop tied on with twine for a boutique presentation that justifies a higher price point.

Pricing tip: 4 oz jar: $8–$12. 8 oz jar: $14–$20. “Beach Glow Bundle” of 2 scrubs + lip balm: $28–$35.

15. Beach Quote Wood Signs

Word signs are one of the most searched craft items on Etsy and Pinterest — and at a live market, they stop people in their tracks. Beach quote signs feel personal and decorative at the same time. Someone sees “The Beach is Calling” and immediately knows exactly where they’d hang it.

What you’ll need:

  • Wood blanks (reclaimed, pre-cut pine, or MDF — 8×8 to 12×18 inches)
  • Acrylic paint (base + text color)
  • Coastal quotes (“Sandy Toes Welcome,” “The Beach Is My Happy Place,” “No Shoes, No Worries”)
  • Vinyl and Cricut machine OR stencils and paint pens
  • Hanging hardware or rope

How to make it:

  • Sand the wood until smooth. Wipe down with a damp cloth and let dry.
  • Apply 2 coats of base paint — white, navy, driftwood gray, or natural wood stain — letting each coat dry.
  • Transfer quote using: vinyl cut on Cricut and transfer tape, OR painted through a stencil with a foam brush.
  • Add small design accents: a tiny anchor, wave, or shell motif beside the text.
  • Seal the finished sign with 1–2 coats of clear spray sealant.
  • Attach hanging hardware or drill a hole for a jute rope hanger.

Pricing tip: $15–$35 depending on size and customization. Personalized family names: $40–$55.

16. DIY Sand Art Bottles

Sand art bottles are a nostalgic, eye-catching item that appeals to all ages. They look beautiful on shelves, windowsills, or mantels, and the layered color effect is something kids and adults both love to create. They’re also one of the most affordable items to produce, with high visual impact for the price.

What you’ll need:

How to make it:

  • Lay down a tray liner to catch any spilled sand — it’s reusable that way.
  • Use a small funnel and scoop to add sand one color at a time in distinct layers. Tilt the bottle slightly to create angled layers for a more dynamic look.
  • Alternate colors in any order — beachy palettes work best: cream, sand, coral, teal, and sky blue.
  • Leave about 1 inch at the top for the cork or cap to seal without compressing the sand.
  • Seal the cork with a drop of craft glue to prevent shifting.
  • Attach a tag or charm and label with your brand name or a short message.

Pricing tip: Small bottles: $5–$10. Medium: $10–$15. Offer a “Make-Your-Own” activity station at your booth and charge $6–$12 per bottle.

17. Beach-Themed Keychains

Keychains are one of the best impulse-buy items at a market — they’re small, affordable, and everyone has keys. Beach-themed keychains in polymer clay or resin feel handmade and special in a way that mass-produced keychains never do. They also double as bag charms and zipper pulls, widening their appeal.

What you’ll need:

  • Keychain blanks (resin molds, polymer clay shapes, or metal rings)
  • Resin or polymer clay
  • Beach-themed molds: shells, waves, flip-flops, surfboards
  • Glitter, mica powder, dried flowers, mini charms
  • Jump rings and key rings

How to make it:

  • For polymer clay: condition the clay by kneading until soft. Use molds or shape by hand. Bake at 275°F for 15–30 minutes depending on thickness. Let cool, then drill a small hole if needed.
  • For resin: mix equal parts resin and hardener, add color and inclusions (glitter, mica, charms, tiny shells), and pour into molds. Cure 24 hours.
  • Sand edges lightly if rough. Apply gloss resin coating for a professional finish.
  • Attach a jump ring through the hole, then connect to a key ring.
  • Display on hooks or a key rack at your booth. Bundle 3 for a gift-ready set.

Pricing tip: $5–$10 each. 3 for $22. Personalized charms with letters: $12–$15 each.

→ Supplies: soy wax flakes, epoxy resin, silicone molds, canvas tote bags, assorted seashells, jute twine, tumbled sea glass, shadow box frames, acrylic paint set, colored craft sand

This website contains affiliate links. Some products are gifted by the brand to test. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The content on this website was created with the help of AI.