Guide To Fun Crafts Thunderonthegulf That You Can’t Miss

Thunder on the Gulf isn’t just about fast boats though those are wild to watch, don’t get me wrong. We were down there last September (same weekend every year), and let me tell you, the energy is something else. 

It’s loud, colorful, and smells like funnel cakes and sea breeze. People come for the powerboats, but stay for what’s actually off water, which is live music drifting across the sand, rows of food trucks, smiling kids chasing bubbles, and booths packed with handmade goodies. It’s like someone dropped a craft fair into a beach party and said, “Go wild.”

Now, here’s what surprised me the most because the crafts there, the vibe is peculiar! I’ve got three kids, and not one of them complained they were bored. We made shell ornaments, poured our own ocean-scented candles, and left sticky-fingered but happy.

Overall it was a worthwhile experience for us where we made lots of memories together. And the hands-on activities, they helped in bringing people together. And yep, I’ve still got my driftwood key holder hanging in our kitchen.

In this post, I’ll show you which DIY stations are worth the line, what crafts are kid-tested and meltdown-free, where to shop local, and how to plan your visit without losing your mind. So, let’s begin with our “Fun Crafts Thunderonthegulf”!

What Is Fun Craft Thunderonthegulf and why you should attend?

If you’ve never been to Fun Craft at Thunder on the Gulf, then be ready for a scenario like your kid’s got glitter all over their cheeks, there’s a painted crab shell drying in your tote bag, and the smell of kettle corn is following you like a friendly ghost. 

It’s that kind of day, full of fun activities, and relaxing. And those crafts aren’t just for looking, they’re for doing. There’s painting, beading, tie-dye, and stuff I still don’t fully understand but somehow couldn’t help myself but try them out.

The whole setup leans into Gulf Coast culture too, lots of driftwood, local artists, and even a few booths where folks are carving things right there while you watch. The vibe is easygoing, loud in a good way, and super welcoming.

If you’ve got kids, like crafts, or just need a reason to feel that carefree vibe before going back to your usual routine then this place is perfect for that.

Exciting Fun Crafts Activities to Try on Thunderonthegulf

If you’re wondering what kind of fun crafts they’ve got going on at Thunder on the Gulf, you’re in for a treat. We’re talking hands-on stations where your kids can paint, glue, squish, and glitter everything in sight. 

And, in this next part, I’ll walk you through the actual activities, so that you know what you can try, while also sharing how my experience was while trying those crafts with my family. Just a heads up, it was a little bit of a mess but it’s worth standing in line for.

Handmade Jewelry using coastal materials

This one was a hit with the girls, and even my youngest son made a shark-tooth anklet, which he now calls “his battle chain.” They had tables set up with twine, seashells, polished driftwood bits, and those tiny baby starfish (not real ones). 

I tried stringing a sand dollar into a necklace and cracked it in half, and I did that, not once but twice. So I gave up and went for sea glass which is much sturdier. 

The volunteers were helpful too, so if you are someone who’s never done crafts in their whole life, they can help you with that. Just make sure your kids don’t grab the hot glue gun like mine almost did. That was a moment that scared us all for a good second.

Coastal-Themed Paintings

Now this one sounded easy, you just need to paint a beachy scene, how hard could it be? Well, turns out watercolor doesn’t always listen. We used mini canvases, paintbrushes, little watercolor trays, and we also had sponge bits for dabbing clouds. 

I tried to paint a pelican but it ended up looking more like a haunted chicken. My oldest painted a sunset so good someone thought it was printed. I may have pouted a little (now come on, what happens if young kids do better than you) 

If you try this, tell your kids not to blow on the paint to dry it faster. My youngest spit across the whole table and said it was “sea spray.”

Driftwood Decor Items

This one was supposed to be easy, y’all, it’s driftwood and twine. That’s it. But somehow I managed to glue my thumb to a seashell. Anyways, let me tell you how I created mine after struggling for a bit. 

You just need a few weathered driftwood pieces, some hot glue, a little jute rope, and whatever beach bits you’ve collected like shells, sea glass, old keys if you’re like me and lose things near water. 

I tried making a star shape, but it came out more like a starfish that gave up. My youngest made a driftwood mobile and named it “Ocean Chaos.” Honestly, it kinda fit the vibe of our kitchen table that afternoon.

DIY Candle Making with Ocean Inspired Scents

If you’ve ever stood by the Gulf and thought, “I wish I could bottle this smell,” well, you kinda can. For ocean-scented candles, we used soy wax, mason jars, cotton wicks, and fragrance oils that included sea breeze, driftwood, and a hint of coconut because my youngest says it smells like summer. 

We melted the wax in a makeshift double boiler using an old pot and a Pyrex, poured it slowly, then added scent in the last so it wouldn’t burn off. One jar cracked from pouring too hot, so don’t rush like I did. Let it cool for just a minute or three. 

Seashells Crafts

We still had sand in our shoes from Thunder on the Gulf when we started our seashell project. You only need shells (we had a bucket full), some glue, magnets or picture frames, and a steady-ish hand, none of which my youngest had, but we made it work. 

I tried hot glue at first, but I made a big mistake, because it bubbled and cracked one of the prettier shells. Later, I switched to craft glue and of course, patience after that. We then made fridge magnets shaped like fish tails and a frame for Papaw’s beach photo. Kids stayed busy for almost an hour, which is record-breaking in this house.

Tie-Dye T-Shirts

We found the tie-dye booth near the food trucks at Thunder on the Gulf, right between the corn dog stand and a lady selling kettle corn in a cow-print apron. You only need plain white tees, squeeze bottles, dye powder, rubber bands, and gloves. 

We used Ziplocs too for the mess, which I highly recommend. My middle kid twisted his shirt like a jelly roll and got a cool spiral. I tried to do a heart and ended up with something that looked anything but a heart. But I still wore it as it still looked pretty. The shirts dried on our hotel balcony rail and smelled like sun and lemonade.

Beach Collage Art

We then decided to try making beach collages, which was a pretty fun and creative process for all of us. All you need are some old magazines or some of your photos that you took on the beach, glue, and a pile of shells, sea glass, or sand. 

I grabbed a small canvas and started gluing a sunset scene, using a mix of photos and real shells my kids collected. The trick is letting the kids pick the materials because it keeps them engaged and allows us to focus on completing the piece. My son pasted a starfish in the middle of his collage, which somehow turned into a pirate map, and I loved how it turned out, even if it did get a little messy.

Rock Painting

I had a blast painting rocks at Thunder on the Gulf. All you need is some smooth stones, acrylic paints, and brushes. 

I chose a few rocks and went with bright colors because kids love that. The trick is making sure the paint stays on, so don’t skip the clear coat. 

I made the mistake of not waiting long enough between layers, and a couple of my designs ended up a little smeared. Still, my daughter turned hers into a mini turtle, and it was adorable! You can’t go wrong with rock painting, it’s simple, fun, and a great keepsake from the event.

Jewellery from Sea Glass

Making jewelry from sea glass is such a fun way to create something beautiful from nature’s beautiful items. All you need is some smooth sea glass, wire, and jewelry findings, which is quite easy.

I tried making a necklace once, and let’s just say my first attempt made the necklace look a bit too chunky. But here’s a tip I tried after my chunky necklace, try using thin wire for a more delicate look and don’t forget to secure your glass carefully, or it’ll slip right out! Also, always check for sharp edges if you tried breaking those sea glass, make sure you wear eye protection. You don’t want a surprise cut in the middle of your craft session. So keep it simple, and enjoy the process.

Create Wood and Resin Art

Creating wood and resin art is a fantastic way to blend rustic charm with a splash of modern flair. You’ll need some wood slices, resin, and a bit of patience (it’s the most crucial ingredient). I tried making a coaster set, but my first batch didn’t turn out that great (as expected from a person who doesn’t do crafts). 

The resin didn’t cure quite right, that’s when I learned that always make sure the wood is completely dry before pouring. It’s tempting to rush, but remember that this step is necessary so it’s worth waiting. 

My neighbor came with us too and tried it, she made a stunning table with embedded shells (well, she’s a craft master). Another thing, be careful with the resin fumes and wear a mask!

Shop and Support Local Artisans at Thunderonthegulf.com

If you’re looking for unique treasures, the local marketplace at Thunderonthegulf is a must-visit. It’s full of unique handmade items that you won’t find anywhere else. 

There you can find anything, from jewelry to wooden crafts, each piece tells a story and supports local artisans. I recently picked up a beautiful hand-carved wooden bowl, and let me tell you, it’s become my favorite centerpiece at home. 

Not only is it gorgeous, but knowing it was crafted by a local artist makes it feel even more special. Buying directly from small businesses like this is a great way to support the local economy and keep those creative wheels turning. You are not leaving with just a souvenir, you’re leaving with a story.

Family Friendly Workshops You Should Check Out

If you’re looking for something fun for the whole family, Thunderonthegulf’s workshops are the way to go. They’ve got everything from sand art bottles to mini pottery classes, face painting, and even treasure hunts. 

And my personal favorite was the mini pottery class. I can’t tell you how satisfying it is to mold that little clay pot with your own hands and my kids loved it too! 

And let me give a pro tip that I learned and it’s, always wear something you don’t mind getting dirty. Because you never know when clay will sneak up on you. The face painting booth is a big hit with the younger crowd. Just remember, there’s usually a bit of a line, so get there early if you want to avoid the wait. 

These workshops aren’t just fun, they’re a chance to create memories you’ll hold onto long after the festival ends.

A Simple Guide for Visitors

Planning your visit to Thunderonthegulf, then remember timing is everything. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, weekdays are your best bet. But if you want to experience a lively festive vibe then weekends are great. Just be prepared for a little more hustle and bustle.

Now, here’s a few things I always bring (and you’ll be glad you did too):

• Comfortable shoes (you’ll be walking a lot)
• Sunscreen (it’s the Gulf Coast, need I say more?)
• Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated without the waste)
• Cash (some vendors may not take cards)
• A camera (you’ll want to snap some memories)
  

Tickets can be bought right on the Thunderonthegulf website, be sure to grab yours in advance to avoid any last-minute stress. For updates, follow their socials for live info on workshops, shows, and event changes. 

If it’s your first time, pace yourself because there’s a lot to see, and you won’t want to miss a thing! You first need to see everything before you decide on what you want to try or buy.

If you are completely new to this art and craft thing, then it’s best to join workshops, as they can guide you better on it.

Just remember to breaks in between so you don’t exhaust yourself. Simply enjoy and take in the moment.

Festival Vibes with Culture

Thunder on the Gulf isn’t just about crafts and food, it’s a celebration of the Gulf Coast’s music and culture, too. So you can expect to hear everything from smooth blues to toe-tapping country hits floating through the air. 

So when you’re strolling past booths or lounging under the trees, you will notice that there’s always a live band or street performer adding to the vibe. It’s the kind of place where music and culture weave into the fabric of the event, making it an unforgettable experience for everyone.

And what really ties it all together is the local flavor. From handmade instruments to regional dancers, the Gulf Coast’s spirit is on full display. Plus, you’ll get a taste of the true heart of the area, all wrapped up in the music, art, and people. And believe it, the energy here will pull you in, and before you know it, you’ll be humming along too.

Conclusion

Wrapping up my Thunder on the Gulf experience, let me tell you that this festival was a blast. From crafting your own keepsakes to discovering cool local art, there’s something about the mix of creativity and community that feels like home. I tried a few hands-on workshops with my kids, and we left with some serious pride in our creations.

A couple of quick tips before we close this article, don’t skip the food trucks, those shrimp po’boys are something you will love to try. And if you’re planning to attend with kids, pack light but be ready for the fun chaos. 

The lines can get long, so take advantage of early mornings. And make sure to grab a seat early if you want a prime spot for the live music, they really bring the party to life. 

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