It is no secret that the patterns and designs of the Finnish design house, Marimekko are my favourite. Here I’ve curated a collection of the coolest Marimekko crafts for adults.
The first thing you see when you open my front door is a flight of Marimekko wallpapered stairs with matching pendant lampshades. It doesn’t end there either. If you carry on and walk through the house to the back garden, you will spot my pretty Marimekko painted shed.
And if you were particularly observant, you would have spotted many smaller Marimekko crafts in my home. I have included all my Marimekko inspired crafts and DIYs in this roundup, along with those of other bloggers.
The Iconic Marimekko Patterns And Designs
Marimekko is a Finnish textile and design company, founded in 1951, in Helsinki.
I think what appeals to me with Marimekko is their bright and simplistic clean Nordic designs. My favourite print of theirs is the most famous, the iconic Unikko poppy print.
This design is over 50 years old (first printed in 1964), but is still on trend today. That’s probably because Marimekko is continuously updating the pattern and bringing out new colourways every year.
As well as producing textiles, clothes and homewares, Marimekko print many of their designs onto paper napkins. This is great news for crafters, as these paper napkins can be used for decoupage. And are an affordable way to get Marimekko style in your home.
Every time I go into kitchenware or Scandinavian interior shops and I spot Marimekko paper napkins, I can’t help buying a pack. I have several packs of the Unikko poppy design in several different colourways just waiting to be crafted with.
Adult Inspired Marimekko Crafts and DIYs for that Nordic Look
A collection of beautiful fun adult crafts and DIYs inspired by the iconic Finnish design studio Marimekko.
Many of the crafts below use one of their stunning and colourful pattern designs. Whether it’s with paper napkin decoupage, upcycling with their wallpaper, or even just painting Marimekko inspired designs.
How to Make Your Own Marimekko Decoupage Shoes
Use Marimekko paper napkins to make some fun unique designer sneakers. There are so many wonderful prints to choose, it will be hard to stick to just one design.
DIY: Marimekko inspired sharpie mugs
This is a tutorial on how to create your own version of Marimekko mugs just using a black sharpie.
DIY Card Table Makeover
A Marimekko print was used to transform a boring table into something fun and unique, with this card table makeover.
Easy Upcycled Marimekko Decorative Tin Can Planters
These Marimekko tin can planters will brighten up any garden, even on the greyest of days! It is also a great way to showcase all those wonderful Marimekko patterns.
How To Make A Scandinavian Flower Doodle Decoration
The doodle designs for these gorgeous colourful flowers are based on Marimekko flower patterns. A fun quick craft that would also make a lovely gift.
DIY Giant Marimekko Paper Mache Cactus
The classic Marimekko Siirtolapuutarha is used to cleverly used to decorate a giant paper Mache cactus for a fun summer decoration.
How To Make Cool Marimekko Plastic Bottle Planters
Brighten up your kitchen with these Marimekko designer herb planters, made from repurposed plastic bottles. These aren't ordinary planters, they have a clever self-draining water system to help keep your herbs healthy.
Easy Marimekko Decoupage on Wood Bowls
Make your own colourful Marimekko bowls with paper napkins. You can make them in a range of colourways.
Vintage Marimekko Dishes DIY
I would love a set of this Marimekko inspired retro dinnerware.
Marimekko Mason Jar - Mason Jar Crafts Love
Who does love a painted mason jar? This hand-painted Unikko design is so cute and makes a great spring decoration.
Pool Noodle Flower Wreath with a Marimekko Theme
Amy made some felt flowers in the shape of the Unikko poppy print to make this cute wreath.
Making Friday: Block Printing mega version — Skinny laMinx
Print your own designer fabric by carving a Marimekko inspired stamp.
How To Make A Decoupage Baubles Decoration
A fun way to use printed Marimekko paper napkins by making a decoupage bauble flower display.
Perlede Marimekko Drink Mats
These Perla beaded mats are made by copying the design on Marimekko paper napkins.
Marimekko Paper Vase Mason Jar Sleeve
This paper sleeve was made with leftover Marimekko wallpaper scraps I had. You could however just use some free wallpaper samples.
Unique Easter Egg Decorating With Marimekko
Marimekko KAINO print was used to make these designer Easter egg decorations.
How To Make Marimekko Diy Flower Pillows
These soft fine cord pillows are made into the shape of the iconic Marimekko Unikko poppy. The tutorial includes a free pattern.
How to Make Gorgeous Nordic Christmas Decorations
This Nordic Christmas decoration is double-sided. On one side is the festive Marimekko tree design and on the other is their poppy design.
Marimekko Inspired DIY Pom-Pom Flowers Decoration
These fun pom-pom flowers have been inspired by the Marimekko Unikko poppy design
Unique Marimekko Christmas Wall Art Made From A Table Top
A fun way to showcase the wide range of Marimekko Christmas pattern designs with this giant piece of unique upcycled wall art.
How to Make a Unique Marimekko Bench
Yes, I decoupaged a whole bench in Marimekko napkins! And the result was worth it. This Marimekko craft is actually a lot easier than it looks.
Knitted Marimekko Poppies
These hand-knitted Marimekko poppies make fun table mats.
Tutorial For Painting A Shed With Colour And Pattern
Instead of your garden shed being an eyesore in your garden, why not make it a feature. By painting the shed with colour and pattern you can make it a fun unique feature. I love the iconic patterns of Marimekko and used it as the inspiration for the colour and pattern design of my painted shed.
Upcycled Hanging Bucket Storage
These handy storage buckets that match the painted shed are made from upcycled yogurt buckets. Again with the iconic Unikko poppy print.
How to Make Marimekko Wallpapered Stairs
How about making a real statement in your home by wallpapering your stairs in a Marimekko print. It certainly brightens up the hallway.
Marimekko Clock Makeover
Another great use of the Marimekko Unikko poppy. This time to give a wall clock a fun Marimekko makeover.
Marimekko DIY Shrinky Dink Earrings
Make some fun and funky shrink plastic earring in iconic Marimekko floral shapes such as the Unikko poppy.
Orange Poppy Seed Marimekko Cake
A fun way to decorate a poppy seed cake, with painted poppies. The only thing is it looks too nice to eat.
Lap Blanket Crochet Marimekko
I love the pattern and colourway of this crochet blanket design.
Unikko Decoupage a Wooden Drawer Desk Storage
Why use the Marimekko Unikko paper napkins in one colourway when you can have more. These drawers would look great in my craft room.
How To Make Cute Upcycled Mini Bud Vases
All you need are some small plastic bottles like Yakult and Marimekko paper napkins to make this cute colourful flower bud display.
If you enjoyed these Marimekko craft ideas then you will probably also like these Mid-Century Orla Kiely crafts and DIYs. There is also a large range of cool adult craft ideas on the blog. Make sure your craft room is stocked with these crafting essentials.
Donna @ Modern on Monticello
Wednesday 19th of May 2021
These designs are so bright and colorful and such fun. I can see why you love using it so much in your projects and in your home. Thanks so much for sharing the ideas. #HomeMattersParty
Claire Armstrong
Thursday 20th of May 2021
Thank you, their bright cheery designs do bring a smile to my face.
Suzie Olsen
Saturday 15th of May 2021
Marimekko patterns are so bright and pretty. Thanks for the ideas!
Claire Armstrong
Saturday 15th of May 2021
Thank you so much glad you enjoyed them
Amy Anderson
Monday 1st of August 2016
Thank you SO MUCH for including DIY Candy! I will share!
Claire Armstrong
Monday 1st of August 2016
Your welcome, love your Unikko inspired wreath.
Elina
Sunday 10th of July 2016
The macarons, wow what an idea! I saved those crocheted Unikko's in my mind for future use, would be great as christmas gifts to some of my relatives. :)
Claire Armstrong
Sunday 10th of July 2016
Yes the macaroons are gorgeous.
Glen Buchanan
Saturday 9th of July 2016
Hi Claire- I love Pillar Blue and that it comes from Britain. I have a lot of UK email friends, we're all T.Rex/ Marc Bolan fans. Some terms however aren't familiar to me in Canada. What is PVC glue?
Claire Armstrong
Saturday 9th of July 2016
PVA glue is just a white glue like Elmers or Mod Podge. Thanks