25+ Fall Crafts to Transform Your Home into an Autumn Wonderland
Fall brings magical crisp air, golden leaves, and cozy vibes that make us want to bring the outdoors in. Americans love decorating for fall, making it the second most popular decorating season after Christmas. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or beginner, autumn offers endless opportunities to create beautiful seasonal decorations.
As a mom of 5 kids, I've been crafting for over a decade, and fall has always been my favorite season for DIY projects. My children love helping gather supplies during autumn nature walks. These fall crafts will help create a warm, inviting atmosphere while making precious family memories.
For more inspiration, check out our crafts for kids guide.
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Easy Fall Crafts for Beginners
Starting with autumn crafts doesn't have to be intimidating. My first fall project was a disaster because I tried something too complicated. Always start simple and work your way up. If you're looking for more simple craft ideas beyond fall themes, we have plenty of options to explore.
Simple Leaf Garland
This is one of my go-to projects for quick seasonal decor. You'll need:
20-30 colorful autumn leaves (maple works best)
6 feet of natural twine or jute string
Clear spray sealant
Collect leaves during morning walks. Press them between heavy books for 24 hours, then spray with sealant. Once dry, punch small holes about half an inch from the stem and thread onto twine. Space them about 3 inches apart.
Mason Jar Luminaries
Perfect for creating cozy fall ambiance. Here's what you need:
Regular mouth mason jars (16 oz work great)
Cut tissue paper into 2-inch squares - rough edges look better than perfect cuts. Brush Mod Podge onto the jar and layer tissue paper pieces, overlapping slightly. The colors blend beautifully. Let dry for 2 hours, then add your tea light.
Pinecone Turkey Centerpieces
These are adorable and take about 30 minutes to make a whole family:
Large pinecones (one per turkey)
Colored felt scraps in fall colors
Googly eyes (bigger is better)
Orange felt for beaks
Hot glue gun
Cut small teardrop shapes from felt for tail feathers. Glue them to the back of the pinecone, fanning them out. Add googly eyes and a tiny orange triangle for the beak. Make 5-7 turkeys for a proper centerpiece.
Felt Acorn Decorations
You'll need brown and tan felt, plus embroidery floss. Cut oval shapes from tan felt and smaller caps from brown felt. Stitch them together with a simple running stitch for handmade charm. These easy craft projects are perfect for beginners who want to build their confidence.
Advanced Fall Craft Projects for Experienced Crafters
These projects require more time and skill, but deliver stunning results.
Hand-Carved Wooden Pumpkins
This project tests your patience but creates beautiful results. Use basswood blocks because they're easier to carve than hardwood. Start with a 4x4 inch block and sketch your pumpkin outline first.
Tools you'll need:
Sharp carving knife
Gouge chisels (1/4 inch and 1/2 inch)
Wood stain in autumn colors
Polyurethane finish
Work slowly and follow the wood grain. Start by rounding the basic shape, then add vertical ridges. Sand progressively through each grit - don't skip this step.
Macrame Wall Hangings
For fall pieces, use natural jute cord in 4mm thickness. The basic autumn design uses these knots:
Square knots for the main body
Gathering knots for texture
Spiral knots for the hanging elements
Cut 16 strands of cord, each 6 feet long. Mount them on a wooden dowel using lark's head knots. The diamond pattern with trailing fringe takes about 4 hours to complete.
Quilted Harvest Table Runners
Use a traditional Log Cabin block pattern in fall colors - burnt orange, deep red, golden yellow, and chocolate brown.
For a 72-inch runner, you'll need:
1/2 yard each of 4 different fall fabrics
1 yard of backing fabric
Batting (80/20 cotton blend works best)
Quilting thread in coordinating colors
Add appliqué oak leaves and acorns using blanket stitch. It's time-consuming but meditative.
Polymer Clay Mushroom Gardens
These miniature displays are detailed and fun. Use Sculpey clay because it's easier to work with. You'll need:
White, red, brown, and beige polymer clay
Acrylic paints for details
Small glass dome or shadow box
Start with basic mushroom shapes - stems first, then caps. Vary sizes and positions for a natural woodland scene. Add tiny moss details using painted clay crumbs. Each mushroom takes about 20 minutes to form.
Fall Crafts Using Natural Materials
Working with natural materials is where fall crafting shines. There's something special about using what nature provides.
Pressed Flower and Leaf Art
This is therapeutic crafting. Here's the tried-and-true method:
What you'll need:
Heavy books (old phone books work great)
Absorbent paper (newspaper or blotting paper)
Tweezers for handling delicate pieces
White cardstock or watercolor paper
Picture frames (8x10 or 11x14 work best)
Timing is crucial - choose leaves just starting to change color but not brittle. Collect them in the morning after dew has dried. Layer between newspaper pages, then place heavy books on top. Wait 2-3 weeks - rushing ruins everything.
Once pressed, arrange on paper using tweezers. Create simple compositions - maybe three maple leaves in graduated sizes. Beauty is in simplicity.
Twig and Branch Centerpieces
These natural arrangements save dinner parties. Choose branches with interesting shapes and textures. Look for:
Curly willow branches for height and movement
Birch branches for white bark contrast
Dogwood branches for rich color
Pussy willow for soft texture
Cut branches to varying heights - tallest about 24 inches, shortest around 8 inches. Strip lower leaves and arrange in a tall vase. Add seasonal flowers like chrysanthemums to fill gaps.
Acorn Cap Candles
This project is adorable but tricky. Here's what works:
Use only perfect acorn caps (no cracks or holes)
Beeswax works better than paraffin
Candle wicks need to be cut to 1/4 inch
A toothpick helps position the wick
Melt wax in a double boiler. Clean caps thoroughly. Dip the bottom of each cap in wax first to seal tiny holes. Let set for 10 minutes, then fill with melted wax and quickly insert wick.
Gourd Birdhouses
Use hard-shell gourds dried for at least 6 months. The entrance hole needs to be exactly 1.25 inches for chickadees and wrens.
Tools needed:
Drill with 1.25-inch spade bit
Wood stain or paint
Clean out the inside completely. Sand the outside smooth, then apply finish. Natural wood stain weathers better outdoors. Add drainage holes in the bottom and ventilation holes near the top.
Halloween-Themed Fall Crafts
Halloween crafts are where creativity runs wild. These projects range from spooky to silly. For more spooky inspiration, check out our collection of Halloween crafts that are perfect for the season.
Spooky Ghost Decorations
These floating ghosts are impressive and easier than you'd think. The secret is using loosely woven cheesecloth, not tight mesh.
What you'll need:
Cheesecloth (3 yards per ghost)
Liquid starch
Balloons in different sizes
Plastic cups or bowls
Black felt for eyes
Inflate balloons to various sizes - make 3-4 ghosts in different sizes. Place each balloon on top of inverted cup for classic ghost shape with narrow "neck."
Mix liquid starch with water in 1:1 ratio. Dip cheesecloth in mixture until completely saturated. Drape over balloon, arranging folds naturally. Let dry completely - takes about 24 hours.
Once dry, carefully pop balloon and remove. Cut eye holes from black felt and glue on. Hang ghosts at different heights using fishing line.
Jack-o'-Lantern Alternatives
Carving pumpkins is fun, but they rot quickly. Foam pumpkins are better for certain projects - they last forever and allow creative decorating.
Painted foam pumpkins:
Use acrylic paints for best coverage
Apply base coat first, let dry completely
Add details with smaller brushes
Seal with matte varnish
Favorite technique is creating ombre effects - starting with dark orange at bottom and gradually blending to light orange at top.
Decoupage pumpkins:
Foam pumpkins work best
Mod Podge (matte finish)
Decorative napkins or tissue paper
This technique creates unique designs. Work in small sections and smooth out air bubbles as you go.
Witch Hat Luminaries
Perfect for outdoor Halloween decorating. Make different sizes and scatter around the yard.
Materials:
Glitter (optional)
Ribbon for decoration
Cut large semi-circle from poster board - about 18 inches across for medium hat. Form into cone and secure with tape. Bottom should be about 6 inches in diameter.
Cut small holes randomly around hat using craft knife. Thread battery-operated string lights through holes from inside. The lights create magical glow through holes.
Halloween Garland
Perfect for decorating mantels, doorways, or party spaces. Use black cardstock to create silhouettes of classic Halloween shapes.
Shapes to use:
Bats (cut 20-25 for good coverage)
Spiders (fewer needed, they're bigger)
Pumpkins
Ghosts
Witches' hats
Cut shapes from cardstock using templates. Punch holes in each shape and thread onto black string or ribbon. Space them about 4 inches apart.
Fall Crafts for Kids and Families
Family crafting time creates wonderful memories. These projects are fun crafts for all ages while creating beautiful decorations. If you have younger children, our preschool crafts section has age-appropriate options too.
Handprint Turkey Art
This works for kids ranging from 2 to 12 years old. Have all materials ready before starting.
What you'll need:
Large sheets of construction paper
Wet wipes for cleanup
Markers for details
Paint child's palm brown and fingers different fall colors - red, orange, yellow, and brown. Press firmly onto paper for clear print. Thumb becomes turkey's body, fingers are tail feathers.
Once dry, add details with markers. Draw eyes, beak, feet, and maybe a wattle. Some kids like adding backgrounds with trees or grass. Always date these for wonderful keepsakes.
Leaf Rubbing Activities
This is the most relaxing craft activity with kids. There's something meditative about the back-and-forth coloring motion.
Best leaves for rubbing:
Oak leaves (great texture)
Maple leaves (classic shape)
Elm leaves (interesting veining)
Birch leaves (small and detailed)
Place leaves under thin paper - copy paper works perfectly. Hold leaf steady while child colors over it with crayon side. The texture appears like magic. Make several rubbings, then create collages.
Pumpkin Decorating (No Carving)
This is safer than carving and more creative. Set up a pumpkin decorating station with different materials.
Decorating supplies:
Acrylic paints and brushes
Choose medium pumpkins (about 6 inches across) - not too big for little hands, not too small for creativity. Favorite kid-created pumpkins have been animals - cats, owls, and dinosaurs. There's no wrong way to do it.
Nature Scavenger Hunt Collections
This combines outdoor exploration with crafting. Create a list of items for kids to find, then use them in craft projects.
Standard scavenger hunt list:
5 different colored leaves
3 pinecones
2 interesting rocks
1 feather
Acorns or other nuts
Interesting twigs or bark pieces
Once collected, create display boxes or nature collages. Use shadow boxes from craft stores and help kids arrange their finds inside. Add labels with date and location for wonderful nature memories.
Fall Wreath Making and Door Decorations
Wreaths are my favorite fall craft. Once you master the basic technique, you can create endless variations.
Grapevine Wreaths with Silk Leaves
Grapevine is the best wreath base because it's forgiving. You can add or remove elements easily, and it has a natural, organic look.
Basic supplies:
18-inch grapevine wreath base
Silk autumn leaves (mixed colors)
Start by sorting leaves by color and size. Work in sections, creating clusters of 3-5 leaves and securing with floral wire. Wrap wire around vine several times for security.
Create 3-4 main focal points around the wreath, then fill in with smaller leaves. Stand back frequently to check balance. It should look full but not cluttered.
Burlap and Twine Rustic Decorations
Burlap gives a cozy, farmhouse feel. The key is mixing textures - smooth elements with rough ones, shiny with matte.
Materials for basic burlap door hanger:
Burlap fabric (natural color)
Twine or jute string
Wooden letters or shapes
Small pumpkins or gourds
Fall berries (artificial work fine)
Cut burlap into strips about 2 inches wide and 12 inches long. Tie onto wooden dowel or branch, spacing about 1 inch apart. Uneven, frayed edges add rustic charm.
Attach wooden letters spelling "FALL" or "HARVEST" using hot glue. Add small decorative elements like mini pumpkins or berry clusters. Takes about 2 hours and costs under $15.
Corn Husk Wreaths
More challenging but stunning when done right. Buy dried corn husks from craft stores.
What you'll need:
Dried corn husks (about 50 pieces)
Wire wreath frame (12-inch works best)
Floral wire
Scissors
Spray bottle for misting
Soak corn husks in warm water for 30 minutes to make them pliable. Wrap 3-4 husks around wire frame, securing with floral wire every few inches.
Continue around entire frame, overlapping each section slightly. Husks shrink as they dry, so pack tightly. Once complete, mist lightly with water and reshape if needed.
Twig and Branch Geometric Art
This modern take on fall decorating is perfect for contemporary homes. Create geometric shapes using straight branches and display as wall art.
Popular shapes:
Triangles (easiest to start with)
Hexagons (more challenging but stunning)
Diamonds
Circles (made with flexible branches)
Cut branches to equal lengths using miter saw for clean edges. Sand lightly to remove rough spots. Join corners using wood glue and small corner braces for extra strength.
Make 3-5 shapes in different sizes and arrange on wall in cluster. Natural wood tones look beautiful against white or neutral walls.
Autumn Home Decor Craft Projects
Seasonal home decorating transforms your entire house into a cozy autumn retreat. These projects complement other seasonal crafts perfectly - you might also enjoy our winter crafts for transitioning between seasons.
Seasonal Throw Pillow Covers
Making pillow covers is easier than making whole pillows, and you can change them seasonally.
Favorite fall pillow techniques:
Appliqué leaves: Cut leaf shapes from felt and stitch onto solid-colored fabric
Stenciled designs: Use fall leaf stencils with fabric paint
Embroidered accents: Simple running stitches in fall colors
Patchwork: Combine different fall fabrics in geometric patterns
For basic envelope-style cover, you'll need fabric twice the width of your pillow plus 4 inches. So for 18-inch pillow, cut fabric 40 inches wide by 22 inches tall.
Hem both short ends, then fold fabric so hemmed edges overlap in center. This creates envelope opening. Sew side seams, turn right side out, and you're done.
Fall-Themed Table Runners
Table runners add seasonal touches without overwhelming your space. Make them 12-14 inches wide and about 6 inches longer than your table on each end.
Easy no-sew option:
Use burlap or canvas fabric
Cut to size with pinking shears
Stencil fall designs using fabric paint
Add fringe to the ends
Choose designs that complement existing decor. Simple leaf patterns or geometric shapes in fall colors work well.
Decorative Pumpkin Displays
Real pumpkins are great, but don't last long. Mix real and artificial pumpkins in displays.
Creating varied displays:
Use different sizes (from mini to large)
Mix colors (traditional orange, white, green)
Add height with cake stands or wooden boxes
Include texture with gourds and Indian corn
Group pumpkins in odd numbers - 3, 5, or 7 look more natural. Place largest pumpkin slightly off-center, then arrange smaller ones around it.
Autumn Leaf Garland for Staircases
Staircase garland is stunning but tricky. The key is making it look natural and not too perfect. Use combination of real and artificial leaves.
Materials:
Flexible wire garland base
Real preserved leaves (optional)
Floral wire
Battery-operated string lights
Start at top of staircase and work down. Attach garland to banister with small zip ties - they're invisible and secure. Weave string lights through garland as you go.
Vary the fullness - some sections should be dense with leaves, others more sparse. This creates visual interest and looks more natural.
Harvest-Themed Wall Art
Wall art showcases your creativity. Make pieces that capture fall's essence without being too literal. These projects also work beautifully for Thanksgiving crafts and can transition nicely into holiday crafts as the season progresses.
Ideas that work well:
Pressed leaf compositions in large frames
Painted canvas with fall quotes
Wooden signs with seasonal sayings
Shadow boxes with collected autumn items
Current favorite is large canvas painted in ombre fall colors - deep red at top fading to golden yellow at bottom. Add simple quote like "Grateful Heart" in dark brown paint. If you're planning ahead for warmer weather, don't forget to save some of these techniques for summer crafts using different seasonal materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best materials for fall crafts?
Natural elements like pinecones, acorns, leaves, twigs, and gourds give an authentic autumn feel. For fabrics, use burlap, felt, and warm-colored cotton. Essential supplies include Mod Podge, hot glue guns, and acrylic paints in autumn hues.
How do I preserve leaves for fall crafts?
Press leaves between wax paper and heavy books for 2-3 weeks. For quicker results, iron between wax paper on low heat. Use glycerin solution (1 part glycerin to 2 parts water) or laminate for longer-lasting projects.
What fall crafts can I make with kids?
Try leaf rubbing with crayons, handprint turkeys, pine cone animals with googly eyes, and pumpkin decorating without carving. Nature collages and paper crafts work great. Use glue sticks instead of hot glue for safety.
How early should I start making fall decorations?
Start collecting materials in late summer and begin crafting in early September. This lets you enjoy decorations throughout the fall season and create pieces gradually instead of rushing.
Can I make fall crafts without spending a lot of money?
Yes. Use free natural materials from your yard and dollar store supplies. Most basic supplies like scissors, glue, and paint are already at home. Beautiful decorations can be made for under $10.
Final thoughts on fall crafts
Creating fall crafts is a rewarding way to celebrate autumn and bring warmth to your home. From simple leaf garlands to elaborate wreaths, these projects offer the joy of working with your hands and connecting with nature.
The best crafts reflect your personal style and bring happiness. Don't be afraid to experiment with different materials and techniques. Whether crafting solo or with family, these creations fill your home with cozy, seasonal spirit.
Start simple and work up to complex projects - each teaches you something new. Gather supplies, embrace inspiration, and let creativity flow. Your home will become a stunning autumn sanctuary.
