Fall Craft Ideas
Fall is here! The air gets crisp, the leaves turn those beautiful shades of orange and red, and we suddenly feel the urge to make everything in the house cozy and full of pumpkin spice vibes. I don’t know about you, but when fall hits, I’m all about gathering the family and breaking out the craft supplies.
It’s the perfect way to enjoy those chilly afternoons without resorting to endless screen time (and let’s be real, it gives us something to do when we’re avoiding the mountain of laundry).
So, grab your favorite sweater, pour yourself a cup of hot cider, and let’s chat about some fall craft ideas that are fun, easy, and sure to make your home feel warm and inviting!
Fun Fall Crafts for All Ages
Leaf Painting
You know those leaves that seem to be EVERYWHERE in the yard? Well, instead of just raking them up and cursing at the wind for blowing them back, let’s put them to good use.
What you need:
- Leaves (the bigger, the better)
- Paint (fall colors work best – think red, orange, yellow, and gold)
- Paintbrushes
- Paper or canvas to stamp on
The kids and I love collecting different kinds of leaves. It’s like nature’s treasure hunt! Once you’ve got your leaves, simply paint one side of them and use them as stamps. You’ll get a cool, organic leaf print with all the little veins and details. If you’re feeling fancy, frame your leaf artwork for some fall-themed decor! This is one of those crafts that’s so easy but looks like you’ve put in way more effort than you actually did.
Handprint Trees
This one has been a staple in our house since my kids were tiny (back when their handprints fit on a single sheet of paper and didn’t take up half the wall). It’s a sweet way to capture their little hands in a project that will look adorable on your fridge or in a frame.
What you need:
- Brown paint for the tree trunk
- Red, orange, and yellow paint for the leaves
- A large sheet of paper or canvas
Start by painting your child’s hand with brown paint and have them stamp it onto the paper to make the tree trunk and branches. Then, using their fingertips dipped in red, orange, and yellow paint, they can add leaves all over the tree. Not only does this craft look super cute, but it also makes for a lovely keepsake. I swear, every time I look at the tiny handprints, I get a little emotional.
Or try these super cute Handprint Art Crafts.
Pumpkin Mason Jars
I have a love affair with mason jars. They’re like the jeans of crafting, useful for everything! For fall, we like turning them into cute little pumpkins that can be used as candle holders or even candy jars.
What you need:
- Mason jars
- Orange acrylic paint
- Green ribbon or twine
- Tea light candles (optional)
Let the kids (or your inner child) paint the jars orange. Once they dry, tie a bit of green ribbon or twine around the top to make it look like a pumpkin stem. You can add a little battery-operated tea light inside to make them glow at night. They’re perfect for lining the walkway for trick-or-treaters or just adding some festive charm to your kitchen counter.
Also, a pro tip: If you’re gifting homemade jam or treats this season, these pumpkin mason jars make the cutest fall packaging!
DIY Fall Wreaths
Now, I don’t know about you, but I get all Martha Stewart-level excited when I see wreaths in the stores. But here’s the thing, why buy one when you can make it with your kids and create some lovely memories in the process? Plus, no two wreaths will ever be the same, which adds to the charm.
What you need:
- A wreath base (grapevine, foam, or wire)
- Faux leaves, pinecones, acorns, and mini pumpkins (you can find these at craft stores or dollar stores)
- A hot glue gun (this is a mom-only job unless you trust your kids with it… which I do not)
- Ribbon for hanging
Simply let everyone pick out their favorite faux fall items and glue them onto the wreath. It’s as simple as that! If you’re like me, you’ll end up covered in hot glue and leaves, but it’s all part of the fun. Hang it on your front door and admire your family’s creativity every time you come home.
Easy Fall Topiary
If you’re looking for a simple way to bring some fall charm into your home, an easy fall topiary craft is the perfect project! It’s quick, kid-friendly, and adds that cozy autumn vibe to any room. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite fall colors and decorations, making it uniquely yours.
Find the tutorial for this Easy Fall Topiary here
Painted Pinecones
If your yard is like mine, it’s probably FULL of pinecones this time of year. Instead of kicking them aside, let’s make them part of our fall decor.
What you need:
- Pinecones (the more, the merrier)
- Paint (metallic colors like gold or copper look amazing)
- Glitter (optional, if you’re feeling extra)
- Twine or ribbon
Once the pinecones are painted and dry, you can string them together with some twine to make a garland or pile them in a bowl as a rustic centerpiece. I personally love adding a little glitter to the edges of the pinecones because, hey, who doesn’t need a little sparkle in their life?
If you’re feeling brave, let the kids go wild with the paint and glitter. Just be prepared for a “glitter explosion” that you’ll be finding in your house for weeks.
Pumpkin Spice Playdough
Because fall isn’t fall without some pumpkin spice, right? This DIY playdough not only keeps the little ones busy, but it also makes your house smell amazing. Win-win!
What you need:
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 cup of salt
- 1 tablespoon of cream of tartar
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1-1.5 cups of boiling water
- Pumpkin pie spice (1-2 tablespoons, depending on how strong you want the scent)
- Orange food coloring (optional)
Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl, then add the oil and boiling water. Stir until it forms a dough, adding more water if needed. Once it cools a bit, knead it until it’s smooth and add the pumpkin pie spice for that delicious fall smell. If you want, throw in some orange food coloring to give it a pumpkin-y look.
This stuff keeps for weeks in an airtight container and is perfect for rainy fall days when you need something to keep the kids occupied.
Pumpkin Spice Sachets
Bring the cozy scent of fall into your home with these super easy pumpkin spice sachets! They’re the perfect way to keep your space smelling like freshly baked pumpkin pie, and they make adorable little gifts too. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have your home wrapped in autumn warmth in no time.
Get the tutorial for these pumpkin spice sachets here
Popsicle Stick Pumpkins
This is a fun and easy fall craft to do with the kids. They’re cute, simple, and make for adorable decorations around the house. With just a few craft supplies, you’ll have little pumpkins ready to brighten up your space, without the mess of carving.
Get the tutorial for these popsicle stick pumpkins here.
There you have it! A whole bunch of fall craft ideas to keep your home cozy and your family entertained. The best part of these crafts is that they don’t have to be perfect; it’s all about spending time together and making memories (and sometimes, a big mess in the process).
So, if your painted pinecone ends up looking more like a splattered rock or your pumpkin has one wonky eye, just roll with it!
