Take a basket, bag, or bucket with you to collect some art supplies perfect for fall crafts next time you go for a hike. Mother Nature has opened her art cabinet and it's filled with nuts, bark, twigs, leaves, flowers, and more. Select things that have fallen to the ground and never take bark, branches, or leaves directly from a tree.
Nature's own artistry is on display to its fullest in the fall. Let those natural works of art inspire you and your family to create some autumn-theme fall crafts and seasonal art from our ideas below.
Leaves offer an ever-changing source of inspiration and material for an autumn art project. Here are our favorite fall crafts for leaf lovers of all ages and skill levels.
It's easy to create a dazzling window suncatcher with a colorful collage of leaves. Here's how to do it:
You can use this technique to create an autumn bunting banner to decorate your RV site or Thanksgiving table.
Get "noted" and "leaf" a good impression with these easy-to-make and beautiful autumn-themed note cards or invites. This fall craft uses the kid-friendly techniques that include leaf rubbing and stamping.
Place leaves beneath a thin sheet of paper. Using crayons or colored pencils and gently rub the leaves to reveal their imprint. Use it as a nature-themed insert for a special event invitation or as a layer in homemade greeting cards.
Paint the leaves with watercolor paints and lightly blot them on some newspaper. Flip the painted side down and press firmly on heavier stock or scrapbook paper. Use your best handwriting to add a personal note.
Fill in a sketched, stenciled, or freehand design with colorful leaves or fall flowers in a variety of shapes. Fairies, butterflies, and bugs are adorable designs when created by leaves.
Whether you're a fan of glitter or not, this project is a simple but elegant DIY craft that can go along a mantle, table, or doorframe for some organic sophistication during the holidays. Just follow these simple steps:
*You can continue this natural theme and keep microplastics out of the environment by making your own bio-degradable glitter.
Here's what you'll need:
Homemade Glitter Instructions:
The mighty acorn is another ample autumn art staple. With or without its cap, acorns can be used in many artistic ways. Here are a few simple projects to go nuts over:
Paint acorns in festive Christmas colors like red, green, and white, and then glue ornament tops over the acorn caps. Thread with a cord and string them along your mantel, or on the holiday tree.
Sketch or stencil out the shape of a squirrel and then fill in with acorn caps for a nutty representation of the acorn's biggest fan.
Have an old photo frame that is beyond its season? A pocket or two of acorns and a hot glue gun or clear Gorilla Glue will create a fall-centric photo frame.
Consider the versatile and plentiful pinecone when you're pining for the perfect natural décor. Most projects need multiple sizes, so be sure to nab a large assortment. Clean your collection in a bath of two parts water to one part vinegar for half an hour. Air dry or pop them into a low oven for an hour or so, turning them occasionally for even drying.
Pinecones are perfect for a DIY fall wreath. This pinecone project is good for children and adults alike and makes a great campground craft.
Make sure you have the following for this project:
Instructions for your woodland wreath:
The bottom of a pinecone can look a lot like a zinnia flower or succulent when painted. Create your own hanging wooden bouquet with these easy tips:
And the best part? You'll never have to water these plants!
Birds of all feathers will flock to these homemade pinecone feeders. Even the smallest hands will enjoy helping make this natural fall craft.
You'll remember your fall outdoor adventures with these homemade autumn projects. Share these natural fall craft ideas and don't forget to post photos of your efforts.