Creative Fall Crafts: Embrace Nature's Artistry
Take a basket, bag, or bucket with you on your next hike to collect art supplies perfect for fall crafts. Mother Nature's art cabinet is open, filled with nuts, bark, twigs, leaves, flowers, and more. Remember to select only items that have fallen to the ground—never take bark, branches, or leaves directly from a tree.
Let nature inspire you and your family to create beautiful autumn-themed crafts with our ideas below!
Three Lovely Leaf Crafts
Leaves offer an ever-changing source of inspiration for autumn art projects. Here are our favorite leaf crafts for all ages and skill levels.
DIY Suncatcher
Create a dazzling window suncatcher with colorful leaves. Here's how:
- Arrange your favorite leaves or fall flowers between two sheets of wax paper, with the waxy sides touching.
- Press between books or heavy objects for a few days.
- Carefully iron the waxy sides together.
- Finish with a frame of thin branches, glued to the "frosted glass," and trim.
- Place your autumn artwork in a sunny spot to enjoy!
This technique can also be used to create a fall bunting banner to decorate your RV site or Thanksgiving table.
Natural Note Cards
Make beautiful autumn-themed note cards or invitations with these easy techniques: leaf rubbing and leaf stamping.
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Rubbing: Place leaves beneath a thin sheet of paper. Using crayons or colored pencils, gently rub the leaves to reveal their imprint. Use this as a nature-themed insert for invitations or greeting cards.
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Stamping: Paint leaves with watercolor and press them onto heavier stock or scrapbook paper. Add a personal note in your best handwriting.
Glittery Garland
Add some organic sophistication to your decor with this simple project:
- Coat sturdy leaves with adhesive spray.
- Sprinkle with glitter (consider making biodegradable glitter!).
- Seal with hairspray or craft sealant.
- Poke holes in the top of the leaves and thread a ribbon for hanging.
Homemade Glitter Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix sea salt with food coloring or paint.
- Spread colored salt on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool before using.
Acorn Art Projects
Acorns are another fantastic autumn craft staple. Here are some fun projects:
Deck the Halls
Paint acorns in festive colors, glue ornament tops over the caps, and string them along your mantel or holiday tree.
Get Squirrely
Sketch or stencil a squirrel shape and fill it in with acorn caps for a nutty tribute to nature.
Framed!
Use an old photo frame and hot glue a pocket of acorns to create a unique fall-centric photo frame.
Pinecone Decorations
Pinecones are versatile and plentiful! Clean your collection in a mixture of water and vinegar, then dry them for use in projects.
Woodland Wreath
Create a DIY fall wreath with pinecones—a perfect craft for both kids and adults:
Materials Needed:
- Wire wreath frame
- Glue gun
- Twine or burlap ribbon
- 50-60 assorted pinecones
Instructions:
- Wrap the wire frame with twine or ribbon.
- Glue pinecones starting with the largest on the outside, working inward with smaller ones.
- Accent with ribbon and hang in your favorite spot!
Faux Flowers
Transform pinecones into hanging wooden bouquets:
- Cut pinecones in half and paint the bottoms in vibrant colors.
- Glue them into a shadow box or frame for a no-water-required decor piece.
Bird Feeder
Create homemade pinecone bird feeders that even kids can help make:
- Secure twine around the top of a clean pinecone.
- Coat it with peanut butter and roll it in birdseed.
- Hang it from a protected branch and enjoy birdwatching!
Conclusion
These autumn craft ideas will help you cherish your fall outdoor adventures. Share your creations and don't forget to post photos of your efforts!
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