8 Easy Fall Crafts for Adults and Kids Using Simple Supplies
Cozy autumn craft projects you can make in an afternoon, from painted pumpkins and leaf garlands to pinecone fire starters and mason jar lanterns.
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Autumn is the perfect season for crafting. The weather turns cool, nature supplies free materials and there's plenty to decorate for. These eight projects use simple, inexpensive supplies and work for adults and kids alike.
1. Painted pumpkins (no carving)
Paint small pumpkins with acrylic craft paint in solid colors, stripes, polka dots or metallics. No-carve pumpkins last much longer than jack-o'-lanterns, and kids can do them without knives. Seal with a clear spray sealer for outdoor display.
2. Pressed leaf garland
Collect colorful leaves and press them between sheets of paper under heavy books for a week. Then string them on twine with mini clothespins or a dab of hot glue. Hang across a mantel, window or doorway.
3. Mason jar lanterns
Mod Podge pressed leaves or tissue paper onto the outside of a clean mason jar, wrap the rim with twine and add a battery-operated tea light. They glow beautifully on a porch or dinner table.
4. Pinecone fire starters
Dip dry pinecones in melted wax (old candle stubs work well), let them harden, and use them to light your fireplace or fire pit. They make great hostess gifts in a small basket. Melt wax carefully in a double boiler, never directly over high heat.
5. Cinnamon stick candle wraps
Hot-glue cinnamon sticks around a glass jar or pillar candle holder and tie with raffia. Use battery candles inside for safety. Real flames shouldn't touch the sticks.
6. Acorn and twig wreath
Start with a grapevine wreath from a craft store and hot-glue on acorns, small pinecones, faux berries and dried flowers. Bake collected acorns at a low temperature (around 175°F) for a couple of hours first to dry them out and get rid of any bugs.
7. Handprint turkey art (kids)
Trace small hands on colorful construction paper, cut them out as feathers and glue them behind a paper turkey body. It's a keepsake classic for Thanksgiving.
8. Fabric scrap pumpkins
Place a toilet paper roll in the center of a square of fabric, tuck the fabric into the tube and add a cinnamon stick or twig "stem." There's no sewing, and it's a great way to use up scraps.
Crafting tips
- Use a low-temperature glue gun for kids, with adult supervision.
- Cover your work surface with kraft paper or an old tablecloth.
- Dollar stores and thrift shops are treasure troves for jars, frames and baskets.
