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25 Fall Craft Ideas That’ll Actually Make You Want to Stay In

Written by Roxanne | Jul 31, 2025 2:58:52 AM


 Fall is the season that makes staying indoors feel like a luxury. Between the crisp air and cozy drinks, it's the perfect time to get creative with your hands. But not everyone wants to make the same leaf wreath for the 10th year in a row.

 

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If you’re itching to do something seasonal without the boredom, this list is for you. From rustic decor to kid-friendly fun, these 25 fall crafts are not only easy to make but actually worth displaying. Let’s count them down!

 

🍁 Easy Home Decor You’ll Actually Want to Keep

 

25. Mini Pumpkin Vases

Turn those cheap mini pumpkins into adorable fall vases. Scoop out the inside, stick in a votive holder or small jar, and fill with dried flowers or real ones. It's chic enough for your Thanksgiving table and simple enough for a rainy Sunday afternoon.


24. Pressed Leaf Frames

Go on a leaf hunt, press them in a book for a few days, then frame them with neutral or black matte frames. The contrast is gorgeous and makes your home feel like a fall Pinterest board. Hang in a grid for max impact.

 

23. Acorn Garland

Grab some twine, hot glue, and a bunch of acorns (real or fake). You can paint the caps gold or copper for extra glam, then glue them along the string and hang over your mantel. It’s rustic without looking “camp craft.”

 

22. Rustic Mason Jar Lanterns

Wrap lace or burlap around mason jars, add tea lights inside, and boom—instant cozy glow. Tie with twine or leaves for a finishing touch. Great for porch lighting or tabletop decor.


21. Sweater Pillows

Old sweaters = new pillow covers. Just cut, sew (or glue), and pop over an existing pillow. It adds soft texture and fall warmth instantly. Bonus: repurposes that sweater with the weird neck hole.

 

🍂  Crafts for Kids That Aren’t a Messy Nightmare

 

20. Paper Plate Scarecrows

Cut a paper plate in half and decorate with googly eyes, yarn hair, and a construction paper hat. It’s simple, cheap, and great for younger kids learning about fall themes.

19. Pinecone Turkeys

A classic for a reason—glue on colored feathers, googly eyes, and a felt beak. Makes a great pre-Thanksgiving classroom craft or afternoon project.

 

18. Painted Rock Pumpkins

Find some flat rocks, paint them orange, add green stems and black jack-o’-lantern faces. They’re fun to hide around the yard or gift to neighbors. No carving knives needed.

 

17. Fall Tree Handprint Art

Use brown paint for the trunk (from your child’s arm!) and finger-paint warm-colored leaves at the top. Kids love it, and it’s a great keepsake to compare every year.

 

16. Corn Kernel Mosaics

Draw a simple shape like a pumpkin, then glue colored corn kernels inside like a mosaic. It teaches fine motor skills and looks surprisingly cool.

 

🎃 Pumpkin Crafts That Go Beyond Carving

 

15. Pumpkin Yarn Wraps

Wrap orange yarn around small foam balls or balloons, let dry with glue, then pop and pull out. Add felt stems and leaves—they look like mini yarn sculptures.

 

14. Chalk-Paint Pumpkins

Instead of carving, paint pumpkins in matte chalk paint—white, blush, navy. Write cute messages with chalk or leave minimalist. Lasts way longer, too.

 

13. Fabric-Covered Pumpkins

Wrap small pumpkins in scrap fabric or old scarves. Just tie or glue at the stem. It gives a warm, vintage vibe and pairs great with farmhouse decor.

 

12. Pumpkin String Art

Use a wood board, nails, and orange string to make a pumpkin silhouette. It's oddly satisfying and makes a cool, crafty wall hanging.

 

11. Decoupaged Pumpkin

Use Mod Podge and tissue paper or napkins to cover pumpkins in fall patterns. A great way to upcycle cheap dollar-store pumpkins into decor pieces you’ll actually want to keep.

🍎  Fall Crafts for Gifting, Parties & Pure Vibes

 

10. Cinnamon Stick Candle Holders

Wrap cinnamon sticks around a small candle with twine. The heat releases the scent and it smells like heaven on your table. Great for fall dinners.

 

9. Apple Stamped Tea Towels

Slice an apple in half, dip in paint, and stamp onto white tea towels. The result? A surprisingly chic DIY gift for teachers, hosts, or friends.

 

8. Scented Sachets with Dried Herbs

Mix dried lavender, cloves, and cinnamon in fabric pouches or old socks. Tie with ribbon. Toss in drawers, bags, or give as mini gifts.

 

7. Autumn Potpourri Jars

Layer dried oranges, cloves, cinnamon, and pine in mason jars. Add a tag and gift it, or simmer on the stove for instant fall vibes.

 

6. Wood Slice Coasters

Buy or slice your own wood disks, then paint or stencil fall icons—leaves, pumpkins, acorns. Seal with Mod Podge. A rustic, handmade hostess gift.

 

5. DIY Fall Scented Playdough

Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and food coloring to homemade playdough for a seasonal twist. Smells great and keeps the kids busy while you sip cider.


4. Painted Acorn Magnets

 

Glue small magnets to the back of painted acorn tops. Use them on the fridge to hold fall art or notes. Functional and adorable.


3. Leaf-Stamped Clay Dishes

Roll out air-dry clay, press in leaves, cut into circles, and shape into shallow dishes. Let dry, paint, and seal. Great for jewelry or keys.


2. Hot Cocoa Stirring Spoons

Dip wooden spoons in melted chocolate, sprinkle with crushed candy or cinnamon, and wrap. Makes a fun party favor or little “thinking of you” treat.

 

1. Fall Memory Jar

Write down your favorite fall moments on little paper slips—one for each week. Toss in a jar and read them back on Thanksgiving. A simple but meaningful tradition.

🍂 Wrapping It Up

Crafting in the fall doesn’t have to be complicated or cliché. Whether you're decorating, gifting, or keeping kids entertained, these ideas make autumn feel as warm inside as it looks outside. Try one, or tackle all 25 through the season.