This post explores fun and creative fall crafts that will keep the whole family engaged this season.
Ah, fall! The crisp air, cozy sweaters, and of course, the brilliant colors of the season just beg for a little creativity.
There’s something magical about autumn that makes you want to break out the craft supplies, gather the family around the table, and let your imagination run wild.
It could be turning fallen leaves into art or creating cozy home décor, fall is the perfect time to embrace the crafty side of life.
In this post, I’ve gathered 35 fun and creative fall crafts that the whole family can enjoy. From adorable pumpkin crafts for the little ones to chic DIY décor that will have your home feeling warm and inviting, there’s something for everyone.
34 Fun and Creative Fall Crafts for the Whole Family
1. Leaf Print Art
Leaf prints capture the beauty of nature with a simple process. Head outdoors to collect a variety of fall leaves. The wider the variety of shapes and sizes, the better! Back at home, set up a crafting space with paints and a large canvas or sheet of paper.
Dip one side of the leaves into autumn-colored paint (think reds, oranges, and yellows) and press them onto the canvas, making sure to leave clean imprints.
You can even overlap colors for a layered effect. Once dried, your kids will have a beautiful piece of seasonal artwork they can proudly display.
2. Mason Jar Candle Holders
Mason jars are a crafting staple, and this fall version makes for a perfect seasonal decoration. Start by collecting autumn leaves (real or faux) and clean mason jars.
Use Mod Podge or clear-drying glue to attach the leaves to the outside of the jar. Once the glue has dried, wrap the jar’s neck with twine or ribbon to add a rustic touch.
Place a small candle or LED light inside, and enjoy the warm glow that shines through the leaf pattern. These candle holders make great centerpieces or mantel decor.
3. Pinecone Bird Feeders
Combine crafting with nature by making bird feeders out of pinecones. Find some sturdy pinecones during your fall nature walks, then spread peanut butter (or a peanut butter alternative) all over the pinecone. Roll the peanut butter-covered pinecone in birdseed until it’s fully coated.
Tie a piece of string around the top and hang the feeders in your yard. Your kids will love checking to see which birds come to enjoy their handmade feeders!
4. DIY Scarecrow
Building a scarecrow is a family-friendly project that allows for creativity. Start by collecting old clothes like flannels, jeans, or overalls and stuffing them with straw, newspaper, or old clothes to give your scarecrow some shape.
Use a pillowcase or burlap sack for the head, and let the kids paint on a face using fabric markers or paint. Add a hat, scarf, or boots to complete the look. Whether you make a traditional or funny scarecrow, it’s a great decoration for your porch or yard.
5. Pumpkin Painting
Pumpkin painting is a fun alternative to carving, especially for younger kids. Instead of using sharp tools, grab some acrylic paints and let everyone paint their pumpkins with unique designs. You can paint classic jack-o’-lantern faces, spooky creatures, or create beautiful autumn patterns.
Add glitter, googly eyes, or stickers for extra fun. Painted pumpkins last longer than carved ones, so you’ll be able to enjoy your family’s creations throughout the season.
6. Acorn Cap Jewelry
Turn acorn caps into charming DIY jewelry pieces. First, gather acorn caps during your fall walks. Clean them and drill a small hole in each cap. Fill the caps with glitter, tiny beads, or resin for a shimmering effect.
Attach a string or chain through the hole, and you have a rustic, nature-inspired necklace or bracelet. This craft is perfect for older kids and teens who enjoy making handmade accessories.
7. Felt Leaf Garland
Felt leaf garlands bring the beauty of fall indoors. Cut out different leaf shapes from felt in various fall colors—orange, red, yellow, and brown. You can use a leaf template for more accuracy.
Once you have enough leaves, use a needle and thread or hot glue to string them onto twine. Hang the garland over your fireplace, across windows, or along a staircase to add a festive, cozy touch to your home.
8. Handprint Trees
Handprint trees are a sentimental keepsake and a fun activity for younger children. Start by painting a tree trunk and branches on a canvas or large piece of paper. Then, have your kids dip their hands in different fall-colored paints (yellow, orange, red, and brown) and press their handprints onto the branches to represent the tree’s leaves.
Not only does this create a beautiful autumn display, but it also captures a snapshot of your children’s little hands, making it a cherished memory.
9. DIY Autumn Wreath
Create a welcoming autumn wreath for your front door with simple materials. Start with a foam wreath form and cover it with burlap or ribbon. Then, hot glue a mix of fall decorations like faux leaves, mini pumpkins, pinecones, and acorns around the wreath.
You can personalize it further by adding a wooden letter (representing your family’s last name) or a cute fall-themed sign. It’s a great way to add curb appeal and get into the fall spirit.
10. Leaf Lanterns
Leaf lanterns are an enchanting craft that brings the glow of autumn leaves into your home. Begin by gathering leaves and pressing them flat under heavy books for a few days. Once pressed, use Mod Podge to attach the leaves to the outside of a clean glass jar.
Once the glue dries, place a tea light or LED candle inside. When lit, the lanterns emit a warm, cozy glow through the leaves, perfect for evening ambiance on a fall night.
11. Cinnamon Stick Candle Holders
Cinnamon stick candle holders combine beauty with a lovely fall scent. Start with a simple glass candle holder and use hot glue to attach cinnamon sticks vertically around the outside.
When the candle is lit, the warmth helps release the cinnamon scent, creating a fragrant and cozy atmosphere. These candle holders are great for dinner table centerpieces or adding a fall touch to any room.
12. Painted Rock Pumpkins
Transform ordinary rocks into cute pumpkin decorations. Find smooth, round rocks and paint them orange using acrylic paint. Once dry, paint on jack-o’-lantern faces or decorative patterns like polka dots or chevrons. You can also use glow-in-the-dark paint for a fun twist.
These painted rock pumpkins are a durable and long-lasting alternative to real pumpkins and can be displayed on your porch, in the garden, or inside your home.
13. Apple Stamping
Apple stamping is a fun and easy craft for kids of all ages. Simply cut an apple in half and dip the cut side in paint. Press it onto paper to create apple-shaped prints.
Use different fall-colored paints to make colorful patterns, and let the kids explore their creativity by turning the apple shapes into pumpkins, faces, or abstract art. This is a great activity for making fall cards, wrapping paper, or even framing the artwork for display.
14. Corn Husk Dolls
Corn husk dolls are a traditional craft with a rich history. To make them, soak dried corn husks in water to soften them, then tie and fold them into a doll shape using twine.
You can add small details like arms, hats, or dresses to customize the dolls. These charming figures can be used as seasonal decorations or given to children for play.
15. Twig Picture Frames
Twig picture frames add a rustic fall touch to your home decor. Collect twigs of different sizes, and glue them around a simple picture frame in a crisscross pattern for texture.
You can even add small pinecones or acorns for extra detail. Place a favorite family photo or an autumn print inside to complete the look. These frames also make thoughtful handmade gifts for loved ones.
16. Paper Bag Pumpkins
Paper bag pumpkins are an easy craft that’s perfect for younger children. Start with a brown paper lunch bag and stuff it with crumpled newspaper or tissue paper. Twist the top of the bag to form a stem, then paint or color the outside of the bag orange.
You can even decorate the pumpkin with stickers, glitter, or markers to give it personality. These paper bag pumpkins make cute decorations for classrooms or at-home fall displays.
17. Nature Collage
Celebrate the beauty of the outdoors with a nature collage. Go on a family nature walk to collect leaves, pinecones, acorns, and twigs. Back at home, arrange the collected items on a piece of paper, cardstock, or canvas, and use glue to secure them.
You can create specific designs like trees, animals, or abstract patterns. This craft is a great way to appreciate the natural beauty of fall while spending time outdoors as a family.
18. Pumpkin Spice Playdough
Bring fall scents into your home with pumpkin spice playdough. To make the playdough, combine flour, salt, cream of tartar, water, and vegetable oil in a pot. Add pumpkin pie spice for fragrance and orange food coloring for that festive fall look.
Cook the mixture until it forms a dough, then let the kids use cookie cutters to shape pumpkins, leaves, or acorns. The smell alone will make this craft an instant favorite for the whole family!
19. DIY Leaf Crowns
Create a royal fall look with DIY leaf crowns. Have your kids collect colorful leaves during your next walk, then glue them onto a strip of construction paper or attach them directly to a headband.
Once the glue dries, your kids can proudly wear their leaf crowns around the house or while playing outside. This craft is perfect for a fall photoshoot or playtime with an autumn theme.
20. Pumpkin Spice Soap
Homemade pumpkin spice soap bars make a delightful seasonal addition to your bathroom or a great gift for friends. Using a melt-and-pour soap base (available at craft stores), melt the soap according to the instructions, then mix in pumpkin pie spice and orange food coloring.
Pour the soap into molds and let it set until firm. The result is fragrant, fall-scented soap bars that look and smell amazing.
21. Yarn Pumpkins
Yarn pumpkins are a unique and decorative way to celebrate fall. Start by inflating a balloon to your desired size. Dip orange yarn in glue, then wrap it around the balloon, leaving spaces for the balloon to show through.
Once the glue has dried, pop the balloon and remove it, leaving a hollow pumpkin-shaped yarn sculpture. Add a cinnamon stick or twig as the stem. These yarn pumpkins look great as part of a fall table display or mantel decoration.
22. Salt Dough Leaves
Salt dough is an easy and versatile craft material. To make it, combine flour, salt, and water to create a dough. Roll out the dough and use leaf-shaped cookie cutters to cut out your shapes. Use a straw to poke a small hole near the top if you want to hang them as ornaments.
Bake the leaves in the oven until they harden, then let your kids paint them in fall colors. These salt dough leaves make great decorations for tabletops or hanging around the house.
23. Leaf Rubbings
Leaf rubbings are a classic fall activity that highlights the intricate details of autumn leaves. Place a piece of paper over a leaf, and use the side of a crayon to gently rub across the paper.
The leaf’s veins and shape will appear on the paper as the crayon highlights its texture. This simple craft is a great way to introduce young children to nature while creating fun, seasonal artwork.
24. Pumpkin Sun Catchers
Pumpkin sun catchers bring autumn colors into your windows. Cut out pumpkin shapes from wax paper and place crayon shavings between two layers of wax paper. Gently iron over the top to melt the crayons, creating a stained-glass effect.
Once cool, cut out the pumpkin shape and hang it in your window. When the sun shines through, the melted crayons create a vibrant, colorful display.
25. Pinecone Owls
Turn ordinary pinecones into adorable owls with this fun craft. Use felt to cut out small wings, beaks, and feet, and glue them onto pinecones. Add googly eyes to give the owls personality.
You can make different-sized owls using pinecones of various shapes. These cute owls make great fall decorations or toys for kids to play with.
26. Autumn-Themed Painted Mason Jars
Mason jars are perfect for fall-themed vases or centerpieces. Paint the jars in fall colors like orange, red, and yellow, and add designs such as leaves, pumpkins, or even words like “fall” or “harvest.”
Once dry, fill the jars with seasonal flowers, leaves, or decorative branches. These jars can also be used as utensil holders for fall gatherings or filled with candy as a festive display.
27. Scavenger Hunt Collage
Create a fun family activity by going on a fall-themed scavenger hunt. Make a list of items like acorns, colorful leaves, and pinecones for the kids to collect.
Once everyone has gathered their treasures, bring them home and arrange them into a collage or mobile using glue, string, and paper. This combines outdoor adventure with indoor crafting, making for a creative and engaging experience.
28. Button Tree Art
Button tree art is an easy, colorful craft for kids. Start by painting a simple tree trunk and branches on a piece of paper or canvas. Once the paint is dry, glue colorful buttons onto the branches to represent the leaves.
Use fall colors like orange, yellow, red, and brown to make it seasonal. This art project is fun for all ages and can be displayed in your home or gifted to family members.
29. Twig and Yarn Wrapped Letters
Gather twigs from outside and wrap them with fall-colored yarn to form the initials of family members or spell out words like “FALL” or “HOME.”
You can glue the twigs together to create each letter’s shape, then carefully wrap them in yarn for a cozy, rustic look. These letters are perfect for hanging on the wall or using as part of a fall centerpiece.
30. Leaf Glitter Ornaments
Collect leaves during your autumn walks and coat them with glue and glitter to make sparkly fall ornaments. After the glue dries, attach a string to each leaf to hang them around your home or even on a small “fall tree.”
The glitter catches the light, making these ornaments a festive and sparkly addition to your fall decor.
31. Paper Plate Scarecrows
This fun and simple craft is perfect for young kids. Use paper plates as the base for your scarecrow’s face. Have the kids glue on yarn or straw for hair, and add googly eyes, a felt nose, and a painted smile.
You can also use construction paper to create hats and other accessories. These paper plate scarecrows are great for hanging in windows or on doors to welcome the fall season.
32. Pinecone Turkey Decorations
Transform pinecones into cute little turkeys for Thanksgiving. Use felt to create the turkey’s feathers, beak, and wattle, and glue them onto the pinecone.
Add googly eyes to complete the look. These pinecone turkeys can be used as place settings for Thanksgiving dinner or as fun decorations around the house.
33. DIY Fabric Pumpkins
Make soft, fabric pumpkins that can be used year after year. Cut out large circles from fall-colored fabric, then gather the edges and stuff the middle with batting or crumpled paper.
Pull the edges together at the top and secure them with twine, leaving a small opening for a cinnamon stick or real twig to act as the pumpkin’s stem. These fabric pumpkins make great centerpieces or decorative accents around your home.
34. Fall-Themed Shadow Boxes
Shadow boxes allow you to create a 3D piece of art filled with fall treasures. Use a wooden or cardboard shadow box and fill it with small autumn items like acorns, mini pumpkins, and faux leaves.
You can decorate the inside with fall-themed scrapbook paper or paint the box in autumn colors. These shadow boxes can be hung on the wall or displayed on a shelf as a seasonal decoration.
This post showed you 34 fun and creative fall crafts for the whole family.
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