Autumn is here, bringing crisp air, cozy sweaters, and the perfect excuse to embrace simple, creative DIY projects at home. Whether you’re looking for fun ways to decorate your space, upcycle unused materials, or bring some of the outdoors inside, these DIY projects will help you make the most of the season.
The best part? You don’t need to spend a lot or be a seasoned crafter to get started. These 10 easy DIY projects for autumn are designed to be affordable, beginner-friendly, and immensely gratifying.
Ready to get creative this fall? Here are 10 projects to inspire your autumn crafting journey:
Create a Cozy Autumn Wreath for Your Front Door
A welcoming autumn wreath can instantly elevate the look of your front door, setting the tone for the season. This DIY project is budget-friendly, as you can use natural materials found in your backyard or local park.
Materials Needed:
- Pinecones
- Twigs or grapevine wreath base
- Fallen leaves
- Hot glue gun
- Ribbon or twine
Instructions:
- Start with a base: You can either buy a plain wreath form from a craft store or use grapevine branches to shape your own.
- Collect your decorations: Take a nature walk and gather pinecones, acorns, twigs, and colorful autumn leaves.
- Assemble your wreath: Attach your decorations to the wreath base using a hot glue gun, layering leaves, pinecones, and twigs until you’re satisfied with the look.
- Add a finishing touch: Tie a piece of ribbon or twine at the top to hang your wreath.
This project is a great way to connect with nature while crafting something unique for your home. Plus, it’s easy to adapt with whatever materials you have on hand.
Upcycle Old Sweaters into Decorative Throw Pillows
Give your old, worn-out sweaters new life by transforming them into soft, cozy throw pillows. This simple DIY project for autumn is the perfect way to warm up your living room décor without spending much.
Materials Needed:
- Old sweaters
- Pillow stuffing or old pillows
- Needle and thread or fabric glue
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Cut the sweater: Lay your sweater flat and cut out the body, leaving extra fabric for the seams.
- Stitch it up: Sew along three sides of the fabric, leaving one side open to insert the pillow stuffing or an old pillow.
- Finish the pillow: Once stuffed, sew up the last side or use fabric glue for a no-sew option.
Upcycling clothing into home décor is a sustainable way to refresh your space for the fall.
DIY Candle Holders from Recycled Jars
There’s nothing like candlelight to set the mood for cozy autumn evenings. Creating your own candle holders from recycled jars is a simple and eco-friendly project that adds a warm, personal touch to any room.
Materials Needed:
- Mason jars or old glass jars
- Twine or ribbon
- Autumn-themed embellishments (leaves, small pinecones)
- Hot glue gun
- Tea lights or small candles
Instructions:
- Clean the jars: Remove labels and clean the jars thoroughly.
- Decorate the jars: Wrap twine or ribbon around the mouth of the jar and use hot glue to attach leaves, acorns, or other small autumnal embellishments.
- Place the candle: Once the jar is decorated, pop a tea light or small candle inside.
The flickering candlelight through the glass creates a soothing autumnal ambiance, perfect for evenings spent indoors
Plant a Small Indoor Herb Garden
Don’t let the colder weather stop you from gardening! Starting a small indoor herb garden is a gratifying way to continue growing fresh herbs for cooking, even as the days grow shorter. This easy DIY project brings a touch of greenery to your kitchen windowsill.
Materials Needed:
- Small pots or recycled containers
- Potting soil
- Herb seeds (basil, thyme, rosemary)
- Labels
Instructions:
- Choose your containers: You can use small clay pots or upcycle items like yogurt containers or tins.
- Plant the seeds: Fill each container with soil and plant your herb seeds according to the instructions on the packet.
- Water and wait: Place the containers in a sunny spot and water regularly.
In just a few weeks, you’ll have fresh herbs to use in your favorite autumn recipes, while also brightening up your home with some greenery.
Craft Your Own Fall-Themed Wall Art
Decorating your walls doesn’t have to be expensive. This DIY fall-themed wall art is a fun and affordable way to bring the colors and textures of autumn into your home. The best part? You can customize the design to match your style.
Materials Needed:
- Canvas or cardboard
- Acrylic paint in autumnal colors (orange, brown, gold)
- Stencils or painter’s tape
Instructions:
- Set up your canvas: Lay out your canvas or cardboard on a flat surface and plan your design.
- Paint your background: Choose a warm, autumn-inspired palette and create a background of blended colors.
- Add details: Use stencils or painter’s tape to create leaf patterns, pumpkins, or geometric shapes over the background.
Once dry, hang your new piece of art in your living room, bedroom, or entryway for a pop of seasonal charm.
Build a Bird Feeder from Recycled Materials
Autumn is a great time to help local birds prepare for the colder months. Building a bird feeder from recycled materials is not only an eco-friendly DIY project but also a rewarding way to attract wildlife to your yard.
Materials Needed:
- Empty plastic bottles or milk cartons
- Twine
- Birdseed
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Cut an opening: Take an empty plastic bottle or milk carton and cut out a large opening near the middle.
- Create a perch: Poke two small holes below the opening and insert a stick or pencil for the birds to perch on.
- Hang it up: Fill the bottle with birdseed and hang it in your yard using twine.
Watching birds visit your feeder will bring a sense of calm and connection to nature all season long.
Sew a Simple Fall-Themed Table Runner
Transform your dining table with a festive, fall-themed table runner that you can sew yourself. This project is perfect for novice sewers, and it only requires a few materials to make a big impact on your seasonal décor.
Materials Needed:
- Autumn-themed fabric
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
- Fabric scissors
- Measuring tape
Instructions:
- Measure your table: Use a measuring tape to determine the length and width you want for your table runner.
- Cut the fabric: Cut the fabric according to your measurements, leaving extra for hemming.
- Sew the edges: Fold over the edges of the fabric and sew a simple hem along all four sides.
This project is a great way to practice basic sewing skills while creating something both practical and beautiful.
Make Your Own Scented Potpourri
Bring the smells of autumn into your home with homemade potpourri. This DIY project is not only affordable, but it also lets you customize the scents to suit your personal preferences.
Materials Needed:
- Dried fruit (oranges, apples)
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole cloves
- Pinecones
- Essential oils (optional)
Instructions:
- Dry your fruit: Thinly slice your fruit and bake it at a low temperature until completely dried out.
- Combine ingredients: Mix the dried fruit, pinecones, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in a bowl. Add a few drops of essential oils if desired.
- Display: Place the potpourri in a bowl or decorative dish and refresh with essential oils when needed.
This homemade potpourri makes for a perfect seasonal centerpiece or housewarming gift.
Decorate Pumpkins Without Carving
Carving pumpkins can be messy and time-consuming, but decorating them doesn’t have to be! Try these easy, no-carve pumpkin decorating ideas that let you get creative without the hassle.
Ideas:
- Painted Pumpkins: Use acrylic paint to create patterns, monograms, or fall scenes.
- Decoupage Pumpkins: Apply tissue paper, leaves, or even printed fabric to pumpkins using decoupage glue.
- Stickered Pumpkins: Use autumn-themed stickers, decals, or temporary tattoos for a quick and mess-free option.
These no-carve pumpkins can last all season long and are perfect for indoor or outdoor displays.
Create a DIY Autumn Photo Display
Capture and display your favorite autumn memories with a DIY photo display that’s as simple as it is stylish. This project is not only personal but also adds a cozy, nostalgic feel to your home.
Materials Needed:
- Twine
- Mini clothespins
- Photos or fall-themed postcards
- Command hooks or nails
Instructions:
- Hang the twine: Attach the twine horizontally across a wall or above a mantel using command hooks or small nails.
- Clip on the photos: Use mini clothespins to clip your photos, postcards, or even pressed leaves to the twine.
- Customize: Add fairy lights or small autumnal decorations for extra warmth and charm.
This easy DIY project brings a personalized touch to your fall home décor and can be updated with new photos throughout the season.
Start Your DIY Journey This Autumn
These easy DIY projects for autumn are affordable, simple, and rewarding, making them perfect for bringing some seasonal cheer into your home. Whether you’re crafting a wreath, creating candle holders, or building a bird feeder, these projects are designed to be fun and accessible for everyone—no matter your crafting experience.
Choose one (or several!) projects to try this autumn and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something beautiful with your own hands.
Happy crafting!
