Three must-try crafts for fall

Fall has finally filled the air with cooler temperatures, vibrant colors, and the rustling sound of fallen leaves blowing in the wind.

There are so many things to get excited about this season (flannels and pumpkin spice lattes, we’re looking at you!) but one thing in particular that we can’t get enough of is all the various crafts you can try your hand at.

Whether you make a living by selling your crafts online or you’re simply looking for some rustic ways to decorate as the season turns, these ideas are sure to help. Many of them are kid-friendly and mess-free, meaning the whole family can have fun on those chilly days you’re cooped up indoors.

To help inspire you, we’ve picked three must-try crafts for fall – to try yourself or have fun with your children. Add this to your inspiration as well as you shop autumn stencils here!

1) Fall mason jars

There’s no easier way to turn your home into a rustic retreat than by decorating some fall mason jars.

This craft is incredibly fast and easy — two qualities we love more than anything. All you need to do is to purchase a pack of mason jarsin whatever size you want (although the bigger, the better, if you plan on using these as table centerpieces!), twill, burlap, and paint in earthy, autumn hues.

Here’s what to do:

  • Paint the mason jar(s) the color of your choice.
  • Wrap the burlap around the jar; adhere with hot glue or double-sided tape.
  • Paint your message of choice over the burlap using a stencil or free hand. For example, “Bless this Home” or for a set, “F”, “A”, “L”, “L”.
  • If you’re making mini mason jar candle holders, skip the paint and just add a fake autumn leaf behind the burlap wrap.
  • You can also adhere printed bottle labels directly onto the jar for a cleaner aesthetic.
  • Add a decorative twill bow beneath the lid of the jar.
  • Fill the jar with sunflowers, fake leaves, corn husks, twinkle lights – your choices are limitless!

The end product makes for an amazing piece of interior design on the Thanksgiving table or entry table all year long.

2) Epoxy party

We love this idea for a kid’s birthday party or for the times you need activities to do with your child on cold days. With a little supervision and parental assistance, the kids will be able to create fun, little molds that they can give to their teachers, friends, and family members.

Here’s what to do:

  • Start with silicon molds in the shape of your choice and rinse with water.
  • Carefully stir the epoxy resin(it should come in two parts). You can add dyes to create unique colors.
  • Using a popsicle stick, transfer the epoxy mix into the mold little by little. An option is to add fun, festive fall items (like rustic charms, amber leaves, creepy bugs, spooky eyeballs, or even gold glitter) to the mold once the resin thickens a bit; then seal it with another layer.
  • Allow the resin to set and clean the mixing utensils before they have a chance to Harden.
  • Pop the mold out of the silicon and voila!

These trinkets are fun on their own, or you can help the kids add a magnet to the back if they’re intended to be handed out as gifts. The resin typically takes 2-4 hours to set, meaning it’s a great activity for the beginning and end of a party!

3) Galaxy pumpkins

Gone are the days of laboring over carved pumpkins that inevitably rot within a few weeks’ time. Try out this trendy craft instead!

Here’s what to do:

  • Cover your pumpkins in black paint (works with real, plastic, or ceramic pumpkins).
  • Lightly apply neon acrylic paint with a sponge brush.
  • Add more layers of paint in different colors across different parts of the pumpkin.
  • Create stars by gently flicking white paint off the edge of a toothbrush.
  • Use a small paint brush to decorate larger stars and a moon.
  • Add a little sparkle and shine by applying glitter nail polish wherever you like.
  • Allow to dry.

These pumpkins look beautiful both inside and outdoors. They lend a different Halloween vibe, and will make it look as though you took a spooky family trip that was out of this world! Best of all, you won’t spend hours cleaning up newspapers, seeds, and guts that we know (and dread) all too well.

Have fun this season using these craft ideas and don’t blink – it’ll be Christmas before you know it!

Photo by Chris Lawton