Looking for fun and decorative craft projects with found fall leaves? Read on for ideas to help you find creative uses for fallen leaves, nuts, and branches beyond simply tossing them into your compost pile.
1. Pine cone wreath
This Fall Wreath by Design Blogger Taryn Whiteker Use found twigs and pine cones for seasonal decorations, so you don’t have to go to the craft store. In addition to this common design that can be easily applied to both fall and winter, Tallinn offers two additional variations of twig wreaths for use during the fall, winter, and holiday seasons.
Check out Tallinn Pine cone and twig wreath tutorial And make your own.
2. Painted acorn garland
This pretty painted acorn garland from Caitlin cheerful thoughts It takes just a few minutes to make and is a great way to spice up any home with the season.
As a bonus, this wreath can also be composted at the end of its useful life. If you plan to compost it later, be sure to use natural twine and non-toxic, washable paint. If you want to use compost in your organic garden, simply dig a small hole and bury the garland in your garden, allowing the organic compost to decompose naturally without making a mess.
Get step-by-step instructions on how to create one. painted acorn garland At The Merry Thought.
3. Mini Sparkling Caramel Apple
Planning a festival this fall? Spice up your snack table with adorable mini sparkling caramel apples by blogger Kelly Vann. Thoughts of Le Zoe. Kids and adults alike will love these cute caramel apple decorations made from fallen twigs with tiny budding leaves. You can also compost what’s left after your soiree to keep your project zero-waste.
learn how to make it yourself mini sparkling caramel apples At Le Zoe Musings.
4. Found twig earrings
This is one of those projects that made us do a double take. Handmade earrings made from found twigs? Join us! A blogger dreamed Alisa Burkethese earrings require wood burning tools to create a custom design.
“After clearing the backyard of branches and brush, inspiration suddenly struck,” Burke wrote about the project on her blog.
You can make at least 5 pairs from one branch, giving you enough extras to give as gifts to friends and family as a low-impact alternative to diamond jewelry.
For detailed instructions on how to make these unique earrings, please visit: Alisa Burke’s blog.
5. Leaf print on salt dough
Kids will love making this salt dough leaf print. And you can use it as a festive decoration all fall long. Gail Bartel that artist woman used silk leaves to complete the project, but you can also choose leaves you find in your garden to keep the project waste-free.
Check out how to make it at That Artist Woman salt dough leaf print your own.
6. Perched owl twig wall hanging
Looking for easy sewing and found materials projects for kids? Make life easier on earth with this ingenious twig wall hanging. Blogger Jill Shepherd. This cute upcycling project includes a sewing pattern and detailed suggestions for reusing found items.
7. Leaf light emitters
These beautiful luminaries made from wax paper and dried leaves are intimate wedding Blogger Christina Friedrichsen is sure to create a warm atmosphere this fall. Use the lights as table numbers for fall weddings and parties, or omit numbers for everyday home decor.
Find instructions on how to make leaf lighting fixtures At an intimate wedding.
8. Autumn table setting
Helena from Bilingual Blog craft and creativity We’ve come up with some wonderful autumn table settings that you’ll definitely want to see. In addition to wine bottles decorated with fall leaves and wire, Helena’s table features low-impact ideas like a leaf garland, fruit bowl, and tree stump candle holders.
Check out more of her amazing photos by visiting Craft and Creativity. autumn table setting.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on November 5, 2013 and updated in October 2024.
