15 Easy Fall DIY Projects You Can Complete in a Weekend
As the leaves begin their spectacular transformation and that familiar crisp breeze fills the air, I find myself eagerly anticipating the cozy months ahead. There’s something magical about fall that makes me want to transform my home into a warm, inviting sanctuary. Over the years, I’ve discovered that you don’t need weeks of preparation or a hefty budget to create stunning autumn decor.
I’m excited to share 15 of my favorite fall DIY projects that you can tackle in just a weekend. These projects have become my go-to solutions for bringing that perfect autumn ambiance into every corner of my home.
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1. Rustic Mason Jar Lanterns
These charming lanterns have become my signature fall decoration. I start by gathering mason jars of various sizes and wrapping them with burlap or twine. The key is creating texture while maintaining that rustic appeal.
I drill small holes in the lids to accommodate battery-operated string lights. The warm glow they emit instantly transforms any space. Place them on your mantel, porch steps, or cluster them as a dining table centerpiece. The best part? This entire project takes less than two hours from start to finish.
For added autumn flair, I sometimes glue small artificial leaves or acorns around the jar’s rim. The materials cost under $20, and you’ll have enough supplies to make at least six lanterns.
2. Autumn Leaf Garland
Nothing captures fall’s essence quite like a handmade leaf garland. I’ve tried various approaches, but my favorite method involves using real leaves that I’ve pressed and preserved.
Start by collecting leaves in different shapes and colors during your morning walks. Press them between wax paper and heavy books for three days. Once dried, I carefully punch small holes near each leaf’s stem and thread them onto twine or fishing line.
This garland looks stunning draped across doorways, wrapped around banister railings, or hung above windows. The natural colors create depth and warmth that store-bought decorations simply can’t match. I usually spend Saturday afternoon collecting leaves and finish stringing them by Sunday evening.
3. Painted Pumpkin Centerpieces
Traditional orange pumpkins are beautiful, but I love experimenting with unexpected color palettes. Last year, I created an entire collection using sage green, dusty blue, and cream chalk paint.
The process is surprisingly simple. I clean the pumpkins thoroughly, apply a base coat of primer, then add two coats of chalk paint. While the paint dries, I prepare decorative elements like gold leaf accents or subtle distressing with fine sandpaper.
These painted pumpkins work beautifully in modern farmhouse settings or contemporary homes. Group them in odd numbers on your dining table, kitchen island, or front porch. The matte finish of chalk paint gives them an expensive, designer look for just a few dollars per pumpkin.
4. Cozy Throw Pillow Covers
Switching out pillow covers is my secret weapon for instant seasonal transformation. I purchase inexpensive fabric in rich fall colors like burnt orange, deep burgundy, and golden yellow from the remnant bin.
My go-to technique involves creating envelope-style covers that don’t require zippers or buttons. I measure my existing pillows, add seam allowances, and cut two rectangles. The back piece gets an overlapping flap that creates the envelope closure.
These covers typically take me about 30 minutes each to sew, even as a novice seamstress. I make several sets so I can rotate them throughout the season. The fabric cost averages $5 per pillow, making this an incredibly budget-friendly update.
5. Harvest Corn Wreath
Corn husks create texture and movement that I absolutely love in fall decorations. For this project, I start with a wire wreath form and dried corn husks from the craft store or farmers market.
I separate the husks and attach them in overlapping layers using hot glue and floral wire. The technique involves working in sections, ensuring each layer covers the wire underneath. I add interest with small gourds, mini pumpkins, or preserved wheat stalks.
This wreath looks incredible on front doors, over fireplaces, or in dining rooms. The natural materials age beautifully and maintain their appeal throughout the entire fall season. Total project time runs about three hours, perfect for a leisurely weekend afternoon.
6. Autumn Candle Holders
Glass hurricane candles get a fall makeover with this simple technique I discovered last year. I collect glass cylinders of varying heights and wrap them with natural materials like cinnamon sticks, small twigs, or strips of birch bark.
The secret is using a hot glue gun to secure materials while working in small sections. I wrap jute twine around the entire circumference to hold everything in place and add that rustic finishing touch.
These candle holders create the most amazing ambiance during dinner parties or quiet evenings at home. The flickering light filters through the natural materials, casting beautiful shadows on nearby surfaces. I usually make six to eight in different sizes for maximum impact.
7. Fabric Pumpkin Collection
Fabric pumpkins have become my obsession because they’re reusable and come in endless pattern possibilities. I use various fabrics from my scrap collection, including burlap, plaid flannel, and vintage florals.
The construction involves cutting fabric circles, gathering them with running stitches, and stuffing with fiberfill. A cinnamon stick inserted through the center creates the stem, while real or artificial leaves complete the look.
I love how these soft pumpkins add texture without being fragile like real ones. They’re perfect for households with young children or pets. My collection has grown to over twenty fabric pumpkins in different sizes and patterns over the past few years.
8. Wooden Sign with Fall Saying
Hand-painted wooden signs add personality and warmth to any space. I purchase pre-cut wood pieces from the craft store or ask my local lumber yard to cut boards to my specifications.
My favorite fall sayings include “Grateful & Blessed,” “Hello Fall,” and “Autumn Leaves & Pumpkins Please.” I sketch the letters lightly in pencil, then paint using acrylic craft paints and small brushes.
The distressing technique I use involves lightly sanding certain areas after the paint dries completely. This creates an aged, weathered appearance that perfectly complements farmhouse and rustic decor styles. Each sign takes about four hours total, including drying time.
9. Acorn and Pinecone Garland
Natural elements create the most authentic fall decorations. During walks in the park or wooded areas, I collect acorns, pinecones, and interesting seed pods throughout September and early October.
I clean everything thoroughly and let them dry completely before crafting. Using a small drill bit, I carefully create holes for threading onto sturdy twine or thin rope. Spacing them irregularly creates a more organic, natural appearance.
This garland drapes beautifully along mantels, doorways, or table edges. The neutral brown tones complement any color scheme while adding texture and visual interest. It’s completely free to make if you enjoy nature walks, and the gathering process becomes part of the fun.
10. Fall Terrarium Gardens
Glass terrariums offer endless creative possibilities for miniature fall landscapes. I start with clear glass containers of various shapes and sizes, then layer them with decorative elements.
My base layer usually consists of small pebbles or decorative stones for drainage. Next comes preserved moss, tiny pinecones, miniature pumpkins, and small battery-operated LED lights for magical evening illumination.
These terrariums work beautifully as coffee table centerpieces, bookshelf decorations, or grouped together on side tables. The enclosed environment keeps everything dust-free and allows me to create intricate little worlds. Each one takes about an hour to complete and provides months of enjoyment.
11. Burlap Table Runner
A custom table runner instantly transforms your dining space for fall gatherings. I purchase burlap by the yard and cut it slightly longer than my table to allow for elegant draping on both ends.
The edges get a frayed finish that I create by pulling individual threads. This process is actually quite meditative and relaxing. I sometimes add decorative elements like stenciled leaves or iron-on fall motifs.
This runner pairs beautifully with my other DIY fall decorations and costs a fraction of store-bought alternatives. The neutral burlap color works with any dishes or glassware, making it incredibly versatile for different occasions throughout the season.
12. Hanging Twig Stars
Geometric shapes created from natural materials strike the perfect balance between rustic and modern. I collect straight twigs of similar thickness during outdoor adventures, then bind them together with thin wire or natural twine.
The key to successful twig stars lies in selecting branches that are relatively straight and uniform. I typically make them in two sizes – larger ones for wall displays and smaller versions for tree ornaments or package decorations.
These stars look stunning hung at varying heights in front of windows, where they create interesting shadows and silhouettes. They also work beautifully incorporated into larger fall vignettes or seasonal tablescapes.
13. Cinnamon Stick Bundles
The warm, spicy scent of cinnamon instantly evokes feelings of comfort and home. I purchase cinnamon sticks in bulk and create decorative bundles tied with raffia or twine.
These bundles serve double duty as both decoration and natural air fresheners. I place them in wooden bowls, tuck them into garlands, or hang them from cabinet knobs in the kitchen.
The aromatic element adds an often-overlooked sensory layer to fall decorating. Guests always comment on how welcoming and cozy my home smells during autumn months. The bundles maintain their fragrance for several weeks and cost very little to create.
14. Leaf Preservation Art
Preserving fall’s beauty allows me to enjoy vibrant colors long after the leaves have fallen. My preferred method involves pressing leaves between wax paper using a warm iron, which maintains both color and flexibility.
Once preserved, I arrange them in floating frames, create botanical wall art, or incorporate them into other craft projects. The variety of shapes, sizes, and colors provides endless creative possibilities.
This technique works particularly well with maple, oak, and ginkgo leaves. I’ve created entire gallery walls featuring preserved leaf collections that become conversation pieces throughout the fall and winter months.
15. Rustic Branch Centerpiece
Tree branches become elegant table centerpieces with minimal effort and maximum impact. I select interesting branches with appealing shapes and curves, then arrange them in tall vases or mason jars.
The secret lies in choosing branches of varying heights and adding subtle lighting with battery-operated string lights wrapped around the branches. Small clip-on ornaments like miniature pumpkins or artificial leaves complete the look.
This centerpiece works beautifully for both casual family dinners and formal entertaining. The height creates visual drama without blocking conversation across the table, and the natural elements bring the outdoors inside.
Bringing It All Together
These fifteen projects have transformed my home into a cozy autumn retreat that friends and family love visiting. The best part is that most materials can be found in nature or purchased inexpensively at craft stores during seasonal sales.
I typically tackle two or three projects each weekend throughout September and October. This pace allows me to enjoy the creative process without feeling overwhelmed. By November, my entire home reflects the warmth and beauty of the season.
Remember that DIY projects should bring you joy, not stress. Choose the ones that speak to your personal style and don’t worry about perfection. The handmade touches and natural imperfections are what make these decorations truly special.
Start with one or two projects that excite you most. Once you experience the satisfaction of creating something beautiful with your own hands, you’ll likely find yourself eager to try more. Happy crafting, and welcome to the wonderful world of fall DIY decorating!
If you love home decor and interior design as much as I do, check out these other articles I think you might like.
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