Autumn is the easiest season to craft sustainably — the materials fall from the trees. Here are our favourite fall craft ideas for adults, all leaning on natural, foraged, or reused materials rather than plastic and glitter.
Dried orange garland
The scent alone is worth it. Slice, dry, and string oranges with cinnamon sticks for a garland that lasts for years — full method in how to dry orange slices.
Pressed-leaf and flower art
Autumn leaves press beautifully. Frame them, or seal them into coasters and cards — the same technique as pressing flowers.
A foraged natural wreath
Build a base from bendy twigs and wire on acorns, pinecones, seed heads, and a few dried orange slices. Nothing bought, nothing wasted.
Acorn and pinecone decor
Fill a bowl, wire a garland, or glue tiny acorn "caps" onto pins for place settings. A walk is the whole supply run.
Tea-dyed autumn linens
Warm tan and ivory tones are peak autumn. Give plain napkins or a table runner a soft, seasonal tint with tea dyeing.
Salt dough leaf ornaments
Press a real leaf into rolled salt dough for a fossil-like keepsake — see salt dough ornaments.
Painted rocks and leaves
Smooth stones and firm leaves take paint well for autumn designs — the rock painting guide works just as well for grown-up patterns.
Hosting a fall craft afternoon
These projects are perfect for a relaxed get-together: set out a foraged pile of leaves and cones, a few glue guns and some twine, and let everyone make a wreath or garland to take home.
Frequently asked questions
What are easy fall crafts for adults? A dried orange garland, a foraged wreath, and pressed-leaf art are the easiest, most forgiving places to start.
What natural materials work best? Fallen leaves, acorns, pinecones, seed heads, twigs, and citrus — all free and compostable.
Gather and make
Pick a dry afternoon, take a basket on your next walk, and let the season fill it. Autumn does most of the work — you just arrange it.
What did you make this fall? Share it in the comments at ecoxee.com.
Keep reading: Scrap Yarn Crafts for Adults, Zero-Waste Lip Balm: How to Make Your Own, and DIY Homemade Nature Confetti Using Fallen Leaves.
