Autumn is the magical time of year when the leaves suddenly burst into color and the air gets crisp and cool. For many, this goes hand-in-hand with a burst of creativity, thanks to Mother Nature’s inspiration.

Indeed, fall is the perfect time of year to get the family together for some DIY fall crafts and projects! If you’re on the same page but not sure which crafts to choose, you’re in luck! NSA Storage rounded up a bushel-full of DIY fall crafts for the whole family, below! Read on to see them all and make this fall a fantastic and fun time for everyone!

What Makes DIY Fall Crafting a Great Choice for Family Time?

The annual onset of fall means summer is over, the days are getting shorter, and kids are back in school. It’s also the start of the holiday season, a time filled with gratuities, warmth, and togetherness. DIY crafting fits in perfectly with this scenario for several reasons:

• Crafting together as a family builds lasting memories and strong bonds
• You can make low-cost decorations for the upcoming holidays
• DIY projects spur creativity in both children and adults
• You get more family time, which can be sporadic once school starts

Six Best DIY Fall Crafts

1. Leaf Garlands 

This garland is great for decorating and easy to make. You’ll need:

• A bunch of colorful leaves
• A few lengths of string
• Small clothespins
• Some push pins

Gather the leaves and, using the clothespins, attach them to a string. Then use the push pins to place your fall garland on a wall, over a door, or wherever you like. Not only are they pretty but, within minutes, your kids will have a decoration they can be proud of. 

2. Pinecone Owls

Pinecones are a natural decorative item that can be made into a variety of DIY crafts. They’re also free and, unless you live in the city, easy to find. For these adorable pinecone owls you’ll need:

• Several pinecones of different sizes
• “Googly eyes” which you can find online or at a craft store like Michael’s
• Felt sheets in whatever color your child likes
• Glue (or a glue gun)

First, clean the pinecone if needed. Next, cut small “wings” from the colored felt and glue them in place. Lastly, glue the googly eyes in place. Done! You now have an owl, or a family of them, to place on a shelf, windowsill, or mantel.

3. Pumpkin Painting

Carving pumpkins is fun but not recommended for smaller children due to sharp edges. Instead, paint those pumpkins! You’ll need:

• Several small pumpkins or gourds
• Washable, water-based paint
• Some paint brushes
• Newspaper or an old sheet to protect any surfaces

Once you’ve got everything, tell your kids to let their imagination run free. Funny faces, cool designs, whatever they want! Plus, if they’re not happy with the result, they can wash off the paint and start again.

4. Leaf Rubbings

Children have been making fall leaf rubbings for ages! They’re fun, easy, and can be done in many different colors! Here’s how:

• Take a large, intact leaf and place it under a plain, white sheet of paper.
• Using any crayon color, rub it over the leaf gently to bring out the leaf’s veins.
• Cut out the colored “leaves” and use them to make a wreath, garland, or other decorations.

5. Fall Lanterns

This DIY fall craft is one of two that needs a couple of store-bought items. The resulting lanterns, however, are simply beautiful and can be used throughout the year. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Several mason jars with lids
• A battery operated string of lights or “tea” light
• Leaves
• Glue

To start, glue a few leaves to the front of the mason jar, making sure that it will still stand up when done. Next, pop in the string lights or tea light and put the lid back on. That’s it! You now have an attractive lantern that will create a beautiful glow all season long!

6. Fall Harvest Log

This is a fall take on a traditional Christmas decoration. It’s a bit more complicated than the first five, with some steps that should definitely be handled by an adult. You’ll need:

• A medium size log. Birch is preferred for its beautiful white bark.
• Two or three taper, pillar, or dinner candles
• Small pinecones, dried berries, acorns, and leaves
• Some twine or a small amount of burlap
• A drill with a drill bit sized to your candle’s base

First, find which side of the log sits flat the best. Then, on top, drill equidistant holes for the two or three candles you’ve purchased. Next, glue your decorations, including leaves, berries, acorns, etc. Attach your burlap or twine and place the candles in their holes and you’re done! 

You can use your harvest log as a centerpiece, or place it on your mantel. Burn the candles with caution and enjoy the warm glow of your DIY crafting!

How To Store Seasonal Crafts for the Following Season

If you want to keep your DIY creations in good shape for next year, follow these tips:

• Wrap them in plain, white packing paper.
• Place them in clear, plastic bins to see what’s inside.
• Store them in a clean, dry, dark space. (The basement is not a good choice as most are too damp.)
• If you have a lot of seasonal things to store but not enough space at home, consider renting a self storage unit.

Store this Fall with NSA Storage

Crafting together is a great way to stay close as a family and let your creativity run free. It’s also a good way to decorate on a budget, especially with all the spending to come for the holidays.

If you need space to store your decorations, ornaments, or anything else, NSA Storage has your solution. Reserve a storage unit online for a clean, safe, and secure place to store almost anything! 

Until next time, have a blast creating all of the DIY fall crafts we talked about today! The time spent together and decorations you’ll make will be sure to brighten up the long nights to come!