Creative Fall Crafts Using Natural Materials

Fall is the perfect time to get crafty with your little ones, especially when nature provides so much inspiration! Leaves, pinecones, acorns, and twigs can turn into beautiful DIY projects that celebrate the season. Plus, crafting with natural materials is budget-friendly, eco-conscious, and a great way to spend quality time together.

Ready to get started? Here are some fun and easy fall crafts that’ll bring the outdoors inside.

1. Leafy Masterpieces

Those colorful leaves aren’t just for jumping in, they make gorgeous art! Here’s how to turn them into keepsakes:

Leaf rubbings – Place a leaf under paper and rub a crayon sideways for a magical print.
Pressed leaf bookmarks – Press leaves between heavy books for a few days, then glue them onto cardstock.
Leaf garlands – String dried leaves with twine for a rustic fall decoration.
Leaf mosaics – Tear or cut leaves into small pieces and glue them onto paper to create colorful designs.
Nature mandalas – Arrange leaves, twigs, and other natural items in a circular pattern on the ground or a piece of paper.
Painted leaves – Use acrylic paints to add designs or vibrant colors to dried leaves.
Acorn and pinecone critters – Glue googly eyes and small felt pieces onto acorns or pinecones to make whimsical creatures.
Stick weaving – Create a simple loom from sticks and weave yarn or thin strips of fabric through them.

Pro tip: Use Mod Podge to preserve leaves so they last longer.

2. Pinecone Power

Pinecones are basically nature’s craft supply. Here’s what you can do with them:

Pinecone owls – Glue on felt eyes and wings for an adorable woodland creature.
Pinecone bird feeders – Coat them in peanut butter, roll in birdseed, and hang outside.
Pinecone centerpieces – Spray paint them gold or silver for a festive table display.
Pinecone animals – Add googly eyes and pipe cleaner legs to create whimsical critters.
Pinecone garlands – String together painted or natural pinecones with twine for a rustic decoration.
Pinecone firestarters – Dip them in melted wax and enjoy a cozy fire with a natural boost.
Pinecone ornaments – Decorate with glitter, ribbons, or small beads to hang on a tree.
Pinecone potpourri – Infuse them with essential oils like cinnamon or pine for a fragrant display.

Bonus: Collecting pinecones is a great excuse for a family nature walk!

3. Twig & Stick Creations: Simple But Stunning

Don’t underestimate the humble twig, it’s surprisingly versatile!

Twig picture frames – Glue small sticks around a plain frame for a rustic touch.
Stick stars – Bundle twigs into star shapes and tie with twine for a farmhouse-style ornament.
Nature wands – Let your toddler decorate a stick with ribbons, leaves, and yarn for imaginative play.
Twig animal sculptures – Use twigs of varying sizes to construct whimsical animal figures, securing them with hot glue.
Stick mosaic art – Arrange small, colorful sticks into intricate patterns on a canvas or board.
Twig pen holders – Cut twigs to the desired height and glue them vertically around a recycled tin can or small container.
Nature mobiles – Hang lightweight twigs, leaves, acorns, and small pinecones from a larger central twig or branch with thread.
Twig candle holders – Glue short twigs around a glass votive or small jar, creating a rustic lantern.
Stick letter art – Form letters of the alphabet or specific words using a collection of sticks, then glue them onto a backing.
Twig coasters – Slice twigs into thin rounds and arrange them in a circular pattern, gluing them together to form a coaster.

If you love outdoor activities, check out our guide on Outdoor Fall Adventures with Your Baby for more seasonal fun.

4. Acorn Cuties: Small but Mighty Craft Supplies

Acorns may be tiny, but they pack a punch in the craft department.

Acorn animals – Paint them to look like ladybugs, owls, or even tiny pumpkins.
Acorn necklaces – Drill a small hole and thread them onto yarn for simple jewelry.
Acorn top votives – Glue the caps onto mason jar lids for charming candle holders.
Acorn picture frames – Outline a photo with glued acorns for a rustic touch.
Acorn garlands – String multiple acorns together to decorate a mantel or doorway.
Acorn mosaics – Create patterns or images by gluing acorns onto a sturdy surface.
Acorn characters – Attach googly eyes and pipe cleaner limbs to acorns to make small figures.
Acorn fairy houses – Use acorn caps as roofs for miniature structures made from twigs and leaves.

These crafts are perfect for little hands, just watch out for squirrels trying to reclaim their stash!

5. Pumpkin Decor (Beyond Carving)

Pumpkins don’t have to be just for jack-o’-lanterns. Try these non-messy alternatives:

Painted pumpkins – Use washable paint to let kids decorate without the knife.
Pumpkin seed art – Dry and dye seeds, then glue them into patterns.
Mini pumpkin planters – Hollow out small pumpkins and fill with succulents.
Fabric-wrapped pumpkins – Use strips of patterned fabric and glue to create a decorative pumpkin.
Glitter pumpkins – Apply glue and sprinkle with glitter for a sparkly look.
Leaf-covered pumpkins – Collect colorful fall leaves and mod podge them onto the pumpkin surface.
Yarn-wrapped pumpkins – Wrap pumpkins with different colored yarns for a cozy texture.
Button pumpkins – Glue various sizes and colors of buttons onto the pumpkin in a playful design.

For more Halloween-themed fun, check out Halloween Safety Tips for Babies and Toddlers.

Final Thoughts

Fall crafts don’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, the best materials are right outside your door. Whether you’re pressing leaves, painting acorns, or turning pinecones into tiny animals, these projects are a great way to bond with your kids while celebrating the season.

So grab a basket, head outside, and let nature inspire your next family craft day. Happy crafting!

New Mommy Media