Fall decorating doesn’t have to drain your budget or take weeks of prep. The right projects will instantly warm up your space, add seasonal charm, and make your home feel inviting without overcomplicating the process. Here are 15 different craft ideas that range from quick afternoon projects to weekend-worthy DIYs, so you can choose what fits your style, schedule, and skill level.

DIY Sweater Pumpkins

Old sweaters can be transformed into soft, textured pumpkins that look like boutique décor. This project is quick, cozy, and a great way to upcycle clothing you no longer wear.

Average Cost: $5–$10 if you already have sweaters; $15–$20 if buying thrifted sweaters.

Supplies:

• Old sweaters (chunky knits look best)
• Scissors
• Twine or jute rope
• Polyfill stuffing
• Hot glue gun

Steps:

1. Cut the sleeve or body of the sweater into a rectangle.
2. Stitch or hot glue one side closed.
3. Stuff with polyfill, then cinch and secure the top with twine.
4. Wrap extra twine around the sides to create ridges.

Cinnamon Stick Candles

These candles add a rustic touch while giving off a warm cinnamon scent when lit. They’re perfect for tables, mantels, or gift baskets during the fall season.

Average Cost: $6–$12 per candle, depending on size.

Supplies:

• Pillar candles
• Cinnamon sticks
• Hot glue or elastic band
• Twine or ribbon

Steps:

1. Wrap cinnamon sticks tightly around the candle with an elastic band.
2. Cover the band with twine or ribbon.
3. Light to release a subtle cinnamon aroma.

Pressed Leaf Frames

This project turns nature’s seasonal beauty into timeless wall art. It’s a simple way to bring outdoor colors inside without needing fresh flowers.

Average Cost: $8–$15 per frame.

Supplies:

• Pressed, dried leaves
• Picture frames with glass
• Neutral or dark cardstock

Steps:

1. Arrange leaves on cardstock.
2. Place inside the frame.
3. Display on a wall or shelf.

Burlap Table Runner with Stencils

A burlap table runner instantly adds texture and warmth to your dining space. Stenciling fall motifs makes it a personalized seasonal piece.

Average Cost: $10–$20 depending on burlap quality.

Supplies:

• Burlap fabric
• Seasonal stencils
• Fabric paint
• Foam brush

Steps:

1. Cut burlap to table length.
2. Stencil designs along the edges.
3. Let dry before use.

Mason Jar Luminaries

Mason jar luminaries give off a soft, glowing light perfect for cozy nights. Tissue paper adds a warm, diffused color effect.

Average Cost: $5–$12 per jar.

Supplies:

• Mason jars
• Mod Podge
• Tissue paper (orange, yellow, red)
• Tea lights (LED or real)/ String lights

Steps:

1. Tear tissue paper into small pieces.
2. Attach to jar with Mod Podge.
3. Place tea lights inside or string lights.

Acorn Garland

This garland adds a rustic element that works on mantels, windows, and shelves. You can use real or faux acorns depending on availability.

Average Cost: $4–$8 for real acorns, $10–$15 for faux.

Supplies:

• Acorns
• Twine
• Hot glue

Steps:

1. Glue acorns evenly along twine.
2. Hang in desired location.

Fabric Scrap Wreath

This no-sew wreath creates a full, textured look using leftover fabric. It’s an easy way to customize colors for your home’s fall palette.

Average Cost: $8–$15.

Supplies:

• Wire wreath frame
• Fabric scraps
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut fabric into strips.
2. Tie strips around the frame.
3. Fluff to create fullness.

Fall Potpourri Bowls

These bowls fill your space with a subtle, inviting scent. They also double as a decorative element for tables and shelves.

Average Cost: $6–$10 per bowl.

Supplies:

• Dried orange slices
• Pinecones
• Cinnamon sticks
• Whole cloves
• Wooden bowl

Steps:

1. Mix ingredients in the bowl.
2. Refresh scent with essential oils.

Rustic Chalkboard Sign

A chalkboard sign lets you easily swap out seasonal quotes or menus. It’s functional and decorative for entryways or kitchens.

Average Cost: $10–$15.

Supplies:

• Chalkboard
• Chalk or chalk markers
• Wooden frame

Steps:

1. Write a seasonal message.
2. Add small fall-themed doodles.

Painted Pinecones

Painting pinecones adds color while keeping a natural look. They work well in bowls, wreaths, or scattered on tables.

Average Cost: $5–$8 for paint and pinecones.

Supplies:

• Pinecones
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrush

Steps:

1. Paint tips or the full pinecone.
2. Let dry before displaying.

Apple Stamp Tea Towels

Stamped towels add a farmhouse touch to your kitchen. The apple pattern is subtle yet seasonal.

Average Cost: $8–$12 for a set of two towels.

Supplies:

• Apples (halved)
• Fabric paint
• Cotton towels

Steps:

1. Dip apple half in paint.
2. Stamp onto the towel.
3. Heat-set the paint.

Dried Wheat Bundles

Wheat bundles add height and texture to vases. They make a clean, minimal statement on tables or mantels.

Average Cost: $10–$15.

Supplies:

• Dried wheat stems
• Ribbon or twine
• Vase

Steps:

1. Tie wheat stems with ribbon.
2. Place in a vase.

Pumpkin Spice Soap Bars

These soap bars bring the scent of fall into your bathroom or kitchen. They also make thoughtful handmade gifts.

Average Cost: $12–$18 for a batch of 6 bars.

Supplies:

• Melt-and-pour soap base
• Pumpkin spice fragrance oil
• Silicone molds

Steps:

1. Melt soap base.
2. Add fragrance.
3. Pour into molds.

Wine Cork Pumpkin

A creative way to reuse wine corks while adding a rustic accent. It’s lightweight and easy to display anywhere.

Average Cost: $5–$8 if you already have corks.

Supplies:

• Wine corks
• Hot glue
• Green felt
• Cinnamon stick

Steps:

1. Glue corks into a pumpkin shape.
2. Add a cinnamon stick stem and felt leaves.

Sweater-Wrapped Planters

These planters instantly look cozier with a sweater covering. It’s a quick, no-sew project for any potted plant.

Average Cost: $5–$10 if reusing sweaters.

Supplies:

• Old sweaters
• Scissors
• Hot glue
• Planters

Steps:

1. Cut sweater to size.
2. Wrap and glue around the planter.

Fall decorating is all about creating moments that feel warm, welcoming, and a little bit special. Whether it’s the soft glow of a mason jar luminary, the scent of cinnamon drifting from a handmade candle, or the texture of a cozy sweater-wrapped planter, these small projects make your space feel lived in and loved.

Now it’s your turn. Pick the crafts that inspire you most, set aside an afternoon, and bring a little more seasonal charm into your home. If you want more ways to refresh your space without overspending, check out my other DIY décor posts [link to another relevant blog post]