4 Simple Eco-Friendly Fall Crafts Just in Time for Thanksgiving

Simple Eco-Friendly Fall Crafts Just in Time for Thanksgiving

The holidays are upon us once again and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. If you haven’t decorated for the big day just yet, then never fear because we have several sophisticated and simple eco-friendly fall crafts that can be put together in a snap.

Who doesn’t enjoy a quick, high-impact project that will have your house looking fall-worthy in a matter of minutes? I know I do! So grab those glue guns, scissors, fabric, supplies, and whatever else you might need (hint: it starts with a “W” and rhymes with “mine”) and let’s get crafting!

1. Glitz and Glitter

There aren’t many things that won’t benefit from a dusting of glitter, and your autumn décor is no exception. Fortunately, with a few materials from your craft bin and some foliage from your backyard, you’ll have several adornments that will fit right in this fall.

Scour your backyard for acorns, pinecones, and leaves. Coat them with a layer of Mod Podge, or watered down glue, and sprinkle with glitter – golds, reds, and any other warm hues would signify the colors of fall. Gather up some clear glass display jars for the acorns and pinecones and try attaching the leaves to a strand of ribbon for a simple and festive garland for your mantel.

2. Deck the Walls

If you have some metallic paint or gold leafing lying around, then set aside a few outdoor leaves – odd groupings are best – and coat them thoroughly with the pigment. Once dry, pop them into frames for instant wall art for just a few bucks.

Bust out some hot glue, paint, an old mirror, or picture frame, and put all of those extra wine corks to good use. Create a cork board for your kitchen reminders in a snap by laying the corks flat inside the empty frame painted in the color of your choice. Get creative – try out a chevron pattern for an extra cute touch.

3. Tabletop Trimmings

Set the table in style with some whimsical and handmade cake plates. Combine unused or thrifted tapered candle holders with a decorative platter or plate and some really strong glue like E-6000. Flip the plate and candlestick over, center your candlestick, apply glue, affix the candlestick to the bottom of the plate and, once dry and upright, you’ll have instant appetizer and dessert serving stands.

Vary the height of the candlesticks to create visual interest, or replace the plate with a bowl for a really fun way to serve candies. Clear candlestick bases look great with solid plates and bowls on top. Have fun with color and patterns for a customized table setting.

Use a paper punch on backyard leaves for some of the cutest holiday confetti ever. Slip the leaf in the punch just as you would paper. Butterflies, leaves, trees, circles, stars, or whatever else you have would make for a really sweet smattering on your dinner table.

If you have pinecones in your backyard and a hacksaw in your garage, then you’re already two steps ahead for these pinecone place cards. Let your guests know who will be sitting where when you create these elegantly simple table markers. Collect pinecones from your yard, and after debugging them, carefully use the hacksaw to make a slit about ¾ of the way down from the top to toward the center of the pinecone. Slip in a handwritten piece of cardstock with your guests’ names and you’re all set.

4. Pumpkin Spice

Spread some holiday cheer by whipping up an ultra-cute, ultra-classy monogrammed pumpkin. If you think traditional pumpkin art looks a tad tacky, then don’t worry because this project hinges on the simplicity of color and embellishments.

Coat the orange part of your pumpkin thoroughly with white or off-white paint, find your initial online and print it out to make a stencil. Trace it on to the pumpkin, and after it’s been painted white, carefully brush over the transferred letter with glue. Sprinkle on some glitter, cover well, and you’ve just completed a monogram pumpkin in time for Thanksgiving.

Use mini pumpkins as votive or tapered candle holders. Grab your drill along with a spade bit that matches the circumference of the candle you intend to use. Carefully drill into the stem portion of your mini pumpkin. Apply gentle pressure here and stop when you’ve created enough space within the pumpkin to just cradle your candle – be sure not to drill all the way through. Pop in a candle, light it up, and it’s just that simple.

With a few simple eco-friendly fall crafts in your arsenal, you should be well on your way to holiday bliss. What’s your favorite holiday decoration or tradition? Let us know on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of Craft Supplies via Shutterstock

Jamie Duncan

After starting out in public relations, Jamie finished college with a BFA in interior design. This combination of writing and design knowledge, coupled with her fashion and lifestyle expertise, has paved the way for an exciting freelance career. Her work has been published in magazines and online, plus she’s managed PR campaigns, and is no stranger to copywriting. Jamie’s a vegetarian and cruelty-free product fanatic. Connect with her on Twitter and check out her website to learn more.