As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, Autumn is the perfect time to get creative with your kids.
Decorating for the season doesn’t have to be expensive, and with a little imagination, you can create beautiful, eco-friendly decorations using what nature provides.
In this article, I’ll share five simple and fun fall decorating ideas that are not only environmentally friendly but will also inspire your kids to connect with nature.
1. Leaf Garland
Who doesn’t love the rich colors of fall leaves? A leaf garland is a simple and effective way to bring the outdoors into your home.
Not only does this activity encourage your kids to explore nature, but it’s also a great way to talk about why trees shed their leaves.
What I love so much about this activity is that even very tiny children can join in.
What you’ll need:
- Colorful autumn leaves (try to find a mix of shapes and sizes)
- String or twine (biodegradable is best)
- A hole punch or needle
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Gather your leaves: Head outside with your kids and collect a variety of leaves. You’ll want a good range of colors—reds, oranges, yellows, and browns—to create an eye-catching garland. Try to find leaves that are still relatively fresh and flexible, as brittle leaves may crumble.
- Prepare the leaves: Using a hole punch or a needle, carefully make a small hole near the stem of each leaf. If you have younger children, it might be best to do this part for them to avoid any injuries.
- Thread the leaves: Cut a length of string or twine that will suit the space where you plan to hang the garland. Have your child help you thread the leaves onto the string, making sure to alternate colors and sizes for visual variety.
- Hang your garland: Once you’ve threaded all the leaves, tie a knot at each end of the string to secure them in place. Now, it’s ready to hang! You can drape the garland over a mantel, across a window, or along a staircase to give your home a festive fall look.
Not only is this garland beautiful, but it’s also fully compostable once the season is over, making it a perfect eco-friendly project!
2. Painted Acorns in a Recycled Jar
This is a favorite project in my house!
Acorns are abundant in the autumn – depending on where you live of course – and kids love collecting them.
With a little paint, these humble acorns can be transformed into colorful fall decorations that can be displayed in a recycled glass jar.
What you’ll need:
- Acorns (as many as you like)
- Non-toxic paint in fall colors (reds, oranges, yellows, browns)
- Paintbrushes
- An old glass jar (cleaned and dried)
- Optional: Clear sealant to preserve the paint
Instructions:
- Collect acorns: Go for a nature walk with your kids and gather a bag of acorns. Make sure they are free of dirt and debris. If any have cracks or holes, discard them, as they won’t last long.
- Prepare the acorns for painting: Before painting, it’s a good idea to bake the acorns in the oven at a low temperature (about 175°F) for 15-20 minutes. This helps remove any moisture and ensures that there are no insects inside.
- Paint the acorns: Let your kids pick their favorite fall colors and paint the acorns. Encourage them to get creative! They can paint the acorns solid colors or create patterns like stripes or polka dots. Let them dry completely.
- Seal the acorns (optional): If you want your acorns to last for years, you can spray them with a clear sealant. This will protect the paint from chipping.
- Display in a jar: Once the acorns are dry, place them in a clean, recycled glass jar. You can add a ribbon around the jar’s neck for an extra touch or simply display it on a shelf or table.
This decoration is simple, colorful, and a great way to reuse old jars. Plus, it’s a wonderful conversation starter when guests come over!
3. Nature-Inspired Wind Chime
Wind chimes don’t have to be made from metal or plastic. You and your kids can create a beautiful, natural wind chime using items collected during a fall nature walk.
This project is especially great because it teaches children to observe and appreciate the sounds of nature.
What you’ll need:
- Sturdy stick or small branch
- Twine or string
- Leaves, small stones, acorns, shells, feathers, or other natural items
- Optional: A needle for threading
Instructions:
- Gather materials: Head outside and gather a collection of natural objects that would make an interesting sound when clinked together. Leaves, acorns, stones, and feathers all work well for this.
- Prepare the items for hanging: Use twine or string to tie around each object securely. For leaves and acorns, you may need to use a needle to thread the string through. Make sure the string is cut to different lengths for each item, so they hang at varying heights.
- Attach the items to the stick: Once all your items are prepared, tie them to a sturdy stick or small branch. You can arrange them symmetrically or randomly. Whatever looks best to you and your kids!
- Hang the wind chime: Find a spot outdoors, like a tree branch or a porch, and hang your wind chime. It will create gentle, natural sounds as the wind blows through, making it a lovely, eco-friendly addition to your outdoor space.
4. Pressed Leaf Wall Art
Pressed leaf art is a classic fall craft that’s simple and timeless. It’s a fantastic way to preserve the beauty of autumn and turn it into long-lasting decorations for your home.
What you’ll need:
- Leaves (pressed flat and dry)
- Old magazines or newspapers
- Heavy books or a flower press
- Picture frame
- Scissors
- Paper or fabric as a background
Instructions:
- Collect and press leaves: Start by collecting a variety of leaves in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Press them between the pages of an old magazine or newspaper, using heavy books to weigh them down. Let them sit for about a week until they are completely dry and flat.
- Prepare the frame: Once the leaves are ready, take a picture frame (you can reuse an old one) and decide on the background. You can use plain white paper, colorful fabric, or any other material you like.
- Arrange the leaves: Get creative! Let your kids help arrange the pressed leaves in a design they like. You can stick to a simple arrangement or create patterns like spirals or trees.
- Frame the art: Carefully place the leaves onto the background and put the frame together. Your pressed leaf art is ready to hang!
This project makes for a gorgeous piece of eco-friendly décor.
5. Acorn and Twig Picture Frames
Upcycling old picture frames with acorns and twigs is a fantastic way to bring a rustic, natural look into your home. Plus, it’s a great hands-on project that teaches kids about using natural materials instead of buying new ones.
What you’ll need:
- Old picture frame (any size)
- Twigs and acorns
- Hot glue gun or non-toxic glue
- Scissors or pruning shears (for cutting twigs)
Instructions:
- Collect twigs and acorns: Head outside to gather twigs and acorns. Look for twigs that are relatively straight and about the width of your frame. If they’re too long, you can trim them down with scissors or pruning shears.
- Prepare the frame: Clean the frame and remove any old decorations. You can leave the frame as is or paint it if you want a specific color.
- Decorate with twigs and acorns: Use glue to attach twigs and acorns to the frame. You can cover the entire frame or just decorate the corners for a minimalist look. Let your kids decide on the design!
- Display your masterpiece: Once the glue is dry, your frame is ready to use. Add a favorite fall photo or piece of art and display it proudly.
This project not only reuses materials but also creates a meaningful keepsake that your kids will be proud to show off.
By using these eco-friendly fall decorating ideas, you can enjoy quality time with your kids while helping them understand the importance of reusing natural materials.
I hope these projects inspire you and your family to get outside, explore, and create beautiful memories together this fall!
Stephanie Simmons is an Anglo-American mum of two who is passionate about all things outdoors. She loves camping, outdoor crafting, and all outdoor activities.
Steph believes in getting the kids outdoors no matter the weather!
She created Wild Bloom Families to share her passion for the outdoors with other families.
Getting in nature can transform your physical health, mental health and happiness!
