Fall is the season of cozy sweaters, pumpkin everything, and the perfect excuse to get crafty. But who says you need to spend a fortune to make something amazing? Whether you’re decorating your home or looking for a fun weekend project, here are our top three picks for inexpensive crafts that will have you feeling all the autumn vibes without emptying your wallet.

1.  DIY Leaf Lanterns

Turn those colorful fall leaves into glowing works of art with DIY leaf lanterns. All you need are some old glass jars, Mod Podge, and a handful of pressed leaves. Brush the jars with Mod Podge, stick the leaves on, and give them another coat to seal. Pop a tea light inside, and you’ve got a warm, cozy lantern perfect for those chilly fall evenings.  And if you have kiddos, this would be an easy project to do with kids four an up – with supervision.

Cost: ~$8.00. We found Mod Podge on Amazon for $8.00 – and you’ll have plenty left to do a bunch more crafts. Sure, you can use a mason jar if you have one, but why not recycle those old pickle/sauce jars you’ve been hoarding for that perfect project and save yourself some $$$.

Need some inspiration?  If you’re willing to spend a few more dollars, check out these leaf lanterns from One Little Project, where the author uses fabric dollar store leaves and mason jars.

2.  Painted Pinecones

Pinecones are basically nature’s free craft supply, and they’re perfect for fall. Collect a bunch from your yard or a local park, clean them up, and get creative with some paint. Metallics, pastels, or even classic autumn colors work great. Pile them in a bowl, make a garland, or use them in a wreath—the possibilities are endless!

Cost: Virtually free if you’ve got paint on hand, but if not, this set of acrylics at Micheals is gives you the basic colors plus a few more, and at $9.99 you can’t beat the price. 

Need some inspiration?  Why not paint some pinecones in fun fall colors? A Fanciful Twist painted their pinecones into some beautiful zinnias which would be fun in yellows, oranges and reds, and fit in perfectly on your fall table.

3.  Sweater Pillows

Got an old sweater that’s seen better days? Don’t toss it—turn it into a cozy fall pillow! Cut the sweater into a square, sew the edges, and stuff it with batting or an old pillow. You’ll have a soft, warm pillow that’s perfect for those fall movie marathons.

Cost: Free if you’re repurposing an old sweater.  Have buy a sweater? Check out a Goodwill near you, where we’re seeing sweaters around $5.00. 

Need some inspiration? We love this tutorial from Tidbits and Company to make some very cozy sweater pillows with a more polished look.   Note:  if you follow these directions you will need to purchase a bit of interfacing to complete the look.
 
With these budget-friendly ideas, you can embrace the fall season without breaking the bank. Whether you’re making something for your home, giving a handmade gift, or just looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon, these crafts are sure to bring a little autumn magic into your life. So, throw on your favorite Snarky Wonderful tee you crafty queen; grab your glue gun, raid your recycling bin, and get crafting—you’ve got fall to celebrate!