Stephanie Logue

Staff Writer 

szl1414@psu.edu

Days are getting shorter, nights are getting longer, Autumn has arrived. Now that my favorite time of the year has come, it’s time to think about decorating with all those beautiful fall colors. I’ve found various ways to bring the colors of fall into your home. 

Plaid Fall Wreath 

Plaid shirts and autumn leaves go together like Pumpkin Pie and Cool Whip! A few of these fall staples intertwine in this cheerful wreath. 

How to make: Trace leaf stencils onto double-stick fusible webbing, then fuse them to plaid fabric and cut out leaf shapes. Next, fuse the cutout leaves to feel, and cut out once more. Finally, wrap a foam wreath form with ribbon and attach the leaves with push pins or hot glue, mixing the plaid and felt sides. Hang with a strip of plaid fabric. 

Fall Mason Jars

This is a combination of so many of our favorite things! 

How to make: Print pumpkin and apple templates on removable tattoo paper. Attach to small white pumpkins per package directions. Remove the stems from pumpkins. Cut a piece of cardboard to fit into the opening of a wide-mouth Mason jarring. Attach a round of gingham fabric, centering it, to the cardboard. Glue pumpkin stems in centers. Attach lids to tops of pumpkins. You can also just paint whichever fall design you like, just use acrylic paint! 

Honeycomb Pumpkin

Instead of doing the typical carvings, try this alternative design instead! 

It’s cute, fun, and just a little bit different. 

How to make: Cut a hole in the bottom of a medium orange pumpkin; scoop out pulp and seeds. Draw a honeycomb pattern on the front; etch out. Cut out a few of the combs and paint the remaining combs with yellow craft paint. Lean a honey dipper against its side.

Sweater Pumpkin 

These easy Braids of soft yarn will keep your pumpkin warm.  

How to make: Glue four strands of yarn together and to the top of the pumpkin just below the stem with hot glue. Braid stands together, using two strands per braid. Glue  the braid to the bottom of the pumpkin with hot glue. Repeat, spacing braids about one inch apart, until covered. 

Cinnamon Stick Place Card Holder 

Invite guests with the fragrance of gracious savors. 

How to make: Wrap the ends of cinnamon sticks in red twine and slip place cards in the stick’s natural crevice to create place cards.

Pumpkin Checkers

Fall’s a whole lot more fun when you can play with it. These checkers allow you to do just that. The whole project is an enjoyable alternative than the store-bought version.

How to make: Paint 32 squares on a large (roughly 30-inch) wood board with orange and white craft paint. It does not have to be specifically these colors, just fall them colors of your choosing! Use mini pumpkins as game pieces.

Pumpkin Pots 

Decorate up your shelf, front stoop, or dining room table with these charming flower arrangements.

How to make: Carve out these minis just like normal, then cut the bottom of a water bottle, and drop it in to act as a vase. Fill them with, mums, and dahlias — your choice.