Simple Fall Decor on a Budget

Fall decor makes the season so much more cozy and endearing. I love to explore and take in all of the fall foliage. Our family visits pumpkin patches, apple orchards and takes as many hay rides as our behinds can handle. While I love fall, it seems so short in New England. Winter will hit here shortly. So, I like use simple fall decor that is easy on the budget since the winter decor will be up soon.

Front Porch Idea

Our front porch always poses a problem for me with decor. The wind hits is so hard that I have to make sure everything is heavy or anchors in well. Pumpkins are perfect! This year, I found a cute scarecrow at Aldi for just a few dollars. A small bale of hay from Joann Fabrics (on sale). Then, I thought a small, rustic sign would set it off. See the instructions below for how to make the sign.

Wood Sign Supplies

Piece of remnant wood in desired height. This piece is a 3 feet long 1/6 board. Check out the bins at your local home improvement store for pieces which were cut for other projects.
Paint in desired color. I used acrylic paint in a deep orange color. I also used white paint along the sides and dry brushed on the top to give it a weathered look. Black paint for lettering.
Clear lacquer spray.
Raffia
Ribbon
Pencil for writing letters
Glue gun and glue sticks

Step 1: Paint the sign with orange paint on the top. Paint the sides white. Sparingly use dry brush to lightly put white paint on the top, giving a rustic look. Step 2: Write words on the board with a pencil. This can be done with vinyl letters or using a stencil if you prefer. I prefer letters by hand. I think it gives it some charm. And, I’m too cheap to buy vinyl letters. Paint the letters with black paint if you go that route. Step 3: Spray board with clear lacquer and allow to dry. Step 4: Hot glue raffia and ribbon to the corner. Enjoy! porch fall decor wood sign

Mason Jar Pumpkin

Mason jar anything is adorable in my book. Supplies

Mason jar rings (can be purchased in a set of just lids and rings)
Wire-could probably use a paper clip stretched out. I used floral wire because it’s what I had on hand.
Stick from a tree limb
Leaf from artificial flower
Glue gun and glue sticks

This was the easiest little pumpkin and only took minutes to make. Put the rings in a circle, going the same direction. I used the silver wire to secure the inside together so that the pumpkin stayed together. Glue on the stick and leaf to the top center of the pumpkin. Simple, easy and adorable!

Glass Pumpkin Center Piece

I like elaborate center pieces for holidays. However, for everyday use, I like something simple and easy to remove when I bring sizzling fajitas to the table or the kids want to drag out the craft supplies. My favorite thing to use is a charger. If it fits on the charger, it’s the perfect size for the table for everyday and is easily removed with one hand. I’m usually juggling somebody’s cup, plate or some other nonsense in the other hand. I also like how the pumpkin is close to the color of the table, making it just a subtle addition. Supplies (raid the storage areas)

Glass pumpkin (found in the basement—SCORE!)
Eucalyptus branches-stole from my wreath making supplies
Silver charger-sale bin find years ago

Nothing is used to hold everything together. Just drape the branches around the pumpkin on the charger and Voila! Glass pumpkin on charger fall decor

Wood Chip Wreath

This is a simple wreath that I reuse for fall and winter each year. I just change the ribbon with the season or holiday that I am using it for and we’re good to go. It’s a favorite of mine because it is simple and classic.

Supplies

Burlap covered wreath-a flat wreath form can be used also
Wood chips-round or natural cuts
Glue gun and glue sticks
Ribbon
Jute twine for hanging (optional)

For this wreath, just glue the wood chips to the burlap wreath in any fashion desired. I chose a layered look. If you choose to reuse this wreath, you can wire the ribbon on to the top. I glued the ribbon this year. Hot glue is easily detached and the ribbon can be changed. I added jut twine to the top of the wreath to use when hanging the wreath. **Tip-use a command hook upside down on the back side of the door to hang the wreath**. wood chip wreath

Give Thanks Pumpkins

If you have kiddos, chances are you have a few plastic pumpkins lying around. If not, Walmart carries them for $1 around Halloween.

Supplies

Plastic pumpkins
Rocks for weight
White spray paint
Acrylic lacquer spray
Black acrylic paint
Artificial flowers
Foam block-small
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Ribbon (optional)

Making this pumpkin was so simple. Step 1: Spray paint the pumpkins individually and allow to dry. Step 2: Write and paint on letters in black and allow to dry. I chose the phrase “Give Thanks.” Vinyl letters can be used if desired. Step 3: Add rocks to the bottom of the pumpkin that will be on the bottom of the stack. This adds weight to keep it from toppling over. Step 4: Glue the top pumpkin to the bottom pumpkin with hot glue. Step 5: Add clear lacquer to the pumpkins to seal the paint. Step 6: Add foam block to the top pumpkin inside. You may need to cut the block to fit. Step 7: Add artificial flowers to the block in the top pumpkin. You may choose to add a ribbon to the center to hide the seam between the pumpkins.