It’s the time of year when the heat starts to dissipate and the crisp morning air takes your breath away; the seasons change, and in come the warm colors of fall, defined by the orange and brown hues in nature. There is nothing more comforting to me than the vision of pumpkins and wreaths in all of the wonderful autumn colors adorning houses. Moving into a new apartment just before the seasons started to change, I began thinking about how I could create my own fall decorations to save money, reuse materials, and personalize my new living area. Adding a wreath to your door is a great, easy way to make any space feel more like home. So let’s learn about upcycled wreaths!

Here are five reuse ideas for creating an autumn-inspired wreath for your home:

Upcycled Aluminum Can Leaf Wreath – This craft is easiest if you own a die cutter, but you could still do it by hand using a leaf template or leaf-shaped paper punches. Make sure you wash out the cans first and then cut them into sheets. Add ink to the flattened piece of aluminum and dab with a felt applicator randomly. Once dry, die cut the leaves or use a paper punch. Use cardboard to cut out a base to house your leaves and wrap in colored duct tape for added color and durability. Apply the leaves to the base randomly and layer for added depth.
 

Dyed Coffee Filter Fall Wreath – Another creative item to use for wreath making is dyed coffee filters. Mix food coloring with a small amount of water in a bowl, dip a few coffee filters into the dye, and lay them flat out to dry for about a day. Once the coffee filters are completely dry, fold and glue them to your wreath. Repeat with as many coffee filters as you like. There’s no precise method to this, just shape and place as you see fit. The more mismatched, the more natural it will look!
 

Paper Thanksgiving Wreath – Use an old book, scrapbook paper, or other colored paper to punch out circular pieces. Use a glue gun to apply glue to your wreath and stick scrunched up paper circles onto the wreath, pushing in with a pencil eraser. Repeat with more circles, mixing printed text with patterned colored circles. Once this is finished, you can give your wreath an added touch by using extra paper to create a “give thanks” banner for the bottom.
 

Pinecone Wreath – For this wreath, you will utilize the natural elements of your outdoor environment. Begin by collecting pine cones of various sizes from very small to large. Separate into groups for the colors you want to use. Use spray paint to coat the pines cones several times until you get the level of color you desire. You may want to keep several of the cones natural to mix in. Once they are dry, begin assembling your pine cone wreath.
 

Leaf Wreath – Is your favorite part of fall the brilliant colors of the leaves? Then you might want to create a wreath with the traditional look of fall leaves. If you are designing a wreath for a one-time decoration, you can gather leaves in all colors from outside (otherwise you will want to use silk leaves). Try using a grapevine wreath for your surface. Hot glue leaves around the wreath. You can also use other decorative elements like pine cones and dried ornamental grass.

Homemade fall and winter upcycled wreaths are so much more unique and beautiful than what you will find in the stores. Let these ideas inspire you to get out and spend a little time in nature, pick some pinecones and other found items, and make some great pieces for yourself. I hope you enjoy making a wreath that brightens your home and welcomes your Thanksgiving Day visitors with warmth.

For additional instructions and pictures of these and other Thanksgiving-inspired decorations check out the “Thanksgiving Eco-Crafts” board on the Everblue Pinterest page.

This was part two of our three part Do-It-Yourself (DIY) holiday crafts and decorations series. Be sure to check back in December for part three, when we will be sharing tips for winter holiday decorations.