Garlands and Lanterns

Is there anything more delightful than decorating one’s home with autumn’s rich colors? With these easy DIY crafts, kids can enjoy bringing a touch of festive fun to the household!

AUTUMN FELT GARLAND

These easy garlands add a cozy touch when strung across the mantle or around a sunny window.

STEP 1: Purchase a set of 12 x 12 felt craft sheets in 2mm thickness from your local craft store or online. Collect scissors, paper, pens, sewing supplies, a long rope and some clothespins.

STEP 2: If you have a printer, print and cut out DIY paper stencils – easily found online – of maple leaves, pumpkins, acorns or other fall-themeditems. No printer, no problem – simply hand draw your stencil shapes onto thick cardstock, construction paper or cardboard, then cut them to size.

STEP 3: Pin your stencil to the felt using sewing pins or safety pins and cut out each shape carefully. Try to mix and match different colors and shapes to create a varied effect.

STEP 4 (optional): If you’re feeling extra crafty, pin two shapes together and sew them with a needle and thread, then stuff them with cotton wool to create three-dimensional shapes that will really pop. Otherwise, it’s fine to leave your shapes flat.

STEP 5: Bring your garland together on a long rope using clothespins to attach the shapes. Alternatively, you can poke or cut a small hole in each shape and run your rope through the felt pieces. To keep them from sliding around, tie a small knot around the hole every time you string a shape. Tada!

HOMEMADE LANTERN

A popular fall tradition found across Europe is known as the “lantern walk.” Every November, families gather with neighbors, schoolmates, friends and community members to take a walk together through the chilly autumn night. During this walk they carry little homemade lanterns with brightly shining candles or LED tea lights in them and sing songs about bringing light to the darkness that surrounds us. Your family can enjoy this beloved tradition by making your own DIY autumn lanterns, which can also be enjoyed outside on the front porch or as center pieces inside the home.

STEP 1: Gather your supplies; you will need a mason jar, modge podge or white glue, colorful tissue paper in autumnal colors, foam brush, wire, ribbon or string, candles or LED
tea lights.

STEP 2: Cut or tear your tissue paper into small 1×1” squares or similarly sized pieces.

STEP 3: Using the foam brush, apply a thin layer of modge podge or glue to the outside of the mason jar, starting right below the lip of the rim (but avoiding the rim directly where the cap screws on, as you don’t want glue to stick there.)

STEP 4: Add pieces of tissue paper over the glue one at a time, overlapping them in interesting ways to create a multi-layered colorful effect. More overlap will make the lantern less transparent, however, so be mindful to leave pockets of single layer pieces. Slowly work your way down until the entire jar is covered.

STEP 5: After it dries, add another thin layer of modge podge to the entire jar to seal the tissue paper and create a shiny, stained glass effect.

STEP 6: Tie a thin piece of wire or string around the rim of the jar, and then another one vertically over the top at a perpendicular angle to create a simple handle. Wire is the sturdier choice, if available.

STEP 7: Light your little candle or LED tealight inside and enjoy your cozy DIY lantern!

With these fun crafts, your family will enjoy the magic of the season with a spark of creativity.

This article appears in BendNest Fall 2025.