Fall is in the air, and that means it’s time to cozy up our homes with warm autumn colors and textures! But who says you need to spend a fortune on seasonal decor? I’m so excited to share these gorgeous DIY pumpkin and leaf crafts that you can make using Dollar Store finds. These budget-friendly projects will transform your home into a fall wonderland without emptying your wallet. Grab your glue gun and let’s turn those $1 pumpkins and leaves into Pinterest-worthy decor that will have your friends asking, “Where did you buy that?”
Essential Supplies for Dollar Store Fall Crafts
Before we dive into the specific projects, let’s gather some basic supplies. The beauty of Dollar Store crafting is that you can find most of these items right there in the store! I’ve included a few of my favorite Amazon finds that are worth the investment if you plan to do multiple projects.
Basic Tools You’ll Need:
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Scissors
- Craft paint (acrylic works best)
- Paintbrushes (various sizes)
- Mod Podge or similar decoupage medium
- Twine or jute string
- Craft knife
Dollar Store Items to Look For:
- Foam or plastic pumpkins
- Artificial fall leaves
- Burlap ribbon
- Small picture frames
- Glass vases or mason jars
- Floral wire
- Foam wreath forms
My Favorite Crafting Tool
I love this mini hot glue gun for detailed fall crafts – it’s lightweight enough for kids to handle (with supervision) and heats up in just 2 minutes! Perfect for all the projects in this post.
5 Adorable Pumpkin Crafts Under $5
Let’s start with everyone’s favorite fall icon – pumpkins! These five pumpkin crafts are incredibly budget-friendly and will add that perfect autumn touch to your home. Each project costs less than $5 to make when using Dollar Store supplies.
1. Book Page Pumpkins
Transform plain foam pumpkins into vintage-inspired decor with old book pages! This project gives you that farmhouse look for pennies.
What You’ll Need:
- Dollar Store foam pumpkins
- Old book pages (or printed vintage text)
- Mod Podge
- Foam brush
- Twine
- Small artificial leaves
Simple Steps:
- Remove the plastic stem from the foam pumpkin
- Tear book pages into small pieces
- Apply Mod Podge to a section of the pumpkin
- Press paper pieces onto the glue, overlapping slightly
- Cover the entire pumpkin, then seal with another layer of Mod Podge
- Wrap twine around the stem area and add a small leaf
Perfect Decoupage Medium
I recommend this Mod Podge Matte Finish for a perfect seal that won’t yellow over time. It’s my go-to for all paper crafts and gives these book page pumpkins a professional finish. (Virtually Certain: Essential craft supply)
2. Sweater Pumpkins
Got an old sweater you don’t wear anymore? Turn it into the coziest fall decor! These sweater pumpkins add wonderful texture to any fall display.
What You’ll Need:
- Dollar Store foam pumpkins
- Old sweater (thrift stores are great for this!)
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
- Twine or jute
- Cinnamon sticks (optional)
Simple Steps:
- Cut a square of sweater fabric large enough to wrap around the pumpkin
- Remove the stem from the foam pumpkin
- Wrap the sweater around the pumpkin and gather at the top
- Secure with hot glue
- Wrap twine around the gathered fabric to create a stem
- Add cinnamon sticks for a natural touch and wonderful scent
3. Pizza Pan Pumpkin
This clever pumpkin hack uses a Dollar Store pizza pan to create a unique wall or door decoration that looks much more expensive than it is!
What You’ll Need:
- Dollar Store metal pizza pan
- Orange acrylic paint
- Black paint or vinyl for face (optional)
- Green pipe cleaners
- Brown craft paper or felt
- Hot glue gun
Simple Steps:
- Paint the pizza pan orange and let dry completely
- Add a face with black paint or vinyl if desired
- Cut a stem shape from brown paper or felt
- Twist green pipe cleaners to create a curly vine
- Attach stem and vine to the top with hot glue
- Add a ribbon or twine for hanging
4. Glitter Pumpkins
Add some sparkle to your fall decor with these glamorous glitter pumpkins! They’re perfect for a more elegant autumn look.
What You’ll Need:
- Dollar Store foam pumpkins
- Mod Podge or craft glue
- Fine glitter in fall colors
- Foam brush
- Newspaper to catch excess glitter
- Clear sealer spray (optional)
Simple Steps:
- Cover your work surface with newspaper
- Apply a thick layer of Mod Podge to the pumpkin
- Sprinkle glitter generously over the wet glue
- Let dry completely (about 1-2 hours)
- Apply a second coat of Mod Podge and glitter if needed
- Spray with clear sealer to prevent shedding (optional)
Glitter That Doesn’t Shed
This extra-fine glitter set includes 12 fall-perfect colors and doesn’t shed like cheaper options. I use it for all my glitter projects because it gives a smooth, professional finish.
5. Succulent Pumpkin Planters
These adorable succulent planters look like something from a high-end home decor store, but they cost just a few dollars to make!
What You’ll Need:
- Dollar Store foam pumpkins
- Craft knife
- Small artificial succulents
- Moss
- Hot glue gun
- Acrylic paint (optional)
- Small decorative stones (optional)
Simple Steps:
- Cut the top off the foam pumpkin with a craft knife
- Paint the pumpkin if desired and let dry
- Fill the bottom with a small amount of hot glue
- Press moss into the glue
- Arrange artificial succulents in the moss
- Add small decorative stones around the plants if desired
Leafy Masterpieces: Kid-Friendly Ideas
Fall leaves are nature’s free craft supply! Combined with a few Dollar Store items, you can create beautiful decor that’s perfect for the season. These projects are simple enough for kids to help with, but look sophisticated enough for any home.
Fall Leaf Garland
This simple leaf garland adds a festive touch to mantels, doorways, or stair railings. It’s so easy that even young children can help create it!
What You’ll Need:
- Dollar Store artificial fall leaves
- Twine or jute string
- Hot glue gun
- Mini clothespins (optional)
- Fall-colored ribbon (optional)
Simple Steps:
- Cut twine to desired length plus extra for hanging
- Attach leaves to twine with hot glue or mini clothespins
- Space leaves evenly along the twine
- Add ribbon bows between leaves if desired
- Hang your garland and adjust leaf placement as needed
Mod Podge Leaf Bowls
Leaf bowls look like something from an expensive boutique but cost just a few dollars to make. They’re perfect for holding small items or just displaying on their own.
What You’ll Need:
- Dollar Store artificial fall leaves
- Mod Podge or fabric stiffener
- Foam brush
- Plastic wrap
- Bowl to use as a mold
- Scissors
Simple Steps:
- Cover a bowl with plastic wrap (this will be your mold)
- Brush leaves with a generous coat of Mod Podge
- Arrange leaves on the outside of the bowl, overlapping edges
- Apply another coat of Mod Podge over the leaves
- Let dry completely (24 hours)
- Carefully remove from the mold and trim any rough edges
Fabric Stiffener for Perfect Leaf Bowls
While Mod Podge works well, this fabric stiffener creates even sturdier leaf bowls that last for years. It dries completely clear and maintains the leaf colors beautifully.
Fall Leaf Mason Jar Candle Holders
Candle holders create the most magical autumn glow when lit! They’re perfect for dinner tables, mantels, or bathroom counters.
What You’ll Need:
- Dollar Store mason jars or glass containers
- Artificial fall leaves (smaller ones work best)
- Mod Podge
- Foam brush
- Twine or ribbon
- Tea light candles or LED candles
Simple Steps:
- Clean and dry the glass jars thoroughly
- Apply Mod Podge to the outside of the jar
- Press leaves onto the wet Mod Podge
- Apply another coat of Mod Podge over the leaves
- Let dry completely
- Tie twine or ribbon around the jar rim
- Place a tea light or LED candle inside
Dollar Store Hacks for Pro-Level Fall Decor
With a little creativity, you can transform basic Dollar Store items into decor that looks high-end and professional. These clever hacks will have your friends thinking you spent a fortune on your fall decorations!
Reverse Canvas Pumpkin Art
This clever hack uses a Dollar Store canvas in a completely unexpected way to create custom fall wall art that looks like it came from a boutique.
What You’ll Need:
- Dollar Store canvas
- Staple remover or pliers
- Acrylic paint for the frame
- Burlap or fabric for background
- Orange felt or paper for pumpkin
- Hot glue gun
- Staple gun
Simple Steps:
- Remove the canvas from the wooden frame
- Paint the wooden frame and let dry
- Cut burlap or fabric slightly larger than the frame
- Cut a pumpkin shape from orange felt or paper
- Arrange and glue the pumpkin onto the burlap
- Stretch the burlap over the back of the frame and staple
- Add a twine hanger to the back
Wire Pumpkin Wreath
Dollar Tree’s wire pumpkin forms are perfect for creating stunning wreaths that look like they cost ten times what you’ll spend!
What You’ll Need:
- Dollar Store wire pumpkin form
- Chunky yarn or burlap ribbon
- Artificial fall leaves and berries
- Hot glue gun
- Wire cutters
- Ribbon for hanging
Simple Steps:
- Wrap the wire pumpkin form with yarn or ribbon
- Secure the ends with hot glue
- Arrange artificial leaves and berries on the bottom of the pumpkin
- Attach with hot glue or by weaving stems through the wire
- Add a bow at the top if desired
- Attach ribbon for hanging
Perfect Chunky Yarn for Wreaths
This chunky yarn in a beautiful cream color is perfect for wrapping wire forms. One skein is enough for 2-3 wreaths, and it gives that cozy, farmhouse look that’s so popular right now.
Gold Leaf Pumpkins
Add a touch of luxury to basic Dollar Store pumpkins with gold leaf! This simple technique creates stunning decor that looks incredibly expensive.
What You’ll Need:
- Dollar Store foam pumpkins
- White or cream acrylic paint
- Gold leaf sheets
- Gold leaf adhesive
- Small paintbrush
- Soft cloth
Simple Steps:
- Paint pumpkins white and let dry completely
- Apply gold leaf adhesive in desired pattern
- Wait until adhesive becomes tacky (about 15 minutes)
- Press gold leaf sheet onto the adhesive
- Gently brush away excess gold leaf with a soft cloth
- Seal with clear acrylic sealer if desired
Gold Leaf Sheets – Worth the Investment!
These gold leaf sheets are my secret weapon for creating expensive-looking decor on a budget. One pack lasts for many projects, and they’re much easier to work with than liquid gilding.
How to Display Your Dollar Store Fall Crafts
Now that you’ve created these beautiful crafts, let’s talk about how to display them for maximum impact! Here are some simple styling tips that will make your Dollar Store creations look like designer decor.
Group in Odd Numbers
Arrange pumpkins and other decor items in groups of 3 or 5 for a more visually appealing display. Varying heights creates interest and draws the eye through your arrangement.
Mix Textures
Combine smooth, rough, shiny, and matte finishes for a rich, layered look. Pair glitter pumpkins with burlap, or smooth ceramic with textured leaves for contrast.
Add Natural Elements
Incorporate free natural items like pinecones, acorns, or branches to enhance your Dollar Store crafts and create a more authentic fall feel.
Perfect Places to Display Your Crafts:
- Mantel: Create a focal point with a leaf garland, varied pumpkins, and candle holders
- Entry Table: Welcome guests with a grouping of different pumpkin crafts
- Dining Table: Use leaf bowls and pumpkin planters as a centerpiece
- Bookshelves: Tuck small pumpkins between books for unexpected pops of fall color
- Kitchen: Place mason jar candle holders on the counter for a warm glow
- Bathroom: Add a small pumpkin and leaf bowl to the vanity
- Front Porch: Hang a wire pumpkin wreath and arrange larger pumpkin crafts by the door
- Office: A small leaf garland around a monitor brings fall cheer to your workspace
Share Your Dollar Store Fall Creations!
I hope these DIY pumpkin and leaf crafts have inspired you to create beautiful fall decor without spending a fortune! The Dollar Store truly is a treasure trove for budget-conscious crafters, and with a little creativity, you can transform those inexpensive finds into decor that looks high-end and custom.
Happy crafting, thrifty friends! Remember, beautiful seasonal decor doesn’t have to break the bank. With these Dollar Store hacks, you can create a warm, inviting fall home that looks like you spent hundreds – while keeping your budget intact for all those pumpkin spice lattes!
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