As the crisp autumn breeze begins to replace summer’s warmth, it’s time to cozy up your home with some fall decor. But who says you need to break the bank to get that warm, fall look? This year, you can create beautiful, giant fall leaves using something you probably already have in your home: paper bags!
Skill Level: Beginner
Cost of Materials: Less than $5
Time to Complete: 2.5 hours
Crafting giant fall leaves from paper bags is not only an affordable way to bring the season into your space, but it’s also a fun and simple project that you can create by yourself or together with family. Let’s dive into how you can make your own giant fall leaves!
Materials you’ll need
- Paint
- Paper bags OR Brown shipping paper
- Paint brush
- Scissors
- Pencil or Pen
- Tape
Specific info about the Materials
Paint ($2.37)
If you don’t already have paint on hand, you can purchase small bottles from Michaels for only $0.79 each! It seems they always have a coupon for at least 20% off, so that makes them only $0.63, maybe even less if you luck out with a 30% or 40% off coupon. For giant fall leaves you generally want colors like red, yellow, orange, green, purple and burgundy but it’s totally up to you.
If you want to stay under $5, don’t buy all 6 of those colors. Buy just the primary colors (Red, Blue and Yellow) and White, then you can make all the other colors you need.
- Red+ Yellow = Orange
- Blue + Yellow = Green
- Red + Blue = Purple
- More Red + Less Blue = Burgundy
- Add White to any color to lighten it
Paper Bags or Brown Shipping Paper (Free!)
If you’ve ever ordered something from Amazon (or some other business) chances are you’ve had some brown crumpled up paper used as packing material in the box. This paper works great for giant fall leaves. But if you aren’t expecting a shipment anytime soon, grocery store bags also work great. Don’t worry if your brown shipping paper or grocery store bags are crumpled. Crumpled paper actually gives the leaves a more natural, weathered look. But if that look just isn’t for you, you can actually iron the paper to flatten it out before you paint it.
Paint Brush ($0.69)
You don’t need to buy a paint brush for every single paint color. In fact you want to use the same brush for multiple colors (this is explained in further detail in the video tutorial).
Pattern for Giant Fall Leaves
The Giant Fall Leaf is approximately 11.75″w x 12.5″h and therefore cannot fit on a single piece of printer paper. The leaf will print out in 3 pieces, 1 on each sheet of paper. Watch the video to see how to cut, assemble and tape the pieces together to create your pattern.
Download FREE Giant Fall Leaves Pattern
Conclusion
Arrange your giant fall leaves on a wall to create a cascading effect as if they’re gently falling. This makes for a stunning focal point in any room.
Decorating your home for fall doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With a little creativity and some basic materials like paper bags and paint, you can create charming and personalized autumn decor that brings warmth and beauty to your space. Crafting giant fall leaves is an easy, eco-friendly project that lets you celebrate the season without stretching your budget. So gather your supplies and start crafting – your home will have cozy fall vibes in no time!
Check out our Paint a Throw Pillow Cover tutorial to save money & storage space!
Want to make some fall decor with us? Our mobile craft studio offers a selection of fall crafts. We offer classes at your home, community center or workplace for team builders. Or join us at one of our public classes at a local restaurant.
Stencil is a mobile craft studio offering craft events in the Metro Phoenix area.
Author: Nicole Bolin