DIY Argyle Fall Wreath

I love an inexpensive Fall craft, don't you? And it's even better if you end up with a gorgeous piece of Fall decor. Today, I am sharing the instructions for this simple (and cozy) DIY argyle Fall wreath. You are going to want to make this one!

To make this wreath, you'll need some felt in Fall colours. I used a maple leaf cookie cutter to trace out Fall leaves in red, orange, and yellow.

Then, you need to wrap a wreath form in white yarn (securing periodically with hot glue).

Attach the leaves to the wreath with a bit of hot blue, and then wrap twine around the wreath to create an argyle pattern.

Finish by adding a piece of ribbon for hanging.

Cute, right?!? I love how this cozy wreath looks hanging on my black door.

It doesn't take a huge investment to transform your porch from summer to Fall. You just need a few inexpensive supplies and a little imagination.

Happy Fall!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Custom DIY Fall Decor... for less than $10

I love decorating my porch for summer, but when the temperatures start to drop, I feel the need for a little seasonal update. I know my Fall decor will quickly be replaced by Halloween (and then Christmas) decorations, so I like to keep my updates easy and inexpensive. Today, I am sharing a piece of custom DIY Fall decor that I made for just $7! 

I started with a $4 frame from the dollar store, a piece of fall-themed scrapbook paper, some craft paint and a bit of scrap ribbon.

I painted the monogram red and set it aside to dry.

Then, I cut the scrapbook paper to fit my frame and inserted it behind the glass.

When the letter was completely dry, I used hot blue to attach it to the middle of the frame.

To finish, I used hot glue to attach brown ribbon (for hanging) to the frame .

Pretty cute for $7, right?!? Here's the cost breakdown for the monogram:

Dollar store frame: $4
Scrapbook paper: $1
Pressed wood letter: $2
Craft paint... had on hand
Ribbon... had on hand

I love this adorable piece of decor, and it was an super-easy DIY. How do you update your decor for Fall? I'm always looking for new inspiration!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

You might also like this DIY wreath for Fall.

DIY Apple Stamped Banner / Bunting

Apple decor is perfect for Fall and for back to school... and it's even better if it's handmade. I am loving this adorable DIY apple stamped banner / bunting. It's fun to craft, and it makes a wonderful piece of custom decor for your home.

I found a pre-cut canvas banner for less than $2, but you can use cardstock instead (if you can't find inexpensive canvas). 

Then, to make a banner: cut an apple in half, apply a light coat of red paint with a paint brush, and use the paint covered apple to stamp the bunting. 

Wait for the paint to dry, and then you can add details (seeds and a stem) with a brown Sharpie.

Then, use hot glue to attach a piece of twine or string to the back of each "flag".

This is what it looks like when it is all finished. Cute, right?

I think a DIY apple stamped banner / bunting is the perfect project for this time of year. It's great for Fall, and works well for the first day of school too.

Happy crafting!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

{Fall} Book Page Banner

Don't you just love an easy, inexpensive, and fun craft you can do with the kids?  This simple {Fall} Book Page Banner makes a great Fall/Thanksgiving decoration.

You can make your own banner in three easy steps:

1)  Draw or print out pumpkins for the kids to color and cut out.

2)  Trim a book page, and cut a "V" shape out of the bottom.  Then, punch two holes at the top of the page.

3)  Use tape or glue to attach the pumpkins to the book pages.

String together with twine, and that's it!  Cute, right?

Are you decorating for Fall?  I would love to hear what you are making.  :-)

 ♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)
** If you haven't already "liked" me on facebook, I would love to have you join me here.


Update October 11, 2012.... look how my clever boys transformed our Fall Banner into a Halloween Banner.  Sweet, right?

5 {Easy and Inexpensive} Fall Crafts and Activities

The kids are back to school, the weather is getting cooler, and the days are getting shorter -- Fall has definitely arrived.  But... don't despair... "embrace" Fall with these 5 {easy} and {inexpensive} crafts and activities. 

Click on the links {below} for full tutorials and free printables.


1)  Homemade Birdfeeders {3 ways} - Kids will love making these simple birdfeeders, and they'll be helping the birds get ready for winter too!

2)  {Printable} Fall Checklist - Print off this list, hang it on the fridge, and have fun completing all the Fall adventures.

3)  5-Minute {no-sew} Pumpkin - Kids and adults will love making this simple piece of Fall decor. It's easy, inexpensive, and totally adorable!

4)  {Easy} Paper Bag Kites - It's a craft and a fun excuse to get outside. Your kids are going to love this one!

5)  DIY Fall Wreath - This is a perfect craft for moms. All you need is a glue gun and little bit of patience. You don't have to be super-crafty to make this one!

What is your favorite thing about Fall?  I think mine is our annual trip to the pumpkin patch. 

Happy Fall!

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

** If you haven't already "liked" me on facebook, I would love to have you join me here.

Fall Wreath {with Monogram}

I guess it is time to accept the fact that summer is over {sigh}, so in an effort to "embrace fall", I made this beautiful Fall wreath for my front door.

Isn't it pretty?  It is actually a combination of two projects I did before.  I have included links to the tutorials {below}.

Click here to find out how to make the Twine Monogram.

Click here to find out how to make the Felt Flower & Grapevine Wreath.

How do YOU embrace Fall? Do you have a Fall wreath hanging on your front door?

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

5 Minute Felt Pumpkin

Fall is such a great season.  Who doesn't love the awesome weather, Thanksgiving and Halloween?  To get me in the "Fall" spirit, I made this adorable felt pumpkin in just five minutes.  

Cute, right?  Want to make one?

You'll need:

• Orange felt
• Some cotton batting
• A little twig
• Some green ribbon

And, here's what you do:

1)  Trace a circle onto a piece of felt, and cut it out.  (I used a plate as a template.)

2)  Draw some 1 cm lines (about 1.5 cm apart) around the perimeter of the circle.  Then, use scissors to cut out slits where you have made the lines.

3)  Weave ribbon in and out through the slits you have cut -- making sure both ribbon ends are outside of your circle when you are finished.

4)  Add some stuffing, insert the stick (stem), and pull the ribbons ends tight.

5)  Tie a bow to create a perfect little pumpkin.  (PS - How cute is my four year old little pumpkin?  :-)

These felt pumpkins are so quick and easy, you could easily whip up a pumpkin patch full! 

♥ 

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)