The leaves are changing and evening comes earlier these days, which can only mean one thing: Fall is here!
The thrift store is chock full of items that can be upcycled and repurposed into fall crafts and decor. If you’re looking for some upcycling inspiration to help you enjoy autumn to the fullest, then these projects will definitely light a creative spark!
Upcycled Thanksgiving Wreath
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
It’s hard to believe that this chic and elegant Thanksgiving wreath started out as thrift store finds, but it’s true! And it’s possible that this wreath would have never even come to fruition if the DIY supplies hadn’t ended up next to each other on the same thrift store shelf.
Boho Basket Pumpkin
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Depending on the shape, some wicker baskets are perfect for upcycling into pumpkins for fall decorating. This one was particularly well-suited for the task and was upcycled into a “gourd-geous” Boho pumpkin with the help of some all-natural craft supplies.
Stenciled Wreath
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
You know those large, round wooden boxes that cheese comes in? Well, they’re perfect for upcycling into fun fall crafts- like this stenciled sign and wreath made from the lid. Such an easy way to create a personalized wreath to celebrate autumn.
Stained Glass Pumpkins
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Starting as clear glass pumpkins from craft and thrift stores, these stained glass pumpkins are surprisingly easy to make with the right kinds of paint. But trust me when I tell you that they look even more magical at night!
Fabric Pumpkins
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Fabric pumpkins like these are not only easy to make, but they won’t rot in warm weather if you’re still waiting for Fall temps to arrive. They look adorable in any number of fabrics- flannel, bandanas, velvet, even your old sweaters.
Wooden Leaf Dishes
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Wooden leaf dishes are pretty enough on their own. But the addition of multi-color gold leaf flakes capture the entire spectrum of autumn colors in one single craft project.
Tweed Acorns
Photo source: Sadie Seasongoods.
Plush acorns made from tweed jackets are the unexpected fall craft you didn’t know you needed until now. And their cap? A thrifted salad bowl, believe it or not.
Woven Trivet Pumpkins
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
With woven and rattan pumpkins being all the rage this year, it’s no surprise that ideas for upcycled versions are making their way online. This one repurposes vintage straw trivets into quirky woven pumpkins for fresh boho decor.
Fall Crafts from the Recycle Bin
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Wine and liquor bottles from your recycle bin are free craft supplies just waiting for the right idea. And here’s one that’s perfect for fall: painting them to look like pumpkins and gourds. Plus, it’s fun to hunt for bottles that have a gourd-y or pumpkin-y shape, too.
Fall Apples
Photo source: Sadie Seasongoods.
Pumpkins don’t get all the glory in Fall because we have all the apple things, too. Apple picking, apple cider, and now? Apple decor with these painted dishes and signs.
Fall Signs
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
There are a LOT of great Fall quotes out there that are perfect for capturing on festive fall signs. This quote says it all, doesn’t it? And such a thrifty sign to make because it was made from an old cabinet door.
Pumpkin Food Cover
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A functional centerpiece that protects your food AND looks festive? That’s just what this pumpkin-shaped cake dome is. Of course, it started out as something very different from the thrift store…
Fall Leaf Wreath
Photo source: Sadie Seasongoods.
Here’s a scrap buster fall craft for anyone with lots of fabric laying around: a fresh take on a fall leaf wreath. These leaves are made from old flannel shirts, but any fall-inspired fabrics and patterns would do.
Indian Corn Dishes
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If you’ve ever seen one of those yellow-and-green corn dishes/bowls at a thrift store, then you know how retro they look- and certainly not very autumn-esque. But repainting them like Indian Corn is a fresh way to enjoy them leading into Thanksgiving.
Fall Crafts with Feathers
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
This fall wreath idea is simple and understated, but it captures the look and feel of the season perfectly. Feathers like these are a fun touch to your fall crafts, and you can even buy humanely-sourced feathers online if you’re an animal lover (like me).
Pumpkin Trays
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A small serving tray with a handles is surprisingly easy to transform into a pumpkin with a little paint and leaf-like embellishment, isn’t it? Plus that can be decorative AND functional throughout the autumn season.
Autumn and Fall Crafts
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Think you’ll make any of these fall crafts this season? Or do you have other ideas of projects to make? There are so many great upcycling ideas and craft projects to make in autumn and I hope these inspired you to get crafting!
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
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