Hosting a Fall Craft Night: 5 Group DIY Projects That Are Actually Fun
There’s something about crisp air, cozy socks, and the scent of cinnamon that makes fall the perfect time to gather friends for a night of crafting. But let’s be honest — no one wants to leave with another popsicle stick scarecrow.
If you’re planning a fall craft night this season, these 5 group-friendly DIY projects hit the sweet spot between fun, functional, and actually worth making. Each project is beginner-friendly, budget-conscious, and ideal for groups of 3–10 people. Plus, I’ve included reference links and materials you can prep ahead of time.
🍁 1. Mini Pumpkin Yarn Garlands
Why it works: It’s easy, adorable, and totally customizable with fall colors. No glue gun burns required.
Materials: Yarn (orange, cream, mustard), green pipe cleaners, scissors.
Where to find tutorial:
Pro tip: Prep a few pumpkins ahead of time as samples and have a “color station” so guests can mix & match tones.
🕯 2. Thrifted Candleholders + Painted Taper Set
Why it works: Everyone gets to make a beautiful candleholder centerpiece using thrifted brass, ceramic, or wooden candlesticks and decorative taper candles.
Materials:
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Thrifted candlesticks (bring a variety!)
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Acrylic paint, rub-on transfers, glitter or washi tape, paint brushes
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Unscented taper candles
Where to find ideas:
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Inspired by Pretty Little Girls – Easy Hand Painted Taper Candles
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Pinterest search: “painted taper candles DIY”
Pro tip: Wrap each guest’s finished piece in kraft paper for take-home gifting.
🍂 3. Fabric-Wrapped Faux Pumpkins
Why it works: No carving, no mess — just thrifted fabric (scarves, napkins, shirts!)
Materials:
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Needles and threads (hopefully to match the material you are using)
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Thrifted fabric scraps, scarves, or flannel shirts
- Polyester Fiberfill (or old pillows you can take apart)
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Cinnamon sticks, pipe cleaners or driftwood for stems
Reference links:
Pro tip: Raid your local thrift store’s clearance scarf bin or an old flanner shirt — tons of patterns for under $3
🍷 4. Painted Glassware or Wine Bottles
Why it works: Great upcycle + a functional piece they can use at home or gift.
Materials:
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Clean wine bottles or thrifted glassware
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Acrylic Paint or Paint Marker
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Stencils, masking tape, brushes
Reference ideas:
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Pinterest search: “painted wine bottle centerpiece”
Pro tip: Metallic or frosted finishes feel especially luxe for autumn.
✨ 5. DIY Essential Oil Room Spray or Simmer Pot Kits
Why it works: Smells amazing, easy to personalize, and useful (especially if gifting!).
Materials:
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Small spray bottles or mason jars
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Labels (preprinted or blank), bags, ribbon or string, scissors
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Ingredients: distilled water, witch hazel or alcohol, essential oils
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OR: orange peels, cinnamon sticks, cloves for simmer kits
Find inspiration:
Pro tip: Create a scent bar and let guests mix their own fall blend. Include cute printable tags!
🍎 Bonus Ideas for Hosting a Cozy Craft Night:
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Serve cider in thrifted mugs and label them with washi tape
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Set up a “project station” for each craft with printed instructions
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Play a fall-themed playlist (Spotify has great ones!)
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Offer prize giveaways for “Most Creative” or “Best Use of Thrift”
Ready to Host? Here’s How to Prep:
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Choose 1–3 crafts depending on time and group size
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Thrift in advance — grab extras for those who forget materials
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Prep printable instruction cards or bundles for each table
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Create a group Pinterest board with inspiration for each project
🧶 Final Thoughts
If you decide to host a fall craft night, I’d absolutely love to hear about it! Whether it’s a table full of friends, mugs of mulled cider, or a solo cozy crafting night with your cat — tag me or drop a comment.
I hope these ideas help make your gathering A Wandaful Thing. 🍂✨
Warmly yours,
Wanda, xo ✂️🧶you might also like:
10 of my Favourite Fall Desserts
Free Friday SVGs Printables & Pumpkin Latte Recipe
You can follow me at all these lovely places.
Congrats on your feature at Senior Salon! This is the first time I’ve seen your blog! Lovely post! And you have so many lovely fall posts! We’d love for you to join us each week at Tuesday Turn About via My Wee Abode (.com) Hope to see you there!
Thank you for your lovely comments. I think you’ll definitely be seeing me over at My Wee Abode
xo
Wanda
These all sound like lots of fun!
I’ve tried a couple of them and they were easy and fun.
Thanks for stopping by.
xo
Wanda
These are all fun. Wish we were closer to do them all!
Oh me too, we would try them all