Beautiful autumn crafts for your home
The nights are drawing in and temperatures are starting to drop - autumn is well and truly upon us. Well today we’re showing you how to bring the essence of autumn into your home as crafting queen Jodie May from A Handmade Cottage shows us some beautiful, handmade autumnal centrepieces that you can make yourself and will be perfect to decorate your home.
How to make a sparkly succulent / pumpkin centrepiece
RUSTIC TWIG CANDLE
You will need
Lichen covered twigs - Tip: choose straight twigs of a similar thicknessGlass tumbler or candle holderBrown string or twineAcorn / berries to decorateGlue gun or tacky all purpose gluePruning shears Tealight
Method
Hold a twig against the glass to determine how tall you’d like your twigs to be. If you’d like a rustic finish allow an extra centimetre above the rim and snip your twigs in different directions.
Apply a dot of glue to the bottom and middle of your twig and hold in place again the glass until the glue sets. Repeat the first two steps working your way around the glass.
When the glass is covered, wrap some string or twine around the centre several times and tie in a knot, then make a bow at the back
Finally either poke your berries / acorn through the string, or simply glue in place
WOODLAND SCENE
You will need
Container - I’ve used a wooden wine box but any waterproof container will workFloral foam (optional)Piece of moss covered bark - Look out for fallen trees or branches that are covered with moss. If the wood is rotten it will be soft and can be broken up and picked up easily.Toadstools - available from hobby craft or any craft shop.Collection of foliage - Fresh and dried sprigs / acorns / miniature pinecones from woodland
Method
Line your box / bowl with a waterproof covering if it isn’t already waterproof
(Optional) Cut a piece of floral oasis to the size of your container (leaving enough room to place your moss on top). Once cut, pop your foam in a bowl of water and allow it to soak until it is completely saturated. This will keep the base of your moss moist. (TIP: Don’t hold it down, just leave it to soak) Pop it in the bottom of the box.
Lay your moss covered bark on top
Now begin creating your woodland scene beginning with the bigger pieces first. For the trees, simply snip off the top of a branch and remove the low foliage to create a miniature tree, and gently ease it into the moss, use twigs to create log seats, and scatter with toadstools and acorns. Feel free to add any other little creatures or fairies too!
TIP: Give the moss the occasional sprinkle / spritz of water to keep it moist and it will last for several weeks. Replace any wilting greenery as and when.