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BLOG & NEWS

Autumn and Halloween - Top Craft Activities and Ideas

October 31, 2023

Autumn and Halloween - Top Craft Activities and Ideas
AUTUMN IS HERE

It's officially the season of pumpkins, crunchy leaves and cosy jumpers! I absolutely adore this time of year - the darker evenings and gloomier weather are the perfect excuse to stay indoors and spend more time crafting.  

Looking for some fun autumnal or Halloween crafts that can be done both with and without the kids? This handy list contains my favourite crafts to fill your to-do list with this spooky season. 

FALL CROSS STITCH  

If you're feeling a little overwhelmed, or you're not quite sure where to start, we have several autumnal / Halloween, beginner-friendly cross stitch designs that are perfect for your cosy Friday evenings in.

If you sign up to the VIP stitch club you'll receive 8 PDF patterns, including 'Smokey the Halloween cat'. This lucky black cat design is great for cross stitch first-timers due to its full stitches and easy-to-follow pattern (and it's free)! 

Tap here to sign up and receive 8 FREE digital patterns as well as our top tips for beginners! 

black cat cross stitch pattern

Take a look at our Touch of Magic - a Halloween-themed project featuring ghosts, pumpkins, and witches, everything that is loved about spooky season features on this design!  The finished project would make a brilliant Halloween decoration, or if you're a true Allhallows Eve enthusiast, a fabulous display all-year round! 

Why not pop on your favourite Halloween film ('Hocus Pocus' is my go-to!) or a spooky playlist and get your stitch on? 

halloween typography cross stitch

Celebrate your love of autumn by stitching 'Hello Pumpkin' - this fall pattern features pumpkins, toadstool mushrooms, adorable woodland animals and of course, leaves in beautiful shades of red and orange. The finished design could be turned into a beautiful, fall-themed cushion and used to decorate your home every autumn. 

Learn how to turn your cross stitch into a cushion.

autumn tree cross stitch

Brand new 'Autumn Life' is the latest design in our season's life series. Inspired by leafy walks and golden florals, this stunning design is the perfect project to stitch during this beautiful season. The finished piece would look stunning displayed alongside sister patterns Spring Life and Summer Life (Winter Life coming soon)! 

autumn cross stitchAll of our cross stitch kits contain full, easy-to-follow instructions, 1 colour printed pattern, pre-sorted card thread holder, DMC stranded cotton, Zweigart fabric and 1 DMC branded needle. 

Keep your needle safe and secure and complete your fall stash by adding on the Pumpkin needle minder for just £9.50! Or why not take advantage of our offer of save £4.50 when you buy any 3 needle minders? The Owl and Hedgehog needle minders would also make the perfect stitchy buddies for these projects. 

pumpkin needle minder

"I love this little needle minder, it sits on my cross stitch and makes me smile every time I look at it. It’s excellent quality and a must-have for every stitcher." 

- Angela W 

HALLOWEEN CRAFT ACTIVITIES 

A great way to celebrate this time of year is by crafting something. It doesn't have to be anything fancy or time-consuming, there are plenty of wonderfully simple crafty activities. 

Spider webs made from black bin bags are an easy, budget-friendly activity and make a brilliant Halloween decoration! 

To make a spider web decoration from a garbage bag, follow these simple steps: 

1. Unfold the bag and lay it flat onto an even surface, trim the bottom and the sides, leaving you with 2 plastic rectangles. Cut the 2 rectangular pieces into squares.  

2. Fold the bags diagonally, and trim off any excess that isn't making a perfect square. 

3. Fold the bags diagonally again, making a triangle. Fold the triangle in half 2 more times. 

4. Similar to creating paper snowflakes, cut a web pattern into the bag while ensuring you don't cut through the middle of the shape. If you need to, use a pen to stencil the pattern onto the bag before you start cutting.

5. Voila! Open up the plastic bag and enjoy your DIY Halloween decoration. 

 

DIY spider web decoration

Image above © ActressMama 

Another easy, fun activity is painting stones. Head outdoors for an autumnal walk, collect stones, find your paints and paintbrushes from the cupboard and get crafting!

You could paint the stone green and create Frankenstein, orange and create a pumpkin, or if Halloween isn't your thing, why not paint some autumn leaves? The possibilities are endless! 

halloween painted rocks

Image above © I Love Painted Rocks 

Decorate your fireplace or doorframe with a Halloween or autumnal garland - there are heaps of creative ideas on the Internet, we love this DIY Bat Garland by Let's DIY It All and this Easy DIY Ghosts Garland by Better With Age. 

DIY bat halloween decoration

Image above © Let's DIY It All  

Your garland can be as detailed or as simple as you like, so this craft is one that's suitable for all ages. 

If garlands aren't your style, you could create a Halloween or autumnal themed paper chain instead! 

For even more fall craft ideas, check out our autumn and Halloween cross stitch and other crafts Pinterest boards. 

Perhaps you'd also enjoy exploring crafting new experiences through curated subscription boxes, which often feature seasonal projects and supplies. 

Join our Facebook group and connect with supportive, like-minded cross stitchers today. Our proudest achievement is the stitchy family we have built over the years! With over 18,000 members, there's a ton of support available 24/7. 

Happy stitching!

 

 




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