As the seasons change and our everyday routines begin taking shape, autumn presents us with a unique opportunity to reclaim the simple moments—however few. Even in the busiest seasons of life, making space in our schedules to try something new just for fun can teach us to slow down and embrace the time we have at hand.
It can be challenging to find constructive ways to occupy our down time, so we’ve gathered a few approachable workshops to inspire creating beauty for you and your loved ones. Whether you’re hoping to bring personality to your space or add a new recipe to the rotation, these expert-led workshops will guide you through beginner-friendly fall projects, step by step.
Cue cozy sweaters and warm spices—it’s time to begin!
Start Your Own Herbarium
“This is a great way…to take what is blooming and beautiful outside and preserve it.”—Hilary
From Fall DIYsOpens in new tab with Magnolia’s Visual Display Team
why do it: to create personalized artwork from sweet summertime florals
supplies checklist: botanicals, books, scissors or shears, watercolor or cardstock paper, glue, paintbrush, frame
01 Press botanicals.
02 Mount to paper.
03 Frame.
Bake a Batch of Pumpkin Bread
“Bring a piece of this to all of your neighbors and they will just absolutely love you.”—Zoë François
From Baking to Share: Quick Breads and MuffinsOpens in new tab with Zoë François
why do it: to share and connect with the people around you (plus, they’re delicious!)
supplies checklist: pureed pumpkin, sugar(s), flour(s), vegetable oil, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, baking soda, pecans, pumpkin pie spices, and your classic baking tools
01 Roast the pumpkin.
02 Grease the pan.
03 Make the topping.
04 Puree the pumpkin.
05 Mix the batter.
06 Bake the pumpkin bread.
Create a Dried Floral Wreath
“It’s going to be more unique, more personalized, and more special to you, because you created it yourself.”—Megan
From Fall DIYsOpens in new tab with Magnolia’s Visual Display Team
why do it: to create a one-of-a-kind welcome for your front door
supplies checklist: grapevine wreath, dried or preserved botanicals, stemming wire, floral tape, wire cutters or scissors, hot glue gun
01 Lay out composition.
02 Attach pieces.
03 Add fillers.
04 Add texture.
Take a Trip to a Thrift Store
“I think that vintage accessories look best in a modern home. They act as a foil for other decor pieces and they add…layers of interest…and complexity to your design.”—Katie Saro
From Finding Good VintageOpens in new tab with Katie Saro
why do it: to sustainably add character to your space through lamps, wall decor, and odds + ends
supplies checklist: a can-do attitude and a little bit of pocket change
Try Canning a Fall Fruit
“Apples really grow at their peak at the end of summer and into fall, so this is the time to save the season and be able to enjoy it all year round.”—Elizabeth Poett
From Savoring the Season: Guide to CanningOpens in new tab with Elizabeth Poett
why do it: to preserve the delicious flavors of fall all year long
supplies checklist: apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger, four 16-ounce canning jars, pressure canner, and your classic cooking tools
01 Wash and peel the apples.
02 Cut and prep apples.
03 Make the applesauce.
04 Prep the jars.
05 Fill the jars.
06 Seal the pressure canner.
07 Remove the jars.
08 Rest jars for 24 hours.
From baking essentials to reproduction prints from Jo’s personal herbarium, find everything you need to welcome the season in full.
