by Laura Leigh Fields

Created on: September 11, 2008   Last Updated: September 17, 2008

There are many beautiful and fun ways that you can bring autumn indoors by spreading the warmth of nature throughout your house with a creative flair. Adding an autumn harvest to your home will give it a cozy and inviting appeal and it will serve as a constant reminder of the beautiful features of nature.

Start by framing leaves. Picture frames are inexpensive and leaves are easy to come by. Combine these two things and you will have an original masterpiece. Gather some leaves and tape them to construction paper. Write a poem or fall quote on each piece of paper. Frame your creations. (For a different look, use a variety of frame sizes and styles.) After autumn is over, you can easily remove the leaves and use the frames for winter decorations or family photos.

Give plain colored items an autumn flair with hand-made stamps. All you need is a few leafs, some paint, and something to decorate. (You can use sheets, tablecloths, shower curtains, pillowcases, or anything printable.) Cover the backside of a leaf with a deep coat of paint so that the veins, stem, and details will show through. Press the leaf down firmly and hold for a moment. Repeat the process as often as you want on as many items as you choose to decorate.

Oriental rice paper and other super thin materials will work well to display all of your favorite out-door autumn finds. Use a glue stick to secure items such as leaves, berries, and ivy to the canvas of your choice. These make great window decorations, decorative end-table placemats, and simple wall hangings.

Peppers are fun to grow in the garden and taste delicious but they also make terrific decorations. All you need is a handful of twine, a heavy needle, and a handful of peppers in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. String the peppers and hang them around window seals or other noticeable places. (Another beautiful alternative to this project is to use leaves, stringing them about a half to three quarters of an inch from the stem, and tying knots between each one to secure.)

Handmade autumn candles will make great centerpieces and be a conversational topic for seasons to come. Hollow out half of an apple or scoop out the middle of a piece of squash. Place a tea light candle inside it and watch the light twinkle in the eyes of those who adore your simple creations.

Use a large terracotta saucer, flower planter, or clear dish as a fun fall reflecting pool. Scatter leaves, pinecones, and small pebbles on the bottom of the bowl and fill it with water. Top it off with a few floating candles and be prepared to feel the calm within.

Simple wreaths can be made with wire or a cardboard ring, hot glue, and nature's gifts from outdoors. Cover the wreath material with moss or twisted ivy. Use glue to attach acorns, berries, flowers, or leaves. Top it off with a simple bow.

Use plenty of gold, yellow, red, and orange hues. The colors will set off your wonderful autumn paradise. When it comes to autumn decorating, the opportunities expand past the limitless boundaries of the great outdoors. Go forth and discover a natural masterpiece waiting to be created!

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