Simple DIY Fall Leaf Garland Made with Coffee Paper + Filters

Hello, friends! It’s time for the Hand Crafted Society gals to share our creations with you.

This time we created a DIY project using fall leaves. If you’ve joined me from Jennifer over @cottageonbunkerhill, welcome. She is so creative, and I have no doubt you loved her fun felt leaf leaf idea!

I made a DIY paper leaf garland using coffee paper and coffee filters to add to my fall home decor, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

So grab your crating supplies and get ready to make your own DIY fall leaves garland for autumn.

What are Coffee Paper or Coffee Filter Crafts?

Coffee filter crafts have been around for a while now, and they are simply craft projects made using coffee filters or coffee paper, which are stained with coffee to create an aged look.

These materials make an excellent base for a faux fall leaf garland or any other creative DIY projects.

These crafts are not only for adults but are great for younger kids and kids of all ages. Cutting and drawing on coffee filters is excellent for their fine motor skills and so much fun.

What Kind of Coffee Filter Art Can You Make?

There are many projects you can make using your coffee paper or filters. Here are just a few. 

Materials You’ll Need to Make Coffee Paper

Here’s what you’ll need to dye the coffee paper. For all the details and instructions to make your paper resemble real autumn leaves, check out my comprehensive blog post on the easiest coffee paper dyeing method.

• Paper filters (coffee filters)
• Instant Coffee (you’ll need the grounds)
• Different papers, watercolor paper, card stock, parchment paper, etc.
• Cinnamon
• Hot water
• Tea bags (optional)
• Sponge paintbrush or regular paintbrush
• Blow dryer (optional)
• Paper bags
• Medicine dropper
• Colored water
• Large cookie sheet
• Food coloring
• Paper Towels

Materials You’ll Need to Make a Coffee Paper DIY Fall Leaf Garland

You can find most of these supplies at your local craft store. I have also linked all of these supplies to make it easy for you to order through Amazon.

• Brown craft wrapping paper
• Grapevine floral wire
• Hole punch
• Pipe cleaners
• Glue gun
• Hot glue sticks
• Free leaf template 
• Leaves from the garden for leaf pattern
• Berries
• If you want to add some color, other silk autumn leaves or colorful leaves (you can find these at the dollar store).
• Distress ink 
• Scissors 
• Corn husks 
• Mod Podge
• Small paint brush

How to Make a Fall Garland with Paper

Step One: Preparing the Coffee Paper Filters

See the full tutorial for how to dye the coffee paper.

This fun project starts with the preparation of the coffee filters, which will form the base of your DIY paper leaf garland.

Step Two: Creating Leaf Templates

I have provided you with a free leaf template to create your leaves. You can access this free printable in my library.

You can also use leaves from your yard or take a walk to collect leaves to use for patterns o add an authentic touch to your garland of leaves.

Step Three: Cutting and Shaping Your Leaves

Trace the leaf pattern onto the coffee filters or coffee paper.

Add details and curves to mimic real maple leaves. Then carefully cut all the leaves out of your coffee-stained paper and coffee filters to begin assembling your garland.

Step Six: Adding Color and Texture

Enhance your leaves using a product called Distress Ink.

I used the small pad around the edges of the leaves to give them more definition. 

Create veins and spots on your leaves for more realistic-looking leaves.

Add depth and dimension through shading and blending using this Distress Ink. This is a great way to give your DIY fall garland a unique look

Step Seven: Assembling the DIY Leaf Garland

Take a long piece of brown wrapping paper, crumple and twist it into a long branch. (If you need it longer, you can wire two or more pieces together.)

Using the grapevine wire, starting at one end of the branch, wrap the wire around the branch’s end and create a loop to attach your fall garland DIY to your mantel. Do not cut the wire.

Continue to wrap the wire, adding your berries, leaves, and corn husks to the garland.

Hot glue any additional leaves you would like directly to the vine. 

Remember the importance of spacing and balance for a beautiful garland.

Ideas to Customize Your Fall Leaf Garland DIY

Add your personal touches to match the style of your home. Here are a few fall garland decorations ideas:

• Use watercolor paint for a little splash of color on your leaves, or dip in a paint bath like the picture below of the tags. This was a jar in which I put 1/4 cup of paint and 3/4 cup of water.
• Add glitter to some of your leaves. You can use adhesive spray or Mod Podge to add the glitter.
• Try adding some felt leaves for a different texture.
• Cut out some pumpkin shape papers and add them to your garland for more fun decorating ideas.

How to Style Your Faux Fall Leaves Garland

With your DIY leaf garland finished, it’s time to hang it up and enjoy your hard work.

Showcase it on your fall mantel in the living room, or drape it over your front door for a charming display.

Here are a few other DIY fall garland ideas for displaying your newly crafted creation:

Table Runner: Place the garland down the center of your dining room table for a festive table runner. Add candles or pumpkins for an extra touch of fall decor.

Staircase Garland: Wrap the paper leaf garland around the banister of your staircase for a cozy autumn feeling.

Shelf Accents: Use the garland to decorate open shelves or a bookcase.

Window Swag: Swag your DIY paper leaf garland above a window for a beautiful autumn view.

I trust you enjoyed this delightful autumn leaf craft incorporating my beloved morning beverage! It’s quite astonishing how many creative possibilities coffee holds. You might be pleasantly surprised to discover that coffee can even be used to dye fabric, imparting a wonderfully vintage aesthetic.

Now it is time to move on to my friend Regina’s blog @savedfromsalvage. You will love the creativity she has with her concrete.