Simple and Easy Fall Leaf Garland Made with Coffee Paper + Filters

Create a cozy fall leaf garland with coffee paper leaves, and embrace the impending autumn magic as leaves don their vibrant hues and a crisp breeze lingers in the air (once the heat departs).

Join me today for a fun fall craft to make a timeless fall leaf garland. The leaves are fashioned from coffee paper and coffee filters. (You may have seen my post on how to make coffee paper last week.)

 I’m passionate about preserving the enduring beauty of these leaves throughout the entire season, and I can’t wait to share this delightful project with you.

It is the first Tuesday of the month, so it is time for the Hand Crafted Society gals to share their creations with you.

This month, we were to create a project using fall leaves. I made a paper leaf garland to add to my fall decor, and I can’t wait for you to try it.

If you happen to come over from Jennifer’s @cottageonbunkerhill, welcome. She is so creative, and I have no doubt you loved her fun felt leaf idea.

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 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. 

• 1. Fall garland
• 2. Coffee filter fall leaves
• 3. Coffee filter flowers 
• 4. Kids crafts
• 5. Coffee filter wreaths- My friend Cindy @diybeautify made this wreath using lots of coffee filters, but the beauty is you can make this wreath for under $5.00. It is so pretty and very easy to make.

On my blog WM Design House, I may sometimes use affiliate links, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.

Simple supplies needed 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 fall leaves, check out my comprehensive blog post on the easiest coffee paper dyeing method.

• Paper filters (coffee filters)
• Coffee 
• Instant Coffee 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

Simple materials to make a fall leaf garland made with coffee paper

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

Step-by-Step tutorial

Preparing the coffee paper filters

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

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.

Cutting and shaping your leaves

• Trace the leaf pattern onto the coffee filters or coffee paper.
• Add details and curves to mimic real leaves.

Assembling the coffee filter leaves

• Hot glue one of the coffee filter leaves onto a pipe cleaner using a hot glue gun.
• Paint Mod Podge onto the side of the leaf with the pipe cleaner glued to it.
• Place a second leaf over the pipe cleaner side of the first leaf.
• Allow to dry before using the Distress Ink to add shading or veins.

Assembling the coffee paper leaves for the fall leaf garland made with coffee paper

• Since this paper is heavier (I used watercolor paper), it is unnecessary to make them two layers. Simply hot glue your leaf onto a pipe cleaner. Enhance your leaf using the distress ink.

Adding color and texture

• You can enhance your leaves using a product called Distress Ink. I use 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.

Assembling the 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 garland 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.

Customization and Ideas

• Add your personal touches to match the style of your home. Here are a few suggestions.
• 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.

Display and Enjoy

With your 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.

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.