How to Make a Paper Leaf Garland for Autumn Decor

This post may contain affiliate links.

Looking for a simple fall craft to decorate your home? This paper leaf garland is an easy project that adds a little autumn color to a mantel, shelf, doorway, or wall.

It’s inexpensive to make and is a fun fall craft for kids too. You can make the leaves in traditional fall colors or use whatever colors coordinate with your fall decorating.

What You Need

Colored construction paper or cardstock in fall colors
Leaf templates or leaf-shaped cookie cutters
Scissors
Hole punch
Twine, string, or ribbon
Pencil
Optional: markers, crayons, or colored pencils

How to Make a Paper Leaf Garland

1. Make your leaves

Choose several colors of paper for your leaves. Red, orange, yellow, brown, and green are perfect for a traditional autumn look.

Table of Contents

Draw simple leaf shapes onto the paper, or use a leaf template to make several different sizes and shapes.

Cut out as many leaves as you’ll need for your garland.

Want to try making your own jelly at home?

Get my free guide with 8 easy, beginner-friendly jelly recipes you can confidently make.

2. Add the leaf details

For a little extra detail, use a pencil, marker, or colored pencil to draw veins onto each leaf.

You can also let the kids decorate their leaves however they like. This is a great way to make each leaf a little different.

3. Punch the holes

Use a hole punch to make a small hole near the top of each paper leaf.

If you’re making the garland with younger children, you can do this part for them.

4. String the leaves

Thread your twine, string, or ribbon through the holes in the leaves.

You can space the leaves evenly or bunch some together for a more natural look.

Tie a small knot at each end of the garland so the leaves don’t slide off.

Decorating With Your Fall Garland

Hang your finished paper leaf garland across a mantel, along a staircase, over a doorway, or on a wall.

You could also use it as part of your Thanksgiving decorations. Add a few real leaves, pinecones, or other natural fall decorations around it for a cozy autumn display.

More Fall Craft Ideas

This is an especially easy craft to do with kids because there aren’t many supplies involved. Let them choose the paper colors, cut out the leaves, and decorate them before you string everything together.

It’s a simple way to spend an afternoon making something you can actually use to decorate your home for fall.

Looking for more fall craft ideas? Check out my other fall crafts and Thanksgiving crafts for more simple projects to make this season.

Follow my Fall and Thanksgiving board on Pinterest.