This year my fall decor was all about a cozy rustic feel full of nature. You can grab some DIY fall mantel decor ideas here and while I decorated with lots of feathers and vintage finds this fall, you can mix in your own theme to make fall all yours!
You guys know I love to use cardboard in my decor. It is such a readily available, cheap material that you can get in just about any size and do a ton with! It is so much easier to come by than a large canvas or wood boards.
I can also just recycle it after the season if I don’t want to save it for next year! Less storage is a dream. FYI – Hot glue some sturdy (but not too heavy) wood pieces to the back of your cardboard canvas to help it stay steady and not fold over!
I decided to paint a few feathers as an inexpensive way to DIY some fall art for our mantel. You can watch the video of how I painted the feather, so take a second to go through it for my painting tips…and turn on the volume. ????
. Now – I know you are going to say, “but I can’t paint” to which I am going to say grab some cardboard, a few fall colors of acrylic craft paint and some brushes and just go for it! You have nothing to lose with a cardboard canvas! Just try, you might just surprise yourself. 
This whole fall mantel idea is just another example of what I do for the holidays…use what I have, incorporate lots of textures, heights and material that bring a feeling or theme to life. 
If you are feeling short on ideas download this free fall inspiration page and go through it. Think about what ideas you have in your home, storage or even yard that would make for gorgeous decor on a budget. Visualize the idea in your head and play around with it for fun. 
Regardless of the decor, every fall feels like a rushing of fresh life, even more so than a new year. I love the fall, the colors, the smells, the weather, the clothes and of course the family events and get togethers that happen this time of year. It is such a lovely season. What is your favorite thing about fall? I’d love to hear from you today friend! XOXO
I so look forward to your blog each time. Your creativity is such a gift from God! Thank you for sharing it with us. I wish I could get the print each time but I don’t have a printer. But, thank you for the offering. The feather art is beautiful. I do love to paint feathers. “He shall cover you with His feathers.” Have a blessed day and upcoming holiday season. Blessings, Tanya Farrar
Thank you so much Tanya, and I love that verse, it brings me such comfort! Feel free to save the digital download and take it to a local copy shop for print if you’d like to do it that way!
I love the cardboard diy & the fact that it’s free. I would never have thought of using cardboard as a canvas. You have such a knack for pulling decor together. Sure have missed your posts & encouraging words but I certainly understand your need for some downtime. God bless you, Kim.
Thank you Felicia – I am working on getting back in the groove!
Your feather painting is beautiful! And fall is such a wonderful time of year especially in Pennsylvania where we experience all 4 seasons. But if I had to pick my favorite thing about it cooler temps would win. Windows are open and a fresh, cool wind is blowing. Read this last week: “Autumn is God’s way of showing that change can be beautiful.”. Have a great week!
What a fabulous quote and I bet it is amazing seeing all the seasons, we don’t really get that here – enjoy it!