Autumn Breeze Falling Leaves Sign
Add a Touch of Fall to Your Home with Autumn Breeze Falling Leaves Sign!
As the crisp air settles in and the leaves begin their fiery transformation, what better way to welcome the coziness of autumn than with a handmade sign that captures the spirit of the season? This gorgeous Autumn Breeze Falling Leaves Sign will add the perfect touch of autumn warmth to your home. This project combines beautiful textures, colors, and techniques to create a statement piece that celebrates the season.
Let’s Do This!
Supplies & Tools
- Sanding block
- Maple Leaf Wood Cut-out (I got mine from Dollar Tree)
- Mod Podge – Matte & Matte Spray
- Wood Filler
- Autumn Leaves Pattern Paper – Hobby Lobby – The Pater Studio – Leaves (1678127)
- Parchment Paper
- Ranger Distress Ink – Walnut Stain & Dauber
- Painter’s Tape
- Waverly Chalk Paint –
- Agave
- Truffle
- Sandstone
- Plaster
- Polycrylic Protective Finish – Clear Satin
- Titebond Original Wood Glue
- Foam Brushes
- 15” Wood Round Circle
- Dark Brown Matte Permeant Vinyl
- Transfer Paper Roll
- Jute Twine
- Small Zip Ties
- 1 1/2” Wired Edged Orange Plaid Ribbon
- 1” Wired Edged Leaf Patterned Ribbon
- Fall Floral (I got mine from Dollar Tree)
- Heat Gun
- Mini Press
- Lighter (optional)
- Sanding Wand
- 4” Small Roller Paint
- Cricut Maker 3 & Design Space – Autumn Breeze Falling Leaves
- Right Angle Laser Level Line Projection (optional)
- Scrapper
- Heavy Duty Stapler
Preparing and Decorating the Leaf
Use a heat gun to separate the leaf wood cut-out. Sand until smooth.
Apply a thin, even layer of Mod Podge to the smaller leaf and allow it to dry completely.
Fill the hole in the leaf stem with wood filler. Allow it to dry completely, then sand until smooth.
Cut a piece of maple leaf patterned paper slightly larger than the smaller leaf. Place parchment paper over the leaf and use the mini press to adhere the patterned paper to the leaf.
Carefully use a lighter to burn away excess paper from the edges. Smooth the edges with a sanding wand.
Apply Walnut Stain Ink to the leaf edges using a dauber to create a distressed look.
Lightly spray Mod Podge matte finish on the leaf. Allow it to dry completely, then remove any wrinkles by placing parchment paper over the leaf and pressing with the mini press.
Cover the stem of the large leaf with painter’s tape. Apply Waverly Chalk Paint in Agave to the large leaf. Allow to dry completely.
Cover the leaf at the stem area and paint the stem using Waverly Chalk Paint in Truffle. Allow to dry completely.
Distress the edges of the large leaf using Walnut Stain Ink and a dauber. Allow to dry completely. Seal with Polycrylic Satin finish and let dry thoroughly.
Apply wood glue to reassemble the leaf pieces. Allow to dry completely.
Creating the Sign Base
Paint the 15″ round wood circle with Waverly Chalk Paint in Sandstone, using a 4″ paint roller for an even finish.
Create dimension on the sign by applying Waverly Chalk Paint in Plaster with a dry brush technique. Distress the edges using Walnut Stain Ink. Allow to dry completely.
Apply Polycrylic Satin finish to seal the sign. Allow to dry completely.
Attach the leaf to the wood round sign using glue. Place a heavy object on top of the leaf until the glue completely dries.
Adding the Sentiment and Final Touches
Using the Cricut Maker and Design Space software, cut out “Autumn Breeze Falling Leaves” design from dark brown matte permanent vinyl.
Use the laser level to determine optimal phrase placement. Apply the phrase to the sign using transfer tape, then smooth with a scraper to ensure proper adhesion.
Cut a length of jute twine, fold it in half, and staple to the back of the sign to create a hanger.
Create decorative bows using the 1½” orange plaid ribbon and 1″ leaf patterned ribbon, securing them with small zip ties. Bind the bows together with jute twine.
Attach the fall floral arrangement and bows to the top of the sign using the heavy duty stapler.
Attach the fall floral arrangement and bows to the top of the sign using the heavy duty stapler.
Display and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Take your time with the paper application on the leaf – using the mini press helps eliminate bubbles and wrinkles
- Allow proper drying time between steps, especially before sealing with Polycrylic
- When distressing, less is more – you can always add more, but you can’t take it away
- Use painter’s tape for clean lines when painting different sections
Variations to Try
This project is wonderfully adaptable to your personal style! Consider these variations:
- Change the color scheme to match your home decor (burgundy, mustard, and cream would be beautiful too)
- Use different seasonal sentiments for other times of year
- Add additional embellishments like mini pinecones or berries
- Scale the project up or down by using different sized wood rounds
Display Ideas
This versatile sign works beautifully on a mantel, as part of a gallery wall, or hanging on your front door to welcome guests. You could also incorporate it into a fall vignette on a console table or bookshelf.
I hope this project inspires you to create your own fall decor! If you make this sign, I’d love to see your version! Share them in the comments below or tag me on social media.
Happy crafting and happy fall, friends!
If you liked this tutorial and found it helpful for creating your own seasonal decor, you might enjoy exploring some of my other fall-themed DIY projects.
Pumpkin Good Time!
Pumpkin crafts to make your fall decor pop!
Thank you for visiting with me at
Down Home at Dee’s
Subscribe to Down Home at Dee’s and join Litten, Tigger and me on our adventures of Exploring Life Every Day!
Down Home at Dee’s is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Just So You Know
Craft Project Heads Up
The craft projects shared on my blog are intended to be both entertaining and informative. I do my best to make sure the supply list is complete and the instructions are correct. However, I cannot guarantee your success with the projects and I am not liable for any injuries, damages, or losses that may result from following the instructions.
Be aware that some of these craft projects may involve the use of sharp tools, hot glue guns, and other items that can pose a danger. It is important to exercise caution and good judgment when attempting any of the projects. If you make a mistake and injure yourself or damage something, I cannot be held responsible.
Please understand that by attempting these craft projects, you are assuming all risk. I am not making any promises or providing any warranties, so please do not expect me to offer assistance if something goes awry.
Ultimately, these craft projects are designed to be enjoyable and educational. However, it is crucial to always be careful and use your best judgement when attempting them. Remember, any consequences that arise from attempting these projects are your responsibility alone.
Discover more from Down Home at Dee’s
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
