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EASY DIY INTERIOR DOOR MAKEOVER PROJECT FOR YOUR HOME

Transform Your Interior Door with an Easy DIY Makeover

Sometimes, doors can feel flat and plain with little to no character. But don’t worry—there’s an easy way to upgrade your door using wood strips! In this post, we’ll guide you through the materials and steps for a simple interior door makeover.

Accent walls with geometric and linear patterns are all the rage right now, but a full wall might not suit everyone’s aesthetic or budget. A door makeover is a great alternative! It allows you to add stylish details to your space on a smaller, more affordable scale.

A DIY door makeover is a perfect low-budget project that can significantly enhance a room with minimal effort. Let’s face it—sometimes, doors just feel boring! By adding a few simple upgrades, you can make your door a statement piece without spending a fortune.

For example, our master bedroom door is visible from both the dining and kitchen areas, and it needed a little more life—but in a subtle way. We didn’t want to add a pop of color (though you definitely can!), just something to elevate its look.

This DIY project is quick and easy, and we’ll show you everything you need to get started—materials, inspiration, and step-by-step instructions for your door transformation.

Let’s dive into our interior door makeover!

Door Makeover Materials

  • Paint of Choice – Ours was Behr “White” with Eggshell finish
  • 3/4” wide by 3/16″ thick pine strips
    • Option 1: Purchase 1/4” x 3/4″ pine trim pieces
    • Option 2: Purchase 1×4 8ft. pine board and cut into 3/16″ thin strips
    • Option 3: Use leftover scrap wood pieces like we did. Yay reuse!
  • 1/2″ nap Paint Roller or Paint Sprayer
  • Sandpaper or Handheld Sander
  • Wood Glue
  • Painter’s Tape
  • Speed Square
  • Tape Measure
  • Miter Saw OR Jigsaw OR Handsaw
  • Table Saw (optional if splitting boards)

DIY Interior Door Makeover Steps

STEP 1: FIND INSPIRATION & CREATE A PLAN

As I mentioned, there are endless accent wall ideas out there, and Pinterest is a fantastic source for design inspiration! Simply search for keywords like “geometric patterns,” “linear designs,” or whatever style you’re drawn to, and you’ll definitely find something that sparks your creativity. Whether you’re looking for bold shapes or subtle lines, Pinterest is a goldmine for ideas that can be adapted to your interior door makeover!

As a highly visual person, I knew I needed to create a quick mockup of my accent door design before diving in. Since I’m using wood scraps for the makeover, I took a few cut pieces and used painter’s tape to experiment with different design ideas. I only had five pieces of varying lengths, so I couldn’t always create my full vision. But it worked perfectly for a quick visioning session and gave me a sense of how the design would look before committing to it. It’s a great way to test out ideas without making any permanent changes!

After that, I took it a step further as I’m a planner and want a detailed idea of what I’m doing. Additionally, I’m a heavy user of Photoshop with my design background. It’s great for quick visualizations on top of a photo you took. So even with the quick mockups, I had to take it further and fully realize what this DIY door makeover might look like when painted. Below are a couple final options.

We were looking for a subtle accent that was more about the shadow lines. However, you could totally paint it a fun color like many of the accent wall examples.

If you don’t have Photoshop or any editing software, don’t worry! You can always sketch your design out with pen and paper, or use the draw function in your phone’s editing app. Having a plan in place before starting the DIY project will make a huge difference. It acts as a guide and helps you stay on track, ensuring you don’t waste time or materials. After all, nothing’s worse than finishing a project only to realize you don’t love the final result!

STEP 2: PREP THE DOOR

Depending on the condition of your door, some prep work will usually be needed before attaching your accent pieces. You might need to fill any holes and sand the surface to ensure a smooth finish.

While some people prefer to remove the door and handle the prep and painting in a garage or workshop, we decided against taking our bedroom door off the hinges since we didn’t want to be without it. Ultimately, it’s up to you—do whatever works best for your space and convenience!

Fill Holes & Sand
If your door has any dents, scratches, or holes, now is the time to fill them. For wood doors, wood filler works great for patching up imperfections. Once it’s dried, sand the area smooth.

Additionally, be sure to lightly sand the spots where the wood strips from your design will be attached. This creates a slightly rougher surface, which helps the wood glue adhere better.

Don’t Mix Paints
A quick tip: latex and oil-based paints don’t mix well and can peel apart over time. If you’re unsure what kind of paint was previously on your door, it’s best to sand it down first to prevent any peeling issues later.

Most basic doors are usually painted with latex paint, but it’s worth checking—especially if you’re reusing an old door. To be safe, do a small test paint spot before you start the full project. That’s exactly what we did when patching up our door, as you can see in the photos!

STEP 3: MEASURE & CUT THE ACCENT WOOD STRIPS

Now that you have your design mockup or sketch plan, it’s time to measure and cut your accent wood strips.

For our design, which featured linear pieces with straight ends, I simply measured a distance and drew a straight line across the wood. If your design involves angles, be sure to use an angle guide to ensure that each strip is cut consistently.

It’s important to mark which side of each piece is the “correct” one. This helps avoid confusion when cutting and ensures you won’t mix up pieces later on. Since there were several strips of varying lengths, I also labeled each one with its length, making it easier to match them up with my design plan as I went along.

Once all your pieces are marked and labeled, it’s time to cut them to the desired length. We used a miter saw for quick and precise cuts, but don’t worry if you don’t have one—you can also use a jigsaw or handsaw. Just be sure to practice safety when cutting the wood!

As you cut, create two piles: one for your finished pieces and one for the leftovers. It’s a good idea to save the leftover pieces for future projects, as this is both eco-friendly and budget-friendly. Even the smallest scraps that can’t be used later make great kindling for a fire!

STEP 4: LAYOUT THE ACCENT WOOD STRIPS

Execute The Plan
Now that all the cutting is done, it’s time to lay out the wood pieces on the door!

Having a dimensioned layout plan makes this part much easier. Use a measuring tape, pencil, and speed square to lay out your pieces and mark where they need to go. Mark the top and bottom sides to ensure everything aligns when gluing.

It’s crucial to make sure the pieces are straight. I highly recommend measuring along the full length of each piece in several spots. Wood can warp or bow, which can cause what should be a straight line to appear wavy.

For example, the 45” long piece was supposed to be 2 inches from the edge of the door and the next piece. While the top and bottom were spot on, the middle section bowed, so the distance varied between 1 ¾” and 2 ¼” on either side. To correct this, I measured 2 inches from the edge in the middle as well and drew a straight line. This gave me a clear guide for aligning the pieces when gluing.

Make sure to measure in multiple spots on all your longer pieces to ensure they are straight. Also, check that the pieces along the edge won’t interfere with the door frame when you close the door.

STEP 5: GLUE ALL THE PIECES

After marking the door, it’s time to glue your wood strips in place. There are many types of glues available, but for this project, simple wood glue works best. It doesn’t harden immediately, giving you time to adjust the pieces if needed to ensure your design stays straight. Plus, it doesn’t add moisture or cause the wood strips to warp, which is important for achieving a smooth, even finish

DIY Tip – Avoid using liquid nails or construction glue! While these glues harden quickly, they can add moisture to the wood, causing it to warp. We’ve learned from experience that this can lead to pieces falling off after all your hard work, so stick with wood glue for a more reliable result.

Use Painter’s Tape to Hold in Place
Since the door is still hanging upright, painter’s tape is a great tool to help secure the wood strips while the glue dries.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Apply glue along the back of each wood strip.
  • Place the strip onto the door, adjusting it to align with your marks.
  • Use painter’s tape to secure the strip in place in multiple spots.
  • If the wood is bowed, use tape in the middle to gently pull it back into alignment with your marks.
  • Repeat this process until all the pieces are attached.

    DIY Tip – Be mindful of the door frame and flooring around your door. You may need to adjust your wood strips slightly to ensure they don’t interfere with the door’s function, such as opening and closing smoothly.

    To ensure everything stayed secure, I went back and added a little extra glue and tape at the ends of the wood strips. Gravity was pulling them away, and I didn’t want them popping off while drying. If your door has been removed and is laying flat, this extra step may not be necessary, but it was a helpful precaution since mine was still hanging upright.

    Now, just let all the glue dry! We allowed ours to dry overnight since wood glue typically requires about 24 hours to fully cure. However, drying times can vary depending on the product, so be sure to check the label on your specific glue to ensure you’re allowing enough time for it to set properly.

    STEP 6: PAINT IT

    Before you start painting, make sure to check for any touch-ups that might be needed. There could be some excess glue around the edges of the wood that will need to be sanded or scraped off. This ensures that the surface is smooth and ready for paint, giving you a clean, professional finish when you’re done.

    We own a paint sprayer, but in this case, it was easier to just roll the paint on. I laid down a drop cloth and used a heavier ½” nap roller to apply the paint. It covered most of the wood edges, though I did have to go back and touch up a few spots that the roller missed.

    If you decide to spray the paint, I highly recommend removing the door and spraying in a well-ventilated garage or workshop. Make sure to set up a tarped area to catch any overspray, and you’ll be able to skip taping off the door frame and walls for protection.

    For our door, we chose basic Behr white paint to match the rest of our doors and trim. We wanted the wood accents to blend in subtly but still complement the existing decor. However, you could opt for an accent color instead to make the door stand out and add contrast—choose what works best for your space!

    Depending on your paint, a second coat might be needed to achieve full coverage.

    STEP 7: FINISHING TOUCHES

    If you’re planning to add new handles or hinges, now is the time to do so. We decided to stick with the existing ones since they still worked well and looked nice. If you removed the door for painting or other steps, now’s the time to rehang it and enjoy your refreshed door!

    Once everything is done, you’ve successfully completed your DIY door makeover! Step back, admire your work, and enjoy the transformation. It’s amazing how such a simple project can make such a big impact on your space!

    DIY Door Makeover Tips & Methods

    Here are a few additional notes and tips for your DIY door makeover:

    • Detailed Plan vs. Random: We’re detail-oriented, so we prefer creating a detailed plan and layout. But you can also use what pieces you have and lay them out until it looks just right, then attach them. If you’re someone who likes to wing it and eyeball the design, that works too!
    • Removing the Door: You can absolutely remove the door for this project to avoid fighting gravity. However, keep in mind that you’ll be without a door for a while while the glue and paint dry, so make sure you’re okay with that.
    • Spraying Paint vs. Rolling Paint: This comes down to personal preference. Using a sprayer will give you a smoother finish but requires some experience and isn’t always ideal for the typical DIY setup. Rolling the paint may give you a slightly different texture but is easier for most DIYers to manage.

    No matter which method you choose, the key is to enjoy the process and get creative with your design!

    CONCLUSION

    In conclusion, a DIY door makeover is an easy, budget-friendly project that can make a big impact on the look and feel of your space. Whether you prefer a detailed plan or a more spontaneous approach, you can create a unique design that reflects your style. By following the simple steps of prepping the door, measuring and cutting the wood, gluing and securing the pieces, and finally painting, you’ll achieve a refreshed, personalized look for your door. With a little creativity and effort, you’ll have a beautiful accent door that enhances your home’s decor!

    22 FUN AND SIMPLE FALL ARTS, CRAFTS, AND SENSORY ACTIVITIES FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS

    If it’s your first fall with your new baby, you might be eager to explore some fun, seasonal arts and crafts together. You might wonder if it’s possible at this age, and the answer is yes!

    Of course, you’ll need to supervise and assist your little one throughout the process, just as you do with most things at this stage. There are also plenty of fall-themed sensory activities that, while they may not result in a keepsake, offer valuable bonding time.

    Here are some fun and simple fall crafts for infants that toddlers will enjoy too, along with sensory play activities perfect for the season.

    FALL PROCESS ART PROJECTS FOR INFANTS

    Most of the fall arts and crafts for infants listed below will require significant assistance (after all, what doesn’t with a baby?), but since these activities focus on process art, you’re encouraging your infant to explore and experiment rather than concentrating on a finished product. Be prepared for some messy fun!

    There are also some mess-free painting projects that you can try with your little one if you prefer a cleaner experience.

    By the end of each activity, you might just end up with a keepsake, but remember that the goal is to allow your child to express themselves freely and enjoy the creative process. Embrace the mess and the joy of exploration!

    EASY FALL LEAF CRAFT FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS

    This easy and fun fall craft allows infants to engage in open-ended exploratory play while creating a pretty outcome—an instant suncatcher! Best of all, it’s a no-mess activity.

    Simply tape a piece of contact paper to a window at a height your infant can reach, with the sticky side facing out. Provide faux craft leaves and encourage your little one to stick them onto the contact paper. At first, you may need to model and guide the process, but your infant will love watching their leaf pattern come to life as they stick the leaves on the paper.

    CORN PAINTING PROCESS ART

    This corn painting process art activity is a simple and fun way for infants and toddlers to explore textures while engaging in fall-themed art. A cob of corn becomes a unique tool for spreading paint across paper. To start, pick some fall-inspired paint colors, place blobs of paint onto paper plates, and then dip the corn cob into the paint. Help your infant roll the cob over the paper and watch the colorful patterns emerge.

    Alternatively, you can use a paintbrush to coat the corncob with paint first, and then make prints on the paper together with your little one.

    Your infant may even prefer to rub their hands in the paint and feel the texture of the corncob, enjoying the sensation of wet paint on its bumpy surface. Just make sure you’re using baby-safe paints! Whether they create clear corn prints or not, the focus is on letting them explore and enjoy the creative process.

    As your infant interacts with the corn and paint, you can make simple observations, like talking about how the corn feels bumpy or how the paint feels wet. Over time, your modeling will help them develop their own ability to observe and describe their sensory experiences.

    PUMPKIN PATCH STAMPING

    This pumpkin patch stamping activity is an adorable fall craft perfect for infants and toddlers. Begin by drawing some simple pumpkin vines on a piece of paper. Then, create a “pumpkin stamper” by attaching a pom-pom or cotton ball to a clothespin. This combination makes it easier for little hands to manage compared to a traditional paintbrush, and the round pom-pom will become the pumpkins in your child’s pumpkin patch.

    You’ll likely need to dip the pom-pom stamper into the orange paint and demonstrate how to press it onto the paper, but once they get the hang of it, they’ll be ready to go! This is a fun art project that also helps develop fine motor skills. Once they’re done stamping, you can add some pumpkin leaves—and if it doesn’t quite resemble a pumpkin patch, feel free to label it for that extra cute touch!

    PUMPKIN MARBLE PAINTING

    For a fun and unique painting activity without paintbrushes, try this pumpkin marble painting! Start by printing a pumpkin template on cardstock or paper. You’ll need orange non-toxic paint, marbles, and a shallow, flat container. Place the pumpkin template inside the container, then add small blobs of paint around the edges of the template to avoid large blotches directly on the pumpkin.

    Next, let the marbles do the painting! As they roll across the container, they will create streaks of paint on the cardstock. Older children can tilt the container to control the marble movement, and while this action may be challenging for most infants, they’ll enjoy watching the marbles roll through the paint and over the pumpkin, creating a beautiful pattern.

    ACORN PAINTING CRAFT

    For this adorable acorn painting craft, gather some acorns (real or faux), baby-safe fall-colored or natural-colored paint, a shallow plastic tub, and plain paper. This fun process art project is similar to the marble painting activity, but you’ll use acorns instead of marbles and can swap the pumpkin outline for an acorn one.

    You can either apply the paint directly to the acorns or place blobs of paint on the paper. Then, shake or tilt the tub so the acorns roll through the paint and across the paper, creating a colorful pattern. Older infants might even try to lift the box to watch the acorns roll, which helps develop both fine and gross motor skills.

    Some infants may enjoy holding the acorns and painting with them directly—just be sure to supervise and prevent any from going into their mouth!

    LEAF PRINTING

    For this leaf printing activity, start by putting your baby in the stroller and taking a nature walk to gather some beautiful leaves—this in itself is a fun and engaging activity. Once you’ve collected your leaves, help your infant cover them with tempera paint in whichever way they can. They can paint the leaves and then press them onto paper to leave behind colorful leaf prints.

    If you want to simplify the process, you can cover the leaves with paint for them and assist your infant in pressing the painted leaves onto the paper. Adjust this fall craft to match your baby’s current abilities, ensuring they can explore and enjoy the activity at their own pace.

    TURN LEAVES INTO CONFETTI

    This unique art project lets you turn autumn leaves into confetti for a fun, open-ended fall craft with your infant. Start by taking a lovely stroller walk to observe and collect different dry leaves—dried, crunchy leaves work best. If needed, you can dry them in the microwave for a minute.

    Now the fun begins! Let your infant rip, tear, and shred the leaves into tiny pieces, creating leaf confetti. Keep a close eye to ensure they’re not putting any leaves in their mouth.

    Next, apply clear Elmer’s glue to a piece of orange construction paper and sprinkle the leaf confetti all over it. You’ll likely need to help guide your infant through the process, but they’ll enjoy the sensory experience of playing with the leaves and glue.

    FUN FALL CRAFTS FOR INFANTS

    There’s no better way to celebrate the fall season than by creating some adorable autumn crafts! The projects listed below will lead to charming finished products, and while the emphasis is on achieving a specific look, the process will help develop fine and gross motor skills. Plus, these activities provide wonderful opportunities for bonding time with your little one. Enjoy the creative fun together!

    FALL LEAVES WREATH

    This simple fall leaves wreath is a lovely keepsake that can be cherished for years to come. To make it, you’ll need faux fall-colored leaves (often available at the dollar store), plain paper plates, ribbon for hanging, scissors, and a hole punch (which will help feed the ribbon through the wreath).

    Start by folding the paper plate in half and cutting out a semicircle from the center to create a ring. Next, cover the cutout paper plate with glue and assist your infant in gluing the leaves onto the plate. Your child will have a great time decorating the wreath with the vibrant leaves, creating a beautiful autumn decoration that you can display proudly!

    REVERSE FALL LEAF PAINTING

    For this simple leaf painting craft, you’ll need to collect real leaves from your yard—just make sure they aren’t too dry and brittle, as they can break easily. Faux leaves can also work well!

    Gather your materials: poster board or paper, double-sided tape (to attach the leaves), fall-colored paint, and toddler-friendly brushes like foam brushes (though a young child may prefer using their fingers and hands).

    Start by sticking the leaves to the poster board. Then, let your infant play with the paint, helping them paint around and on the leaves to create a clear leaf silhouette if desired. Once they finish painting, carefully remove the leaves and tape, and set the artwork aside to dry.

    For a more lasting keepsake, consider doing this project on a canvas instead of poster board or paper. You can also laminate the finished piece to preserve this sweet fall art project for years to come!

    APPLE TREE STAMPING CRAFT

    Who knew sliced apples could be such a fun painting tool? For this apple tree stamping craft, simply cut some apples in half and gather fall-colored paint, paper, and a paintbrush.

    Begin by drawing the structure of an apple tree with branches on the paper. Then, apply paint to the flat side of the cut apple, and it’s time for your infant to get creative! Help them stamp the apples all over the tree to create colorful foliage. For an added twist, you could draw a basket alongside the tree, and they can stamp apples into the basket as well. This engaging activity combines art and exploration while celebrating the fall season!

    FALL SUNCATCHERS

    Creating these fall suncatchers is a fun and easy, no-mess craft perfect for infants. To make fall-themed shapes like apples, pumpkins, or acorns, simply cut out the shapes, leaving the centers empty (check the linked tutorial above for an easy guide on how to draw and cut these shapes).

    Next, attach a piece of contact paper to one side of each cutout, ensuring the sticky side is facing up so your child can stick tissue paper squares onto it. Let them decorate the contact paper however they like!

    Once they finish decorating, add a second sheet of contact paper, sticky side down, to seal and protect the suncatcher. You can then display it in a window to brighten up your fall decor for years to come.

    Older siblings and preschoolers can help with cutting out the shapes, while infants can enjoy sticking the tissue paper squares onto the sticky contact paper. This activity is a great example of how to tailor crafts to meet the developmental needs of different ages!

    ADORABLE HAND, FOOT & FINGERPRINT ARTS AND CRAFTS TO DO WITH YOUR BABY

    For the art projects listed in this section, most of the work will be parent-led to create adorable fall handprint creations. These activities focus more on achieving a cute final result rather than the process itself.

    Keep in mind that crafts involving painted handprints may require several attempts to get right—expect a few smudged handprints along the way! I’ve found that sponge brushes work best for applying paint to skin instead of traditional bristle brushes, as they allow for quicker and thicker coverage.

    Despite the effort involved, a good handprint craft makes a beautiful keepsake you’ll cherish for years to come. Try one of these fall crafts to celebrate your infant’s first autumn season!

    Be sure to use baby-safe paints, such as child-safe finger paints or tempera paint. Avoid acrylic paint, as it’s not gentle on the skin, especially for a baby’s delicate skin. Additionally, acrylics can be sticky and tricky to clean off.

    TURKEY HANDPRINT ART

    This turkey handprint art activity is one of the simplest fall crafts for infants, and it’s nearly mess-free! Start by tracing around your baby’s hand with a marker. Then, give them large grip crayons and let them scribble over their handprint outline.

    To transform the handprint into a turkey, add a beak and feet. You can also include your own handprint next to theirs for an adorable family keepsake. How cute is that?

    FALL TREE

    This adorable fall tree art project is a wonderful keepsake and a fun way to teach your little one about the changing colors of autumn leaves. Start by cutting out a tree trunk from brown construction paper and gluing it onto a sheet of white paper. Next, use non-toxic, baby-safe paints in various fall colors to cover your baby’s hand. Press their hand onto the paper at the top of the tree trunk to create vibrant leaves, making this a delightful fall craft for infants!

    FALL HANDPRINT LEAVES

    These fall handprint leaves are absolutely adorable and definitely worth trying with your infant! Start by covering their hand in fall-colored paint (think orange, brown, green, etc.) and then press their hand onto a piece of paper.

    Don’t worry if it doesn’t turn out perfectly the first time; practice makes improvement! Once the paint is dry, you can draw leaf veins and a stem on their handprint to complete the leaf shape. Consider laminating the finished piece to preserve it as a special fall decoration or keepsake for years to come!

    HANDPRINT LEAF WREATH

    This handprint leaf wreath activity is a wonderful way to engage your infant and the whole family! Start by helping your baby create handprints in various fall colors to make colorful leaves. They’ll love exploring the temperature, texture, and colors of the paints as you create together.

    Once the handprint leaves are dry, carefully cut them out and attach them to a circular base made from cardboard. Alternatively, you can cut the middle out of a paper plate and use the plate’s edge as the wreath base.

    To make it even more special, involve other family members in making their own handprint leaves. This can turn into a beautiful family keepsake that’s definitely worth framing if it turns out well!

    FALL SENSORY PLAY ACTIVITIES FOR BABIES

    Sensory play is a highly effective and engaging way for young children to learn. Through experimenting and interacting with a diverse range of materials that provide various textures, colors, shapes, smells, and sounds, children quickly absorb new information. This type of play encourages exploration and stimulates multiple senses, all within a safe environment.

    With these fun fall crafts, your baby will have the opportunity to engage in sensory experiences while discovering new concepts and enjoying the seasonal themes.

    ORANGE GLITTER FALL SLIME

    Your infant will surely enjoy the delightful soft and sticky texture of this orange glitter fall slime, which adds colorful and sparkly elements to a classic slime recipe.

    To make it, you’ll need Elmer’s glue, baking soda, orange food coloring, gold glitter, fall leaf confetti, and contact lens solution. Start by pouring the glue into a bowl, then gradually add each ingredient, making sure to add the contact lens solution last.

    Be sure to stir well as you go along. Once the slime begins to solidify, take it out of the bowl and continue mixing with your hands. You can store the slime in the refrigerator to prolong its freshness. Just remember to supervise closely as your baby explores this new texture, ensuring their safety and protecting your furniture!

    EDIBLE CANDY CORN SLIME

    This edible candy corn slime is a great way to put all of that leftover candy corn to good use.  Is it only me that buys a bag every year, only to not finish because I remember how bad it is?! To the candy corn you need add marshmallows, vegetable oil, and powdered sugar.

    Heat the ingredients in the microwave as detailed in the linked tutorial above. This is obviously an edible recipe, but under ones aren’t meant to have sugar, so you’re still going to have be a little careful if your infant puts too much in their mouth. 

    FALL COLORED OATS SENSORY BIN

    To create a fall-colored oats sensory bin, start by preparing a rainbow oats recipe in advance. It’s simple to make but requires some time to dry. You’ll also need a tub or bin and any tools that are safe for your baby’s small hands, such as silicone spatulas and measuring spoons.

    Your infant will love scooping and pouring the oats, watching the colors blend together, and simply exploring the textures in this engaging fall sensory activity.

    For infants, this setup is usually sufficient, but if you have a toddler as well, check the link above for details on making cardboard tube trees to enhance the play experience. Alternatively, consider adding one or two fall-themed materials to the bin to further enrich your infant’s sensory exploration.

    FALL SENSORY BIN WITH CORN

    The key to creating a corn fall sensory bin for infants is simplicity. Start with a base of dry corn kernels and add just a few toys or pinecones, along with a tool or two. You can mix real and artificial items for added interest.

    While the linked tutorial provides a more elaborate setup, it’s essential to remember that less is often more for infants. Their short attention spans and developing physical and cognitive skills mean they require less stimulation than older children.

    In fact, having too many items can lead to sensory overload, causing infants to disengage completely. Purposeful play is crucial, so focus on including fewer items that hold greater significance, rather than a multitude of items that may lack purpose.

    FALL APPLE TREE SENSORY BIN

    For the apple tree sensory bin, gather green dyed rice, red, green, and yellow craft pom poms, cardboard tubes, green cardstock or craft paper, glue, and scissors. It’s best to prepare the apple trees ahead of time, as this part of the project isn’t suitable for infants, but an older toddler sibling might enjoy helping out.

    Alternatively, you can simplify the activity by focusing solely on the pom poms, with or without the rice. One of the joys of infant play is the flexibility to adapt any activity to suit your child’s age and the materials you have on hand. You don’t need to use every item listed in the tutorial; just choose what works best for your setup and your little one’s developmental stage!

    PINECONES AND TISUE PAPER

    This pinecones and tissue paper sensory bin is a super simple yet engaging activity and you only need three materials: pinecones, tissue paper and a bin or tub of some kind. You could also use a cardboard box if you have one laying around (as I tend to do from the many Amazon packages that come through our door on a regular basis!)

    Your baby will love feeling the texture of the tissue paper and hearing the sounds it makes as they move it around and the pinecone provides such a contrasting texture and weight. Exploring the two together makes for a fun fall sensory activity for an infant, with the hard, rippled outer of the pinecone and it’s relatively heavier weight versus the soft, light and crinkly tissue paper.  

    PUMPKIN BOATS WATER SENSORY

    For this cute pumpkin boats sensory activity, you’ll need small pumpkin-shaped gourds or “Jack-Be-Little” pumpkins (yes, that’s their real name!). You can also use pie pumpkins from the grocery store or any small pumpkins you can find.

    Begin by cutting the tops off the little pumpkins and hollowing them out to create tiny pumpkin boats. Provide some toy figures for the boats—this will likely be engaging enough for an infant. You can also add pine cones or other interesting items to enhance this fun, water-based fall sensory experience.

    These pumpkin boats can even be used in the tub during bath time for an extra splash of fun!

    CONCLUSION

    In conclusion, these 22 fun and simple fall arts, crafts, and sensory activities for infants and toddlers provide an excellent way for young children to explore their creativity while developing essential motor skills and sensory awareness. Each activity is designed to be engaging and age-appropriate, allowing little ones to experiment with textures, colors, and shapes in a safe and nurturing environment. Whether it’s creating vibrant handprint art, exploring colorful sensory bins, or enjoying tactile experiences with slime and paint, these projects not only foster artistic expression but also promote bonding time with caregivers.

    Remember, the emphasis should be on the process rather than the final product, encouraging your child to express themselves freely and learn through play. With these delightful activities, you can embrace the beauty of the fall season while creating lasting memories and keepsakes that celebrate this special time in your child’s early development. So gather your materials, get creative, and enjoy the joyful mess of fall crafting with your little ones!