Autumn Craft Ideas

‘When the colours get too much for summer, then it’s autumn’s turn.’
- Monika Stuffler

When the wafts of morning mist cover the lake and colourful forests emblazon the surrounding mountains, then it is definitely autumn in Zell am See-Kaprun. The Kitzsteinhorn, where skiing has been possible since 5 October, towers majestically above it all. Nature displays its most beautiful colours and the clear mountain air invites to walks and outdoor activities.

For many families, whether on holiday or at home, it is the ideal time to get creative together. Making things using natural materials is a wonderful way to experience nature up close and create beautiful memories at the same time. The making of door wreaths has been a tradition in the Alpine region for generations. These wreaths not only decorate the home, but also remind us of the treasures collected during a relaxing walk in the forest. They bring autumn in all its glory right into the home and welcome visitors.

A walk in the forests is a great way to find materials and is also beneficial for health. Scientific studies show that spending time in nature strengthens mental and physical health and stimulates the immune system. Especially in stressful times, nature has a calming effect and promotes relaxation. If you want to practice mindfulness while out and about, you can try forest bathing in Zell am See-Kaprun on the Maiskogel or on one of the many hiking trails that lead through the forests of the Schmittenhöhe.

A walk through the autumn forest

However, today is about collecting natural materials. We get some tips from a real insider: Magdalena from the Zell am See-Kaprun team learnt the technique from her mother and passed it on to our editor:

‘I prefer to go into the forest early in the morning or after work, when the sun is still shining and the air is fresh,’ Magdalena tells our editor. She loves walking through the autumn forest to collect moss, lichen, conkers, and colourful leaves. ‘The rustling of the leaves underfoot and the smell of damp moss bring me down every time. You feel like a child looking for hidden treasures.’ Magdalena often takes her nephew with her, who enthusiastically lends a hand: ‘He always finds so many interesting things that I would often have overlooked - that inspires me to come up with new ideas.’

Various of nature’s treasures end up in the basket: moss, lichen, colourful leaves, conkers and even the occasional mushroom or tree bark, which are gently picked up from the ground. Magdalena often remembers her grandmother: ‘As a child, I always wanted to collect everything I saw. But my grandmother held me back and said: ‘No matter what we collect, we always leave something behind for nature. I have been keeping this in mind to this day.’

For Magdalena, mindful collecting is a key part of being close to nature: ‘I want to teach my nephew to only take as much as we really need. I'd rather go into the forest two or three times than take too much and end up with leftover material.’

Routine off, relaxation on in zell am see-kaprun

On the way back to the flat, Magdalena talks about the importance of slowing down: ‘You should walk a lot more on holiday. Here in Zell am See-Kaprun in particular, exploring the surrounding area on foot is just perfect. When walking, you have the time to really take in nature and enjoy the moment. I mute my mobile phone or leave it at home - that way I can really immerse myself in the surroundings.’ Magdalena emphasises how worthwhile it is to discover nature together with children. ‘Children show us how exciting the world around us is. They draw our attention to things that we adults often overlook, and do so with so much enthusiasm that it's infectious!’

Patience and preparation are required

When you get home, you might think that you can start your wreath straight away. But Magdalena patiently explains to our editor that the collected materials need to dry first. ‘Collecting is the first step,’ she says with a smile as she lays out newspaper on the balcony and spreads the collected treasures on it. ‘Now it needs time. We'll meet again in two days, then everything will be ready.’

It's a little test of patience for our editor, who can hardly wait to get started. But our insider reassures her: ‘Don't worry, the weather will stay fine, which means it won't take too long to dry and then we can get started together.’

Preparation: what do you need?

To make a wonderful autumnal door wreath, you only need a few other utensils in addition to the natural materials you have collected. You may either have these in stock at home or buy them from your local arts and crafts shop or DIY store:

• A wreath blank (made from straw, wire, or willow cuttings)
• Florist‘s wire or twine
• Scissors and secateurs
• Hot glue gun for additional hold

Step by step to an autumnal wreath

On the agreed day, the time has finally come: the materials have dried and Magdalena's nephew is also there this time, helping out enthusiastically. Step by step, an autumnal wreath is created, bringing nature into the home.

Here is what our editor has learnt:

1. Preparing the base: Start with the wreath blank and place the larger elements such as moss and lichen around the wreath. Having everything to hand makes the work easier. Little helpers such as children, nieces and nephews can hand over the materials and learn more about nature and crafts in a playful way.
2. Affixing: The basic materials are wrapped around the wreath using florist's wire. It is important to pull the wire tight enough so that everything holds well, but also gently enough so as not to damage the material.
3. Getting creative: Now for the creative part! Leaves, conkers, and other collected items can be placed on the wreath as desired. Children love to add their own little ‘treasures’. It is advisable to place the decorations loosely on the wreath before attaching them permanently.
4. Adding details: Finally, more decoration can be added – using, for example, berries, colourful leaves, or small ribbons. A hot glue gun is particularly handy here to hold small details in place. Children can also have a creative say here and contribute their ideas.

With Magdalena and our editor having finished, the nephew takes over the task of hanging the wreath on the front door with some help. The best part is not the colourful wreath, but the smile on a child's face.

A special autumn souvenir to remember Zell am See-Kaprun

Making an autumnal door wreath is not only a great activity for the whole family, but also a wonderful opportunity to bring children closer to nature. While collecting conkers and moss, they learn about the diversity of nature and develop an awareness of sustainability. It's important to only collect as much as you really need and to dry the materials well before you start your project. This way, the wreath will last a long time, and will remind you of golden autumn days every time you see it.

At the end of the day, you can hang the wreath on the front door or place it on the dining table as decoration. Every time you look at it, you will remember the walk together and the wonderful autumn time in Zell am See-Kaprun.

Have fun with arts and crafts!