Cozy Autumn Evenings: 5 Simple DIY Projects to Embrace Hygge in Your Farmhouse

Remember that crispness in the air from last week? The leaves are starting to turn, the days are getting shorter, and suddenly all I crave is a steaming mug of tea and a cozy blanket. But lately, I've found myself just collapsing on the couch, scrolling mindlessly, and feeling less relaxed, not more. Sound familiar? On our Better Homes and Harvests social media page, we asked, "What's your favorite thing about autumn?" Overwhelmingly, the response was "Cozying up at home!" But how do we actually create that cozy feeling, that sense of "hygge," without just defaulting to screen time?

This year, I'm determined to make the most of autumn evenings by intentionally cultivating a warm and inviting farmhouse haven. And I'm doing it with simple, budget-friendly DIY projects. Today, I'm sharing 5 of my favorite projects that will help you embrace hygge and transform your home into a sanctuary this fall. You'll save money, unleash your creativity, and create a space that nourishes your soul.

1. Hand-Dipped Beeswax Candles for a Warm Glow

Nothing says "cozy" like the warm, flickering light of candles. But instead of buying mass-produced paraffin candles, why not create your own using natural beeswax? Beeswax candles burn cleaner and longer, and they have a subtle, honey-like scent that is incredibly soothing. This is a great activity and one of the easiest organic gardening tips for beginners.

What you'll need:

• Beeswax pellets
• Candle wicking
• Double boiler or heat-safe bowl and saucepan
• Clothes pins
• Glass jars or molds

Instructions:

1. Melt the beeswax: Gently melt the beeswax pellets in a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl set over a simmering pot of water. Stir occasionally until completely melted.
2. Prepare the wicks: Cut the wicking to the desired length, leaving a few inches extra to secure it.
3. Dip the wicks: Dip the wicks into the melted beeswax, holding them for a few seconds. Remove and let cool slightly. Repeat this process multiple times, allowing the wax to cool and harden between dips. This builds up the candle layer by layer.
4. Secure the wicks (optional): If you're using jars, attach the wick to a clothespin and center it in the jar. Pour the melted beeswax into the jar.
5. Let cool: Allow the candles to cool completely before trimming the wicks to ¼ inch.

Tip: Experiment with adding essential oils like lavender or chamomile to the melted beeswax for an extra touch of relaxation.

2. Cozy Throw Blanket from Upcycled Fabrics

Snuggling up with a soft blanket is essential for cozy autumn evenings. But buying a new throw can be expensive. Instead, gather up old blankets, sweaters, or fabric scraps and create a unique and personalized patchwork throw. This is an ideal backyard project for a chilly fall day.

What you'll need:

• Assorted fabric scraps (fleece, flannel, wool, etc.)
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Scissors
• Rotary cutter, mat and ruler (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut the fabric: Cut the fabric scraps into squares or rectangles of similar sizes (e.g., 6x6 inches or 8x10 inches).
2. Arrange the squares: Lay out the fabric pieces on a flat surface in the desired arrangement.
3. Sew the squares together: Sew the squares together in rows, then sew the rows together to create the blanket.
4. Finish the edges: You can leave the edges raw for a rustic look or hem them for a more polished finish.

Tip: Use a walking foot on your sewing machine if you're working with thick or bulky fabrics.

3. Homemade Potpourri with Seasonal Scents

Fill your home with the comforting aromas of autumn by creating your own potpourri. This is a simple and natural way to add warmth and fragrance to any room.

What you'll need:

• Dried orange slices
• Dried apple slices
• Cinnamon sticks
• Star anise
• Cloves
• Pinecones
• Essential oils (optional): cinnamon, clove, orange, pine
• Decorative bowl or jar

Instructions:

1. Gather your ingredients: Collect the dried orange and apple slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and pinecones. You can dry your own orange and apple slices in a low oven or dehydrator.
2. Combine the ingredients: Place all the ingredients in a bowl or jar.
3. Add essential oils (optional): Add a few drops of essential oils to enhance the fragrance.
4. Display the potpourri: Place the potpourri in a decorative bowl or jar and display it in your living room, bedroom, or entryway.

Tip: Refresh the scent of the potpourri by adding a few more drops of essential oil every few weeks.

4. Rustic Twig Stars for Farmhouse Charm

Add a touch of rustic charm to your farmhouse decor with these simple twig stars. They're easy to make and can be hung on walls, doors, or Christmas trees.

What you'll need:

• Small twigs (about 6-8 inches long)
• Twine or wire
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun (optional)

Instructions:

1. Gather twigs: Gather a collection of small twigs from your yard or a nearby park.
2. Arrange the twigs: Arrange five twigs into a star shape.
3. Secure the twigs: Use twine or wire to tie the twigs together at each point of the star. You can also use hot glue for extra security.
4. Hang the star: Attach a loop of twine or wire to the top of the star for hanging.

Tip: Paint the twigs white or gold for a more festive look.

5. Knitted Mug Cozy for Warm Hands

Keep your hands warm while you sip your favorite hot beverage with a cozy knitted mug cozy. This is a quick and easy project for knitters of all skill levels.

What you'll need:

• Yarn (wool or cotton)
• Knitting needles (size appropriate for yarn)
• Button
• Scissors
• Yarn needle

Instructions:

1. Cast on: Cast on enough stitches to fit around the circumference of your mug (approximately 25-30 stitches).
2. Knit: Knit in garter stitch (knit every row) or your preferred stitch pattern until the cozy is tall enough to cover most of the mug.
3. Create a buttonhole: On the last row, create a buttonhole by binding off a few stitches and then casting them back on in the next row.
4. Bind off: Bind off all stitches.
5. Sew on button: Sew a button onto the opposite end of the cozy, aligning it with the buttonhole.

Tip: Personalize the cozy with different colors, patterns, or embellishments.

These are just a few ideas to get you started on your journey to a cozier autumn. By embracing these simple DIY projects, you can create a farmhouse haven that nourishes your soul and helps you savor the beauty of the season. So gather your supplies, put on some music, and get ready to embrace hygge in your home!

What are your favorite cozy DIY projects for autumn? Share your ideas and photos using #BetterHomesHarvests and #MyFarmhouseLife. We can’t wait to see what you create!