There’s just something about fall that makes me want to gather with friends, sip something warm, and make something creative together. 🍂 If you’re looking for an activity that’s equal parts cozy and beautiful, embossed foil decorations are it!
These little gems look elegant and shiny, but here’s the best part- they’re so simple to make. No fancy tools or artistic background required, just a little bit of craft foil, a pencil, and some imagination! Not to mention, they're incredibly addicting to make :)
Why Embossed Foil?
Embossing is the process of pressing designs into a surface so they stand out in relief. With craft foil, you can trace or draw a design, and the lines stay permanently raised. Unlike kitchen foil, these sheets are thicker and sturdier, so they won’t rip or crinkle back. Think of them as the “sweet spot”—thin enough to cut with scissors, but strong enough to hold beautiful details.
That shiny finish catches the light just right, making your leaves, acorns, and mushrooms shimmer like little treasures.
Supplies You’ll Need
(Note: This post contains a few affiliate links—if you choose to shop through them, I may earn a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support me in creating more projects to share with you, so thank you!)
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Copper Craft foil (look for foil made for embossing or “metal tooling foil”)
- Embossing tools or a dull pencil/ craft stick
- Scissors
- Crafting wire
- Optional: Cozy Autumn Drawing Guide , Sharpies, or ribbons for decorating or hanging
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Choose Your Design
Pick a simple fall design—leaves, acorns, and mushrooms are all great options. The fun thing about this project is you can really draw anything you want! You could make "cozy pictures" or tea cups, a kettle, or a cozy sweater too! I have over 60 ideas in my Cozy Autumn Drawing Guide.
2. Trace or Draw
Use a pencil or embossing tool to press lines and details into the foil. Don’t worry about perfection—the texture is what makes these special. Be sure to put a stack of papers, or even a dish cloth under the foil. This will allow the foil to "give" a bit when you press down.
3. Emboss the Foil on front and back. 
Remove the paper and use your embossing tools to really push the lines in both on the front, and on the back. Embossing is when your design pops up and stands out. Debossing is when it sinks in, almost like a carved impression.
4. Cut It Out 
Once you’re happy with the design, carefully cut around the shape with scissors.
5. Add Finishing Touches (Optional)
Poke a small hole at the top with a push pin and string copper wire through to turn your foil pieces into seasonal garland. Or, color with Sharpies for bold contrast, paint over with acrylics for a rustic look, or punch a hole and add ribbon to hang as ornaments or gift charms!
Ideas for Using Your Foil Decorations
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Scatter them across your dining table as sparkling accents.
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Use as gift tags to add a handmade touch.
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String several together to make a garland for your mantel.
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Add to cards, collages, or even frame them as mini artwork.
Crafting is ALWAYS Better Together :)
One of my favorite parts about this project is that it’s so social. Because the process is relaxing and repetitive, it’s perfect for doing while chatting. Set a pile of foil sheets on the table at your next book club, pour some cider, and watch the creativity unfold. Everyone goes home with a handful of shiny fall keepsakes—and a memory of the time you spent together.
Embossed foil fall decorations are the perfect mix of simple, affordable, and stunning. Whether you’re crafting with friends, your kids, or just enjoying some solo creative time, they’ll bring a touch of shimmer to your season.
If you'd like to check out my tutorial on Talk Pittsburgh, just click the video link below!
Want more fall projects ideas? I gotcha covered! Check out my blog post that has 8 Exciting Fall and Halloween Themed Art Projects! (My personal favorite is the ghost painting project- also so fun to do with a group of friends as well as students!) I'd love to know if you give this fall foil embossed project a go! Let me know what you think either in the comments or reach out or tag me on Instagram @artwithmrs.e!
Have fun!
