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A Rub-On Transfer Craft For Fall

October 01, 2025

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If you haven't guessed yet, rub-on transfers have become my new favorite craft supply.

No matter what kind of art I'm trying to create or thrift store item I'm trying to recreate, using transfers always seems to be on the top of my creative idea list.

Dollar Tree Rub On Transfer Crafts For Fall

Transfers are extremely versatile, you can use them on any surface from wooden furniture and glass makeovers to paper garlands.

They're readily available online and in local stores.

And best of all, they're budget friendly.

The book that contained the flowers I used to make my wooden transfer sign last week, was about $40, but...it has enough transfers to make many, many projects.

And the rub on transfers I'm using for today's DIY were purchased at Dollar Tree for $1.25.

Dollar Tree Fall Rub On Transfers For fall

Love that.

They were so adorable and had fall written all over them - like literally all over them - I just couldn't resist.

Especially when I came across these two teeny frames in the next aisle.

Dollar Tree Wooden Mini Frames

Clearly, this pair was a match made in decor heaven.

Best of all, it took me just a few minutes to put it all together.

I started by tracing the glass from the frame onto the cardboard backing that came in the package with the transfers. I used that as my canvas.

Creating Fall Themed Framed Art

Next, I used my straight edge paper cutter to cut the two rectangles out.

Then, I chose my artwork and traced around it as well.

Cutting out fall transfers to fit inside a frame

And I cut it out, using the same paper cutter, so I'd have perfectly straight lines.

Getting Straight Cuts When Making Fall Art
Straight Edge Paper Cutter

The rest of the process is the same, whether you are using large transfers on furniture or small ones on glass.

I peeled the protective backing away from the transfer and stuck it on my surface.

I used gentle pressure with my stick rubbing the top of the clear transfer paper until the design was released.

Applying rub on transfers to paper

Then I peeled it away to reveal my new design.

Peeling away transfer paper to reveal design

There were a few places where I wanted to add some more leaves and flowers, so I just cut those elements out freehand and added them on top of my existing design.

Adding Transfers Over Transfers

Once I was happy with my composition, I focused on the frames.

They were pretty. Simple. And a little too unfinished looking for my taste. After all, it's fall, the season of bold colors and jewel tones.

Dixie Belle Voodoo Gel Stain in green and brown
Green Stain// Brown Stain

So I whipped out my favorite no mess, no prep, no smell, dries quick stains and covered each one with a bit of color.

I've used them to stain wooden crates, stain my fireplace mantel and more.

This time, I used a combination of a brush, to get in the small nooks, and a rag to wipe away the extra and give the wood an even finish.

Staining Wooden Frames with a small brush

When I was totally done, I was thrilled with my newest DIY decor accessories.

They were tiny pops of fall, with big style.

Dollar Tree Fall Transfer Art

Alone on a shelf or displayed elegantly under glass.

Hello Autumn DIY Sign
Set Of Mini Cloches // Scalloped Wooden Cake Stand

Not bad for $3.75 worth of supplies.

And 15 minutes of my time.

Like I said, I'm all about those transfers lately.

Can you blame me?

😉

Do you craft with transfers?
Kim Signature


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  1. Hi Kim. Wow these are so cute and what a savings. The transfers are awesome. Have a great rest of the week. Hugs. Kris

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    1. Thanks Kris!! I have to say, with a little imagination, Dollar Tree crafts can look like they cost more than a dollar. I hope you are having a super week!

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  2. Replies
    1. Thanks Joanne! They were fun to make and the perfect size decor for my tiny fall cottage.

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  3. This is such a wonderful idea. These days we really have to save money when we can.

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    1. I agree, Connie! And thank you! They were fun to make and are a sweet addition to my fall decor.

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  4. Oh my word! This is the cutest! I'm thinking I need to visit the Dollar General near me.

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    1. They really are sweet, Mari...very tiny, which makes them even cuter. Thanks so much for the sweet words and I hope the week is off to a good start!

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  5. I've got some transfers too, and I've had them sitting, collecting dust. I LOVE what you did with these transfers, and I have some of those frames (similar) too. These would make nice little fall gifts. I am inspired - thank you! Happy October!!

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    1. Marilyn, what a great idea...they could be super little hostess gifts or they could be name card holders at a dinner. Now you have my wheels turning! Thanks for the idea!!

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  6. Oh my goodness, these are so cute! I love this. I need to give transfers a try. :) Visiting from the Talking About it Tuesdays link party.

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    1. Thanks for the visit Jennifer and thanks for the sweet comment! Transfers are so easy to work with...I say try it!!

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  7. Happy October, I love your little frames. I have been into small displays in my decor as of late. I found these unique figurines ~ a ruffed grouse and a pheasant at a thrift store called, The Cupcake. I placed them by a small pumpkin, added some acorns I picked up on a walk. Now I need to find a miniature garland of autumn leaves and it will be photo ready. :-)

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    1. It sounds like you have quite a fall collection going on, Carla...and The Cupcake? That is seriously the sweetest shop name. How adorable!!

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  8. As far as I’m concerned, you are the QUEEN of DYI! These frames are so cute! I just love them!

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    1. You are just the sweetest, Mandy...and you totally made my day. 💕

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  9. Hi Kim. I love how you used the transfers and those little frames are adorable. I'm going to see if my store has them. Happy fall..xxoJudy

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    1. Happy Fall, Judy!! Thanks so much for your kind words...I bet your artwork would look fabulous in those little frames.

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  10. What a wonderful tutorial, and the end result is just great! These are so cute. I also really love those nobby edge frames that you have there.

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    1. Thanks Pattie! Those frames were just too sweet to leave behind. I had to find a way to use them. They are so perfect for fall...and I think I can reuse them for Christmas! Now, that's a big win!!

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  11. Such darling pictures and frames and another great makeover, Kim. I'm so enjoying the warm colors of autumn, they completely transform the house.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. They really do, Amalia! The house just feels so much cozier when it's decorated for fall with all those gorgeous deep hues. I hope you are having a lovely fall week!

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  12. A wonderful idea.
    They look lovely.

    Have a happy month of October.

    All the best Jan

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Jan! Happy October to you, too!!

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  13. Absolutely darling! I guess Fall is officially here and I need to get my Fall crafting going. I'm inspired.

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    1. Thanks Ann!! Tiny crafts for a tiny cottage...in fall! Although it still feels like summer here. 😉

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  14. Another great project!! They look so charming...
    Hugs,
    Deb
    Debbie-Dabble blog

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    1. Thank you Debbie! Gotta love the Dollar Tree!!

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