This bean mosaic is a quick, rewarding way to celebrate fall without needing paint or paper.

By arranging lentils, peas, and beans into simple pumpkin and leaf shapes, you create textured pieces perfect for decorating your entryway or dining table.

Kids can join in too, making this an ideal family project.

I bet you’ll love how inexpensive ingredients can transform into decor that feels rustic yet artistic.

Materials Needed

• Cardboard or chipboard sheets (cut into pumpkin and leaf shapes, approx. 6”–10” each)
• 1 cup orange lentils (for pumpkin)
• 1 cup red kidney beans (for maple leaf)
• 1 cup pinto beans (for oak leaf)
• 1/2 cup yellow split peas (for bright yellow leaf)
• 1/2 cup green split peas (for green leaf)
• Craft glue (4 oz bottle)
• Pencil (for sketching outlines)
• Small paintbrush (to spread glue evenly)
• Clear sealant spray (optional for lasting finish)

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Cut cardboard into pumpkin and leaf shapes. Use simple outlines to make gluing easier.

Step 2: Outline each shape lightly with a pencil, marking sections for veins in the leaves or ridges in the pumpkin.

Step 3: Start filling the pumpkin shape with orange lentils, spreading glue in small areas to avoid drying out. For the stem, use green split peas.

Step 4: For the leaves, choose different beans to highlight each type: red kidney beans for maple, pinto beans for oak, yellow peas for bright fall color, and green peas for fresh tones.

Step 5: Press beans firmly and allow to dry overnight. Optionally, spray with clear acrylic to protect and add shine.

Tips:

Group several leaves and pumpkins together on a board to create a fall bean collage. This works beautifully as a centerpiece or framed wall art.