Leaf Ghost Garland
Celebrate the beauty of the changing seasons by taking a family walk to collect fallen autumn leaves, then bringing them inside for a cozy afternoon of crafting. For this project, look for maple leaves or other broad, multi-lobed leaves that naturally have a flowing, ghost-like shape when turned upside down. This craft seamlessly connects outdoor exploration with indoor creativity, making it a highly rewarding experience for young children.
Once your collected leaves are dry and pressed flat under a heavy book, have the kids paint them with a coat of solid white acrylic paint. It may take two thin coats to completely mask the natural colors of the leaf. Once the white paint is dry, children can use a black fine-tip marker or paint pen to draw simple, expressive ghost faces on the leaves. The natural veins and textures of the leaves give these ghosts a beautiful, organic look. String the finished leaf ghosts along a length of rustic baker’s twine using tiny wooden clothespins to create a gorgeous, eco-friendly autumn garland that celebrates both nature and Halloween.