If you’re looking for a super simple, budget-friendly Halloween craft to do with the kids, this ghost leaf garland is perfect! Not only does it use natural materials you can find for free on your next walk, but it’s also quick to make and looks adorable strung up at home. Find more Halloween activities for children here.
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Whether you hang it across the fireplace, in a window, or above the snack table for a Halloween party, these little spooky leaves are guaranteed to bring a smile. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy the autumn season and get the kids involved in some creative fun without spending a penny.
Below you’ll find step by step instructions to make this craft and the supplies you will need. We love this fun craft around Halloween.
Supplies to make a Ghost leaf garland:
You only need a few supplies and you more than likely have them in your craft cupboard already. You will need some fallen leaves so why not get outside and find some?
- Dry leaves (large, flat ones like maple or horse chestnut work best) or * fake leaves
- * White acrylic paint
- Paintbrush
- * Black permanent marker or paint pen
- Scissors or craft knife
- * Twine, string, or yarn
More Halloween crafts for kids
Planning to decorate for Halloween? Here are some Halloween decorations for kids to make.
Find loads of ideas for Spider Crafts for Kids here.
These Craft Stick Magic Potion Bottles are a great craft and make a great Halloween decoration.
These ghost balloons are a great Halloween STEM activity.
You might also like this fall leaf craft.
we love this Haunted house fuse bead craft.
Ghost leaf garland Instructions
Start by collecting your leaves. Head outside and gather some large, dry leaves. This shouldn’t be too hard in the autumn/fall. My kids are always collecting leaves!
Gently brush off any dirt off your leaves. If they’re freshly fallen and floppy, press them between heavy book pages for a day or two until they’re flat and crisp. If nature isn’t cooperating, you can purchase some fake leaves from a craft store.
Next paint the leaves white using a paintbrush to coat the front of each leaf with white acrylic paint. Let the first coat dry completely for about 15–30 minutes.
If the original leaf color still shows through, apply a second layer of paint and let it dry again.
Once the leaves are fully dry, use a black permanent marker to draw simple ghost faces. Think ovals for eyes and a little “O” mouth for a classic look. You can be as creative as you like though.
The next step is to carefully use scissors or a craft knife to cut a small horizontal slit near the stem or top of each leaf. This is where your string will go through to create the garland.
Cut a length of twine or yarn, then gently thread it through the slits in each ghost leaf. Space them out however you like.
Your garland is now complete so you need to fins somewhere to hang it. You could hang your finished garland along a mantel, window, or doorway for an adorably eerie fall decoration.
More fall and Halloween activities for kids
Create your own Scarecrow peg craft here.
How about getting the play dough out and trying this Build a spider playdough?
Find more Fall nature crafts that your kids will love here.