6. Ghostly Leaf Paintings
Celebrate the beauty of autumn by turning fallen leaves into whimsical, floating ghosts. For this craft, collect large, sturdy leaves from outdoors—maple and oak leaves work exceptionally well because of their unique shapes. Gently press the leaves flat inside a heavy book for a day or two to make them easier to paint. Paint the entire surface of each leaf with bright white acrylic or washable paint. Once the paint has dried, use a black permanent marker or black paint to draw expressive ghostly faces—some happy, some spooky, and some surprised. This budget-friendly craft is a wonderful way to connect kids with nature while creating beautiful, delicate decorations that can be taped to windows or strung together to make a rustic fall garland.