Follow us on Instagram for more fun ideas for kids!
By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use. This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Gather autumn leaves and paint them into cute ghosts, bats and pumpkin jack-o-lanters for a fun and easy Halloween craft!
Celebrate the spirit of Halloween with this spooktacular Halloween Leaf Craft perfect for fall decor or as fun addition to your festive displays. This easy and fun craft utilizes real leaves, acrylic paint, and paint markers to create whimsical spooky Halloween leaf designs. It’s a fantastic way to bring a touch of autumn into your home while engaging the kids an easy 5-minute Halloween craft set up!
If you love leaf craft do make sure to check out our popular butterfly leaf craft, fish leaf art and turtle leaf!
Halloween Leaf Craft – Material
- Freshly fallen leaves (various shapes and sizes)
- Acrylic paint (black, orange, white)
- Paint markers (black and white)
- Paintbrush
How to paint Halloween Leaves
Step 1: Gather the Leaves
Collect a variety of freshly fallen leaves. Look for leaves that are flat and intact, such as maple, oak, or sycamore, as these will be easier to paint on. Aim for different sizes to create an interesting display.
Step 2: Prepare Your Workspace
Lay down newspaper or a drop cloth to protect your area from paint spills. This ensures a clean and enjoyable crafting experience.
Step 3: Paint the Base Color
Choose a base color for your leaves:
Bat Leaves: Use black acrylic paint.
Pumpkin Leaves: Bright orange is perfect.
Ghost Leaves: Opt for white.
Using a paintbrush, apply a generous layer of the chosen color to one side of each leaf. Allow the leaves to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Add the Faces
Once your base layer is dry, grab your paint markers and let your creativity flow! We used a black paint marker to draw on the faces for the jack-o-lanterns and the ghosts, and used a white paint marker for the bats!
Step 5: Display Your Creations
Now that your painted leaves are ready, it’s time to showcase your spooky artwork! Here are some display ideas:
Hanging Decorations: Attach string to the stems and hang them from trees or indoors.
Table Centerpieces: Arrange your leaves in a decorative bowl or on a festive tablecloth.
Wreaths: Glue the leaves onto a wreath frame for a seasonal touch on your front door.
How to preserve leaves?
You can preserve leaves with a sealant. After painting, add a couple of layer of Mod Podge or acrylic spray sealant to protect the paint and enhance durability.
Final Thoughts:
Creating Halloween painted leaves is a fun way to embrace the season and express your kids’ creativity! This easy craft brings together the beauty of nature and some festive creativity, making cute decorations that add a unique touch to your home. Have fun with it, and enjoy sharing your spooky creations with friends and family all Halloween season long
Agnes Hsu is a mom of three and has been inspiring parents and kids to get creative with easy activities and family friendly recipes for over 10 years. She shares her love for creative play and kids food to her 2MM+ followers online. Agnes' commitment to playful learning and kindness has not only raised funds for charity but also earned features in prestigious nationwide publications.