6 large dried autumn leaves, at least 12 cm across (oak or maple work best)
4 pinecones, medium, roughly 5-7 cm tall
White chalk paint or white acrylic paint, 1 small pot
Black acrylic paint, 1 small pot
Foam brush, 2 cm wide
Black card stock, 200 gsm, 1 A4 sheet
12 googly eyes, 8 mm diameter
Black fine-tip permanent marker
Natural jute twine, 3 m
8 small wooden clothespins (mini pegs), about 3 cm long
PVA glue or hot glue gun (adult step for hot glue)
Step by Step
Lay the dried leaves flat. Paint three of them all over with white chalk paint using the foam brush. Two coats give a solid, slightly chalky finish; let each coat dry for 20 minutes. The leaf veins will still show faintly through, which looks intentional and lovely.
On the white leaves, use the permanent marker to draw two large round eyes and a small open-circle mouth on each one, turning each leaf into a simple ghost face.
On two of the unpainted brown leaves, glue two googly eyes near the top with PVA or a tiny dot of hot glue (adult if using hot glue). Draw a small jagged mouth with the marker to make a friendly monster.
Cut bat shapes from the black card stock: draw two bat silhouettes, each about 10 cm wingspan, and cut them out (adult step with scissors). Fold each bat body slightly along the centre so the wings angle up a little.
Cut six lengths of jute twine ranging from 20 cm to 35 cm. Tie one end of each length around a mini peg and let the other end hang free. Tie the remaining twine in a loop around the branch about 5 cm from each end to make two hanging points.
Arrange pieces along the branch, clipping leaves, bats, and pinecones with the mini pegs. Mix heights by using different twine lengths. The branch should feel full but not crowded; aim for three or four elements clustered towards the centre with single pieces trailing at the sides.
Hang the branch from the two end loops on a hook or nail.
Good to Know
Suits ages 6 and up; an adult handles scissors for bat cutting and any hot glue.