Painting is a cost-effective way to make arts and crafts. Purchase construction paper and finger paint, then pour the finger paint on a paper plate large enough to put the child's entire hand on. Place each hand in the paint completely, then immediately press it on the paper to form a complete handprint. Be a bit more colorful by making each handprint a separate color or using colored construction paper.
Clay is a bit more durable than paper and allows you to create complete impressions. Polymer clay is a common type of clay that doesn't harden when exposed to air and must be baked in order to harden. It's also convenient because you can remold the clay if the handprint doesn't come out right the first time. Use a toothpick or something sharp like a pin to write information such as your child's name, date and age beneath the mold.
Trace your child's handprints on yellow construction paper, then cut each one of them out. Glue or staple each of them to the outside of the paper plate to create the sun's rays. Paint or color the paper plate yellow. Hang it on the wall with tape or string it up to hang on a nail with a hole punch to poke a hole near the top of the sun, then string yellow yarn through it.
Make a spider using handprints. Put your child's hand in black washable paint, then press all of it on a sheet of orange construction paper, except the thumb. Make another handprint, using the other hand and place the palm on the same place the palm was on the first handprint, keeping the thumb lifted to create the eight spider legs. Draw on white eyes.