29 DIY Paper Craft Ideas for Halloween
Halloween is the perfect time to let your creativity run wild, and what better way to do it than with DIY paper crafts? Paper crafts are not only budget-friendly but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to create spooky, fun, and even elegant decorations for your home. Whether you’re planning a kids’ Halloween party, decorating your front porch, or simply indulging in some crafty fun, these ideas will inspire you. Grab your colored papers, scissors, glue, and a pinch of imagination—let’s dive into 29 creative projects that will transform your space into a Halloween wonderland.
1. Paper Pumpkin Garland
A paper pumpkin garland is simple but impactful. Use orange cardstock and cut out pumpkin shapes. Add green paper leaves at the top, then string them together with twine. You can even draw funny or spooky faces on each pumpkin to personalize it. Hang it across windows, mantels, or doorways for instant Halloween vibes. I love this craft because it’s quick, and kids can help, making it a bonding activity that doubles as decoration.
2. Origami Bats
Origami bats are small, easy, and perfect for adding a creepy touch. Use black paper to fold simple bat shapes and stick them on walls or ceilings. You can even hang them upside down from string for a 3D effect. Watching them “fly” adds a playful spookiness to your home. This is one craft that makes any corner feel mysterious without taking up much space.
3. Spooky Paper Lanterns
Paper lanterns aren’t just for festivals—they can be a Halloween staple. Cut out ghostly or pumpkin shapes on colored paper and wrap around battery-operated tea lights. The glow shining through the cutouts creates a magical ambiance. I tried these last year, and the flickering light gave our hallway a haunted yet cozy feel.
4. Paper Witch Hats
Mini paper witch hats make adorable decorations for shelves, desks, or even party favors. Use black cardstock to create cone-shaped hats, then add decorative bands, glitter, or stars. You can glue them onto sticks or small jars to create whimsical displays. The fun part? You can experiment with patterns and sizes to suit your theme.
5. Ghostly Paper Chains
Paper chains aren’t just for birthdays—they’re perfect for Halloween. Cut white strips of paper, draw ghost faces, and link them together. This creates a long chain of floating spirits that can decorate hallways or windows. My kids love seeing how long we can make the chain, and it adds movement and charm to the décor.
6. Spider Web Cutouts
Cut intricate spider webs from black or white paper to stick on windows and walls. Pair them with small paper spiders to make them more realistic. The delicate pattern adds a creepy yet elegant touch. This is one craft where precision is fun, and the results are visually stunning.
7. Paper Skull Masks
Make your Halloween party interactive with paper skull masks. Use thick white paper, draw skull shapes, and cut eye holes. Add details with markers or paint for a realistic effect. Wearing them creates a playful, spooky vibe, perfect for photos and party games.
8. Creepy Crawly Paper Insects
Paper insects like spiders, beetles, and crickets can add an unexpected scare factor. Fold black paper to make simple spider shapes or cut out beetle silhouettes. Scatter them across tables or stick on walls for a touch of “eek!” I love how small paper insects can create a big impact with minimal effort.
9. Paper Candle Holders
Make decorative candle holders with colored paper. Cut out spooky shapes like pumpkins, ghosts, or haunted houses, wrap around glass jars, and place LED candles inside. The glow through the cutouts casts eerie shadows that instantly lift your Halloween décor.
10. Halloween Paper Fans
Create big paper fans in orange, black, or purple for walls or windows. Layer smaller fans on top of bigger ones for depth. These are inexpensive, quick to make, and bring a festive energy to any space. I often use a mix of solid colors and patterned papers to add contrast.
11. Paper Frankenstein Figures
Frankenstein is a classic Halloween character. Cut out shapes from green, black, and white paper to make mini Frankenstein figures. Stick googly eyes or draw funny expressions to give them personality. These make great table décor and are a hit with kids.
12. Paper Mummies
Wrap strips of white paper around small figurines or jars to create mummy décor. Draw or glue on eyes peeking through the paper wrappings. It’s playful, slightly creepy, and very easy to customize. I used mini jars last year and filled them with candy, which doubled as décor and treats.
13. Haunted House Paper Cutouts
Create silhouette haunted houses from black paper and stick them to windows or walls. Add yellow paper windows to create a glowing effect. The silhouettes instantly transform your room into a spooky scene. Bonus: You can combine multiple houses to create a whole haunted street.
14. Paper Pumpkin Buckets
Mini paper pumpkins can double as candy holders. Cut and fold cardstock to create bucket shapes, decorate with faces, and fill them with treats. These are perfect for kids’ parties or as a cute way to display candies around the house.
15. Paper Witch Brooms
Craft tiny witch brooms with paper straws and cut paper strips. Tie them together to form the broom bristles. You can place them in jars or hang them as part of a whimsical Halloween display. This little touch adds charm and creativity to your décor.
16. Paper Zombie Hands
Cut zombie hands from green or grey paper and attach them to walls or windows as if they’re reaching out. It’s creepy but hilarious. These are fantastic for entrances, giving guests a playful scare as they arrive.
17. Spooky Paper Eyeballs
Cut paper circles and draw pupils to create eyeballs. Hang them from ceilings or place them around the house for a “watching” effect. Kids enjoy making these, and the eerie vibe adds humor and fright at the same time.
18. Paper Vampire Fangs
Create mini paper vampire fangs to stick on cups, party hats, or even costumes. Cut triangles from white paper and attach them to red backgrounds. These small details make a big difference for a themed party.
19. Paper Skeleton Chains
Like ghost chains, paper skeleton chains are easy to make and look impressive. Cut linked skeleton shapes and string them across walls or mantels. They create movement and a spooky storytelling effect that kids adore.
20. Halloween Paper Fans with Eyes
Add googly eyes to paper fans for a playful monster effect. These fans can be used for walls, windows, or as party props. The eyes bring personality and charm, making your Halloween décor more interactive and fun.
21. Candy Corn Paper Art
Cut and layer yellow, orange, and white paper to create candy corn shapes. Use them to decorate jars, walls, or make garlands. This adds a sweet, colorful touch to your otherwise spooky décor.
22. Paper Black Cat Silhouettes
Black cats are Halloween staples. Cut cat silhouettes from black paper and stick them on walls or windows. You can create dynamic scenes with multiple cats in playful or spooky poses. I love using this to make a “night scene” on a blank wall.
23. Paper Haunted Trees
Use brown and black paper to cut bare tree shapes. Stick them on walls or windows to create haunted forest scenes. Adding a few bats or owls completes the spooky effect. This craft is perfect for dramatic wall décor.
24. Floating Ghosts with Paper
Cut ghost shapes from white paper and hang them from the ceiling using fishing lines. The floating effect is simple yet mesmerizing. Pair them with small LED lights to enhance the spooky ambiance.
25. Paper Monster Masks
Kids love making monster masks. Use colored paper to create funny or scary faces, cut eye holes, and attach strings. These are perfect for role-playing, photo booths, or party games.
26. Paper Coffins
Craft mini paper coffins using black cardstock. Decorate with silver or white details and place them as table décor or candy holders. They’re small but add a lot of thematic value to any Halloween setup.
27. Paper Haunted Windows
Use black paper to create window frames and spooky silhouettes inside, like witches, ghosts, or bats. Stick them to your windows for an instant haunted house effect. This craft makes your exterior décor stand out at night.
28. Paper Candy Decorations
Make candy-shaped paper decorations with colored paper and shiny foil. Place them in bowls, hang them, or scatter across tables. These add color and festive energy without sugar overload.
29. Paper Halloween Banner
Finally, a Halloween banner is a must-have. Cut letters from colored paper and string them together to spell “Happy Halloween.” Add small paper pumpkins, bats, or ghosts for extra flair. Hang it above doors or mantels for a festive welcome.
