Halloween crafting gets wonderfully goofy when paper cups become ghosts and witches, pine cones turn into bats, and handprints stretch into garlands, cards, and decorations. The projects range from quick paper, popsicle-stick, and cotton-ball makes to painted pots, jar lights, bead designs, and other activities that call for adult help.
Paper Cup Ghosts and Witches
The witch is brighter than the simple ghost and has yarn hair. Both are easy paper cup crafts.
Yarn scraps are the starting material for this craft. Once the cups are finished, they can sit on a shelf or on a small Halloween table.
Gather the materials before making these crafts.
- The cups are made from paper.
- Colored paper is part of the paper cup craft.
- Yarn gives the witch her hair and adds detail to the paper cup craft.
- Markers add the remaining details to the paper cup ghost and witch.
- Glue secures the paper and other pieces to the cups.
Halloween Pine Cone Bats
The garland can go on a wall, across a doorway, or in a playroom. Its elements include bats, ghosts, pumpkins, and pom poms.
Make each character from a few simple shapes, then hang the garland where it is visible to children. The characters can be placed on a wall, doorway, or in a playroom.
Prepare the supplies in the space where the Halloween wall garland will be made.
- Felt and cardstock can be used for the Halloween wall garland characters.
- String connects the characters along the wall garland.
- Pom poms are included among the garland elements.
- Glue holds the felt, cardstock, and other garland pieces together.
- Scissors cut the felt and cardstock for the garland.
Toilet Roll Mummy Craft
This easy mummy craft has a high mess tolerance. Wrap the toilet roll with string to give it a mummy-like appearance.
Googly eyes are used on the mummy, while yarn adds more texture. Paper strips make the easiest version, but the yarn gives the mummy a more textured finish.
Before making the toilet roll mummy, gather the materials.
- Start with a toilet roll. It becomes the base for the mummy craft, ready to be wrapped and decorated.
- White yarn or paper strips can be used for the wrapping.
- The mummy needs googly eyes for its face.
- Glue holds the wrapping and decorations in place on the mummy.
- Scissors are used to cut the wrapping material.
Witch Lollipop Craft
The main detail is a witch character made from a lollipop. Pink tulle gives it a cute look and makes it less spooky.
Witch lollipops work for a classroom party and for Halloween movie night. Their main detail is a simple hat.
A lollipop is required for this witch lollipop craft.
- The lollipop forms the base of the witch character.
- Tulle or tissue paper can create the witch’s clothing around the lollipop.
- Black cardstock is used for part of the witch lollipop.
- A ribbon can be added to the witch lollipop.
- Use glue dots or tape to hold the witch lollipop pieces together.
Witch from an Egg Carton
The egg carton shape forms the witch’s nose and chin, which adds facial character to this recycled craft.
An egg carton becomes a witch when you paint it green. Add yarn hair and a paper witch hat next.
This egg carton witch requires the materials below.
- An egg carton provides the base for the witch.
- Green paint covers the egg carton.
- Use orange yarn for the hair, or substitute orange paper strips.
- Black cardstock forms the witch hat.
- Glue holds the craft pieces together.
Handprint Ghost Artwork
Small flowers and bows give the handprint ghost a soft look. This craft relies less on black and orange, so it can suit a softer Halloween style.
The handprint shape is the main detail, while the ghost faces should stay small and simple. Adding the year is optional.
Gather the materials before making the handprint ghost artwork.
- Air-dry clay is used for the handprint ghost craft.
- Markers add the ghost faces and other details.
- Small paper flowers can be added to the handprint ghost.
- Glue holds the flowers and other pieces in place.
- Ribbon adds another detail to the handprint ghost craft.
Mushroom House from a Toilet Roll and Cupcake Liner
Make the headband bright and silly while keeping the scare level low.
Give children pipe cleaners, pom poms, and googly eyes to make wild designs on the headband. The headband does not require symmetry.
The Halloween headband requires a plain headband.
- Start with a plain headband as the base for the craft.
- Pipe cleaners can be added to the headband.
- Pom poms provide another decoration for the headband.
- Googly eyes can be attached to the headband.
- Glue holds the headband decorations in place.
Halloween Headband Craft
With its Halloween theme, the eyeball plant has a silly tone and a low scare level. It is described as spooky, but it is more silly than scary.
Small painted details come first as children make the eyeballs, then place them in a small plant pot or jar. The eyeball plant involves tiny details and is recommended for older children.
This project requires a ball. The eyeball plant uses the ball as part of its design.
- A foam ball or ping-pong ball can become the eyeball for the plant.
- A mesh tube is used with the eyeball plant.
- The eyeballs can be colored with paint or a marker.
- A wooden skewer is another supply for the eyeball plant.
- Place the eyeballs in a small plant pot.
- Glue holds the eyeball plant pieces in place.
Eyeball Plants
Plain taper candles can take on pumpkin, ghost, or eye designs. The painted candle craft is easy but has a grown-up feel, and the small designs make the candles festive.
When several candles are grouped together, small designs are a practical choice. Since candles can be slippery to paint, this craft is best suited to older children with adult help.
Materials
- Use plain taper candles.
- Choose acrylic paint or candle-safe paint.
- Small paintbrushes are useful for painting the candles.
- Paint pens can be used if needed.
- Keep a paper towel nearby for cleanup.
Folded Paper Bats
Glitter gives the wings their finish, while googly eyes can be used on the paper cats and bats. The paper figures can come in many colors.
For younger children, cut the larger shapes first. Children can add the faces, wings, cheeks, and other decorations later.
Gather the materials for the paper bats before cutting and decorating them.
- Colored cardstock provides the paper for the bats and other figures.
- Rice can add texture to the paper craft.
- Googly eyes can be added to the paper figures.
- Glue holds the eyes and other decorations in place.
- Scissors are needed to cut the paper shapes.
- Sparkles can be used as decoration on the paper figures.
Jar with a Bat Shadow
For night lighting, this bat shadow jar needs adult help, while its shadow effect appeals to children.
For a safe glow, use a battery tea light inside the jar while keeping its exterior simple.
Gather the materials for this project.
- Use a glass jar for the bat shadow jar.
- A black paper bat is part of the jar.
- Use glue or tape to put the jar together.
- The tea light runs on a battery. It fits inside the jar and provides the light for the shadow effect.
- Adult help is required for this project.
Cauldron Googly-Eye Art
Googly eyes are applied to a cauldron to give it a Halloween appearance. The cauldron looks like a bubbling potion, with messy lines around it.
Choose bright colors for the potion, and do not worry about making it excessively neat. The potion can have a chaotic appearance.
This cauldron art requires paper.
- The paper used for the cauldron art is cardstock.
- Black paper gives the cauldron art its dark base.
- Use paint or a marker to add color to the cauldron design.
- Googly eyes provide the eyes for this cauldron project.
- Glue attaches the googly eyes to the cauldron art.
Halloween Puppet with a Popsicle Stick
A popsicle stick gives each Halloween puppet an easy base. The characters can be a witch, vampire, pumpkin, ghost, or skeleton, and each one has a distinct design.
Start with one character, then offer paper scraps, markers, and stickers. When the crafting is over, children can play with the puppet.
Prepare the supplies before making the popsicle stick Halloween puppets.
- Disposable spoons can be used with the puppet supplies.
- Paint and markers add color and details to the Halloween puppets.
- Glue attaches the puppet materials to the base.
- Googly eyes provide one of the puppet details.
Handprint Halloween Poster
On one poster, handprints, footprints, and Halloween drawings come together. The handprint poster functions as a keepsake.
A larger keepsake can replace loose papers, with space reserved for each child to add names or doodles.
Required items.
- Large paper or poster board provides the surface for the poster.
- Washable paint can be used for the handprints and footprints.
- Markers can be used for the drawings, names, or doodles.
- Stickers can be added to the poster.
- Baby wipes are included as a cleanup supply.
Skeletons from Pipe Cleaners
For this craft, bend the skeletons into different poses. The skeletons can also be arranged as a Halloween garland.
Bright colors give these skeletons a playful, kid-friendly look. A black and white version appears more spooky, while the colorful version is more kid-friendly.
Gather the materials before making the pipe cleaner skeletons.
- Pipe cleaners form the skeletons.
- String can connect or hang the skeletons.
- Scissors are used to cut the string.
- Beads are optional and can be used for the skeleton heads.
- Tape or pegs can help with hanging the skeletons as a garland.
Halloween Mobile to Hang
A branch supports simple paper shapes in this hanging mobile. Using a branch makes the construction feel more handmade than ghosts taped to a wall.
Lightweight paper works for a piece that needs to hang properly, while younger children can decorate the faces and beads. An adult can help with the string work.
Required items.
- Cardstock or thick paper can be used for the mobile pieces.
- String connects the hanging pieces.
- A small branch supports the mobile and gives the pieces a place to hang.
- Beads or bells can be added to the hanging shapes.
- Markers add details to the pieces, and glue holds them in place.
Halloween Bead Designs
Tiny pumpkins, ghosts, witches, and cats appear in this craft. It is a quiet activity for older children and calls for a high level of focus, more than a quick paper craft requires.
This craft should be reserved for older children because its small beads require focus, and an adult should handle the final ironing.
For Halloween bead art, gather the materials before arranging the beads.
- Use perler beads or fuse beads to make the designs.
- The beads are arranged on a peg board.
- Halloween bead colors give the small designs their theme. They can form pumpkins, ghosts, witches, or cats.
- Iron paper is placed over the bead design before it is ironed.
- An adult should help with the ironing at the end.
Halloween Garland with Handprints
Handprint art becomes a hanging decoration after the handprint pieces dry. Hang the pieces once they are dry.
The handprints may differ, but using mostly black, white, and orange keeps the Halloween color palette and maintains a Halloween appearance.
Required items.
- Paper or cardstock provides the material for the handprint pieces.
- Washable paint can be used to make the handprints.
- String connects the pieces into a garland.
- Mini pegs or tape can fasten the handprint pieces.
- Scissors are used to cut out the handprints.
Felt Ornaments for Halloween
Mushroom shapes join ghost, bat, and pumpkin versions in this set of felt ornaments. They have more of a keepsake-craft quality than a quick paper activity, and they are suitable for a Halloween tree or garland.
The felt ornament craft is best for older children and is one to make together. If sewing is involved, fabric glue is an easier alternative.
Materials
- Felt forms the ornaments.
- For assembly, use fabric glue or a needle and thread.
- Add stuffing inside the ornaments.
- Use ribbon for the ornaments.
- Small buttons and fabric scraps can add details to the ornaments.
Witch Hat Made of Paper
This quick craft uses cutting and gluing to build a layered paper witch hat. The layers add more apparent detail without making the project slow.
Pre-cut triangles and circles make this paper witch hat easier for younger children to craft, especially when the shapes come in multiple colors.
Set out the supplies before making the paper witch hat.
- Use colored cardstock for the paper witch hat.
- Star stickers can be used with the paper witch hat.
- Keep glue ready for assembling the paper witch hat.
- Scissors are used to cut the paper witch hat pieces.
- String can be added to the paper witch hat, and tape can hold it in place if the hat is going to hang.
Ghost cutouts in a simple style
These simple ghost cutouts are cute, and the ghosts can have different faces. Kids can customize them as they make each one.
Use a small pile of ghost cutouts as table scatter, turn pieces into a garland, or attach them to gift tags. They are easy to make again without becoming annoying.
Gather the materials before making the ghost cutouts.
- White paper is used to make the ghost cutouts.
- A black marker adds the details to the ghost cutouts.
- Scissors are used to cut out the shapes. The ghost cutouts can then be used for the craft.
- Glue holds the ghost cutouts together where needed.
- Ribbon can be added if the ghost cutouts are hanging.
Ghost Bunting with Handprints
The ghost elements are shaped like hands, so each handprint keeps its connection to where it came from. That makes the bunting more personal than a paper ghost.
A dark background contrasts with the white ghosts and helps the ghosts stand out. Orange flags also reduce the need for extra supplies.
Prepare the supplies before making the handprint ghost bunting.
- Use dark cardstock for the handprint ghost bunting.
- White paint is used to make the ghosts for the bunting.
- Orange paper provides the flags for the handprint ghost bunting.
- String is used to connect the handprint ghosts and flags.
- A marker can add details to the handprint ghost bunting.
Tree Wrapped as a Mummy
A mummy tree wrap suits a family activity outdoors, and lights improve its visibility at night. Adult help is needed for the project.
Children place the eyes and decide on the face placement, with an adult supervising the wrapping.
Gather the materials before beginning this project.
- White gauze or streamers can be wrapped around the tree to make the mummy.
- Large googly eyes give the mummy tree its face.
- Battery string lights can be added to the tree wrap.
- Tape helps secure the mummy tree wrap.
- Adult help is required for this project.
Cotton Ball Ghost Craft
The cotton ball ghost has a fluffy texture. Making one primarily involves sticking and filling, which suits younger children.
The face has a simple mouth and two black eyes. Children add cotton balls after they draw the ghost outline first.
Gather the materials before beginning.
- The ghost shape can be made from cardboard or cardstock.
- Cotton balls fill the ghost outline.
- Glue holds the cotton balls to the board.
- Black paper can be used for the ghost details.
- Scissors cut the board and paper into the needed shapes.
Halloween Figures from Popsicle Sticks
One set of popsicle sticks can support ghosts, pumpkins, witches, and other Halloween characters for the craft table.
Adults can prepaint the popsicle sticks for young children, who can then add faces, hats, yarn hair, and paper details.
Gather the required items before beginning.
- Popsicle sticks form the base for these Halloween characters. They can be used for the craft table.
- Paint or markers can be used with the craft.
- Cardstock is one of the required materials.
- Glue holds the craft pieces together.
- Yarn and paper scraps can be used for the character details.
Pumpkins Made with Fingerprints
A pumpkin, cat, ghost, or monster can take shape when children press their thumbs into paint. The fingerprints form the figure.
Start with the pumpkin background, painting it before anything else and letting it dry before the fingerprints are added. The patterns will vary from child to child.
These pumpkins require a mini pumpkin.
- A mini pumpkin provides the base for this craft.
- Paint is used as the pumpkin base.
- Use finger paint or acrylic paint for the pumpkins.
- A paint pen or fine marker can add details to the pumpkins.
- Keep a baby wipe nearby for cleanup after making the pumpkins.
Painted Plant Pots
Macaroni, rather than beads, forms the necklace. The macaroni shapes can become ghosts, pumpkins, skeletons, or monsters, and children can add Sharpie details to them.
Let the painted macaroni dry fully before using a Sharpie to draw faces. First, thread the macaroni onto string, then place it in a ziplock bag, coat it with paint, and smoosh it until coated.
Gather the materials before beginning.
- Macaroni pasta makes up the necklace.
- Ziplock bags hold the macaroni while it is coated with paint.
- Paint covers the macaroni before it is left to dry.
- Sharpies or paint pens add the faces and other details.
- String turns the decorated macaroni into a necklace.
Handprint Ghost Decorations
A handprint ghost becomes the ornament, with the handprint forming most of its design. Add a simple face and a ribbon, and those details complete it.
Keep the face simple so the handprint shape remains the main visual feature. The handprint ornament can be kept for next year.
Materials
- Use air-dry clay or salt dough for the ornament.
- White paint covers the ornament.
- A black marker adds the face.
- Attach ribbon to the ornament.
- A rolling pin helps flatten the material.
Ghosts from Ripped Paper
For younger kids, tearing paper can be easier than cutting it. The uneven pieces also help the ghosts look better.
On each ghost, draw the shape first and then fill it with torn paper. Keep the face simple, since the texture is the main feature.
Making these paper ghosts requires the materials below.
- White paper
- Colored cardstock
- Glue
- Use black paper for the details, or draw them with a black marker.
- Tissue paper scraps give the ghosts their textured surface.
Black Cats on Paper Plates
Paper plate black cats have black cat faces with whiskers and pink noses, which give them a less scary appearance. The faces can be used as photo props or held up.
Cut eye holes if the paper plate cat will be used as a mask. Otherwise, attach it to a wall or door with tape.
Gather the materials before beginning this project.
- Paper plates provide the base for the black cats.
- Use black paint for the paper plate cat faces.
- Cardstock can be used for the cat’s ears and other details.
- Craft sticks are part of the paper plate black cats.
- Glue holds the paper plates, cardstock, and craft sticks together.
Haunted House Painting
Children who prefer painting can make this craft with a colorful background and a black house. The bright background contrasts with the black house.
Begin with the sky as the painted background. After it dries, add the haunted house shapes, including a wonky window.
Gather the materials before painting the haunted house art.
- Paper provides the surface for the painted haunted house.
- Use paint for the colorful sky and black house.
- Paintbrushes are needed to apply the paint to the paper.
- Black cardstock or a marker can add the black house details.
- Glue can hold any added pieces to the painted paper.
Mummy Lights in Jars
Messy gauze suits a mummy jar craft, and the gauze can be uneven. That uneven appearance remains acceptable.
For mummy jar lights, use battery tea lights. They provide a soft glow and reduce child-related craft stress.
Materials
- Small jars hold the lights.
- Wrap the jars with gauze and white tape.
- Add googly eyes to the jars.
- Use glue to attach the gauze and googly eyes.
- Battery tea lights go inside the jars.
Fairy Dolls from Egg Cartons
Tiny flower skirts give the egg carton fairy dolls a sweet look. The dolls have a magical, soft Halloween style.
The pieces can be fiddly, so adult help is needed. These dolls suit fairy interests, dress-up interests, and delicate crafts.
Gather the materials before beginning this project.
- An egg carton provides the base for the fairy dolls.
- The dolls use wooden peg dolls as their bodies.
- Paint is needed to decorate the egg carton fairy dolls.
- String can be used with the fairy dolls and their decorations.
- Glue holds the egg carton fairy dolls and their parts together.
Haunted Houses from Popsicle Sticks
Popsicle stick haunted houses can support different decorations, including flowers placed on top. Flowers make the houses more playful and less spooky.
Small windows can be added to the house. Use pumpkins, ghosts, and stars as decorations, and build the base from popsicle sticks or wooden house shapes.
Gather the materials before beginning this project.
- Wooden house shapes can be used instead of popsicle sticks, while popsicle sticks can also form the house.
- Paint is used for the popsicle stick haunted houses, including the house surface and its decorations.
- Halloween stickers can be added to the haunted houses along with the other decorations.
- Glue holds the popsicle stick haunted houses and their decorations together.
- Markers can add details to the haunted houses. Use them alongside the other decorations on the popsicle stick shapes.
Halloween Cards with Handprints
Handprints make these cards different from regular Halloween drawings. Each handprint can become a different character, so the cards do not need to match.
A few of these cards can be made for grandparents, teachers, and family friends. Add the year to the back, which increases the cards’ sentimental value.
Required items.
- Colored cardstock is used for the cards.
- Washable paint can be used for the handprints.
- Markers are used for the card details.
- Googly eyes can be added to the handprint characters.
- Halloween stickers or paper cutouts can decorate the cards.
Pipe Cleaner Spider Crafts
Pipe cleaner spiders can be bright and silly without being too scary for Halloween, making them suitable for children.
Make several spiders in different colors, and let children bend the legs freely. Googly eyes give each spider personality.
Materials are required.
- Pipe cleaners form the spiders and their legs.
- Pom-poms can make up the spider bodies.
- Beads add detail to the spiders.
- Googly eyes give the spiders their faces.
- Glue keeps the spider pieces together.
- Scissors cut the pipe cleaners to the needed lengths.
Eyeball Rock Painting
Eyeball designs make this an easy batch craft with a funny, spooky tone. The color and shape of the eyeballs can vary.
Red lines help finish the spooky look, but they come after the base has dried. Paint smooth rocks with a white base first, then add the iris, pupil, and red lines.
Before painting the eyeball rocks, gather the materials.
- Choose smooth rocks for the eyeball designs.
- White paint makes the base on each rock.
- Colored paint adds the iris and other eyeball details.
- A black marker can define the pupil.
- Use a paintbrush to apply the paint.
Paper Chain Skeleton
These Halloween window ghosts become part of the room once finished, rather than staying as a tabletop paper craft.
On the glass, small simple ghost shapes stick neatly in place. Draw different faces before putting the shapes on the window, so children can create the ghost faces.
Making these window ghosts requires the materials below.
- White paper
- Black marker
- Scissors
- Use tape, or choose a window-safe adhesive instead.
- Use floss or string as alternatives.
Halloween Decal Window Ghosts
As October unfolds, this board suits the anticipation of Halloween and remains useful throughout the month.
Add photos, activity cards, and stickers to the board. Personalization increases its appeal, but avoid over-polishing the finished board.
Gather the materials needed for this project.
- The board can be made from poster board or cardboard, depending on the base you use.
- Images for the board can be printed photos or paper cutouts.
- Stickers are used as decorations for the Halloween bucket list board.
- Glue or tape can attach the photos, cards, cutouts, and stickers to the board.
- Markers can be used to write on and decorate the Halloween bucket list board.