45 Halloween DIY Crafts: Easy & Spooky Ideas
Halloween is the perfect time to get creative and make your own spooky decorations! Halloween DIY crafts are an excellent way to decorate your home without spending a fortune.
You can create everything from creepy spiders to glowing ghost jars using simple materials you already have.
These fun projects are perfect for families, letting kids use their imagination while making memories together. Handmade decorations add a personal touch that store-bought items just can’t match.
Ready to fill your home with handmade Halloween magic? Grab your supplies and start crafting today!
Why Halloween DIY Crafts Are So Much Fun?
Halloween DIY crafts bring families together in the best way possible. When you create spooky decorations with your kids, you’re not just making crafts – you’re building memories and sparking their imagination.
These projects let children express their creativity while learning new skills. Plus, DIY crafts are perfect for decorating your home without spending too much money.
You can make Halloween pieces using simple materials you probably already have at home. Your handmade decorations will be one-of-a-kind, unlike anything your neighbors have.
Homemade Halloween décor always stands out and shows off your personal style.
Materials & Tools You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you start crafting, it’s helpful to gather all your materials in one place. Most Halloween DIY crafts use simple supplies you probably already have at home.
| MATERIAL | USE/NOTES |
|---|---|
| Cardstock/Construction Paper | Paper crafts, decorations |
| Glue (white & hot glue) | Assembly, use kid-safe glue for children |
| Scissors/Craft Knife | Cutting shapes, adult supervision for knives |
| Paint/Markers | Coloring, decorating |
| Cotton Balls | Ghosts, spider webs |
| Popsicle Sticks | Skeletons, frames, decorations |
| Empty Jars/Tin Cans | Lanterns, monsters |
| Twine/String | Hanging decorations, garlands |
| LED Tealights/Fairy Lights | Safe illumination |
| Fabric/Old Clothing | Costumes, mummy crafts |
| Recyclables (Cardboard, Bottle Caps) | Upcycled crafts |
Having these basic supplies ready means you can start any project right away. Don’t worry if you’re missing something – Halloween crafts are all about getting creative with what you have.
Halloween DIY Crafts for Children
Halloween is the perfect time for kids to get creative and make fun decorations. These simple crafts are safe, easy to do, and use common materials you might already have at home.
1. Cotton-Ball Ghosts
Soft, fluffy ghosts can be made quickly and hung around the house. Kids will love pinching the cotton balls into small ghost shapes and adding tiny faces.
They make fun decorations for doors and windows, or even part of a Halloween centerpiece.
Instructions: Start by shaping cotton balls into small ghost figures. Use glue to attach a tiny paper face or draw one with a marker. Hang them from a string or tape them on walls and doors to add a spooky yet friendly touch.
2. Paper Plate Pumpkins
Paper plates can easily turn into bright and fun pumpkins. Kids can paint them orange, add green stems, and draw faces. They can create scary or silly pumpkins, which makes this craft a creative way to decorate a room or classroom.
Instructions: Paint a paper plate orange and let it dry. Cut a small green paper stem and glue it on top. Draw a face using markers or crayons, and hang the pumpkins on walls or tape them to windows for a festive look.
3. Popsicle Stick Skeletons
These skeletons are fun to make and play with. Children can glue sticks together to form arms, legs, and the body, then add a paper or wooden head. They can pose the skeletons or hang them as spooky decorations.
Instructions: Lay out popsicle sticks to form the skeleton’s body, arms, and legs. Glue them together and add a paper round head or a small wooden disc. Decorate with markers and hang them for a playful Halloween touch.
4. Handprint Bats
Handprint bats are a creative way to use your child’s hand shape. By tracing their hand and cutting it out, kids can create wings. Adding eyes and a mouth turns it into a fun little bat that can be taped on walls or windows.
Instructions: Trace the child’s hand on black paper and cut out the shape. Draw eyes and a mouth using a white marker or paint. Attach the bat to walls, doors, or windows with tape for an easy and spooky decoration.
5. Toilet Paper Roll Spiders
Small and playful, these spiders are perfect for Halloween. Kids can paint the rolls, add pipe cleaner legs, and glue on googly eyes. They make fun table decorations or can even hang from the ceiling for extra spookiness.
Instructions: Paint a toilet paper roll black or a dark color and let it dry. Cut pipe cleaners for legs and glue them on. Add googly eyes and place the spiders on tables or hang them with a string for a simple Halloween effect.
6. Pumpkin Mason Jar Lanterns
These glowing jars are a safe and fun way for kids to decorate their rooms.
Children can paint jars orange, draw or stick on pumpkin faces, and add a battery-operated tealight inside. They can place them on shelves or windowsills for a cheerful Halloween glow.
Instructions: Paint a mason jar orange and let it dry. Draw or stick on a pumpkin face using paper or markers. Place a small LED tealight inside the jar and display it safely in the room or near windows.
7. Spider Web Doilies
Spider web doilies are a simple paper craft that looks spooky on windows or walls. Kids can fold paper and carefully cut out web shapes.
These decorations are lightweight and fun to create, adding a friendly Halloween touch to bedrooms or party areas.
Instructions: Fold a circular paper doily or plain paper multiple times. Cut out small shapes along the folds to form a web pattern. Unfold carefully and hang on windows or tape to walls for a spooky display.
8. Halloween Masks
Paper masks are a fun way for kids to play dress-up. Children can color, decorate, and add glitter or stickers to create scary or silly faces. They can attach a string or stick to wear the mask while playing or use it as decoration during Halloween.
Instructions: Cut a mask shape from cardstock or thick paper. Decorate with markers, stickers, or glitter. Punch holes on the sides to attach a string, or glue a stick to hold it, and wear it for Halloween fun.
9. Ghost Garland
Mini ghost garlands are perfect for decorating rooms or party spaces. Kids can cut out ghost shapes from white paper, add eyes and a mouth, and string them together.
Hanging them along walls, doors, or shelves creates a friendly, festive Halloween look.
Instructions: Cut small ghost shapes from white paper. Draw eyes and mouths with a black marker. Attach the ghosts to a string with tape or glue, then hang the garland across walls, doors, or shelves.
10. Pumpkin Rocks
Pumpkin rocks are a creative way to combine painting and Halloween fun. Kids can collect smooth rocks, paint them orange, and add green stems and pumpkin faces.
They can use them to decorate tables, shelves, or even outdoor spaces safely.
Instructions: Paint smooth rocks orange and allow them to dry. Use a green marker or paper for the stem and a black marker for the face. Place the rocks on tables, shelves, or in outdoor garden spots.
11. Candy Corn Crafts
Candy corn crafts are simple and fun decorations for kids. Children can cut out candy corn shapes from paper or felt, color them in traditional yellow, orange, and white stripes, and use them as ornaments.
They can hang them, glue them to cards, or even make a colorful Halloween garland.
Instructions: Cut candy corn shapes from paper or felt. Color or layer them in yellow, orange, and white stripes. Use glue or tape to attach them to walls, string for a garland, or Halloween cards for decoration.
12. Bat Mobile
A bat mobile is a fun hanging decoration for kids’ rooms or party spaces. Children can cut bat shapes from black paper or cardstock and attach them to strings.
By hanging the strings from a coat hanger or stick, they create a mobile that gently spins, adding a spooky effect.
Instructions: Cut bat shapes from black paper or cardstock. Attach each bat to a string using tape or glue. Tie the strings to a coat hanger or stick and hang the mobile from the ceiling for a moving decoration.
13. Monster Bookmarks
Monster bookmarks are playful and useful for reading time. Kids can cut out shapes of monsters from colored paper, add googly eyes, and draw funny faces.
These bookmarks can hold pages in books or be given as small gifts, making reading more exciting and Halloween-themed.
Instructions: Cut out a rectangle or monster shape from colored paper. Draw eyes, mouths, and other details or attach googly eyes. Place the bookmark in a book to mark pages or give it as a small handmade gift.
14. Witch Hat Pencil Toppers
Mini witch hats on pencils are quick and fun Halloween accessories. Children can make small cones from paper or felt, decorate them with markers or stickers, and attach them to the top of pencils. These toppers are great for school, parties, or home play.
Instructions: Roll a piece of paper or felt into a small cone and secure it with glue or tape. Decorate with markers or stickers. Place the cone on the top of a pencil to create a festive pencil topper.
15. Pumpkin Puppets
Pumpkin puppets are perfect for imaginative play. Kids can use paper bags, socks, or small cloth pieces to create pumpkin faces, adding eyes, mouths, and stems with paper or felt. They can act out short Halloween stories or use them as room decorations.
Instructions: Decorate a paper bag or sock with pumpkin features using paper, felt, or markers. Add a stem if desired. Use the puppet to play, tell stories, or display it as a Halloween decoration.
16. Handprint Spiders
Handprint spiders are a messy but fun craft for kids. By painting their hands black and pressing them onto paper, children can create spider bodies.
They can then add eyes and draw legs to complete the spider. These make unique decorations for walls, cards, or windows.
Instructions: Paint the child’s hand black and press it onto paper to make a handprint. Draw spider legs extending from the hand and add eyes. Hang or display the finished spiders around the house for Halloween décor.
17. Paper Lantern Ghosts
Paper lanterns can be transformed into floating ghost decorations. Kids can fold white paper lanterns, draw spooky or silly faces, and hang them with string.
They make a fun and safe way to decorate rooms, windows, or hallways for Halloween, giving a friendly ghostly glow.
Instructions: Fold or assemble a white paper lantern. Draw ghost faces with markers or stickers. Hang using string from ceilings or doorways to add a playful Halloween touch.
18. Cupcake Liner Pumpkins
Cupcake liners make easy and cute pumpkins for kids. By layering orange liners and adding a green paper stem, children can create small 3D pumpkins. They can be used as table decorations, party crafts, or even glued together for a fun garland.
Instructions: Stack two or three orange cupcake liners, glue or staple in the center. Add a green paper stem on top. Display on tables, glue to walls, or string together for a garland.
19. Felt Monster Magnets
Felt monsters turn into fridge fun for kids. By cutting colorful felt into small monster shapes and adding eyes and mouths, children can decorate their magnets.
Glue a magnet strip on the back to stick them on metal surfaces, making playful Halloween décor.
Instructions: Cut felt into monster shapes. Decorate with eyes, mouths, or extra felt pieces. Glue a small magnet to the back and display on fridges or magnetic boards.
20. Spider Rings
Pipe cleaner spider rings are simple and wearable crafts. Kids can twist pipe cleaners into rings, add small spider shapes, and attach tiny eyes.
They make safe, fun jewelry for Halloween parties or playtime, allowing children to carry their spooky creations everywhere.
Instructions: Twist a pipe cleaner into a ring for the finger. Create a small spider body and attach legs using pipe cleaners. Add eyes using paper or beads and wear for Halloween fun.
21. Candy Bucket Decorating
Personalized candy buckets are perfect for trick-or-treating. Children can use stickers, paint, markers, and glitter to decorate small buckets.
Each bucket becomes unique, letting kids show creativity while having a practical container for collecting Halloween treats.
Instructions: Take a small bucket and decorate using paint, stickers, or markers. Add glitter or foam shapes as desired. Let it dry before using to collect candy or treats.
22. Halloween Stick Puppets
Popsicle stick puppets are great for storytelling and play. Kids can draw or glue small Halloween characters – such as witches, ghosts, and pumpkins – onto sticks. These puppets can be used to act out short stories, Halloween skits, or classroom activities.
Instructions: Draw or glue small Halloween characters onto popsicle sticks. Decorate with markers or paper cutouts. Use the puppets to act out stories, play games, or display them as decorations.
23. Pumpkin Crown
Pumpkin crowns are wearable and festive headbands. Kids can cut pumpkin shapes from paper or foam, decorate with faces or glitter, and attach them to a band. They are perfect for Halloween parties, school events, or fun dress-up activities at home.
Instructions: Cut pumpkin shapes from paper or foam. Decorate with markers, stickers, or glitter. Attach to a headband or strip of paper and wear as a festive Halloween crown.
Halloween DIY Crafts for Adults
Halloween isn’t just for kids – adults can get creative with home décor and stylish crafts. These DIY projects are simple but add a unique, festive touch to your living spaces.
24. Metallic Pumpkins
Metallic pumpkins are a gorgeous way to decorate for Halloween. By painting real or faux pumpkins with gold, silver, or copper, adults can create chic table displays or centerpieces.
Adding subtle patterns or glitter improves their look, making them a stylish addition to shelves or dining areas.
Instructions: Paint pumpkins with metallic acrylic paint and let them dry. Add patterns or a light layer of glitter if desired. Arrange on tables, shelves, or mantels for a decorative touch.
25. Bat Wall Décor
Bat wall décor brings a dramatic flair to rooms. Cut bat silhouettes from black cardstock or thin wood, then attach them in flying patterns on walls.
This creates a simple but bold display that adds Halloween spirit without taking up space.
Instructions: Cut bat shapes from black cardstock or thin wood. Arrange on walls in a flying pattern using removable tape or adhesive. Adjust spacing for a dynamic effect.
26. Candlelit Skull Lanterns
Skull lanterns create a subtle, spooky glow for adults. Using skull-shaped lanterns or jars, place battery-operated candles inside to safely illuminate them.
They are perfect for hallways, porches, or table displays, adding an eerie yet controlled light to your décor.
Instructions: Place a battery-operated candle inside a skull-shaped lantern or jar. Position on tables, shelves, or entrances. Ensure safety by avoiding real flames and enjoy the soft illumination.
27. Halloween Wreaths
Seasonal wreaths welcome guests with a Halloween touch. Using grapevines, twigs, or foam wreath bases, adults can attach miniature pumpkins, leaves, or ribbon. Hanging a wreath on a door or wall instantly adds festive charm to your space.
Instructions: Take a wreath base and attach small pumpkins, leaves, ribbons, or other decorations using hot glue or wire. Hang on doors or walls for a simple Halloween display.
28. Painted Gourds
Decorative painted gourds make unique table or shelf décor. Adults can use small gourds and paint with acrylics in patterns, stripes, or abstract designs.
Combining multiple gourds in different colors or shapes adds variety and charm to any arrangement.
Instructions: Clean and dry gourds. Paint designs using acrylic paints and let them dry completely. Arrange on tables, shelves, or mantels for a colorful and festive display.
29. Chic Table Centerpieces
Chic table centerpieces add a festive touch to Halloween gatherings. Using pumpkins, candles, or small decorative figures, you can create layered arrangements on dining or coffee tables.
Incorporating seasonal leaves or miniature props brings depth and style, making your Halloween display stand out.
Instructions: Arrange pumpkins, candles, and small Halloween props on a tray or directly on the table. Layer items at different heights and add leaves or small decorations to create a visually appealing centerpiece.
30. DIY Halloween Signs
DIY Halloween signs make doors or walls inviting. Using wooden boards or cardboard, adults can paint messages, spooky quotes, or silhouettes.
Hanging these signs, inside or outside, sets a festive mood and adds a personal, creative touch to your space.
Instructions: Cut a wooden board or piece of cardboard to size. Paint words, quotes, or silhouettes using acrylic paint or markers. Hang on doors, walls, or entryways using nails, hooks, or ribbon.
31. Pumpkin Garland
Mini pumpkin garlands brighten mantels, windows, or shelves. Using faux pumpkins or small craft pumpkins, string them together with twine or ribbon. This simple DIY adds a playful seasonal vibe and is reusable for multiple Halloweens.
Instructions: Thread small pumpkins onto twine, string, or ribbon, spacing them evenly. Tie loops at each end for hanging. Drape across mantels, shelves, or windows for decorative flair.
32. Spooky Candle Holders
Repurposed jars make quick, spooky candle holders. Adults can decorate jars with paint, stickers, or cut-out shapes, then place LED candles inside. This creates safe, atmospheric lighting for tables, shelves, or outdoor spaces.
Instructions: Clean glass jars and decorate with paint, stickers, or paper cutouts. Place LED candles inside and arrange them on tables, shelves, or porches for a Halloween glow.
33. Halloween Terrariums
Glass terrariums can be turned into miniature haunted scenes. Add moss, tiny pumpkins, skeletons, or ghosts inside for a contained Halloween display. These unique décor pieces look good on tables, shelves, or desks, adding a spooky yet stylish touch.
Instructions: Place moss or fake grass inside a glass terrarium. Add miniature Halloween figurines, pumpkins, or ghosts. Close the terrarium or leave it open and display it on tables, shelves, or mantels.
34. Glittery Witch Hats
Glittery witch hats make fun décor accents. Using craft hats or DIY paper cones, add glue and glitter to create sparkly versions for tables or shelves. They bring color and a playful touch to your Halloween setup without taking up too much space.
Instructions: Take a small witch hat or make one from paper. Apply glue and sprinkle glitter evenly. Let dry completely, then place on tables, shelves, or use as part of a centerpiece.
35. Creepy Cloth Drapes
Creepy cloth drapes add an eerie effect to windows, doors, or tables. Using gauze or cheesecloth, adults can fray and dye the fabric for a ghostly appearance. Draping these over furniture or hanging from ceilings creates a subtle yet spooky atmosphere.
Instructions: Cut gauze or cheesecloth to desired lengths. Fray edges, then dip in diluted tea or paint for a worn look. Drape over furniture, windows, or ceilings for a haunting effect.
36. Paper Lantern Pumpkins
Paper lantern pumpkins are a creative way to decorate tables or shelves. Using orange paper lanterns, fold and add details, such as pumpkin lines or faces, with markers.
Pair with small LED lights to create a soft glow, adding a festive Halloween touch to any space.
Instructions: Assemble an orange paper lantern and add pumpkin lines or faces with markers. Place a small LED light inside for illumination. Display on tables, shelves, or windows for a seasonal effect.
37. Bat Chandelier
A bat chandelier creates a dramatic ceiling display. Cut bat shapes from black cardstock and suspend them from a chandelier or hanging fixture using threads.
The floating bats give a spooky, playful effect that improves Halloween décor in living rooms or party spaces.
Instructions: Cut bat shapes from black cardstock. Attach them with thread or fishing line and hang from a chandelier or fixture. Adjust lengths for a floating effect.
38. Skeleton Frame Art
Skeleton frame art turns ordinary picture frames into Halloween décor. Decorate the edges of frames with small skeleton stickers, bones, or cutouts.
Display photos inside for a personalized and themed effect, or leave them empty as a decorative piece on walls or shelves.
Instructions: Take a picture frame and glue small skeleton cutouts or stickers along the edges. Insert photos, if desired, or leave it empty for décor. Hang or display on shelves.
39. Hanging Ghost Lanterns
Hanging ghost lanterns adds a soft, eerie glow to any space. Using white fabric or gauze, drape over small lanterns or LED lights and secure the shape with string or wire. Suspend from ceilings or porches to create floating ghost decorations.
Instructions: Drape white fabric or gauze over a small LED lantern. Secure the top with string or wire and hang from ceilings or porches. Ensure lights are battery-operated for safety.
40. Halloween Candle Rings
Candle rings are mini decorative wreaths that surround candles. Adults can create these using faux leaves, tiny pumpkins, or Halloween figurines. They add a festive and cozy atmosphere to tables, mantels, or sideboards for seasonal gatherings.
Instructions: Arrange small pumpkins, leaves, or figurines in a circular shape. Place the ring around a candle or LED tea light. Display on tables, mantels, or shelves.
41. Black Cat Wall Art
Minimalist black cat designs make sleek wall décor. Cut black cat shapes from paper, wood, or vinyl and arrange them as a set or in a scene. This subtle yet stylish decoration adds Halloween charm without overwhelming the space.
Instructions: Cut black cat shapes from the chosen material. Arrange on walls individually or as a scene. Use removable tape or adhesive for a temporary display.
42. Pumpkin Vase Centerpieces
Pumpkins can double as vases for autumn flowers. Hollow out small to medium pumpkins and insert a glass container for water. Fill with seasonal flowers or foliage for a striking, festive centerpiece on tables or sideboards.
Instructions: Hollow out a pumpkin and place a small glass container inside. Add water and seasonal flowers or foliage. Display on tables or sideboards as a centerpiece.
43. Spooky Mirror Clings
Spooky mirror clings are subtle yet effective decorations. Cut out shapes like ghosts, bats, or pumpkins from vinyl or static cling sheets and stick them on mirrors. They create playful reflections and add a Halloween vibe to bathrooms, bedrooms, or entryways.
Instructions: Cut spooky shapes from vinyl or static cling sheets. Stick them to mirrors and glass surfaces. Remove or reposition as desired, leaving no residue.
44. Mini Haunted Houses
Mini haunted houses are charming Halloween décor for shelves or tables. Using cardboard or small boxes, adults can paint, add tiny windows, and decorate with miniature pumpkins, skeletons, or moss. These little houses create a festive, haunted-village effect.
Instructions: Construct or use small cardboard boxes as houses. Paint and decorate with windows, doors, and Halloween props. Arrange on tables or shelves for a mini haunted village.
45. Glass Bottle Monsters
Glass bottle monsters turn old bottles into playful Halloween décor. Paint the bottles with creepy or funny faces, add yarn hair, or attach paper details. These unique decorations can line shelves, tables, or windows for a whimsical touch.
Instructions: Clean glass bottles and paint faces using acrylics. Add yarn, paper, or other materials for hair and accessories. Arrange on shelves, tables, or windows for display.
Display & Decoration Tips for Your Halloween DIY Crafts
Once you finish making your Halloween crafts, it’s time to show them off! The right placement and styling can make your decorations look even more impressive. Here are some easy ways to display your handmade creations:
- Choose the Right Spot for Each Craft: Keep waterproof items outside and delicate pieces indoors away from the weather.
- Group Your Crafts Together: Cluster several decorations in one area to create a stronger visual effect.
- Add LED Tealights for a Spooky Glow: Place battery-operated candles inside lanterns and jars for safe, eerie lighting.
- Create Different Height Levels: Stack boxes under tablecloths to display crafts at various heights for more interest.
- Use Dark Corners to Your Advantage: Position glowing decorations in dim areas to make them stand out.
With these simple tricks, your DIY Halloween decorations will look like they were done by a professional decorator! Your guests will be amazed at how creative and spooky your home looks.
That’s a Wrap
Halloween DIY crafts make decorating easy, affordable, and incredibly fun for the whole family. These projects prove you don’t need expensive decorations to create a spooky atmosphere at home.
Your handmade pieces will be unique and show off your creative side. From simple paper bats to glowing mason jar lanterns, there’s a project for every skill level.
The best part is watching your ideas come to life with just a few basic supplies. Start making your favorites now and watch your home come alive with Halloween spirit. Which craft will you try first?
Share your creations in the comments below – I’d love to see your spooky masterpieces!
