Hey all! My name is Julia, former college student and a home decor enthusiast who loves DIY home improvement projects and finding creative ways to decorate any living spaces on a budget. Recently moved from my dorm to my new apartment which I renovated from scratch and I am here to help you with tips & tricks about home decor/college and more 🙂
Ready to dive into some spooky fun? Let’s kick off our Halloween crafting adventure with some tips to make it a blast for everyone. I’ll show you how to pick materials, set up your space, and stay safe while getting creative.
Halloween is just around the corner, and I’m getting excited to break out the craft supplies!
There’s nothing quite like filling my home with spooky decorations I made myself.
I’ve rounded up 25 awesome Halloween craft ideas that are super easy and fun for all ages.
Whether you’re into cute and kid-friendly or creepy and crawly, there’s a DIY project here for everyone.
I’m talking adorable paper cup bats, eerie witch’s potion bottles, and everything in between.
The best part? Most of these crafts can be whipped up in an afternoon with stuff you probably already have lying around the house.
Get ready to unleash your inner crafting monster!
These projects are so fun, you might find yourself cackling like a witch while you work.
So grab some googly eyes, break out the glue gun, and let’s get crafting.
Your house will be hauntingly fabulous in no time!
25 Halloween Craft Ideas
Choosing Your Craft Material
I always start by raiding my craft stash.
You’d be surprised what you can use for Halloween projects!
Old cardboard boxes? Perfect for tombstones.
Leftover yarn? Great for spider webs.
Don’t forget to check the recycling bin too.
Remember, Halloween crafts don’t have to be fancy.
Simple can be super spooky too!
Related posts: 26 Fall Crafts for Kids and Adults: Fun Projects to Spice Up Your Autumn
Setting Up Your Crafting Space
Time to create a crafting zone that’s both fun and functional.
Cover your table with an old sheet or newspaper.
It makes cleanup a breeze, especially when little ones are involved.
Good lighting is key. Set up near a window or bring in some extra lamps.
Trust me, you don’t want to miss those tiny details on your witch’s face!
Don’t forget snacks! Crafting can work up an appetite haha.
Keep some Halloween-themed treats nearby for motivation.
Painted Pumpkins for the Less Messy Artist
Who says you need to gut a pumpkin to make it spooky?
Grab some acrylic paint and let your imagination run wild!
I love painting silly monster faces or spooky scenes on my pumpkins.
For a quick and cool effect, try dripping different colors of nail polish down the sides of your pumpkin.
It creates an awesome marbled look that’s sure to impress the neighborhood ghouls.
Want to add some sparkle? Glitter paint is your best friend here.
I once covered a whole pumpkin in black glitter – it looked like a starry night sky!
Don’t forget to seal your masterpiece with a clear spray to keep it looking fresh all season long.
DIY Jack-O-Lanterns for the Traditionalist
Okay, time to get our hands gooey!
There’s nothing quite like the classic jack-o’-lantern to set the Halloween mood.
First things first – scoop out those pumpkin guts.
I like to pretend I’m performing pumpkin surgery. “Nurse, hand me the spoon!” haha
Now for the fun part – carving!
Always start by drawing your design with a marker.
Pro tip: use a dry-erase marker so you can easily wipe away mistakes.
For an extra spooky touch, try carving multiple faces on one pumpkin.
It’s like a pumpkin version of the many-faced god from Game of Thrones!
Melted Crayon Pumpkin Magic
Get ready for a colorful explosion!
This craft is messy but oh-so-fun.
First, peel the paper off some crayons and break them into small pieces.
Hot glue these bits around the top of your pumpkin.
Now comes the cool part – use a hair dryer to melt the crayons and watch as rainbow rivers flow down your pumpkin!
For a ghostly effect, stick to white and gray crayons.
The drips will look like ectoplasm oozing down your pumpkin.
Remember to put down some newspaper before you start.
Pipe Cleaner Arachnids for the Fuzzy Fanciers
I love how pipe cleaners can transform into the cutest (or creepiest) spiders!
First, grab a bunch of black pipe cleaners and twist them together to form the body.
Then, bend four on each side to make those wiggly legs.
For extra pizzazz, stick on some googly eyes.
Bam! Instant eight-legged friend.
Want to take it up a notch?
Use different colored pipe cleaners for a funky spider rainbow.
Or, make them giant-sized for a real “eek” factor.
These fuzzy guys are perfect for hanging from doorways or scattering across tables.
Craft Stick Spiderwebs for the Web Masters
Who knew popsicle sticks could be so spooky?
Start by arranging six craft sticks in a star shape and gluing them together at the center.
Then comes the fun part – wrapping white yarn around the sticks to create that classic web pattern.
Leave some spaces between the yarn strands for a more realistic look.
Once the web is done, add a little plastic spider (or one of those pipe cleaner cuties) for the finishing touch.
These webs make great window decorations or wall hangings.
Pine Cone Spider Haven for Nature Lovers
Time to get a little nutty with pine cones!
Head outside to collect some pinecones, then give them a good shake to get rid of any creepy-crawlies already living inside.
A quick coat of black paint turns them into perfect spider bodies.
For the legs, use black pipe cleaners again, poking them into the pine cone scales.
Googly eyes are a must, of course!
I love arranging these little guys in potted plants or scattered across my mantle.
It’s like a spooky forest right in my living room!
Cotton Ball Ghosts for the Fluff Fanatics
I love making these cute little cotton ball ghosts – they’re so easy and fun!
All you need are some cotton balls, glue, and black paper.
Just stack the cotton balls in a ghost shape, glue them together, and add tiny black paper eyes.
These fluffy spirits look awesome hanging from the ceiling or perched on shelves.
Want to take it up a notch?
Try using glow-in-the-dark paint on some of the cotton balls.
When the lights go out, your ghosts will give everyone a gentle scare!
For a twist, use white tissue paper instead of cotton balls.
It gives the ghosts a more ethereal look.
Related posts: 35 Family Halloween Costume Ideas 2025: Slay as a Squad this Spooky Season!
Ghostly Garland for Party Vibes
Nothing says “Halloween party” like a spooky ghost garland!
Make yours using white felt cut into ghost shapes.
Then add googly eyes for a silly touch.
String them together with some black ribbon, and voila!
For extra pizzazz, try cutting the ghosts out of glittery paper.
The sparkle really catches the light and adds some glamour to your Halloween decor.
Want a quick version? Use white paper cups!
Turn them upside down, draw on some ghostly faces, and string them up.
It’s a fast and fun craft that even little kids can help with.
Spectral Decorations for the Home
Let’s bring some ghostly charm into every room!
I love making tissue paper ghosts to hang in windows.
Just bunch up some white tissue paper, tie it off with string to form the head, and add a face with a black marker.
For a spooky nightlight, try putting a battery-operated tea light inside a white paper bag decorated with a ghost face.
It casts the perfect eerie glow!
Paper Plate Skeletons for the Anatomy Admirers
I’m always tickled by how a plain paper plate can transform into a grinning skeleton.
Here’s how I do it:
- Grab a white paper plate and cut out eye holes.
- Draw a big smile with black marker.
- Cut thin strips for ribs and glue them on.
- Add arms and legs with more cut strips.
It’s amazing how much personality these bony buddies can have!
They make great wall decorations or even masks for a quick costume.
Toilet Paper Roll Monsters
Who knew empty toilet paper rolls could be so monstrous?
I sure didn’t until I tried this craft:
- Paint the roll any wild color you like.
- Glue on googly eyes – the more, the merrier!
- Cut out a mouth shape and add paper teeth.
- Stick on pipe cleaner arms and legs.
Related posts: 40 Mom and Baby Halloween Costumes That’ll Have Everyone Cracking Up
Paper Plate Witches for the Coven
I love making paper plate witches – they’re so simple and cute!
Start with a plain paper plate and paint it green for the witch’s face.
Cut out a pointy black hat from construction paper and glue it on top.
For the hair, use yarn or strips of black paper.
Googly eyes are perfect for that wild witch look.
Don’t forget a crooked nose and a mischievous grin!
To finish it off, add some warts with a dot of green paint.
These witches look great hanging on a wall or propped up on a shelf.
Popsicle Stick Broomsticks for Aspiring Flyers
Who says witches get to have all the flying fun?
With popsicle stick broomsticks, we can all join in!
Grab a bunch of popsicle sticks and some twine or raffia.
Paint the popsicle sticks brown or leave them natural.
Fan out about 10 sticks for the bristles and tie them together with twine.
Then, attach a longer stick for the handle.
For extra pizzazz, add tiny charms or ribbons.
These mini brooms make great bookmarks or Halloween party favors.
You can even hang them on your Christmas tree for a touch of year-round witchiness!
Egg Carton Batty Bonanza
Egg cartons are a goldmine for bat crafts!
Start by cutting out individual cups from the carton.
These become the bat bodies.
Paint them black or dark purple for a spooky effect.
For wings, cut oval shapes from black construction paper.
Fold them slightly for a 3D look and glue them to the body.
Googly eyes are a must – the bigger, the better for that bug-eyed bat appearance!
Twine Pumpkin Elegance
I’m obsessed with these adorable twine pumpkins!
They’re so easy to make and look way fancier than the effort required.
Just wrap orange twine around a balloon, coat it with glue, and pop the balloon once it’s dry.
Voila – instant pumpkin shape!
For the stem, twist some brown twine and glue it on top.
A few fake leaves complete the look.
These cuties work great as a centerpiece or scattered around the house.
Leafy Lanterns for Autumnal Glow
Glass lanterns get a fall makeover with this simple craft.
Gather pretty leaves on your walks and press them between book pages.
Once they’re dry, mod podge them onto plain glass lanterns.
The effect is magical when you pop in a battery-operated candle.
The warm light shines through the leaves, casting cozy autumn vibes all around.
Place these on your porch, mantel, and dining table.
Bonus: If you’re not into leaf-hunting, fake ones work just as well. No one will know the difference!
Wreath Beauties for the Door Enthusiast
My door gets jealous if it doesn’t have a wreath, so I always whip one up for Halloween.
My go-to is a base of grapevine or foam, which I wrap with black and orange ribbon.
Then comes the fun part – decorating!
Mini pumpkins, plastic spiders, and some fall leaves are my usual suspects.
For extra pizzazz, add a “Trick or Treat” sign in the center.
It’s a great way to welcome trick-or-treaters.
Pumpkin Decorations with Stickers and Glitter
Who says pumpkins need carving? Not me!
I’ve found safer ways for little ones to deck out gourds.
Foam stickers are my go-to. Kids can stick on silly faces, spell their names, or create patterns.
Glitter is always a hit too.
For mess-free options, Mr. Potato Head-style kits made just for pumpkins.
Kids can mix and match plastic pieces to their heart’s content.
Related posts: 33 Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas in 2025: Procrastinator’s Guide to Scaring Up a Look
Halloween Cookie Crafting for the Sweet Tooth
Who doesn’t love a good cookie?
Start by baking a batch of sugar cookies in fun Halloween shapes.
Pumpkins, ghosts, and bats are my go-to picks. Then comes the best part – decorating!
Mix up some orange, black, and white icing.
A few drops of food coloring does the trick.
Use small plastic bags with the corner snipped off as DIY piping bags.
It’s way cheaper than buying the fancy ones.
Related posts: Pumpkin Recipes Ideas 2025: Gourd-geously Delicious Creations
Mummy Mason Jars
These mummy jars are a hoot to make and use!
Grab some plain mason jars and wrap them with gauze bandages.
A dab of glue here and there keeps everything in place.
I stick on some googly eyes, and bam! Instant mummies.
They’re perfect for serving up punch or holding utensils.
For an extra creepy touch, pop in some glow sticks before the party starts.
The eerie green glow really sets the mood.
DIY Decorations that Wow the Crowd
Let’s talk decor! I love making a spiderweb doorway.
All it takes is some black yarn and a bit of patience.
Weave it back and forth across the frame, then add some plastic spiders.
For the walls, cut out bat shapes from black construction paper.
Fold the wings a bit to make them 3D, then stick them up with putty.
It looks like a whole colony of bats taking flight!
Lastly, create a “potion station” with old bottles and jars.
Fill them with colored water and add labels like “Zombie Drool” or “Witch’s Brew”.
Extra Tips for Those with a Creative Itch
Want to take your DIY Halloween decorations to the next level?
I’ve got you covered!
Try adding some eerie sound effects to your crafts.
A small speaker hidden in a witch’s cauldron can play bubbling noises. Creepy!
For a ghostly glow, grab some glow-in-the-dark paint.
It’s perfect for highlighting eyes on paper crafts or adding an otherworldly shimmer to potion bottles.
Don’t forget scent!
A few drops of pumpkin spice oil can make your crafts smell like fall.
Or go for a spooky vibe with a dash of cinnamon – it smells great and keeps the bugs away!
Final Flourishes for a Hair-Raising Effect
Time to bring it all together!
Use cobwebs to connect different decorations.
It’s cheap, easy, and adds instant spook factor. Just don’t go overboard – a little goes a long way!
Lighting is key for setting the mood.
Try placing battery-operated candles inside jack-o’-lanterns or behind translucent crafts.
The flickering effect is perfect for creating shadows.
Don’t forget your outdoor space!
Hang some of your smaller crafts from trees or bushes.
A few strategically placed paper bats or ghosts can turn your yard into a fun fright fest for trick-or-treaters.
How to Store Your Spooky Creations
Let’s make sure your hard work lasts for many Halloweens to come!
For paper crafts, use clear plastic bins.
They keep out dust and moisture while letting you see what’s inside.
Fragile items like witch’s potion bottles need extra care.
Wrap them in bubble wrap or old t-shirts before boxing them up.
It’s like tucking your little monsters into bed!
Label everything clearly.
Trust me, future you will thank past you when it’s time to decorate next year.
Use cute Halloween-themed stickers to make it fun hehe.
