15 DIY Halloween Crafts to Spook Up Your Season

I love Halloween because it’s a chance to get creative without breaking the bank. DIY crafts let you personalize your decorations, costumes, and party supplies. You can make exactly what you want, in the colors and styles you love. 

Plus, crafting is a fantastic way to bond with family or friends. Kids get a kick out of making their own spooky creations, and adults can enjoy the satisfaction of a handmade project. These crafts are also affordable. 

You’ll use everyday items like paper, paint, or things you already have at home. Whether you want cute, creepy, or downright spooky vibes, I’ve got you covered with projects for every skill level.

Ready to get started? Let’s make some Halloween magic!

Table of Contents

• Craft Categories
  • Decorations
    • 1. Paper Bat Garland (Beginner)
    • 2. Glowing Jack-o’-lantern Jars (Intermediate)
    • 3. Spooky Wreath (Intermediate)
    • 4. Ghostly Window Clings (Beginner)
    • 5. DIY Tombstone Props (Advanced)
  • Costumes and Accessories
    • 6. Witch Hat (Intermediate)
    • 7. Monster Mask (Beginner)
    • 8. Cape of Shadows (Intermediate)
    • 9. Spiderweb Earrings (Advanced)
  • Party and Treat Items
    • 10. Pumpkin Treat Bags (Beginner)
    • 11. Spooky Cupcake Toppers (Intermediate)
    • 12. Witch’s Brew Punch Bowl (Beginner)
    • 13. Haunted Coasters (Intermediate)
  • Kids’ Crafts
    • 14. Cotton Ball Ghosts (Beginner)
    • 15. Pumpkin Handprints (Beginner)
• Tips for Success
• Let’s Wrap It Up!

Craft Categories

Decorations

Decorations set the mood for Halloween. They turn your home into a haunted haven or a festive fall scene. These five projects will help you create a spooky atmosphere, whether you’re decking out your porch or sprucing up your living room.

1. Paper Bat Garland (Beginner)

I love how simple and charming this bat garland is. It’s perfect for beginners and adds a spooky touch to any space.

Materials: Black construction paper, string, scissors, glue.

Steps:

1. Draw a bat shape on a piece of cardboard to use as a template. Keep it simple—think wings and a round head.
2. Trace the bat shape onto black construction paper. Cut out 10-15 bats, depending on your garland length.
3. Fold a small tab at the top of each bat. Glue the tab to a long piece of string, spacing the bats evenly.
4. Let the glue dry for about 10 minutes.
5. Hang your garland across a window, doorway, or mantel.

Use: This garland looks great draped over windows or doorways. It’s lightweight and adds a playful, spooky vibe. You can even make multiple strands for a bigger impact.

2. Glowing Jack-o’-lantern Jars (Intermediate)

These glowing jars are one of my favorite ways to light up a Halloween night. They’re cozy yet eerie.

Materials: Mason jars, orange acrylic paint, LED tea lights, black vinyl or paper, scissors.

Steps:

1. Paint the outside of a mason jar with orange acrylic paint. Apply two coats for a solid color. Let it dry for an hour.
2. Cut jack-o’-lantern faces (eyes, nose, mouth) from black vinyl or paper. Simple triangles and smiles work great.
3. Stick the faces onto the jar using glue or the vinyl’s adhesive backing.
4. Place an LED tea light inside the jar. Screw on the lid or leave it open for a flickering effect.

Use: Place these jars on your porch, dining table, or windowsill. They glow beautifully at night and are safe since they use LED lights. Make a few for a festive centerpiece.

3. Spooky Wreath (Intermediate)

A wreath on your door screams Halloween spirit. This one is creepy yet classy.

Materials: Foam wreath form, black ribbon, plastic spiders, hot glue gun, purple or orange ribbon for a bow.

Steps:

1. Wrap the foam wreath tightly with black ribbon. Secure the ends with hot glue.
2. Glue plastic spiders around the wreath. Mix sizes for a creepy effect—about 10-15 spiders work well.
3. Tie a purple or orange ribbon into a bow. Glue it to the top or bottom of the wreath.
4. Hang the wreath using a loop of ribbon or a wreath hanger.

Use: Hang this on your front door to welcome trick-or-treaters. It’s durable and looks spooky day or night.

Do you need more inspiration? Then, read this article to discover 15 Halloween Wreath Ideas to spook your front door.

4. Ghostly Window Clings (Beginner)

These window clings are so easy, you’ll want to make a whole haunted scene!

Materials: Puffy paint (white and black), plastic sheets (like zip-top bags), ghost templates.

Steps:

1. Find or draw simple ghost shapes. Place the template under a plastic sheet.
2. Trace the ghost shapes with white puffy paint. Fill in the body. Add black puffy paint for eyes and mouths.
3. Let the paint dry for 24 hours. Peel the ghosts off the plastic.
4. Press the ghosts onto windows or glass doors. They’ll stick without glue.

Use: Decorate your windows with these ghosts. They’re reusable and perfect for creating a haunted house vibe. Kids love helping with this one!

5. DIY Tombstone Props (Advanced)

These tombstones make your yard look like a creepy graveyard. They’re a bit more work but worth it.

Materials: Foam board, gray acrylic paint, black marker, utility knife, paintbrush.

Steps:

1. Draw tombstone shapes on foam board. Think rectangles with rounded tops or crosses.
2. Use a utility knife to cut out the shapes. Be careful—ask an adult to help if needed.
3. Paint the tombstones with gray acrylic paint. Add a second coat for depth. Let them dry for an hour.
4. Write spooky epitaphs with a black marker, like “R.I.P. Here Lies Boo” or “Gone to Haunt.”
5. Stick the tombstones in the ground using wooden stakes or prop them against something sturdy.

Use: Place these in your front yard or at a Halloween party for a graveyard effect. They’re lightweight and can be stored for next year.

Costumes and Accessories

Costumes make Halloween unforgettable. These four projects let you create unique pieces to wear or share.

6. Witch Hat (Intermediate)

I love a good witch hat—it’s a classic that never goes out of style.

Materials: Black felt, cardboard, hot glue gun, decorations (like ribbon or fake flowers).

Steps:

1. Cut a large circle from cardboard for the hat’s brim. Cut a hole in the center for your head.
2. Cut a cone shape from cardboard for the hat’s top. Tape it together.
3. Cover the brim and cone with black felt, using hot glue to secure it.
4. Glue the cone to the brim. Cover the seam with a strip of felt.
5. Decorate with ribbon, flowers, or plastic spiders for a spooky touch.

Use: Wear this hat with a black dress or cloak for a witchy look. It’s sturdy and can be reused for years.

7. Monster Mask (Beginner)

This mask is a fun way to become a silly or scary monster.

Materials: Cardboard, acrylic paint, elastic string, scissors, markers.

Steps:

1. Draw a monster face on cardboard. Include big eyes and a goofy or scary mouth.
2. Cut out the face and eye holes with scissors.
3. Paint the mask in bright or creepy colors, like green or purple. Let it dry for 30 minutes.
4. Add details like teeth or scars with markers.
5. Punch holes on the sides and tie elastic string to fit your head.

Use: Wear this for trick-or-treating or a Halloween party. Kids can make their own designs!

8. Cape of Shadows (Intermediate)

A cape adds drama to any costume. This one is flowy and mysterious.

Materials: Black fabric (2 yards), sewing kit or fabric glue, black ribbon.

Steps:

1. Cut the fabric into a large semicircle. The straight edge should be as wide as your shoulders.
2. Sew or glue a hem around the edges to prevent fraying.
3. Cut two pieces of ribbon, each about 12 inches long.
4. Sew or glue the ribbons to the top corners of the straight edge.
5. Add decorations like silver stars or a red lining for flair.

Use: Tie this cape over your shoulders for a vampire, wizard, or ghost costume. It’s versatile and looks great.

9. Spiderweb Earrings (Advanced)

These earrings are a spooky-chic accessory for Halloween parties.

Materials: Thin wire, black beads, earring hooks, pliers.

Steps:

1. Cut a 6-inch piece of wire. Twist it into a small spiral to form the center of a spiderweb.
2. Create radial lines by looping wire out from the center, securing with twists.
3. String black beads onto the wire to add texture. Secure the ends with pliers.
4. Attach the web to an earring hook using a small loop of wire.
5. Repeat for the second earring.

Use: Wear these to a Halloween party or give them as a gift. They’re lightweight and eye-catching.

Party and Treat Items

Planning a Halloween party? These four projects will make your treats and drinks unforgettable.

10. Pumpkin Treat Bags (Beginner)

These bags are adorable for handing out candy or party favors.

Materials: Orange paper bags, black markers, orange or black ribbon.

Steps:

1. Draw jack-o’-lantern faces on orange paper bags with a black marker. Keep it simple—triangles for eyes and a big smile.
2. Fill the bags with candy or small toys.
3. Tie the top of each bag with a ribbon to close it.

Use: Give these to trick-or-treaters or party guests. They’re quick to make and super cute.

11. Spooky Cupcake Toppers (Intermediate)

These toppers make your cupcakes the star of the party.

Materials: Toothpicks, cardstock, glue, Halloween designs (like bats or ghosts).

Steps:

1. Draw or print small Halloween shapes (bats, ghosts, pumpkins) on cardstock. Cut them out.
2. Glue each shape to the top of a toothpick. Use a small dab of glue to keep it secure.
3. Let the glue dry for 10 minutes.
4. Stick the toppers into cupcakes or muffins.

Use: Place these on cupcakes for a Halloween party. They add a festive touch and are easy to customize.

12. Witch’s Brew Punch Bowl (Beginner)

This punch bowl is a creepy centerpiece that’s super simple.

Materials: Clear punch bowl, green food coloring, plastic eyeballs, punch ingredients (like juice and soda).

Steps:

1. Mix your favorite punch recipe in a clear bowl. I like a mix of lime soda and pineapple juice.
2. Add a few drops of green food coloring to make it look like a witch’s brew.
3. Drop plastic eyeballs into the punch for a spooky effect. Make sure they’re clean!

Use: Serve this at your Halloween party. It’s a fun, creepy drink that kids and adults will love.

13. Haunted Coasters (Intermediate)

These coasters protect your tables while adding a spooky vibe.

Materials: Cork coasters, acrylic paint, stencils (like skulls or bats), paintbrush.

Steps:

1. Place a stencil (skull, bat, or spider) on a cork coaster.
2. Paint over the stencil with black or orange acrylic paint. Let it dry for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the stencil carefully to reveal the design.
4. Seal the coaster with clear varnish if you want it to last longer.

Use: Use these at your Halloween party to protect tables. They’re functional and festive.

Kids’ Crafts

These two projects are perfect for little ones. They’re safe, simple, and fun.

14. Cotton Ball Ghosts (Beginner)

Kids go crazy for these fluffy ghosts. They’re so easy to make!

Materials: Cotton balls, white paper, glue, black markers.

Steps:

1. Cut out a ghost shape from white paper. A simple oval with wavy edges works great.
2. Glue cotton balls onto the paper to cover the ghost shape.
3. Draw eyes and a mouth with a black marker.
4. Let the glue dry for 15 minutes. Hang with string or tape.

Use: Hang these in kids’ rooms or on a “ghost tree” for decor. They’re a great keepsake.

15. Pumpkin Handprints (Beginner)

This craft is a sweet way to capture kids’ handprints.

Materials: Orange acrylic paint, white paper, green ribbon, paintbrush.

Steps:

1. Paint a child’s hand with orange acrylic paint.
2. Press the hand onto white paper to make a handprint. Let it dry for 20 minutes.
3. Glue a small piece of green ribbon at the top of the handprint to look like a pumpkin stem.
4. Draw a face with a black marker if you want a jack-o’-lantern look.

Use: Frame these or hang them as keepsake art. They’re perfect for parents and grandparents.

Tips for Success

I want your crafting to be fun and stress-free, so here are some tips to help you out:

• Safety First: Use non-toxic paints and glues. Supervise kids when they’re using scissors or hot glue guns. Keep sharp tools out of reach for little ones.
  
• Find Materials Easily: Check dollar stores or thrift shops for affordable supplies. You can also recycle items like jars, cardboard, or fabric scraps from home.
  
• Make It Your Own: Add personal touches to each project. Change colors, add glitter, or mix themes to match your style.
  
• Plan Your Time: Most of these crafts take 15-60 minutes. Simple ones like the paper bat garland are quick, while tombstones or earrings need more time. Set aside an afternoon for crafting fun.

Let’s Wrap It Up!

I hope you’re as excited as I am about these 15 DIY Halloween crafts! 

We’ve covered decorations to spook up your home, costumes to make you stand out, party items to wow your guests, and kid-friendly projects for family fun. 

There’s something here for every skill level, from beginners to advanced crafters. These projects are affordable, creative, and a great way to make Halloween special.

So grab your supplies, gather your friends or family, and start crafting. I’d love to see what you create! 

Share your spooky masterpieces on social media with the hashtag #DIYSpoookyCrafts. Have a hauntingly good time, and happy Halloween!