Halloween is almost here, and if you still want to squeeze in a little crafting before the big day, there’s no need to panic! You don't need elaborate supplies, complicated patterns, or an entire weekend to make something festive. Sometimes, a few sheets of paper, a little glue, and a fun idea are all it takes. Read on to find out 4 last minute Halloween crafts!
Whether you're looking for a Halloween activity to keep the kids busy, a cute decoration for your home, or something a little different to add to your Halloween party, I've rounded up four creative projects worth trying. These ideas come from fellow craft bloggers, and each one brings something different to the Halloween table.
So grab your scissors, clear a little space on your craft table, and let's get started!
1. Free Printable Mummy Craft
Best for: A quick Halloween activity with kids
The Foreign Mom's free mummy template is a great place to start if you need a craft that doesn't involve much preparation.
The printable gives you a simple mummy outline that children can decorate in their own way. Print it on ordinary paper for a coloring activity, or use cardstock if you'd like to make a sturdier decoration.
The fun part is deciding how to bring your mummy to life. Kids can glue on strips of white paper to create bandages, add googly eyes, or use their favorite colors to make a completely original Halloween character. You could even make several mummies and turn them into a spooky wall display.
Why I love this idea: You can get everything ready in just a few minutes, and the children can take the project in whichever direction their imagination leads them. It's also a handy option for a classroom activity or a rainy afternoon at home.
2. DIY Spider Dome Candy Holder
Best for: Halloween parties and trick-or-treat treats
If your Halloween plans include candy (and whose don't?), why not make the container part of the fun?
This DIY spider dome candy holder from xoxoBella turns a few craft supplies into an adorable spider-shaped candy dispenser. It features a rounded dome, spider legs, and a funny little face, making it a playful addition to a Halloween party table.
The project uses a printable pattern, cardstock, a plastic half-dome ornament, and a few decorative details. You can customize the colors, add googly eyes, and finish your spider with a little bow or another embellishment.
Use it as a party decoration, a small handmade gift, or a fun way to present Halloween sweets to your guests. You could even make a few spiders in different colors for a whole collection of creepy-cute candy holders.
This one requires a little more assembly than a simple paper craft, but the result is something you can bring out again for future Halloweens.
A little tip: Check the instructions before you start so you have the right size of plastic dome and all the necessary supplies ready. If you're crafting with younger children, an adult should handle the hot glue and help with scissors.
3. Cute Air-Dry Clay Ghost
Best for: Handmade Halloween decorations
Not every Halloween craft has to involve paper and paint. If you'd like to try something a little different, this air-dry clay ghost from AB Crafty is a lovely option.
The finished ghost has a sweet, sculptural shape and can be decorated to suit your style. You can keep yours simple and classic, or add a colorful bow and a little shimmer for extra personality. Fairy lights placed inside or underneath the finished piece can also give it a lovely glow.
The project uses air-dry clay, so you don't need a pottery kiln. You'll shape the clay over a homemade mold, allow it to dry, and then add the finishing touches with paint and other decorations.
There is one important thing to keep in mind, though: while the actual sculpting is manageable, the clay needs around two to three days to dry fully. This is a good choice if you can start now and want a decoration ready for Halloween, rather than something to finish in a single afternoon.
Why it's worth trying: Handmade clay decorations have a different feel from disposable seasonal crafts. You can keep your little ghost and bring it out every October, adding it to a shelf, mantel, or Halloween display.
4. Easy Paper Plate Pumpkin Craft
Best for: Preschoolers and younger kids
You can't have Halloween without a pumpkin, and this easy paper plate pumpkin craft from Mommy Halloween is a classic for a reason.
It uses inexpensive, easy-to-find materials such as a paper plate, paint, paper, glue, and scissors to create a cheerful jack-o'-lantern. The orange pumpkin face, green paper vines, and big Halloween smile make it a fun project for little hands.
Start by preparing the plate and gathering your materials. Children can paint their pumpkin orange, add a face, and finish it with a stem and curly green vines. Depending on their age, they can draw their own faces or cut shapes from colored paper with a little help.
One of the nicest things about this project is that every pumpkin can look different. Some children might prefer a happy face, while others will want a slightly spooky jack-o'-lantern. Let them experiment and enjoy the process instead of worrying about making everything look perfect.
The finished pumpkins work well as window decorations, classroom displays, or a homemade Halloween garland. Make a few together and you'll have a whole pumpkin patch without carving a single real pumpkin!
Bonus entry - A free crochet pattern
If you or your kids crochet, you can make up some Halloween cauldrons for your house! They are super quick to make and will add a note of whimsy to your kids room. They can even be made as an alternative to treats!
Click here for the Halloween Free Amigurumi Crochet Pattern.
And remember, Halloween crafts don't have to be perfect to be fun. Sometimes the slightly wonky pumpkin smile or the ghost with the oversized bow is the one you'll love the most.
Happy Halloween crafting!
