*Also posted on FathersofMultiples.com
Halloween is the time to make creepy crafts to help really get the kids into the spirit of the holiday. Ghosts, goblins, bats, and black cats. Any of the traditional symbols of Halloween can be turned into a fun craft that anyone can make. Everything you make doubles as Halloween decoration!
Jack-o-Lanterns
Jack-o-Lanterns are the most iconic, traditional of all Halloween crafts. So, naturally, they're the first on the list. People get wild with designs for these, ranging from full Halloween scenes to traditional triangle eyes and noses. Be creative, but don't feel like you have to go over the top. Remember that they have a shelf life and don't last long.
Paper Plate Black Cat
Start by painting a paper plate black. Cut out a black construction paper tail and glue it to the back edge of the plate. Next, cut a round circle of black construction paper and 2 black triangles. Add the triangles to the circle as ears and the newly formed head to the paper plate body. Finally, add the face by gluing on googly eyes, a pom-pom nose, and pipe cleaner whiskers.
Painting Pumpkins
Many Halloween or Fall festivals offer pumpkin painting which cis one of those fun Halloween crafts you can do with the kids, especially little ones. Bonus, the uncut pumpkin doesn't rot nearly as quickly as their cut into Jack-o-Lantern brethren. Similar to the lanterns, the painted pumpkin can show Halloween scenes and symbols or scary monster faces!
Paper Plate Pumpkin
Paint a paper plate orange and add a Jack-o-Lantern face. Then, cut some green construction paper strips and fold them accordion style. Glue those strips to the pumpkin plate as its arms and legs. Add some green leaves at the top of the pumpkin to make him (or her) look as if they're walking straight out of the pumpkin patch.
Lollipop Ghosts
Looking for Halloween crafts that are easy and great to send to school? This sweet treat is super simple and perfect for the classroom Halloween parties. All you have to do is wrap a tissue around a lollipop and tie it with a rubber band. Last, draw on either a fun or a scary face! You could even have a contest as to who's is scarier. The winner? Everyone!
Toilet Paper Roll Bat
Paint a toilet paper roll black, then bend in the top on either side to create "ears" on the left and right. Add googly eyes, and then draw and cut out a mouth and glue it onto the face as well. The final step in your TP roll bat would be to cut wings out of black construction paper and glue those to the back of the roll, creating your finished masterpiece!
Paper Plate Ghost
No need to paint the paper plate this time, just draw on ghostly eyes and a mouth. You could also add googly eyes instead, for a funny touch. Then, cut arms and hands out of white paper and add those to each side of your ghost head. Stream strips of toilet paper from the bottom of the ghost's head to create its ghostly body. Spooky, right?
Paper Plate Witch
This time, paint your paper plate green. Add construction paper strips of "hair" in any color you'd like. Glue on googly eyes, a construction paper nose and mouth, which shows better on the green paint than trying to draw one on. Finally, cut out a construction paper witch's hat for the final touch. Add a broom or cauldron as accessories.
Spider Egg Carton
Craft
This is one of our favorite Halloween crafts. Cut the egg part out of an egg carton, paint it black and decorate it as the spider's body. When your finished, stick pipe cleaners into each side to create the spider's legs. Remember, spiders have 8 of them. You can attach a piece of string, and hang your spooky friend from the ceiling! Super easy, super fun!
Spider Lollipop
Here's another Halloween craft that doubles as a treat. Tie 4 pipe cleaners around a lollipop stick, leaving each end stretched out to the sides as legs. (4 pipe cleaners equals 8 legs.) Add googly eyes to the knot points at the base of the candy. The sucker acts as the spider's abdomen. Now if only someone would create a fun treat made out of a Snickers bar.
With this list of Halloween crafts, you can prepare your house with decorations fit for a true haunted house! Make your own and send us some pictures, follow our ideas or come up with some of your own. While you're in the family crafting mood, check out some of our other craft ideas.