When Halloween excitement fills the air and little hands need something fun to do, what’s better than an easy craft session?
These 22 Halloween paper plate crafts are the perfect mix of spooky, silly, and seriously simple, just right for kids of all ages.
Whether you’re planning a classroom activity, a rainy afternoon at home, or a last-minute holiday project, paper plates offer the ideal blank canvas.
With a bit of paint, glue, and imagination, kids can create everything from goofy pumpkins to friendly witches and flying bats.
Now, let the creativity flow and keep those little monsters smiling all season long.
Explore more: 25 Fun and Easy Paper Plate Crafts Your Kids Won’t Want to Stop Making
#1. Pom-Pom Spider on Yarn Web
Amazingly, this cheerful little spider might just crawl into your heart! Using a paper plate, yarn, and a fuzzy pom-pom, you can whip up a spider web scene that’s more cute than creepy.
Also, the bright orange yarn pops against the black-painted plate, while the pom-pom spider brings a playful vibe that kids will love.
Materials Needed
- 1 paper plate
- Black acrylic paint
- Orange yarn (about 2 yards)
- 1 black pom-pom (1-inch size)
- 2 small googly eyes per spider
- Black paper
- Hole punch
- Glue and scissors
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Paint the plate black and let it dry completely.
Step 2: Next, you cut out a large circle from the center, leaving a thick rim.
Step 3: Punch holes evenly around the rim and weave the orange yarn through to form a web.
Step 4: Finally, glue on the pom-pom spider with tiny paper legs and two googly eyes to bring it to life.
#2. Floating Paper Plate Ghosts
Who knew a couple of paper plates could bring such playful charm to Halloween?
These fluttering ghosties look like they’re mid-boo, and they’re so easy, you’ll want to make a whole spooky parade of them.
With dangling streamers and big paper hands, they bounce gently with every breeze, perfect for hallways, classrooms, or porch corners.
The best part is that you can personalize them with different expressions or accessories like a tiny bow or a surprised face.
Materials Needed
- 2 paper plates
- White tissue paper (cut into strips, about 12″)
- White cardstock
- Black construction paper
- Red paper or ribbon
- Glue stick or tape
- Scissors
- String
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut long strips of white tissue paper and glue them along the bottom half of the back of a paper plate.
Step 2: Cut out two hands from white cardstock and attach one to each side of the plate.
Step 3: Cut oval shapes from black paper to create eyes and a mouth.
Step 4: Optional: You can add a tiny red bow to one ghost for a cute touch.
Step 5: Now, just tape or glue a loop of string to the top so your ghost can float freely in the air.
#3. Giant Googly Eyeball Plates
Nothing screams Halloween quite like a swarm of creepy, bloodshot eyes watching your every move.
These oversized eyeball plates are bold, bizarre, and hilariously spooky.
Plus, the colored irises, complete with hand-drawn red veins, give each plate its own quirky personality.
Materials Needed
- White paper plates (standard size, 9-inch)
- Construction paper or paint in green, blue, yellow, etc.
- Black paper (approx. 2-inch circles)
- Red marker
- Glue stick
- Optional: holographic or recycled CD paper
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut out colored circles to form the irises, and smaller black ones for the pupils.
Step 2: Glue the iris and pupil to the center of each paper plate.
Step 3: Draw squiggly red lines outward from the iris to mimic bloodshot veins.
Step 4: Finally, create multiple plates with different iris colors for a more playful setup.
Tip: You can string a few of these eyeballs together to make a spooky garland that feels like it’s watching your guests.
#4. Dancing Paper Plate Skeleton
Crafted entirely from cut and shaped paper plates, this life-sized paper plate skeleton a spine-chillingly fun way to decorate your door, wall, or classroom this Halloween.
Specially, each bone swings freely, making this guy come to life with the slightest breeze.
I believe your kids will love assembling the pieces and seeing their skeleton jiggle and dance.
Materials Needed
- 8-9 white paper plates (9-inch)
- 12-14 brass fasteners
- Black marker or paint
- Scissors
- Hole punch
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut the plates into skull, ribcage, pelvis, arms, legs, hands, and feet. You can use one full plate for the head and shape others accordingly.
Step 2: Draw the eyes, nose, and stitched mouth with black marker on the skull.
Step 3: Punch holes at the ends of each bone piece for connecting joints. Then attach the bones using brass fasteners, allowing for movement between each segment.
Step 4: Hang it up with tape or a string and watch your skeleton sway!
#5. Googly-Eyed Paper Plate Monsters
These goofy little monsters are full of personality and they’re ridiculously fun to make.
You cut out the center to make a big gaping mouth, then go wild with those bouncy googly eyes.
They’re perfect for classroom activities, monster-themed parties, or just to hang around and surprise visitors.
Materials Needed
- Paper plates (one per monster)
- Acrylic paint (various colors)
- Colorful cardstock
- Googly eyes (multiple sizes)
- Scissors
- Glue stick or craft glue
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut out the center of a paper plate to form the monster’s open mouth.
Step 2: Paint the outer ring of the plate in your chosen monster color and let it dry.
Step 3: Continue to cut out little horns and jagged teeth from cardstock and glue them onto the back and front.
Step 4: Decorate the top with as many googly eyes as your monster desires.
Tip: Let kids invent backstories or names for each monster like “Wobble Fang” or “Blinky Bob” for an added layer of Halloween fun.
#6. Count Dracula Paper Plate Craft
Why not turn a simple paper plate into a bold little vampire with nothing more than paint, paper, and imaginatio?
This Dracula isn’t scary, he’s quirky, colorful, and packed with Halloween charm. His purple face and toothy grin add just the right touch of mischief.
Materials Needed
- 1 paper plate (9-inch)
- Purple and black acrylic paint
- 1 purple pom-pom (1 inch)
- White and black construction paper
- Red construction paper (4” x 1.5” piece + 1” circle)
- Glue stick
- Scissors
- Paintbrush
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Paint the entire plate purple and let it dry. Then add black hair at the top in a widow’s peak style.
Step 2: Cut out pointy ears from purple paper and glue them to the back of the plate.
Step 3: Create round white eyes (1.5-inch diameter) and smaller black pupils (1-inch), glue them in place with angled eyebrows above.
Step 4: You now add fangs made from white triangles (1-inch high) and a small pink or purple pom-pom for the nose.
Step 5: Finish with a red paper bowtie below his chin and you are done!
#7. Frankenstein Paper Plate Treat Bags
Created with a classic paper plate and a splash of green paint, this DIY his happy Frankenstein treat bag adds a fun monster twist to Halloween gift-giving.
With zigzag hair, googly eyes, and a stitched smile, you can personalize each one to fit your party theme or child’s imagination.
Materials Needed
- 1 paper plate (9-inch)
- Green and black acrylic paint or black construction paper (7” x 3” per bag)
- 2 googly eyes (1 inch each)
- Ribbon or yarn (two 15” pieces)
- Glue or stapler
- Scissors
- Black marker
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut the paper plate in half and paint the front side green. Then let it dry.
Step 2: Cut zigzag hair from black construction paper and glue to the top of each half.
Step 3: Next, add googly eyes and draw a friendly mouth and stitches with a black marker.
Step 4: Glue or staple the two halves together along the curve, leaving the top open to form a pouch.
Step 5: Finally, punch holes at the sides and tie on ribbon handles for carrying.
#8. Silly Paper Plate Monsters
These goofy monster faces are impossible not to smile at! Each one has its own quirky personality, making them the perfect addition to your Halloween crafting session. You can create a whole gang of colorful creatures using just paper plates and a splash of imagination. Hang them on walls, classroom doors, or string them into a wacky garland that’ll make trick-or-treaters giggle.
Materials Needed
- 4 paper plates (9-inch)
- Acrylic paint (green, orange, purple, black)
- Colored paper or foam sheets
- Glue stick or craft glue
- Googly eyes or printed eye cutouts
- Scissors
- Pom-poms, stars, horns (optional for accents)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Paint each paper plate a different base color and let them dry completely.
Step 2: Cut out monster eyes, mouths, teeth, and fun accessories from paper or foam.
Step 3: Glue on the facial features and any extra details like horns or stars.
Step 4: Add googly eyes or layered paper cutouts to give each monster a unique expression.
Step 5: Display your creatures proudly or use them for a Halloween puppet show!
#9. Whimsical Witch Paper Plate
This adorable witch craft is more charming than chilling, and that’s exactly what makes it a hit with kids.
Her bright green face, yarn hair, and oversized googly eyes give her a playful personality that’s anything but scary.
Also, a big black hat with a felt flower adds a soft touch of Halloween flair, while the beaded orange yarn strands let little hands get creative with patterns and colors.
Materials Needed
- 1 green paper plate
- Black construction paper
- Pink paper strip (approx. 1” x 10”)
- 1 orange felt flower + 1 small white pom pom
- Orange yarn (approx. 20 strands, 12” long)
- Assorted pony beads (green, orange, yellow)
- 2 large googly eyes
- Small round wooden button
- Red yarn or pipe cleaner
- Glue, scissors, hole punch
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Paint or use a green paper plate as the witch’s face. Then punch holes across the top and thread in yarn for hair, tying on beads for flair.
Step 2: Cut a witch hat from black paper and decorate it with a pink band and flower.
Step 3: Attach googly eyes, glue on the nose, and shape the mouth with red yarn.
Step 4: Glue the hat on top and let it dry completely.
#10. Cute Flying Paper Plate Bats
These cheerful little bats are here to steal the spotlight, who knew Halloween could be this adorable?
Made from black-painted paper plates, their giant googly eyes and rosy cheeks give them a cartoonish charm that’s more delightful than dreadful.
Plus, the wings, ears, and tiny feet are all cut from black construction paper, giving your bat that perfect silhouette to hang on walls, doors, or windows.
Materials Needed
- 2 black paper plates
- Black construction paper
- White, pink, and orange paper
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Black paint & brush (if not using black plates)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Paint your paper plate black and let it dry if needed.
Step 2: Cut bat wings, ears, and feet from black construction paper. Then glue ears on top, feet at the bottom, and wings on each side of the plate.
Step 3: Cut out large eyes, cheeks, a smile, and fangs from paper and glue to form the face.
Step 4: Let everything dry and hang your friendly bat wherever it fits!
#11. Colorful Sugar Skull Paper Plate Puppets
These dazzling Day of the Dead-inspired skulls are a burst of festive energy! Created from paper plates and decked out in bright, joyful colors, each skull mask celebrates life, creativity, and imagination.
Kids can design their own with markers, glitter, gems, and stickers, making every piece truly one-of-a-kind.
Plus, these are perfect for Halloween, Dia de los Muertos, or just an afternoon art session filled with color and meaning.
Materials Needed
- White paper plates
- Markers, gel pens, or crayons
- Glitter glue and sticky gems (optional)
- Scissors and glue
- Paper straws or craft sticks
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Draw and cut a sugar skull shape from the center of a paper plate.
Step 2: Cut out large eye holes. Then decorate with colorful patterns, flowers, hearts, and dots.
Step 3: Glue a paper straw or stick to the back to create a handheld puppet.
Step 4: Optional, you can add rhinestones, glitter, or puffy paint for extra flair.
#12. Flying Ghost Stick Puppet Scene
With a swirling purple night sky and a glowing paper moon, the backdrop sets the perfect stage for your ghost to fly in and out of the shadows.
Of course, kids will love sliding the puppet stick back and forth, watching the ghost float across the haunted graveyard scene.
Materials Needed
- 1 paper plate (9-inch)
- Purple, black, and yellow paint or paper
- White paper (ghost cutout approx. 2.5 inches)
- Craft stick (4-6 inches)
- Scissors and craft knife
- Glue stick
- Silver gel pen or sequins
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut a large window from the center of the paper plate, leaving a thick border.
Step 2: Paint the background purple and the outer plate black. Then let dry.
Step 3: Decorate the background with spooky silhouettes: bats, a haunted house, bare trees, and a yellow moon.
Step 4: Glue the ghost to the top of the craft stick and slide it through a small slit at the bottom of the plate.
Step 5: Finally, you just move the stick to make the ghost float across the graveyard scene.
#13. Magical Mini Witch Hats
Perfect for a more whimsical, modern Halloween vibe, these pastel paper plate witch hats swap out spooky for stylish with soft pinks, purples, and shimmering gold or black accents.
Bonus, each hat is crafted from a halved paper plate and topped with a coordinating cone, making them perfect for classroom décor, party favors, or a fun afternoon craft with little witches and wizards.
Materials Needed
- 3 paper plates, halved
- Acrylic paint (pastel pink, lavender, black)
- Foam brushes
- Black, pink, and gold glitter paper
- Star punch
- Glue stick
- Scissors
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut paper plates in half and paint them your chosen base color. Then let dry in some minutes.
Step 2: Cut matching paper triangles for each hat’s top and glue them onto the plates.
Step 3: Create a hat band using glitter paper or colored strips. Then glue in place.
Step 4: Punch or cut out stars from colored paper and arrange them creatively on each hat. Then let all glue dry completely before displaying or hanging.
#14. Hanging Paper Plate Owl Craft
Wow, this charming paper plate owl turns simple shapes into something irresistibly cute. Its folded wings create dimension, while the painted feather patterns and oversized eyes add a playful touch.
Kids can paint the plate in warm fall tones like brown, gold, or even auburn, then cut, fold, and decorate it to look like an alert little forest companion.
Specially, the finished owl hangs perfectly from a ribbon loop, ideal for classroom displays or to decorate a kid’s bedroom during the Halloween season.
Materials Needed
- 1 paper plate
- Brown and gold paint
- Paintbrush and black marker
- Yellow, black, and orange construction paper
- Ribbon for hanging
- Glue and scissors
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Paint the paper plate brown or golden brown and let it dry.
Step 2: Cut and fold the sides inward to form wings. Then draw feather-like arches with a marker.
Step 3: Glue on large circular eyes and a triangle beak. Now, you add feet from orange paper.
Step 4: Finally, staple or glue a ribbon loop to the back so it’s ready to hang.
#15. Spooky Paper Plate Witch Hats
These witch hats bring just the right mix of eerie charm and glittery fun to your Halloween crafts.
Made entirely from paper plates and cardstock, they’re painted in bewitching shades of black, then decorated with spooky stickers, glitter glue, and Halloween-themed cutouts.
Perfect for little hands and big imaginations, this is a creative activity that doubles as Halloween flair and a take-home craft they’ll be proud of.
Materials Needed
- Paper plates (1 per hat)
- Black paint
- Construction paper or cardstock
- Scissors and glue
- Halloween stickers, glitter glue, and paint pens
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut a slit in the center of the paper plate and insert a cone made from cardstock or thick paper.
Step 2: Secure the cone with glue and paint the whole hat black.
Step 3: Once dry, you decorate with spooky stickers, glitter outlines, and fun doodles.
Tip: If you want a wearable version, cut a larger hole in the plate’s center and attach with elastic string.
#16. Classic Paper Plate Pumpkin Face
Made from a simple paper plate, this cheerful Jack-o’-lantern crafts are painted bright orange and topped with a curly green pipe cleaner vine for that extra touch of character.
Plus, the bold black face gives it personality like happy, spooky, or silly, it’s all up to you.
This one’s great for preschoolers, classrooms, or a calm weekend craft that instantly adds fall vibes to your space.
Materials Needed
- 1 paper plate
- Orange paint or marker
- Green pipe cleaner
- Black paper or marker
- Scissors and glue or tape
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Paint or color the paper plate orange and let it dry completely.
Step 2: Cut out triangle eyes, a nose, and a wide grin from black paper (or draw them on) and attach them.
Step 3: Poke a small hole at the top and twist in a green pipe cleaner to mimic the pumpkin stem and vine.
#17. Spiderweb Yarn Plates
These paper plate spiderwebs are a vibrant way to bring texture and color into your Halloween decor. The crisscrossed yarn mimics a messy web, while the playful spider gives it just the right amount of creepy charm.
I think this is a great fine-motor activity for kids, and you can easily switch up the color scheme to match your ttheme.
Materials Needed
- Paper plates (white or pre-painted)
- Acrylic paint (blue, orange, purple, etc.)
- Black yarn (about 2 yards per plate)
- Brown or black construction paper
- 2 googly eyes per spider
- Glue
- Hole punch
- Scissors
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Paint your paper plates in Halloween colors and let them dry fully.
Step 2: Punch holes around the edge of each plate, about 8-10 evenly spaced.
Step 3: Thread black yarn randomly through the holes to create a spiderweb effect. Then knot the ends to secure.
Step 4: Cut out spider shapes and glue them onto the web. And don’t forget to stick on the googly eyes!
Tip: For an extra spooky touch, you can add a few glow-in-the-dark stars or stickers to the background before weaving the web.
#18. Rocking Witch and Her Loyal Black Cat
With a gentle nudge, both the witch and her black cat rock back and forth like they’re ready to take flight.
The witch, perched on a broomstick and painted against a starry night plate, is crafted with playful geometric shapes and pastel colors that kids will love assembling.
Moreover, her feline sidekick features wide yellow eyes, a swirling tail, and the cutest little pink nose. These pieces are more than crafts, they’re characters.
Materials Needed
- 2 paper plates
- Black paint
- Colorful cardstock (blue, pink, yellow, green, etc.)
- White gel pen
- Scissors and glue
- Markers or crayons
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Fold each paper plate in half and paint them black. Let dry completely.
Step 2: Cut and glue shapes to create the witch like hat, face, dress, broom, and boots. Then decorate with stars using a white pen.
Step 3: For the cat, create ears, tail, paws, and a round face from black cardstock. Now, add whiskers, a pink nose, and big yellow eyes.
Step 4: Glue all features to the folded plate bodies and let dry.
#19. Paper Plate Witch Mask With Curls
Haha, this quirky paper plate witch mask is a hit for Halloween dress-up or spooky storytelling sessions.
With her twisty orange pipe cleaner hair, big toothy grin, and 3D green nose, she’s more friendly than frightening.
Also, the bold green face pops against the black hat, and the holes for eyes turn it into an interactive mask.
Materials Needed
- 1 paper plate (white or pre-painted green)
- Green, black, and white construction paper
- 12 orange pipe cleaners
- Glue, scissors, and tape
- Green pom-pom
- Pencil or dowel (optional)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Paint the plate green and let it dry. Then cut out two eye holes.
Step 2: Twist orange pipe cleaners around a pencil to curl, then glue them to the top for hair.
Step 3: Roll green paper into a cone shape for the nose and glue it on. Now you just add a pom-pom at the tip.
Step 4: Cut and glue teeth and draw on a smile. Then add a construction paper witch hat with dots.
Step 5: Finally, tape a stick to the bottom if using it as a handheld mask.
#20. Bat Silhouettes Over a Harvest Moon
Simple but striking, this paper plate craft creates a glowing full moon as the backdrop for spooky flying bats.
Kids will love swirling yellow, orange, and a touch of red paint across the plate to mimic a harvest sky. Once dry, black bat cutouts are glued on top, instantly turning it into a bold silhouette scene.
The contrast is dramatic and makes this craft a perfect Halloween window display, especially when backlit.
Materials Needed
- 1 white paper plate
- Yellow, orange, and red paint
- Black construction paper
- Scissors and glue
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Paint the plate in circular strokes using yellow, orange, and a bit of red. Then let dry fully.
Step 2: Cut out bat shapes from black paper using a simple bat wing template.
Step 3: Now, kids just glue the bats across the painted plate for a layered silhouette effect.
#21. Smiling Spider Candy Holder
This cheerful eight-legged candy critter is a Halloween hit with little hands! Made from a simple paper plate, it opens up like a pouch to stash treats while still looking adorable.
Kids love painting it black, gluing on those bold spider legs, and giving it a friendly face that won’t scare the little ones.
Materials Needed
- 1 black paper plate
- Black construction paper
- White and pink paper
- Twine or yarn (about 12″)
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
- Hole punch
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Fold the paper plate in half and glue or staple the edges, leaving the top open to create a pocket.
Step 2: Cut out eight black legs and attach four to each side of the spider body.
Step 3: Next, glue on white eyes and a big pink smile, it’s all about the charm here.
Step 4: Finally, punch two holes at the top and tie on twine to create a handle.
Tip: You can fill these with candy and hang them on hooks by your front door as spooky-sweet party favors.
#22. Haunted Handprint Paper Plate Pumpkin
The highlight of this classic pumpkin craft is a white handprint ghost family peeking out from a sliced-open paper plate pumpkin.
Each finger becomes a little ghost with simple eyes and a tiny mouth, so fun and interactive for kids!
Additionally, the bright orange paint gives the pumpkin life, while the cut sections add visual drama.
Materials Needed
- 1 paper plate
- Orange paint
- White cardstock
- Black marker
- Green pipe cleaner
- Glue and scissors
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Paint the paper plate orange and let it dry. Then cut two triangular sections from the sides.
Step 2: Trace a child’s hand on white paper and cut it out. You now add black eyes and mouths to each finger to turn them into ghosts.
Step 3: Glue the ghost handprint inside the pumpkin plate and finish with a twisted pipe cleaner vine on top.
