DIY Spooky Halloween Garland: Easy Paper Craft Tutorial

Updated at: 20/03/2025

Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the spooky spirit than by crafting your own unique decorations? This year, ditch the store-bought decorations and embrace your creativity with this easy-to-follow DIY paper garland tutorial. Transform simple sheets of paper into a delightfully creepy, yet charming, Halloween garland that will add a touch of eerie elegance to your home, whether you're hosting a fright-filled party or simply enjoying the season solo. Forget about expensive and potentially flimsy store-bought options; this project is budget-friendly, customizable, and perfect for all skill levels, from seasoned crafters to enthusiastic beginners.

Get ready to unleash your inner artist and create a truly personalized Halloween ambiance. This project requires minimal materials, making it incredibly accessible and perfect for a fun afternoon activity. We'll be guiding you through each step of the process, from preparing your paper to hanging your finished masterpiece. Let's dive right into the step-by-step instructions so you can start crafting your spooky garland today!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • A4 paper
  • Ruler
  • Transparent tape
  • Scissors
  • Optional: Stapler, Liner
Safety Guidelines
  • Adult supervision is required, especially for younger crafters using scissors and potentially sharp craft tools.
  • Use non-toxic, child-safe materials if crafting with children. Avoid small parts that could pose a choking hazard.
  • Ensure proper ventilation when using spray adhesives or paints. Avoid inhaling fumes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Paper Stripes

    • Divide the short side of an A4 sheet into three equal parts using a ruler and fold lengthwise.
    • Cut along the folded lines to create long stripes.
    • Join the short stripes into one long stripe using transparent tape.
    Join the short stripes into one long stripe using transparent tape.Join the short stripes into one long stripe using transparent tape.
    Prepare the Paper Stripes

  2. Create the Concertina Base

    • Fold the long stripe into a concertina, leaving a small space uncut on each side.
    Fold the long stripe into a concertina, leaving a small space uncut on each side.
    Create the Concertina Base

  3. Design and Cut Halloween Characters

    • Draw half of your desired Halloween character (e.g., bat, spider, ghost, pumpkin) on one side of the concertina, ensuring you don't cut through the accordion folds.
    • Use a stapler to temporarily hold the layers together while cutting.
    • Cut out the character along the drawn lines.
    Cut out the character along the drawn lines.Cut out the character along the drawn lines.Cut out the character along the drawn lines.
    Design and Cut Halloween Characters

  4. Assemble the Garland

    • Repeat steps 5-7 for multiple characters, ensuring they will interlock to form a garland.
    Repeat steps 5-7 for multiple characters, ensuring they will interlock to form a garland.
    Assemble the Garland

  5. Add Finishing Touches

    • Add details like faces to your characters using a liner or stencils.
    Optional: Add details like faces to your characters using a liner or stencils.
    Add Finishing Touches

Read more: DIY King-Size Tufted Headboard: Budget-Friendly Guide

Tips

  • Don't worry about perfect symmetry for your characters; imperfections add to the charm.
  • Use a stapler to help keep the layers of paper in place while cutting.
  • When drawing your characters, make sure you won't have to cut through the bands holding the concertina together.
  • For easier character design, search for templates online (e.g., Pinterest).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Cutting shapes unevenly

Reason: Using dull scissors or rushing the cutting process can lead to uneven shapes, making the garland look unprofessional.
Solution: Use sharp scissors and take your time to carefully cut each shape.

2. Insufficient glue or incorrect glue type

Reason: Using too little glue will cause the shapes to fall apart, while using the wrong type (like water-based glue on paper that wrinkles easily) can ruin the look of the finished garland.
Solution: Use a strong adhesive like a glue stick or hot glue (with adult supervision if necessary) and apply liberally to ensure a secure bond.

FAQs

What type of paper is best for this project?
Construction paper or cardstock works best. Construction paper offers a wider variety of colors, while cardstock provides a more sturdy finish. Avoid using very thin paper as it may tear easily.