Here’s an easy and fun Halloween art project to do with your child. Make our spooky Halloween paper chains using pumpkins, ghosts, bats and witches’ hats — all you need is paper, scissors and a bit of patience for the folding!
This is a lovely rainy-afternoon activity in the run-up to Halloween, and the finished chains make great homemade decorations for a window, mantelpiece or classroom display.
You Will Need
- Large sheets of coloured, black and white paper
- Pencil
- Small scissors
- Ruler
- Pens
- Tape
What To Do
1. Download our free Halloween shapes template, then trace onto paper or cardboard and cut it out to use as a template. You can also design your own shapes, of course!
2. Cut a long strip of paper from a large sheet of paper.
3. Measure the width of your template design.
4. Mark vertical lines on your strip of paper in pencil to show where to fold — each fold line should be at the next template width. So if your template width is 3cm, mark a vertical line at 3cm, 6cm, 9cm and so on.
5. Start folding your paper, first one way along a fold line, then back on itself the other way at the next vertical line, so you build up a zig-zag folded strip.
6. Place your template on top of the final folded paper and trace around it with the pencil.
7. Cut around your shape, making sure to leave a little gap at either side of the folded paper (don’t cut all the way round — leave some connection at each side so the chain holds together). If your folded paper is quite thick, cut through a couple of layers at a time.
8. Carefully open up the chain to check it. Join chains together with tape to make even longer chains for bigger displays.
Tips for Getting It Right
- Younger children may need help with the folding and measuring steps — older kids can usually manage the whole project independently once they’ve seen it done once.
- Coloured paper works well for a bold, decorative look, but black and white paper gives a classic spooky-silhouette effect.
- If a chain rips at a fold, a small piece of tape on the back will hold it together without spoiling the front.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is this craft suitable for?
Halloween paper chains work well for a wide age range. Younger children can help with folding and colouring, while older kids can manage the measuring, tracing and cutting themselves.
What kind of paper works best?
Ordinary craft or printer paper is fine. Slightly heavier paper (such as light card) holds its shape a little better once the chain is opened up, but standard paper works well too.
Can I make my own shapes instead of using the template?
Yes — the template is just a starting point. Once your child understands the folding technique, they can design their own Halloween shapes to trace and cut.
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Did you try our Halloween paper chains? Leave a comment below and let us know — we’d love to hear how they turned out!
Want More Ideas Like This?
Browse our other Halloween craft and activity ideas for more simple, fun projects to try with the kids this season.
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