Imagine building your own spooky scene: the moon shining overhead, bats fluttering across the sky and your very own haunted tree waving in the autumn breeze.  Whether you set up the house on the mantelpiece, create a centrepiece for a Halloween party or let the kids invent stories with the characters, this craft promises lots of laughter and plenty of imaginative play.

Like all of our printables, this haunted house set is designed to be printed on sturdy card stock, coloured in and then assembled using simple craft supplies.  It’s suitable for a wide age range – little hands can enjoy colouring while older children can tackle folding the tabs and creating a 3‑D scene.  Read on for a list of supplies, simple instructions and tips for getting the most out of this free download.

What You Will Need

To create your own haunted house scene, gather the following supplies:

• Printable haunted house template – download and print the PDF at the end of this post.
• Heavy card stock (around 160 gsm) – this adds durability and stops markers bleeding through.
• Printer – any colour printer will work; if you don’t have one at home, many libraries offer low‑cost printing.
• Markers, crayons or coloured pencils for decorating the house, pumpkins, ghosts and other pieces.
• Scissors – child‑safe scissors are ideal for little crafters.
• Glue or tape to attach tabs and stands.
• Optional extras: cotton wool for “fog”, battery‑operated tea lights, glitter, or glow‑in‑the‑dark paint to add a magical touch.

The idea of using basic craft supplies such as coloured paper, glue and scissors is echoed in many children’s craft projects.  These skills – cutting along lines, folding tabs and manipulating glue – will be put to good use when you make your haunted house.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make any purchases after clicking one of these links, I will make a small commission (hopefully enough to keep me in tea all year) – at no extra cost to you! This allows me to keep creating and sharing free tutorials and content for you. Thank you!

I always print my printables directly onto 160 gsm cardstock using my Epson Ecotank Printer rather than regular paper, this way they are a little more durable and the pens do not bleed through to the other side. However, if you do not have a home printer then just pop to a library and use theirs.

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How to Make Your Haunted House

1. Download and print the templates.  At the bottom of this post you’ll find a link to download the PDF.  Print the pages onto heavy card stock so they’ll stand up once cut out.  If you’re printing at a public library, ask if they can print on thicker paper.
2. Colour the pieces.  Use markers, crayons or coloured pencils to decorate the haunted house, pumpkins, ghosts, witches and trees.  Encourage children to experiment – the mummies could be rainbow coloured, the witch’s hat might be polka‑dotted and the pumpkins could be any shade they like.  Colouring and customising crafts helps children develop creativity and makes each haunted house unique .
3. Cut out the pieces.  Carefully cut along the solid outlines of each element.  Younger children may need help with this step, especially around intricate shapes like bats or witches’ brooms.
4. Fold and assemble.  Fold along the dotted lines and glue the tabs to form 3‑D shapes.  The haunted house has a base that can be folded under to stand upright.  Attach tombstones, trees and characters to small paper stands or cardboard rectangles so they’ll stand up in your scene.
5. Create your spooky scene.  Arrange the house and characters on a piece of cardboard or a tray.  Add cotton wool for fog or a strip of tissue paper as a winding path.  Placing a battery‑operated tea light behind the house will cast eerie shadows through the windows.
6. Add extra magic.  Sprinkle a little glitter on the pumpkins, stick on googly eyes or use glow‑in‑the‑dark paint for the ghost’s eyes.  Simple embellishments like these are wonderful for fine‑motor practice and sensory play

Why This Craft Is Great for Kids

This haunted house paper build isn’t just fun – it offers plenty of developmental benefits too:

• Fine motor skills: cutting out shapes, folding tabs and gluing pieces together all require precision and coordination .
• Creativity and imagination: kids decide how to colour their characters and arrange the scene, fostering creative thinking and problem‑solving.  The “colourful and customisable” nature of printable crafts encourages children to make each project their own .
• Storytelling: once assembled, the house and characters become props for imaginative play.  Children can make up spooky stories, practise dialogue and develop language skills.
• Patience and focus: completing a multi‑step craft teaches kids to follow instructions and see a project through to the end.  Taking the time to cut accurately and fold neatly builds perseverance.

Using It as a Collaborative Classroom Project

This free printable haunted house also works beautifully as a group activity in classrooms or community clubs:

• Teamwork and collaboration: assign different students to colour specific elements (house, trees, characters).  Bring everything together for a spectacular display.
• Seasonal décor: the finished house and graveyard make a wonderful bulletin‑board or library display, celebrating Halloween across the classroom.
• Interdisciplinary learning: combine the craft with lessons on autumn, Halloween traditions or local folklore.  You could also tie in storytelling exercises where children write or act out spooky tales.
• Inclusive activity: the simple shapes and clear instructions mean children of all skill levels can participate.  Some may prefer colouring while others focus on cutting or assembling.

Tips for Success

Personalise Your Haunted House

Encourage your children to add their own touches.  Maybe the haunted house needs a pumpkin patch, or perhaps the ghosts are wearing hats.  Let kids experiment with different colours, patterns and embellishments – it’s their creation after all.

Create a Spooky Scene

Use a large piece of cardboard or a baking tray as the base.  Draw pathways with markers, add hills with scrunched tissue paper or make a tiny graveyard out of card.  Cotton wool makes excellent fog, and strips of black paper can be cut into bats to hang above the scene.

Incorporate Learning

Talk about why we celebrate Halloween, explore the history of haunted houses or even read a ghost story while you craft.  Combining crafts with storytelling helps children understand cultural traditions and sparks curiosity.

Download Your Free Printable Haunted House

Ready to start crafting?  Click the link below to download your free printable haunted house PDF.  These printables are provided for personal, non‑commercial use.  Mass production, even for non‑profit events, isn’t permitted.  If you’d like to share this craft with friends or on social media, please link back to this post rather than sharing the PDF directly.  Pinning is always appreciated!

How to access the printable: Simply add the free haunted house template to your cart in our shop (don’t worry, it’s £0.00!).  When you check out, the PDF file will be available to download immediately, and we’ll email it to you for safe keeping. 

Why We Love This Craft

• Keeping kids entertained: it’s the perfect activity for a rainy October afternoon or a weekend leading up to Halloween.
• Decorating your home: the finished haunted house makes a whimsical centrepiece or mantel display.  Add battery candles for an extra glow.
• Party favours or gifts: package the cut‑outs in a small box with crayons and give them as a unique Halloween party favour.
• Classroom collaboration: working together to build a spooky scene builds a sense of community and brings lots of smiles.

Share Your Creations

We would love to see how your haunted house turns out!  Snap a picture and share it on social media – don’t forget to tag us @mum_themadhouse or use the hashtag #HauntedHouseCraft so we can admire your spooky village.  Download the template, gather your supplies and get ready to bring your haunted house to life!

Whether you need a last-minute Halloween card, a party activity, or just a spooky craft project, these cards are easy, affordable, and lots of fun.

I have gone for a spooky cute vibe and you can print two to a page. The kids will love these Halloween printables that let them create Halloween cards for grandparents, friends, and whoever else they’d like to wish a Happy Halloween to this year, especially if they can not see them in person.

Why You’ll Love These Halloween Cards

• Free printables – just download and print.
• Creative fun for kids – colour with crayons, pencils, or markers.
• Personal touch – kids can add their own drawings, stickers, or messages.
• Versatile – use as greeting cards, party invitations, or mini Halloween decorations.

Materials You’ll Need

• Printer and paper (or cardstock for sturdier cards)
• Crayons, coloured pencils, or markers
• Optional extras:
  • Stickers or glitter glue for embellishments

This post contains affiliate links. If you make any purchases after clicking one of these links, I will make a small commission (hopefully enough to keep me in tea all year) – at no extra cost to you! This allows me to keep creating and sharing free tutorials and content for you. Thank you!

I always print my printables directly onto 160 gsm cardstock using my Epson Ecotank Printer rather than regular paper, this way they are a little more durable and the pens do not bleed through to the other side. However, if you do not have a home printer then just pop to a library and use theirs.

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How to Make Your DIY Halloween Cards

1. Decorate with stickers, washi tape, or rubber stamps if you’d like.
2. Download the free printable Halloween card templates (witches, pumpkins, and more).
3. Print on paper or cardstock.
4. Colour using crayons, markers, or coloured pencils.
5. Fold to create your handmade Halloween card.

Give them to the kids to colour as a fun activity to keep the busy on the dark nights ahead.

I would love to see any that you make, so please do tag me in any.

Download your Free Halloween Cards below:

When to Use These Halloween Cards

• As a Halloween party activity – kids decorate their own cards.
• For classroom crafts – a fun October project.
• As DIY handmade Halloween cards – send to friends, grandparents, or neighbours.
• For Halloween gift tags – shrink the design and cut out for treat bags.

Other Seasonal Printables

If you like these, then please do check out our other seasonal printables.

• Halloween colouring pages
• Free Halloween Printables
• Skeleton Halloween Mask
• Free Printable Autumn Bookmarks to Colour 
• Simple Paper Leaf Garland with Free Printable Leaves
• I am Thankful Colouring Sheets – Thanksgiving coloring
• Free Printable Fall Colouring Pages for Adults

This Halloween Hub is your go-to guide for all things spooky, crafty, and fun. Whether you’re looking for a quick printable activity, a DIY costume, or an easy recipe to make with the kids, you’ll find it here.

Halloween Crafts

Get hands-on with these fun and creative Halloween craft projects:

• Make Ghosts in a Jar for an easy decoration that glows with spooky charm.
• Create glowing Jam Jar Halloween Lanterns from recycled jars and tissue paper.
• Craft Clay Ghost Tealights that are perfect as little Halloween night-lights.
• Kids will love making a Pom Pom Spider that’s cute rather than creepy.
• Try Glue Resist Pumpkin Art for a fun and colourful seasonal artwork.
• Make keepsakes with Salt Dough Halloween Decorations you can hang up year after year.
• Decorate the house with Ghastly Ghosts Halloween Crafts that children will enjoy making.
• Add a festive touch with BOO Ghost Bunting to string up around the house.
• Surprise everyone with a cheeky Toilet Monster to add spooky fun to the bathroom.
• Use nature to inspire creativity with this Spider Web Craft made from sticks and string.
• Make a standout DIY Halloween Mummy Trick or Treat Bowl to serve sweets in style.

Free Halloween Printables

Perfect for rainy days or party activities, these printables are ready to download and enjoy:

• Colour and display Printable Halloween Candle Holders with safe battery tealights.
• This Spooky printable haunted house and village is perfect to make with the whole family.
• Relax with Halloween Mandala Colouring Sheets that suit both kids and adults.
• Challenge your children with Free Halloween Maze Printables that come in different levels.
• Keep kids busy with Printable Halloween Word Searches featuring spooky-themed words.
• Brighten windows or parties with DIY Paper Halloween Lanterns in seven different designs.
• Hand out treats in a Printable Coffin Halloween Box – fun and functional.
• Let kids design their own cards with Printable Halloween Cards to Colour.
• Display Free No Trick-or-Treaters Posters if you want a quiet Halloween night.
• Download Cute Halloween Colouring Pages with pumpkins, ghosts and more.
• Encourage reading with Kids Halloween Colouring Bookmarks that double as craft activities.
• Share a laugh with Free Printable “Run Out of Treats” Posters to put up when the sweets are gone.
• Dress up characters with Printable Halloween Paper Dolls that kids can colour and play with.
• Explore letters with Printable Halloween Alphabet Puppets from A–Z.

Halloween Recipes & Treats

Tasty and fun recipes to make with the kids:

• Bake Vampire Bite Cupcakes complete with red “fang marks” for a spooky surprise.
• Create Spider Web Cupcakes decorated with chocolate webs.
• Build your own Haunted Gingerbread House for the ultimate Halloween centrepiece.

Costumes & Dressing Up

Last-minute costumes don’t have to be stressful:

• Try one of our 5 DIY Halloween Outfits that can be made from everyday items at home.
• Repurpose ideas from our DIY World Book Day Costume Ideas – many of them double up brilliantly for Halloween.

Family Halloween Activities

Enjoy Halloween together with fun family ideas:

• Our Spooktacular Halloween Activities for Half Term round-up is packed with fun things to do.

Why We Love Halloween

For us, Halloween isn’t about being scary – it’s about being silly, creative, and spending time together as a family. Whether it’s carving pumpkins, colouring in a printable, or baking cupcakes, these little traditions are the things our boys remember most.

So dive into the hub, pick a craft, print an activity, or whip up a spooky snack – and have a fang-tastic Halloween!

Why go plant-based?

Beans, pumpkin and leafy greens make great fillings because they’re packed with fibre, antioxidants and minerals. For example, pumpkin puree isn’t just for pies – it’s rich in antioxidants, fibre and potassium, making it a nutrient-dense base for a creamy spread (This Mama Cooks – Pumpkin Dip). Black beans offer protein and iron, while spinach provides vitamins A and K.

Spooky sandwich fillings

Shape it up: bats, ghosts and pumpkins

Kids love novelty shapes, and cookie cutters make it easy.

• Ghosts: Use a ghost-shaped cutter to turn ordinary sandwiches into ghostly treats (Teuko – Ghost Lunchbox Ideas). Add a face with edible food markers or tiny pieces of olive for the eyes. Ghost shapes also work with sliced cucumber, carrot and bell pepper – pair them with hummus for a veggie side. I love these Gostwiches by Vegan Dollhouse
• Pumpkins: A pumpkin-shaped cutter turns your pumpkin-cream cheese sandwiches into cute jack-o-lanterns. Perfect for picky eaters who normally ask for crusts removed. Don’t waste the off-cuts – save them for breadcrumbs or stuffing. Use half grapes as eyes.
• Bats: For extra fun, use a bat cutter on dark rye or pumpernickel bread. The black colour sets off fillings like pumpkin spread or green spinach pesto.
• Coffins: I love the idea of using cheese on top of the coffins, and you do not need a speical cookie cutter for these.
• BOO: If you have letter cutters then you don’t need to cut your sandwiches into Halloween shapes. Use red vegan cheese to pop!

This post contains affiliate links. If you make any purchases after clicking one of these links, I will make a small commission (hopefully enough to keep me in tea all year) – at no extra cost to you! This allows me to keep creating and sharing free tutorials and content for you. Thank you!

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Decorate with eyes and seeds

Eyes instantly make food more fun. The Eats Amazing blog notes that adding eyes to snacks can give them a creepy yet playful vibe at Halloween.

• Black sesame seeds: Dot a ghost-shaped sandwich with two black sesame seeds to create instant eyes.
• Candy eyes or icing eyes: Candy eyes are easy to find in baking aisles, and you can make your own icing eyes for pennies.
• Olives, raisins or cucumber peel: Small pieces of olives or cucumber skin make great pupils, and raisins add sweetness.

Assembling your spooky platter

1. Prepare your fillings ahead of time. Black bean hummus can be blended in minutes; pumpkin dip keeps in the fridge; spinach pesto can be made or bought.
2. Cut the bread using the cutters of your choice. Save trimmings for other recipes.
3. Spread generously with your chosen filling. For the spinach pesto sandwiches, follow vegan grilled-cheese instructions by sautéing spinach, spreading pesto, layering vegan cheese and toasting until melty.
4. Decorate: Add eyes, sprinkle with black sesame seeds, or pipe spider webs with vegan yogurt or tahini (great for black bean hummus).
5. Serve with veggie dippers like ghost-shaped cucumbers and carrots for extra crunch.

Top Tip: By cutting the bread first and then adding the fillings you get a much neater edge

Party extras and Pinterest inspiration

• Printable sandwich topper flags: Personalised flags add a polished finish. Create your own by printing mini flags with phrases like “Boo!”, “Eat Your Greens” or “Monster Mash.” Attach them to cocktail sticks and pop them into each sandwich.
• Pairings: Offer bowls of pumpkin seeds, roasted chickpeas or fruit ghosts on the side.
• Pinterest pin ideas: Pin your creations under themes such as Healthy Halloween Party Food, Spooky Sandwiches for Kids and Plant-Based Halloween Snacks to inspire others.

More plant-based Halloween inspiration

Looking for even more spooky snacks? Check out these plant-forward recipe collections:

• Food Network – Vegan Halloween Recipes
• BBC Good Food – Vegan Halloween Recipes
• Vegan Runner Eats – 53 Vegan Halloween Treats and Snacks

Why Choose Decoupage Pumpkins?

Carved pumpkins look great, but they can get messy and don’t last very long. Decoupaging your pumpkins with patterned napkins or tissue paper is:

• Mess-free – no scooping seeds or sharp tools needed.
• Kid-friendly – safe for all ages to join in.
• Budget-friendly – you only need a few basic materials.
• Long-lasting – especially if you use faux pumpkins, they’ll be ready to display year after year.

What You’ll Need

You only need a handful of supplies to get started:

• Faux or real pumpkins (white or pale ones work best) – we also have a free printable for you in both A4 and Letter size
• Patterned napkins or seasonal tissue paper
• Mod Podge or PVA/school glue (mix 2 parts glue to 1 part water)
• A soft craft brush or foam applicator
• Scissors

This post contains affiliate links. If you make any purchases after clicking one of these links, I will make a small commission (hopefully enough to keep me in tea all year) – at no extra cost to you! This allows me to keep creating and sharing free tutorials and content for you. Thank you!

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Optional extras: metallic tissue, gold foil accents, or glitter for added sparkle.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Decoupage Pumpkins

1. Prep Your Pumpkin

If you’re using a real pumpkin, wipe it clean and dry it thoroughly. For faux pumpkins, dust them off so the glue sticks properly.

2. Cut Your Napkins or Tissue Paper

If you’re using napkins, peel away the plain backing layers so you’re left with the patterned sheet. Cut or tear into manageable pieces.

3. Apply Glue

Brush a thin, even layer of Mod Podge or your PVA mix (2 parts glue to 1 part water) onto a small section of the pumpkin.

4. Place and Smooth

Gently lay your napkin/tissue piece onto the glued area. Smooth carefully with your brush or fingertips to avoid wrinkles. Work in small sections for best results.

5. Repeat and Overlap

Continue covering your pumpkin, overlapping slightly so no orange shows through.

6. Seal

Once covered, brush a thin layer of Mod Podge or the PVA mix over the whole pumpkin to seal and protect the design. Let it dry completely.

Design Ideas to Try

Autumn Florals – think sunflowers, acorns, or leaf motifs for cosy seasonal vibes.

Spooky Prints – bats, spiders, cobwebs, or skeleton patterns for a Halloween twist.

Gold Accents – layer in gold foil tissue or metallic paint for a glam look.

Tips for a Wrinkle-Free Finish

• Work in small sections at a time.
• Use thin tissue or napkins (they mold better to the curves).
• Don’t overload with glue – too much causes rips.
• For real pumpkins, seal with an extra coat to make them last longer.

Display Ideas

Your decoupage pumpkins can be used:

• As a table centrepiece for autumn dinners.
• On your mantel or windowsill for seasonal décor.
• Grouped together in different patterns for a stylish pumpkin patch display.

Free Printable Seasonal Tissue Patterns

To help you get started, I’ve designed a printable seasonal pattern sheet you can print onto tissue paper and use for your pumpkins. Download it below and create your own unique designs!

These printables are offered for your non-commercial personal use only. Mass-production of this printable is not permitted, even for non-profit purposes. Please do not upload the Free Autumn Pattern Printable to other sites – instead, if you want to let people know about these freebies, post a link to this page. Pinning is okay as long as the pin links back to this page. Thanks!

All you need to do is add click on add to cart and the free printable Autumn Pattern pages will be added to your shopping cart. When you are finished, click on the orange cart menu at the top right of your page and follow the instructions on the screen. You will not be charged, and the free PDF file will be available for download immediately. It will also be emailed to your inbox.

Final Thoughts

This napkin pumpkin craft is proof that you don’t need to carve to enjoy beautiful seasonal décor. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and endlessly customisable. Once you start, you’ll want to decoupage a whole pumpkin patch!

The latest baking trend shaking up 2025 isn’t about pristine fondant or slick buttercream — it’s about embracing the mess. In Pinterest’s 2025 trends forecast, chaos cakes are all about over-the-top, joyful decoration where “more is more” and rules are there to be broken.

This year, we’re giving the trend a spooky seasonal twist — Halloween chaos cakes. Think vivid orange, black, and purple buttercream, candy eyeballs, gummy worms, edible glitter, and all the sprinkles you can shake on top. It’s the ultimate bake for getting the kids involved, letting them take the lead, and turning your kitchen into a fun Halloween art studio.

What is a Chaos Cake?

Chaos cakes are cakes decorated with maximum creativity and minimal rules. According to Plastic Container City’s guide, they feature a mash-up of textures, colours, and decorations, often with unexpected additions like fondant dinosaurs or upside-down toppers. The key? Layers of buttercream, heaps of sprinkles, and whatever your imagination can dream up.

For a Halloween twist, swap bright summer colours for orange, purple, and black, and load up on spooky sweets.

The Cake Base – Keep it Simple

A chaos cake is all about the decoration, so start with a simple sponge that’s quick to bake and easy to work with. We love the Victoria Sponge recipe from Baking with Granny — a classic, soft base that holds up well to heavy buttercream and toppings.

Tip: You can colour your buttercream in sections so you have three bowls — one orange, one purple, one black — ready to go.

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Halloween Decoration Inspiration

1. Candy Eyeballs – Buy ready-made or make your own with The Frozen Biscuit’s 3-ingredient recipe. Perfect for peeking out from the frosting.

2. Gummy Worms – Wiggle them across the cake or let them “crawl” out from between layers. See Desserts on a Dime’s Halloween Dirt Cake for inspiration.

3. Sprinkles – Go for black, orange, and purple mixed sprinkles for a confetti explosion effect.

4. Edible Glitter – Make sure it’s food-safe (check the FDA’s advice) to add shimmer without risk.

5. Novelty Toppers – Mini skeletons, candy pumpkins, or toy spiders can make the cake even more theatrical.

Kid-Led Decorating – The Fun Part!

Let the children take the reins here. Alejandra Ramos, in Today’s 2025 entertaining trends, encourages embracing messy creativity in home baking. The beauty of chaos cakes is that there’s no “wrong” way — if a gummy worm ends up in the middle of the cake or the sprinkles are in a mountain on one side, it only adds to the fun.

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More Spooky Cake Inspiration

• Amazing Halloween Rainbow Party Bundt Cake – Cooking with Sugar
• Easy Tri-Colored Halloween Cake – I Heart Recipes
• Monster Eye Surprise Inside Cake – Haniela’s
• Simple Halloween Cakes and Treats Kids Can Make – Mum in the madhouse

If you and your little ghouls whip up a Halloween chaos cake, we’d love to see it! Tag your creations with #HalloweenChaosCake and tag us on Instagram @muminthemadhouse so we can admire your spooky baking brilliance.

Why Kids Love This Activity

Counting Made Fun – Children get to practise counting cute smiling pumpkins on each page.

Colouring Creativity – Each page includes pumpkins to colour, so kids can use crayons, markers, or pencils to decorate them however they like.

Storybook Style – The pages are designed like a mini-book, encouraging kids to read along with “I can see __ pumpkins” and fill in the numbers themselves.

Perfect for Home or Classroom – Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or childminder, this printable works beautifully as part of your Halloween activities.

Skills Children Practise

• Counting & Number Recognition
• Fine Motor Skills (through colouring and tracing numbers)
• Early Reading Skills (repeating “I can see…” sentence structure)
• Creativity (choosing colours and patterns for their pumpkins)

How to Use the Worksheets

1. Print the Pages – Print as many as you need to create a little counting booklet.
2. Count the Pumpkins Together – Encourage your child to point and count each smiling pumpkin.
3. Write the Number – Help them fill in the blank with the correct number.
4. Colour the Pumpkins – Let your child colour the pumpkins in traditional orange, spooky green, or even rainbow shades!
5. Create a Mini Book – Staple the pages together and let your child “read” their counting story to the family.

Ideas to Extend the Learning

• Pumpkin Hunt: Hide small pumpkin toys or cut-outs around the house and have your child count them just like in the book.
• Maths Challenge: Ask older children to write simple addition or subtraction sums using the pumpkins.
• Art Twist: Add googly eyes, glitter, or stickers to make the pumpkins extra fun.

Download Your Free Count and Colour Pumpkins Worksheet

Click below to grab your free printable and start counting pumpkins with your little ones today!

These printables are offered for your non-commercial personal use only. Mass-production of this printable is not permitted, even for non-profit purposes. Please do not upload the Free Count and Colour Pumpkins Worksheets to other sites – instead, if you want to let people know about these freebies, post a link to this page. Pinning is okay as long as the pin links back to this page. Thanks!

All you need to do is add click on add to cart and the free printable Count and Colour Pumpkins Worksheets will be added to your shopping cart. When you are finished click on the orange cart menu at the top right of your page and follow the instructions on the screen. You will not be charged and the free pdf file will be available for you to download immediately and will also be emailed to your inbox.

Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, creating a moody autumn tablescape, or just love a little seasonal craft, painted candles are an easy way to add personality. Even better? You don’t need a load of expensive supplies—just some plain candles, a few paints, and a sprinkle of creativity.

Why Painted Halloween Candles Are So Popular

If you’ve been scrolling on social media lately, you’ll have spotted painted pillar and taper candles popping up everywhere. They’re a great mix of DIY Halloween craft and cosy autumn décor—you can go cute with smiling pumpkins or spooky with black bats and ghostly faces.

The best part? These candle creations work just as well as Halloween decorations as they do for general autumn décor. Imagine a pair of taper candles with tiny cobwebs for a dining table, or a chunky pillar candle with ghost faces on your mantel. Chic, festive, and totally customisable.

Materials You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you start your Halloween candle craft session:

• Plain pillar candles or taper candles – white works beautifully as a blank canvas.
• Acrylic paint or paint pens – non-toxic, water-based paints are best.
• Paintbrushes – small brushes for fine lines (nail art ones are perfect), larger ones for filling in shapes.
• Paper towel – handy for wiping brushes or cleaning up smudges.
• Damp cloth – to clean the candle surface before painting.
• Optional sealant if you are not planning to burn your candles – a thin coat of clear, water-based varnish can help prevent smudging.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make any purchases after clicking one of these links, I will make a small commission (hopefully enough to keep me in tea all year) – at no extra cost to you! This allows me to keep creating and sharing free tutorials and content for you. Thank you!

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Safety note: Never leave a burning candle unattended. Or skip the flame entirely and use battery-operated LED candles. They look just as good and are especially great if kids are around.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

This candle painting tutorial is super simple and only takes about 20–30 minutes per candle.

1. Prep Your Candle

Wipe the candle with a damp cloth to remove dust or candle wax residue. A clean surface helps the paint stick and stops smudging later.

2. Sketch Your Design

Use a pencil to lightly mark out your design. If you’re nervous about freehand drawing.

3. Start Painting

• For ghost faces, paint small dots for eyes and an oval for the mouth.
• For bats, try small lines and curves—paint pens make these easier.
• For cobwebs, start with a few crossing lines and add curved “web” shapes between.
• For pumpkins, paint a simple orange circle with a green stem.

Don’t worry about paint quality being museum-perfect—simple designs are the most effective and look great on Instagram or Pinterest.

4. Add Details

Once the base is dry, you can add dots, lettering, or highlights. Think spooky words like “Boo!” or “Trick or Treat.”

5. Seal (If not burning the candle)

A thin coat of clear varnish helps prevent smudging if the candles are handled a lot.

Design Inspiration

Here are a few fun ways to bring your candles to life:

• Minimalist Ghosts – pairs of candles with simple ghost faces look cute and modern.
• Spooky Lettering – taper candles with words down the side like Spooky or Boo.
• Pumpkin Patch – clusters of tiny orange pumpkins dotted around a pillar candle.
• Creepy Cobwebs – great for a Halloween tablescape with black candle holders.
• Flying Bats – paint them swooping around the candle for a dramatic look.

Painted candles are such much fun to experiment with—you can even match them to your existing home décor.

Tips for Best Results

• Use non-toxic acrylic paint so it’s safe if the candle wax heats up. Paint pens are perfect.
• If you’re using taper candles, avoid painting right near the flame.
• Keep a piece of craft paper underneath while you work to protect your table.
• Allow plenty of drying time to avoid smudging.
• Store your finished candle creations somewhere cool and dust-free.

Decorating with Your Painted Candles

Once your Halloween painted candles are dry, it’s time to style them:

• Line them up on a mantel with autumn leaves for a cosy accent.
• Use as a centrepiece with tea lights and mini pumpkins.
• Add to a spooky tablescape with black napkins and cobweb runners.
• Give them as handmade Halloween gifts—wrap in craft paper and tie with string.

Whether you’re going subtle or full-on spooky, painted candles bring instant atmosphere to your Halloween home décor.

Final Thoughts

Candle painting is one of those crafts that feels simple but gives such a stylish result. With just a few taps of a brush, you’ve got something that looks handmade, personal, and totally on trend.

So grab some pillar or taper candles, your paint pens, and get crafting. Your home will be glowing with spooky charm in no time—and your Halloween décor will be the envy of TikTok.

Pinterest Pin Titles

1. How to Paint DIY Halloween Candles – Easy Spooky Tutorial
2. Easy Painted Candle DIY for Halloween Décor

Pinterest Pin Descriptions

Pin 1:

Transform plain pillar or taper candles into stylish Halloween décor! This DIY Halloween candle craft uses simple painted designs like ghosts, bats, and pumpkins. Includes a free stencil sheet to make it easy!

Pin 2:

Want cosy and spooky décor this autumn? Try this DIY Halloween painted candle tutorial. Simple step-by-step guide with fun designs – perfect for a Halloween tablescape or party!

Hashtags

#DIYHalloweenCandles #HalloweenCrafts #PaintedCandles #HalloweenDIY #HalloweenDecor #HalloweenIdeas #DIYDecor #CandlePainting #CraftyHalloween #SpookyDecor

Not everyone loves Halloween, but I am a fan of anything that we can celebrate over these dark winter months and most kids LOVE it. Boo baskets seem to be the new trend, so why not take some of our printable activities, and some new colouring pencils and pop them in to keep the kids occupied.

So get ready for a half-term full of Halloween fun with these spooky activities for kids! From DIY crafts to tasty treats, there’s something to keep every little ghoul and goblin entertained. Here are some fantastic ideas to make your Halloween holiday extra special.

1. Create DIY Halloween Costumes

Put together creative costumes using items you already have at home. These DIY ideas are simple, budget-friendly, and great for getting kids involved in making their costumes. Check out DIY Halloween costumes here. You can find some others including a werewolf costume here.

2. Bake Spooky Treats Together

Kids will love making (and eating!) Halloween-themed cakes, cookies, and cupcakes. Choose from recipes like vampire bite cupcakes or spider web cupcakes for a truly ghoulish snack. Find Halloween recipes here.

3. Halloween Printables for Crafty Fun

Keep the kids entertained with free printable Halloween activity sheets, word searches, mazes, paper dolls and more. These printables are perfect for rainy days or quiet indoor time. Explore Halloween printables here:

• Free Printable Coffin Halloween Box: 6 Spooky Designs & 3 Customizable Templates
• Free Printable Halloween Paper Dolls • Creative DIY Kids Craft
• Free Printable Halloween-Themed Alphabet: A-Z Puppets to Color, Alphabet Words, and Letter Tracing
• 9 Free Halloween Maze Printables for Kids
• 3 Free Printable Halloween Word Searches for Kids
• Free Printable Halloween Fun Activity Sheet • Perfect for Spooky Season!
• Free Halloween Printables

4. Create Halloween Lanterns and Jar Crafts

Add spooky decor to your home by crafting simple jar lanterns, clay ghost tealights, or yarn-wrapped pumpkin lanterns. These projects create a haunting glow and are easy enough for young children.

• DIY Easy Paper Halloween Lanterns: 7 Free Printable Designs for Kids
• Printable Halloween Candle Holders to Color and Use with Battery-Operated Tealights
• Jam Jar Halloween Lanterns • Easy Mason Jar Craft for Spooky Decor
• Ghosts in a Jar Halloween Craft
• How to Make a Clay Ghost Tealight • Spooky DIY Halloween Decor
• Simple Jar Lanterns for Halloween

5. Make a Haunted Gingerbread House

For a unique twist on the classic gingerbread house, make a haunted version with spooky candies and decorations. It’s a fun activity that doubles as a Seasonal centerpiece. See the haunted gingerbread house guide here. Gingerbread is not just for Christmas!

6. Halloween Coloring and Activity Books

Set up a coloring station with Halloween bookmarks, coloring pages, and activity books. Kids can enjoy coloring Halloween mandalas, word searches, and maze printables for hours of entertainment.

• Kids Halloween Colouring Bookmarks
• Cute Halloween Coloring Pages (24) Free to Download
• Halloween Mandala Coloring Sheets: A Spooky and Relaxing Activity for All Ages
• Free Printable Halloween Cards to Colour: Fun for Kids
• Free Halloween Coloring Pages for Adults: Get Creative with Seasonal Spooky Designs

7. DIY Ghosts and Pumpkins

From salt dough decorations to pom-pom pumpkins, there are plenty of Halloween crafts to try. Kids will love making these spooky little ghosts and pumpkins to decorate the house. Create Halloween decorations here.

• How to Make a Clay Ghost Tealight • Spooky DIY Halloween Decor
• Wet weather Halloween decorations
• Boo • our Halloween ghosts
• Salt Dough Halloween Decorations
• Ghastly Ghosts and Bats • Get making this Halloween
• Children’s Craft Showcase • Halloween is creeping up on us!
• Pom Pom Pumpkin Garland • Fun and Festive DIY Halloween Decor
• Glue Resist Art Project for Kids • Pumpkin
• Not so scary pom pom spider
• Paper Plate Weaving Pumpkin Craft • Fun and Easy Fall Activity
• Yarn Wrapped Pumpkin Lanterns • Fun and Easy Kids Craft
• Easy DIY Fabric Pumpkins: Simple and Charming Fall Decor Crafts
• Pumpkin paper plate lacing craft

8. Silly Monsters

Does your bathroom have a toilet monster? These cute monsters are perfect for a Halloween party and so simple to add. See them here.

• Make Polymer Clay Monsters with Kids • Fun and Creative Crafting
• Big Nose Monster Bookmarks
• How to make Glove Monsters

9. Outdoor and Nature-Inspired Crafts

Take advantage of autumn leaves and twigs by creating a nature-inspired spider web craft or a pinecone owl. These crafts are perfect for an eco-friendly Halloween. Learn about the spider web craft here.

• How to make a Pinecone Owl and other pinecone crafts
• 35 Amazing Pinecone Crafts: Creative Ideas for All Ages

With these creative Halloween ideas, your half-term break is sure to be a spooktacular success! Dive into the crafts, recipes, and printables, and create memorable Halloween moments with your kids.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I will make a small commission (hopefully enough to keep me in tea all year) – at no extra cost to you! This allows me to keep creating and sharing free tutorials and content for you. Thank you!

I always print my printables directly onto 160 gsm cardstock using my Epson Ecotank Printer rather than regular paper, this way they are a little more durable and the pens do not bleed through to the other side. However, if you do not have a home printer then just pop to a library and use theirs.

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Halloween Activities to Buy

I understand that not everyone has a craft cupboard full of stuff like me, so here are some simple crafts you can get off the internet:

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