Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the spooky spirit than with some fun, creative, and easy-to-make paper lanterns? Whether you’re looking for a simple craft project to do with the kids or a creative way to decorate your home, these DIY paper Halloween lanterns are the perfect solution. And the best part? We’ve got 14 free printable designs for you to choose from! They would look great on the table at Halloween parties or in your porch to great trick or treaters.
Why Choose Paper Halloween Lanterns?
Paper lanterns are a fantastic Halloween craft for a few reasons:
- Simple and Kid-Friendly: These lanterns are easy to assemble and perfect for kids of all ages. Plus, they offer a wonderful opportunity for your little ones to practice their coloring or cutting skills.
- Customizable: With 7 different designs (and 14 options), there’s something for everyone. Kids can get creative with colors, and older children or adults can try their hand at more intricate paper cutting.
- Budget-Friendly: All you need is some paper, markers or crayons, scissors, and a bit of glue. It’s a cost-effective way to create a festive atmosphere.
- Eco-Friendly: Since these lanterns are made from paper, they’re a sustainable option for Halloween decorations.
Use Safe Lighting: Always use LED battery tea lights or battery candles to avoid any fire hazards.
How to Make Your Paper Halloween Lanterns
Creating these lanterns is as easy as 1-2-3! Follow these simple steps:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Printed lantern designs (available for free download)
- Colored markers, crayons, or colored pencils
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
- LED tea lights (optional, for added glow)
- String or ribbon (optional, for hanging)
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Instructions:
Download and Print the Designs: Start by downloading the 7 free printable designs (you need to use 2 differnt bottoms to slot together which is why there is 14 downloads) . You’ll find a range of spooky characters, including witches, ghosts, pumpkins, and bats. Print them out on standard A4 or letter-sized paper. For sturdier lanterns, consider using cardstock, but printer paper is best for allowing the light to shine through.
Color Your Lanterns: Let your kids’ creativity shine! Use markers, crayons, or colored pencils to bring the designs to life. This is a great way to personalize each lantern.
Cut Out the Lanterns: Carefully cut along the outside lines of the design. If you’re doing paper cutting, follow the lines for the more detailed cutting guides. They are also perfect for using with your Cricut. You could add coloured tissue paper or cellophane behind the cut out and they would look amazing cut out in black metallic paper.
Assemble the Lanterns: Once cut out, fold the paper along the lines and use glue or tape to secure the folded edges together, forming a lantern. If you’d like to hang your lanterns, punch two holes at the top and thread a piece of string or ribbon through.
Light Them Up: For an extra magical touch, place an LED tea light inside the lantern. These are safe and will give your lantern a soft, spooky glow.
Top Tip: Rub the area you want to glow with some oilive oil on a paintbrush and you will get a stained glass window effect.
How to Download Our Halloween Paper Lanterns
These printables are offered for your personal, non-commercial use only. Mass-production of this printable is not permitted, even for non-profit purposes. Please do not upload these Halloween paper Lantern printables 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 printables 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.
7 Spooky Designs to Choose From
Here’s a sneak peek at the designs you can expect:
- Grinning Jack-o’-Lantern: A classic pumpkin with a mischievous smile.
- Creepy Castle: A haunted house silhouette that’s perfect for intricate paper cutting.
- Witch and Cat: complete with broomstick.
- Zombie Hand: rising from the grave!
- Black Cat: A silhouette of a cat with an arched back.
- Haunted Tree: Twisted branches perfect for paper cutting enthusiasts.
- Spooky Ghosts, Ghouls and Graveyards
- Spiders and Webs: Delicate webs with a few creepy crawlies.
- Witch and Cauldron: A bubbling potion that adds to the Halloween ambience.
Tips for Success
- Supervise Younger Kids: While coloring is safe for all ages, younger children may need help with cutting and assembling.
- Mix and Match: Encourage your kids to mix and match elements from different designs for a unique lantern.
- Use Safe Lighting: Always use LED tea lights or battery-operated candles to avoid any fire hazards.
Final Thoughts
These easy paper Halloween lanterns are not just a craft project; they’re a way to create lasting memories with your kids. Whether you choose to color, cut, or both, each lantern you make will add a touch of personalized spooky charm to your Halloween festivities. So gather your supplies, pick your favorite designs, and let the Halloween crafting begin!
These DIY paper lanterns are also a great activity to do in class with children or at Beavers or Guides.
Happy Halloween and happy crafting! 🎃