If you're looking for a candy-free way to celebrate Halloween with your children, try making origami decorations together. In about 30 minutes, you can create a one-of-kind Halloween display for your home.
Origami Pumpkin
Pumpkins are a key part of any Halloween display. This origami version is easy to fold and stands up on its own.
Supplies
- Orange construction paper
- Paper trimmer or scissors
- Ruler
- Black marker
- Green marker
Instructions
1. Cut a sheet of orange construction paper to measure 4" x 4". Fold the paper in half horizontally. Fold in half again. Fold in half a final time. Unfold to reveal eight equal sections. Fold in half vertically. Fold in half again. Fold in half a final time. Unfold to reveal eight vertical crease lines. You should now have a grid of 64 squares on your paper.
2. Fold the bottom left and right corners in to meet the vertical middle crease. Fold the top left and right corners in so they are one grid square each away from the middle crease. Use the grid from step one as your guide for folding.
3. Make two small slits one grid line of the way down from the top of the paper. Make two small triangular folds next to the slits, creating what will be the stem of your pumpkin. Fold the bottom of the paper up to meet the horizontal middle crease, making a stand for your pumpkin. Fold both sides one grid square in to round off your pumpkin shape.
4. Flip your paper over. Use the triangle flap at the bottom to stand your pumpkin upright. Draw a face on the pumpkin.
Origami Ghost
Some ghosts are scary, but this little origami ghost is a charming addition to your Halloween display. It's a fun project for a beginner.
Supplies
- White construction paper
- Paper trimmer or scissors
- Ruler
- Black marker
Instructions
1. Cut your white paper to measure 6" x 6". Place your paper in front of you so it forms a diamond shape. Fold the bottom point to the top to make a large triangle. Fold your triangle into thirds.
2. Make accordion folds all the way across the left and right sides of the paper.
3. Fold the top of the triangle back slightly to give your ghost a more rounded head. Flip the paper over and draw the desired facial features with a black marker. Stand the ghost upright, using the accordion folds on the left and right sides to balance the figure.
Frankenstein
Young paper folders will enjoy telling spooky stories with this simple origami Frankenstein figure.
Supplies
- Light green construction paper
- Paper trimmer or scissors
- Ruler
- Black marker
- Brown marker
- Blue marker
- Glue stick (optional)
Instructions
1. Cut your paper to measure 3" x 6". Place the paper in front of you vertically. Fold in half. Unfold. Fold each side to the center crease.
2. At the bottom, fold the left and right top layers out at a slight angle. These folds will be Frankenstein's arms when you're finished.
3. Fold the paper in half. Crease well. Bring the top layer down about 1/2 inch. Crease well.
4. Flip your paper over. Decorate with Frankenstein's facial features. Draw in a shirt and pants. Use the accordion fold you created in step three to stand your figure upright. If necessary, you can add a small amount of glue to keep the top and bottom layers of the paper in place.
More Halloween Origami Fun
Try one of these additional ways to incorporate paper folding into your Halloween celebration:
- Origami Bat: Make a creepy looking origami bat following these simple instructions. This kid-friendly project looks great hanging in the window.
- Origami Witch: Follow the diagram to fold a simple witch on a broomstick.
- Origami Zombie: When finished, this origami model doubles as a toy that older kids can use to reenact their favorite spooky stories. It's best for an experienced folder to tackle this project.
- Blinking Eye: This creepy paper toy would be fun to pass out on Halloween instead of candy, and it's fairly easy to make.
- Origami Candy Corn: This simple origami candy corn looks almost good enough to eat. Fold multiple pieces, then display them in a pretty bowl.
- Origami Spider: The origami spider is an intermediate level project, but the results are quite impressive.
Making Special Memories
Paper folding with your children can be a wonderful way to celebrate Halloween while helping them to develop their creativity and fine motor skills. Once your children have mastered these simple origami models, encourage them to practice folding with scrap paper to see what else they can create.
