Okay so I just learned about turning old cardboards into cute halloween cardboard decorations that’s easy on the wallet and the planet. Seriously, why toss out those Amazon boxes when you can make your place look like a haunted wonderland?
These DIY projects are so much fun to whip up, and you’ll be shocked at how legit they look.
Grab some paint, scissors, and whatever random craft stuff you’ve got lying around, and let’s make your house the creepiest (in a good way) on the block.
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Halloween Cardboard Decorations
1. Pumpkin Lanterns
You have to try these cardboard pumpkin lanterns, they’re so cute and festive! Cut out pumpkin shapes, paint them a bright, happy orange, and add green stems from scraps. Carve out jack-o’-lantern faces, then pop in some LED tea lights for that cozy glow without the fire hazard. Make a bunch in different sizes for a mini pumpkin patch on your porch. You’ll need cardboard, orange and green paint, scissors, and those safe little lights.
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2. Cardboard Ghosts
I’m totally in love with these adorable cardboard ghosts! Just grab some old boxes, cut out some wiggly ghost shapes, and slap on some white paint. Use a black marker to give them goofy or spooky eyes, your call! I like to hang mine with fishing line from the porch for that floaty, eerie vibe.
Tip: A little glow-in-the-dark paint makes them glow like they’re straight out of a ghost story. You’ll need cardboard, white paint, black markers, and some string or stakes.
Try making a whole ghost squad with different faces for extra charm!
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3. Witch Hats
I’m living for these cardboard witch hats! Cut a big circle for the brim and a triangle for the hat, then decorate with glitter or fabric scraps. You can hang them up, use them as table decor, or even wear them if you’re feeling witchy. I made a few in purple and green for a fun twist. You’ll need cardboard, scissors, paint, and some spooky decorations like ribbons or fake spiders.
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4. Creepy Craw Spiders
Okay, these cardboard spiders are creepy in the best way! Cut out spider shapes, paint them black, and add pipe cleaners for legs that you can bend into all sorts of spooky poses. I stuck mine in corners and on windows, and they totally freak out my guests (in a fun way). Sprinkle some glitter on them for a playful twist, or go bright colors if you’re feeling wild. You’ll need cardboard, black paint, pipe cleaners, and maybe some fake cobwebs for extra drama.
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5. Cobwebs and Spiders
These cardboard cobwebs are giving all the haunted house feels. Cut out web patterns, paint them white or leave them natural for a rustic look, and hang them in corners or doorways. Toss in some of those cardboard spiders from earlier for extra creepiness. Layering different sizes makes it look so dynamic. You’ll need cardboard, scissors, paint, and maybe some gauzy fabric for that cobweb effect.
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6. Cardboard Spider Webs
These spider webs are so cool for setting the spooky mood! Cut intricate web designs from cardboard, paint them white or silver, and hang them in doorways. Add those cardboard spiders for a creepy-crawly effect. A little glitter makes them sparkle like magic. You’ll need cardboard, paint, and scissors. Go big for a showstopping centerpiece!
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7. Scary Silhouettes
I’m obsessed with these creepy cardboard silhouettes! Cut out shapes like witches or haunted houses, paint them black, and stick them in front of windows or in your yard. At night, they cast the spookiest shadows, especially if you add some colored lights behind them. It’s such a vibe! You’ll need cardboard, black paint, scissors, and maybe some LED lights for that extra chill factor. Try mixing in pumpkins or ghosts for a full-on haunted scene.
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8. Ghost Window Clings
These ghostly window clings are so easy and look amazing! Cut out ghost shapes, paint them white with black eyes, and stick them to your windows with safe adhesive. They create spooky shadows from outside, especially at night. Mix in bats or witches for variety. You’ll need cardboard, paint, and adhesive.
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9. Hanging Ghosts
I can’t get over how cute these hanging ghosts are! Cut out ghost shapes, add black paint eyes, and hang them with string from your porch or trees. They sway in the wind, looking all eerie and perfect. Add some tulle for a floaty vibe if you’re feeling fancy. You’ll need cardboard, string, paint, and maybe some fabric scraps. Play with sizes for a super cool display!
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10. Haunted House Cutouts
These haunted house cutouts are everything! Cut a spooky house shape from cardboard, paint it black, and add details like windows or ghosts peeking out. Set it up on your porch or in the yard for instant creep factor. I added some LED lights inside mine, and it looks so eerie at night. You’ll need cardboard, paint, and scissors. Bonus points if you add creepy sound effects!
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11. Mini Graveyards
I’m dying over these mini cardboard graveyards! Cut out tombstone shapes, paint them gray, and scribble on spooky names or phrases. Group them together with fake flowers or pumpkins for a cute, creepy scene. Perfect for your yard or as a table centerpiece. You’ll need cardboard, gray paint, and markers. Add some cobwebs for that extra graveyard vibe!
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12. Cardboard Black Cats
No Halloween is complete without black cats! Cut out cat shapes, paint them glossy black, and add eyes and whiskers for personality. I scattered mine around the house and made a big one for the yard, it’s so cute! You’ll need cardboard, black paint, and scissors. Give each cat a different expression for extra fun.
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13. Cardboard Mummy Wraps
Mummy wraps are my new favorite! Cut out mummy shapes from cardboard, wrap them in white gauze, and add googly eyes for that adorable spooky look. Stick them in your yard or indoors for a fun vibe. I put LED lights behind mine, and they glow like crazy. You’ll need cardboard, gauze, googly eyes, and maybe some lights.
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14. DIY Costume Accessories
Cardboard costume accessories are a game-changer! Make wings, masks, or props to level up your Halloween look. Paint them bright or add glitter for some sparkle. I made fairy wings for my kid, and she was obsessed. Use lightweight cardboard and add straps for comfort. You’ll need cardboard, paint, glue, and straps. Personalize them to match your vibe!
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15. Cardboard Candy Holders
These cardboard candy holders are so stinking cute for trick-or-treaters! Cut out pumpkin or ghost shapes, assemble them into little containers, and decorate with fun paints. I wrote kids’ names on mine for a personal touch, and they were a hit. You’ll need cardboard, scissors, paints, and candy. Make a bunch for your Halloween party favors!
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16. Harvest Scene
I love this cardboard harvest scene for a cozy Halloween vibe! Cut out corn stalks, pumpkins, and fall leaves, then paint them in warm autumn tones. Set them up in your yard for a welcoming display. I added a funny Halloween signpost, and it’s adorable. You’ll need cardboard, scissors, and paints. Mix in some spooky pieces for extra fun.
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17. Halloween Wreath
You guys, a cardboard Halloween wreath is such a cute way to greet trick-or-treaters! Cut a big circle for the base, then go wild decorating with mini pumpkins, bats, or dried leaves. You can use a bright orange and purple paint to make it pop, and a black fabric bow for that extra touch. Hang it on your door or inside for instant festivity. You’ll need cardboard, paints, glue, and whatever fun embellishments you’ve got.
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18. Halloween Garland
I’m all about this cardboard Halloween garland! Cut out bats, ghosts, and pumpkins, paint them in bright Halloween colors, and string them up with twine. It’s perfect for mantels or doorways, and it’s so festive. I added family names to mine for a personal touch. You’ll need cardboard, paint, and string.
These silhouettes are chef’s kiss for a haunted vibe! Stick them in your windows with some lights, and your house will look like it’s straight out of a spooky movie. So fun to make, too.
This wreath is so easy to make and looks amazing on your door! Add some spooky flair with bats or a big bow, and you’ll have the best Halloween decor on the block.
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19. Bat Mobile
Bats are so Halloween, and this cardboard bat mobile is straight-up magical. Cut out a bunch of bat shapes, paint them black (or try metallic for some pizzazz), and string them up with fishing line. Hang them over a doorway, and it’s like walking through a bat cave! I love how they sway in the breeze. Mix in some other creepy critters if you’re feeling extra creative. You’ll need cardboard, black paint, and string.
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20. Cardboard Cauldron
This cardboard cauldron might be on the more advanced side. Cut an oval base and a rounded top, paint it black, tape it using packing tape and add colorful foam “bubbles” for that potion vibe. I filled mine with candy for trick-or-treaters, and it was a hit. A fog machine or dry ice makes it next-level spooky. You’ll need cardboard, paint, and some fun decorations.
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21. Spooky Skeletons
These cardboard skeletons are so much fun! Cut out bones and a skull, paint them white, and string them together. I propped mine up in the living room, but they’re awesome hanging from trees, too. A little glow-in-the-dark paint makes them extra creepy at night. Make a bunch in different poses for a whole spooky crew! You’ll need cardboard, white paint, string, and scissors.
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Turn your yard into a haunted masterpiece with these cutouts! They’re so easy to make and look absolutely chilling with some lights. Your neighbors will be obsessed.
This cauldron is so fun to make! Fill it with candy or add some fog for a witchy vibe that’ll wow everyone.
22. Scarecrow Decoration
This cardboard scarecrow is the cutest! Cut out a body and head, paint it earthy colors, and dress it up with straw or old clothes. I gave mine a pumpkin head for extra Halloween flair. Perfect for your yard or indoors as a mini version. You’ll need cardboard, paint, straw, and some old clothes.
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Wrapping It Up
I’m so stoked about these cardboard Halloween projects! They’re cheap, eco-friendly, and honestly so much fun to make with friends or family.
You’re turning trash into treasure while making your place look like a spooky masterpiece. Grab those old boxes and get crafting, your Halloween is gonna be next-level awesome! Share your creations with me; I’d love to see how they turn out!
FAQs
1. What do I need for these eco-friendly cardboard projects?
You just need old cardboard boxes, scissors, non-toxic paints, brushes, and fun extras like glitter or fabric scraps. A craft knife and glue help with assembly.
2. How do I make cardboard decorations weather-resistant?
For outdoor decor, hit your creations with a clear waterproof sealant spray or outdoor varnish after painting. It keeps them safe from rain and fading, so they’ll look fab all Halloween long.
3. Are these projects safe for kids?
Totally! These are super fun for kids with adult supervision. Use non-toxic paints and blunt scissors for the little ones. It’s a great way to spark creativity and teach them about upcycling, plus, it’s awesome family time!
4. Can I use any cardboard for these crafts?
Yep, any clean cardboard works! Old shipping boxes, cereal boxes, or packaging are all fair game. Just make sure it’s dry and free of food gunk. The more random your cardboard, the cooler your decor.
5. Any tips for painting cardboard?
Use a primer on glossy cardboard so the paint sticks. Go for acrylic paint for bright colors and quick drying. Apply thin coats, letting each dry fully, for a smooth, even finish.
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