Halloween has always been a time when creativity runs wild. From eerie decorations to casual weekend projects, crafting is one of the best ways to capture the spirit of the season. If you’re looking for fun, affordable, and imaginative ways to decorate your home, classroom, or party space, spooky crafts are the way to go. Whether you’re working with little ones, planning a group activity, or hunting for something more detailed for yourself, there are plenty of ways to turn plain wooden cutouts into haunting décor.
Woodpeckers makes it easy with a wide variety of spooky Halloween cutouts — ghosts, coffins, tombstones, bats, the word “Spooky” itself, and more. Each one offers a blank canvas ready for paint, markers, glitter, or anything you feel like experimenting with. Below, we’ll explore several categories of cutouts and give you inspiration for DIY spooky crafts, whether you’re crafting for adults, kids, or the whole family.
Ghost cutouts: Halloween spookiness
No Halloween would be complete without ghosts drifting around your space. There’s just something about that floaty shape — simple, classic, and instantly recognizable.
For spooky crafts for kids, ghosts can be kept lighthearted and friendly. Have children paint them white, add googly eyes, and hang them with string for floating decorations. Older kids may enjoy outlining them in glow-in-the-dark paint so they’ll shine once the lights are off.
Adults might appreciate more detailed ghost designs. Try layering cheesecloth or gauze over a wooden ghost cutout to give it an eerie, textured effect. Add a dash of glitter or metallic paint to turn it into a Halloween party centerpiece. Depending on how you finish them, ghosts can be funny, cute, or downright chilling.
Tombstone cutouts: Rest in Peace in style
Tombstones carry instant Halloween vibes. Wooden tombstone cutouts are perfect for turning any space into a creepy graveyard.
For spooky crafts for adults, consider painting tombstones with faux cracks. Tap in a little green at the base for “moss.” If you have it, a crackle medium or a few sanded scratches sell the weathered look. Letter in “RIP,” “Beware,” or cheeky epitaphs with a paint pen. Line them along the walkway, cluster them on a console table, or use them as place cards at a party.
Working with kids? Keep things simple by letting them decorate with markers, stickers, or stencils. Tombstone cutouts can even double as name tags for classroom Halloween parties.
The flat wooden surface also makes these a great base for spooky arts and crafts projects, such as building a miniature graveyard scene. Pair them with toy skeletons or moss for extra atmosphere.
Coffin cutouts: dark and dramatic
Few Halloween images are as instantly creepy as a coffin. Woodpeckers’ coffin cutouts give you the perfect canvas for dramatic projects.
For a DIY spooky craft idea, paint the coffin black and use the small hinge to turn it into a functional little box — perfect for candy, jewelry, or a Halloween party favor. For a creepier vibe, paint a skeleton inside or line it with red felt to give it a Dracula-inspired touch.
Kids can use coffin cutouts as a fun surface to paint Halloween icons like skulls, bats, or pumpkins. Because the shape is simple, it’s easy to adapt for spooky Halloween crafts that don’t require advanced skills.
Adults might prefer using coffins as part of table décor, wreaths, or layered wall art. Their bold silhouette pops against almost any backdrop, making them work in both minimal and elaborate decorating styles.
Bat cutouts: flying frights
Bats just feel like Halloween, don’t they? They’re a classic when it comes to Halloween imagery, and wooden bat cutouts are both playful and versatile.
For spooky craft ideas with kids, bats can be painted black and strung together to create a garland. Add googly eyes or glitter to make them less scary and more fun for children.
Adults may choose to paint bats with metallic accents — think silver wings or bronze highlights — to create chic decorations that still carry Halloween flair. Bat cutouts also make great embellishments for wreaths, shadow boxes, or porch displays.
Hang them at different lengths on fishing line so they “hover.” Under a porch light, they throw great shadows; near a fan, they seem to flutter. A handful placed like that can shift the whole mood of a room in seconds.
The word “Spooky”: a statement piece
Sometimes you don’t need an image at all; just a word to set the tone. The “Spooky” cutout is a bold way to highlight the season.
This works perfectly for both spooky crafts for kids and adults. Kids can go wild with bright colors, glitter, or stickers, while adults may enjoy painting the letters in ombré shades of orange, black, and purple. You can also wrap the letters in twine or ribbon for a rustic look.
For DIY spooky crafts, this cutout works well as a centerpiece for a wreath or as part of a mantle or shelf display. It can also be used in classrooms or offices to bring Halloween cheer without going overboard. Think of it as a ready-made headline for your décor.
Skeleton & skull cutouts: creepy and fun
Skeletons and skulls have always been a Halloween favorite. Wooden skull cutouts from Woodpeckers are great for both lighthearted and eerie projects.
For spooky arts and crafts, kids can paint skulls with neon colors for a Day of the Dead-inspired look. Adults might lean into the creepier side, painting realistic details or adding cracks and shading for dramatic effect.
These also make excellent stencils for DIY spooky crafts — trace them onto paper or fabric for party invitations, banners, or costumes. They’re one of the easiest shapes to customize, and always get attention.
Pumpkin & Jack-O’-Lanter cutouts: a seasonal must
While pumpkins might feel more traditional than spooky, they’re still essential for Halloween. The right decoration can easily transform them into something eerie.
Pumpkin cutouts can be painted with scary faces to create wooden Jack-O’-Lanterns that last year after year. This is a great option for anyone who loves the look of carved pumpkins but doesn’t want to deal with the mess.
For spooky crafts for adults, consider layering paint for a more realistic pumpkin effect or adding creepy touches like spider webs or glow paint in the eyes. Kids can decorate pumpkins with stickers, foam pieces, or markers to make the activity safe and fun. They’re as versatile as real pumpkins, just without the carving cleanup.
Find your favorite Halloween cutouts at Woodpeckers
Halloween is the perfect time to embrace your artistic side. With Woodpeckers’ wide variety of spooky Halloween cutouts, you can create decorations that are as creepy, funny, or stylish as you want.
Hosting a party? Dress up the mantel and entryway. Expecting trick-or-treaters? Give the porch some drama. Prefer a quiet craft night? Spread out on the dining table and make a few pieces you’ll bring out every October.
Pick a shape, pick a color (or two), and go. After a little while, those blank cutouts will turn into DIY spooky crafts that feel personal — and your space will look like you planned it that way all along.
Did you enjoy our spooky crafts and cutouts guide? Be sure to check out our Halloween crafts shop to find the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one!
