Specialty: Kids Fun and Activities
17 Halloween art projects for kids and adults
Looking for something spooky to make for Halloween? We’ve got you covered with our pick of the best Halloween art projects for kids and adults to make!
Published: September 14, 2023 at 10:48 AM
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As the weather turns colder, we love to embrace the season and everything that goes with it – including Halloween! Making Halloween art projects can be a lot of fun and help kids in the mood for our favourite time of year.
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There are so many creative activities that they can try, from painting pumpkins to making own spooky decor for your home.
It’s a great season for budding artists and we’ve found lots of creepy Halloween art ideas to inspire you, including how to paint pumpkins and fabulously sinister Halloween rock painting ideas. Learn how to decorate autumn leaves, build your own spooky town cemetery scene and much more!
In this guide, we’ve included lots of Halloween art projects for kids, but there are plenty of ideas that adults will want to try too. These projects vary in difficulty, so there’s something for everyone to make.
Read on to explore our Halloween art projects for all ages…
17 best Halloween art projects for kids and adults
1. Pumpkin painting
Pumpkin painting is a popular Halloween trend at the moment and it’s a fun alternative to carving the pumpkin. You can create stunning results with simple painting techniques. Learn how to paint pumpkins for Halloween with Becki Clark’s step-by-step guide.
2. DIY skull string art
Create some fabulous artwork for your home with this brilliant string art technique from abeautifulmess.com. Simply place nails on a board to make the outline of the skull, then wrap the string around your design to make your own striking design. This one definitely isn’t for kids!
3. Halloween rock painting
Rock painting is lots of fun for kids and adults alike! You can paint a simple design such as a pumpkin or a spider’s web, or be more ambitious and cover your rock with a sinister Halloween scene. We love these cute little ghosts by @littleretromarket on Instagram.
4. Pumpkin painting
Create your own pumpkin scene using watercolour paints like this one by Elena Mozhvilo. Pumpkins come in different shades and varieties and some are even a beautiful blue-grey colour, so mix and match the colours and shapes to produce your own unique painting.
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5. Paper mache treat bowl
It’s not Halloween without a few tasty treats and this bowl is the perfect place to keep them. You make the bowl using a balloon, paper and glue, then decorate it by painting on a spider’s web. Find this Halloween art project in our paper mache ideas article.
6. Paper mache pumpkins
Combine painting and crafting to make this homemade paper mache pumpkin. This is a brilliant Halloween art project for kids! Learn how to make a paper mache pumpkin with Katie Dolan’s tutorial.
7. Halloween face painting
Show off your artistic skills with face painting! Once you get the hang of the basics, you can create a whole host of stunning effects – and your child will love it too. We particularly like this spooky spider face painting look from familiesonline.co.uk. Explore our easy Halloween face paint ideas for more inspiration.
8. Painted leaves
Gather up some fallen leaves on your next walk so that you can make painted leaves for Halloween! This is a really stunning Halloween art project that’s ideal for artists of all ages and abilities. We love this web design by @chanderskan on Instagram, but there are lots of brilliant ideas to discover if you search under #paintedleaves.
Easy Halloween crafts for toddlers
Why should older kids have all the fun? Get little children into crafting with Gathered’s Halloween crafts for toddlers.
9. How to draw an owl
Bring Hogwarts into your home this Halloween by drawing your own faithful owl companion. Take a look at this brilliant owl drawing tutorial from thevirtualinstructor.com which explains how to draw an owl using pen and ink techniques.
This is definitely one for older kids and teens to try!
10. Make a popsicle stick cemetery
Get painting and sticking to create your own haunting Halloween cemetery scene. This Halloween art project has some tricky elements, so children will need adult help to make it. Find out how to make a popsicle stick cemetery on lilblueboo.com.
11. Skeleton hand
Paint a skeletal hand in shades of blue, purple and green using watercolour paints for spooky results! We love this Halloween painting by @evierisebro on Instagram – have a go at painting your own version.
Again, this one is best for older kids. You can help younger children by drawing an outline for them to fill in with paint.
12. Wax resist spider’s web
Wax resist drawing is a clever painting technique to try – and one that you can use for other art projects too. To get this stunning effect, simply draw onto watercolour paper with a white crayon and then paint over the top using watercolours.
Find out how to make a wax resist spider’s web painting with Zina Harrington of letslassothemoon.com.
13. Halloween cat collage
Brighten up your home with this fun black cat collage! For this project, you just need some coloured paper, scissors, glue and a white pencil. Cut the cat heads using straight lines for a cute angular look. Find out how to make your own Halloween cat collage on artprojectsforkids.org.
14. Spooky Halloween mansion
Use paints and cardboard tubes to build your own spooky Halloween mansion complete with glowing windows. You can even add some Fimo pumpkins at the front of your castle to complete the look. Find the tutorial and make your own Halloween mansion on www.tts-group.co.uk.
15. How to draw a cat
A little black cat is the perfect addition to any Halloween drawing. Don’t worry if you’ve never drawn a cat before – it’s a lot easier than it looks. Follow Matt Breen’s how to draw a cat tutorial, which will show you how to sketch your own feline friend.
16. Salt painting
Add some texture to your paintings with this unusual Halloween art project for kids! You draw onto watercolour paper using glue, then cover it with salt. Once the glue has dried, dab the salt with watercolour paint or food colouring and watch the colours spread.
Find out how to try this technique on onelittleproject.com.
17. Spooky tree painting
Create your own creepy artwork with this spooky tree painting tutorial by craftsbyamanda.com. The great thing about this is that you can reuse the painting year after year.
Easy Halloween Face Painting Ideas
One of the BEST parts of Halloween (aside from all of the delicious candy) is dressing up in cool costumes and body art, right? It’s the time of year we all get to be someone – or something – else for a day! If you’re looking for easy Halloween face painting ideas to go with your costume, you’ve come to the right place. Check out this roundup of inspo, then shop your favorite Tulip Body Art products so you’re ready to win “best costume” this year – whether you’re celebrating virtually with friends or at home with the fam!
– Tulip Body Art Crayons – Shimmer and Black Light
– Additional brushes and sponges
– Cup/bowl of water
Half Skeleton Face Paint
If you’re in the mood for a bone-chilling good time, this easy Halloween face painting idea is the way to go! Sponge on a white base of Liquid Face Paint , then use a liner makeup brush to apply the black details. You can even add some glowing accents with the Liquid Glow Face Paint!
Campy Horror Movie Face Paint
Looking for an easy Halloween face painting idea that captures the creepy campy vibe of classic Halloween movies? Take a stab at this look! Use a cosmetic sponge to blend paints from a Face & Body Paint Kit, then add a knife headpiece for a simple way to up your spook factor this year.
Kitty Cat Face Paint
This easy Halloween face painting idea is the cat’s meow! Simply paint on a nose and fun feline features like whiskers, pop on some cat ears, and you’ll be ready to pounce on some Fright Night fun.
Cheetah Face Paint
Speaking of fierce felines … swoop some Tulip® Body Art and give this easy Halloween face painting idea a try. Use a paintbrush to create colorful abstract spots on your face and arms.
Black Light Body Art
For all of the abstract artists out there, this easy Halloween idea is for you! Black Light Body Art Crayons make it easy to draw on designs in any shape and style you like. Turn yourself into a work of art that lights up any Halloween party – day or night!
Butterflies Body Art
How about a look that gives everyone butterflies every time they see you? Spread your creative wings with Shimmering Body Art Crayons! It’s the butterfly effect in full effect.
Butterfly Face Paint
Let those wings fly all the way to your fabulous cheekbones with this easy Halloween face painting idea! Whether you want to use Body Art Crayons or face paints, this whimsical look will add some extra enchantment to your fairy or butterfly costume this year.
Third Eye Halloween Face Paint
We see exactly what you’re thinking … it’s time for another easy Halloween face painting idea! Give your third eye some attention with – well – a third eye face paint design. Make it kooky, spooky or strange, just make it creative with any Tulip Face & Body Paint.
Flower Child Body Art
Maybe you’re looking for an easy Halloween face painting idea that’s sweeter than scary? Everything’s rosier with flower designs in bright colors! Paint or draw them on from head to toe for a simple way to show some flower power this Halloween.
What easy Halloween face painting ideas are you dreaming up this year? Show us what you’re creating with Tulip Body Art products by tagging us on social @tulipcolorcrafts!
Top Ideas Of Halloween Face Paint For Kids
1. Perfect Pumpkin:
- Draw a thick red, pumpkin outline on the face. Then use a triangular sponge to fill in the orange. Make sure you blend the paint well around the edges.
- Using a paint brush, outline the pumpkin in brown and draw the vertical segment lines.
- Line the underneath in black and draw two triangles near the chin.
- With the black paint and a thin brush, draw the pumpkin smile. Ensure that you make the gaps in the teeth.
- Finish off the paint by drawing the green stalk on the child’s forehead.
2. Clown:
- Using a paint brush or sponge, apply white paint on the eyelids and around the brows. Make sure that the paint does not get into your kid’s eyes. Use the same white paint around the mouth area.
- Make a broad outline around the mouth area with red paint. Brush the lower lip with the same red paint and make a small dot on the tip of the nose.
- Use black paint to outline the white patches around the eyes. You can also make eyelashes with the same black paint. Your Halloween kids face paint is ready!
Quick tip
Lips, eyelids, and under eyes are sensitive areas that require utmost care. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or natural aloe vera gel before painting their face.
3. Tiger:
- Cover the face with orange paint.
- Apply white paint around the eyes. Outline the white paint with black paint.
- Use a thin paintbrush to draw tiger stripes on cheeks and forehead.
- Make a small black heart or a small triangle at the tip of the nose.
4. Dog:
- With white paint, paint a circle around one eye. Use the same color for creating the base of the mouth.
- Using a thin brush or sponge, create feathery strokes around the mouth edges to give a furry effect.
- With the red paint, make the dog’s tongue from the bottom lip down the chin.
- Now use black paint to make the nose and whisker follicles. You can also paint the upper lip black for a more realistic look.
- Using the same black paint, add the tongue details and outline the circle around the eye. This is an easy Halloween face painting for kids.
5. Vampire:
- Cover the whole face with a wash of white face paint.
- Use black paint to make a “widow’s peak” on the forehead. You can even use the black paint to accentuate the brows.
- Use white paint to make two fangs from the lower lip. Outline the fangs with black paint.
- Use red paint to fill the lips and make blood dripping from the fangs.
Point to consider
For a realistic fanged look, you can buy a set of fake fangs or make a pair using kid-friendly materials. However, it is essential to exercise caution while putting up the teeth and not use adhesives or fillers to avoid damaging your child’s teeth.
6. Pirate:
- Use a broad paintbrush to paint a red stripe across the forehead. Paint two red stripes at the end to give an appearance of a tied bandana. Give the red bandana a black outline. You can also make white or yellow dots on the bandana.
- Now use the black paint to make the eye patch. Make two narrow black stripes from the patch to the bandana.
- Using a thin paintbrush, make the pirate mustache and a goatee on the chin.
7. Bunny:
- Pull back the kid’s hair with a headband and cover his clothes with a cape.
- Apply gray paint on the face, leaving the eyelids and areas between the nose and mouth. If you want to give a thicker coverage, then apply a second coat of the paint after the first coat dries. Once the second coat dries, pat the paint with a sponge for an even finish.
- Apply white paint around the eyes and area around the nose and mouth.
- Now apply light pink paint on the apple of the cheeks.
- Using a thin bristle paint brush, make dark pink outlines around the white patch on the mouth and nose.
- Paint the lips using the same dark pink color and make dark pink dots above the mouth.
- Using another narrow brush and white paint, make the whiskers on the cheeks.
- Make two thick white lines for bunny teeth on the lower lip. Your little bunny is ready.
Related: Best Halloween Songs, Poems & Quotes For Kids To Celebrate
8. Skeleton:
- Cover the entire face of your kid with white paint. You can use a sponge or a large brush for painting. Leave a ½-inch border around the edge of the face.
- With a small makeup brush, circle the eyes with black paint and dots for teeth above and below the lips.
- Fill the hollows of the cheeks with black paint. Use the same black paint to draw cracks in the middle of the forehead. The cute skeleton is ready.
9. Witch:
- Cover your little girl’s face with yellow or green paint.
- Fill the lips and make the circle around the eyes with black paint.
- You can also make spider webs or bugs on the face. You will love this kids’ Halloween face painting.
Caution
Ensure that the paints you purchase are kid- and skin-friendly. If you plan on using glitter for face painting, ensure that you buy cosmetic glitter, as regular stationery store glitter contains metals that might harm the child.
10. Spider:
- Apply a white base across the kid’s eyes with a paintbrush or sponge, creating a wing shape. Outline the wings with black paint.
- Cover the forehead and half face with red paint. Leave out the nose.
- Use black paint to draw a spider between the eyebrows. Use the same color for spider webs on the forehead.
Related: 25 Exciting Halloween Games For Toddlers To Have Fun
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of paint do you use to paint kids’ faces?
Ordinary colors, not particularly meant for face painting, should not be used for this purpose. Face paints are usually available in cream, wax, or glycerine. Water-based face paints are easier to remove and may be more suitable for children. Make sure you check for FDA-approved products for safety.
2. Is face painting safe for kids?
Face painting may be safe for kids if proper precautions are followed. Water-based, non-toxic, and FDA-approved paints can be used for face painting. However, a patch test (putting the paint on a small area of skin and watching if it causes any reaction) is necessary before your child uses the face paint. Make sure you look for toxic ingredients that may be represented differently. For example, ingredients such as “kohl,” “kajal,” or “surma,” may indicate presence of lead and mercury may be listed as “mercurous chloride,” “calomel,” “mercuric,” or “mercurio” (1).
3. Is acrylic paint safe for kids’ faces?
No. Acrylic paints contain color pigments and chemicals such as ammonia, lead, and formaldehyde. These chemicals can cause allergic reactions on the skin. Hence, it is not safe for use on a child’s sensitive skin.
4. Can a child sleep with face paint on?
No. It is best to wipe the paint off as soon as possible. Leaving paint on your child’s skin for too long can cause skin irritation.
5. How do you get face paint off a child’s face?
Apply baby oil, baby lotion, or makeup remover to your child’s face. Let it sit on your child’s face for a while, so it breaks down the color. Then take a damp cotton ball or soft washcloth and gently wipe it off. Do not rub their skin too hard if the paint is stubborn. Wait for a few moments before trying again. You can wash their face with their regular face cleanser and follow it with a mild moisturizer.
Even if you have purchased the spookiest costume for your child, it would be incomplete without a good face painting. Take the fun and scariness levels of the costumes to the next level with these scary face paint ideas for kids. We have listed several face painting ideas ranging from adorable animals to scary mythological creatures. Although a few require simple strokes, others may need more time and patience. We suggest you practice before the night arrives. Also, while picking a theme, ensure that the face paint coordinates well with the outfit.
Infographic: Interesting Halloween-Inspired Face Painting Ideas For Children
Halloween is the perfect time for children to embrace their creativity and transform into spooky and enchanting characters. In this infographic below, explore various Halloween-inspired face painting ideas that will ignite children’s imaginations and add an extra touch of magic to their costumes.
Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below.
Let your kids get creative this Halloween with our tips on how to face paint a rabbit costume! Learn how to make your own rabbit ears and whiskers for a unique and fun costume.
References:
MomJunction’s articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
- Face Paints & Makeup: Choose Carefully to Avoid Toxic Ingredients.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Face-Paints-Makeup-Toxic-Ingredients.aspx
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