60+ Spooky DIY Nightmare Before Christmas Themed Halloween Paper Craft

Create a spooky Jack Skellington lantern to bring Halloween vibes to your space.

Materials Used:

• White cardstock
• Black marker
• Scissors
• Glue
• LED candle or battery-operated light

Steps:

1. Start by cutting a square piece of white cardstock. The size should be around 6×6 inches.
2. Draw Jack Skellington’s face using a black marker. Focus on his signature smile and hollow eyes.
3. Once the drawing is done, fold the paper into a lantern shape, gluing the edges together to form a box.
4. Place an LED candle inside for a glowing effect.

Sally’s Patchwork Garland

A beautiful patchwork garland inspired by Sally’s look in The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Materials Used:

• Colored cardstock (red, blue, green, yellow)
• Scissors
• String or yarn
• Glue

Steps:

1. Cut various patches from the colored cardstock in different shapes and sizes.
2. Attach each patch to a long piece of string, ensuring they overlap slightly to create a patchwork effect.
3. Once finished, hang the garland around your space for a whimsical Halloween decoration.

Zero’s Ghost Paper Ornament

This ghostly ornament can hang from your Halloween tree or be displayed anywhere.

Materials Used:

• White tissue paper
• Black marker
• Glue
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut a piece of white tissue paper into a ghost-like shape, with a trailing tail.
2. Draw Zero’s eyes and nose with the black marker.
3. Fold the top part of the tissue paper over and glue a small loop of string for hanging.
4. Attach to your desired location.

Oogie Boogie’s Dice Paper Craft

Make your own set of spooky dice inspired by Oogie Boogie.

Materials Used:

• Green cardstock
• Black marker
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Glue

Steps:

1. Cut a square from green cardstock.
2. Draw black dots on the sides of the dice, ensuring they resemble Oogie Boogie’s dice pattern.
3. Fold the cardstock to form the cube shape and glue the edges together.
4. Use them as a fun decoration or even for a Halloween game.

Lock, Shock, and Barrel Masks

Create fun paper masks of the mischievous trio from The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Materials Used:

• Colored cardstock (purple, red, green)
• Glue
• Scissors
• Elastic cord

Steps:

1. Draw and cut out the shapes of the masks for Lock, Shock, and Barrel on the cardstock.
2. Color each mask with the appropriate colors for the characters.
3. Cut holes for the eyes and glue an elastic cord on the sides to hold the mask on your head.

Jack Skellington Pop-up Card

Create a surprise pop-up card featuring Jack Skellington.

Materials Used:

• Black and white cardstock
• Scissors
• Glue
• Marker

Steps:

1. Cut a black piece of cardstock for the card base and fold it in half.
2. Create a pop-up Jack Skellington by cutting out his face and folding it accordion-style.
3. Glue the pop-up mechanism inside the card.
4. Draw additional decorations like bats or pumpkins and write a spooky Halloween message.

Hanging Bat Garland

A simple and spooky bat garland to complement your Halloween decor.

Materials Used:

• Black cardstock
• Scissors
• String or yarn
• Glue

Steps:

1. Cut out several bat shapes from black cardstock.
2. Attach the bats to a string using glue, spaced evenly.
3. Hang the garland around your home to add a gothic touch.

Spooky Spider Web Paper Craft

A spooky spider web is a must for any Halloween celebration.

Materials Used:

• White or black cardstock
• Scissors
• Glue
• Small plastic spider (optional)

Steps:

1. Cut the cardstock into a square and draw a spiderweb design using a pencil.
2. Carefully cut along the lines to create the web shape.
3. Glue the spider to the center, or simply hang the web for decoration.

Pumpkin King Mask

Make your own Pumpkin King mask, just like the one Jack Skellington wears in The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Materials Used:

• Orange and black cardstock
• Glue
• Scissors
• Elastic cord

Steps:

1. Cut a pumpkin shape out of the orange cardstock, leaving space for eyes and a mouth.
2. Cut out the eyes and mouth and glue black cardstock behind the holes.
3. Attach an elastic cord to the sides to wear the mask.

The Mayor’s Double-Faced Mask

Craft a mask with two faces, representing the Mayor’s ever-changing moods.

Materials Used:

• White and black cardstock
• Scissors
• Glue
• Elastic cord

Steps:

1. Cut out two large circles from the white cardstock for the base of the mask.
2. On one circle, draw a smiling face, and on the other, draw a frowning face.
3. Attach the two faces to each other and glue the elastic cord to hold the mask.

Jack Skellington Snowflake

Make a delicate paper snowflake design inspired by Jack Skellington’s face.

Materials Used:

• White cardstock
• Scissors
• Glue

Steps:

1. Fold a piece of white cardstock into a triangle and cut out a snowflake design, focusing on Jack Skellington’s face.
2. Unfold the paper to reveal the intricate snowflake pattern.
3. Hang it as a decoration for a festive touch.

Sally’s Potion Bottles

Create paper potion bottles inspired by Sally’s creepy concoctions.

Materials Used:

• Colored cardstock (purple, green, red)
• Scissors
• Glue
• Black marker

Steps:

1. Cut out the shape of a potion bottle from the cardstock.
2. Add labels to each bottle, decorating with creepy designs or the names of potions.
3. Glue the bottles together to form a set of spooky potion containers.

Bat Wings for Jack Skellington

Create paper wings for Jack to complete your Halloween decor.

Materials Used:

• Black cardstock
• Scissors
• Glue

Steps:

1. Cut out large bat wings from black cardstock.
2. Attach them to a central point to create a full winged silhouette.
3. Hang the wings as part of your spooky display.

Nightmare Before Christmas Wall Art

Create your own Nightmare Before Christmas-inspired art for your walls.

Materials Used:

• Large piece of black poster board
• White chalk or pencil
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Draw or stencil an iconic image from The Nightmare Before Christmas, such as Jack Skellington’s face or the Spiral Hill.
2. Use white chalk to add details and shading for a more eerie effect.
3. Display it prominently as part of your Halloween decor.

Lock, Shock, and Barrel Paper Dolls

Make paper dolls of the mischievous trio: Lock, Shock, and Barrel.

Materials Used:

• Colored cardstock
• Scissors
• Glue

Steps:

1. Cut out individual parts for each character (head, body, arms, legs).
2. Assemble the parts of each character, gluing them together.
3. Use them as decorations or set them up for a fun Halloween display.

Spiral Hill Paper Craft

Create a 3D version of the iconic Spiral Hill from The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Materials Used:

• Black and green cardstock
• Scissors
• Glue

Steps:

1. Cut out a spiral shape from the black cardstock to represent the hill.
2. Attach the spiral to a green base to simulate the grassy hill.
3. Use additional decorations like a paper moon or Jack’s house.

Oogie Boogie Paper Bag

Make a paper bag resembling Oogie Boogie’s shape for storing Halloween candy.

Materials Used:

• Brown paper bag
• Black marker
• Scissors
• Glue

Steps:

1. Take a brown paper bag and cut it into the shape of Oogie Boogie.
2. Draw his face and details on the bag with a black marker.
3. Use it as a candy holder or decorative item.

Jack’s Skull Cupcake Toppers

Add spooky flair to your Halloween cupcakes with Jack Skellington toppers.

Materials Used:

• White and black cardstock
• Scissors
• Glue

Steps:

1. Cut out small circles from the white cardstock.
2. Draw Jack Skellington’s face on each circle.
3. Attach the circles to toothpicks and place them on your cupcakes.

Oogie Boogie’s Dice Garland

Create a garland of dice inspired by Oogie Boogie’s game.

Materials Used:

• Green cardstock
• Black marker
• Scissors
• String

Steps:

1. Cut small square pieces of green cardstock to resemble dice.
2. Draw numbers or symbols on each dice using a black marker.
3. String them together to create a fun and spooky garland.

Sally’s Fabric Rose

Create a paper version of Sally’s fabric rose.

Materials Used:

• Red and green cardstock
• Scissors
• Glue

Steps:

1. Cut out petal shapes from red cardstock.
2. Layer the petals to form a flower.
3. Add a green stem and leaf to complete the flower.

Pumpkin King Shadow Box

Create a shadow box featuring the Pumpkin King’s eerie silhouette.

Materials Used:

• Black cardstock
• Shadow box frame
• Scissors
• Glue

Steps:

1. Cut out the shape of Jack Skellington’s silhouette from the black cardstock.
2. Place it inside a shadow box frame, layering the silhouette.
3. Add additional spooky details like bats or pumpkins around the frame.

Spooky Pumpkin Paper Luminarias

Make spooky paper luminarias featuring Halloween pumpkins.

Materials Used:

• Orange and black cardstock
• Scissors
• Glue
• LED candle

Steps:

1. Cut pumpkin shapes from the orange cardstock.
2. Attach black cut-out faces to each pumpkin.
3. Fold the paper to create a lantern shape and place an LED candle inside.

Jack Skellington Confetti

Make Jack Skellington-shaped confetti for your Halloween party.

Materials Used:

• White cardstock
• Black marker
• Hole punch

Steps:

1. Draw Jack Skellington faces on the white cardstock.
2. Use a hole punch to cut out the faces as confetti.
3. Sprinkle the confetti on your Halloween table or party area.

Oogie Boogie’s Paper Lantern

Create a paper lantern inspired by Oogie Boogie’s spooky design.

Materials Used:

• Green cardstock
• Black marker
• LED candle
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut a large rectangle from the green cardstock.
2. Fold it into a lantern shape and decorate with Oogie Boogie’s face using a black marker.
3. Place an LED candle inside for an eerie effect.

Spiral Hill Paper Cut-out

Create a paper cut-out of the iconic Spiral Hill from the movie.

Materials Used:

• Black and white cardstock
• Scissors
• Glue

Steps:

1. Cut out a spiraling hill from the black cardstock.
2. Attach it to a white background to make it stand out.
3. Use it as wall art or part of your Halloween decorations.

Lock, Shock, and Barrel Paper Frames

Create frames with cut-outs of the mischievous trio.

Materials Used:

• Colored cardstock
• Scissors
• Glue
• Frames

Steps:

1. Cut the images of Lock, Shock, and Barrel from the colored cardstock.
2. Glue them onto frames for a fun, spooky addition to your decor.

Nightmare Before Christmas Ticket Stub

Design your own Nightmare Before Christmas-themed ticket stubs.

Materials Used:

• Yellow cardstock
• Black marker
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut the cardstock into a ticket shape.
2. Write spooky phrases or movie quotes on the stubs.
3. Use them as party invitations or Halloween keepsakes.

Sally’s Stitched Heart

Create Sally’s stitched heart for a heartfelt Halloween decoration.

Materials Used:

• Red and white cardstock
• Scissors
• Glue

Steps:

1. Cut out a heart shape from the red cardstock.
2. Add stitch marks using white cardstock to create Sally’s iconic stitched look.
3. Hang it as part of your Halloween decor.

Pumpkin King Card Holder

Create a spooky Pumpkin King card holder.

Materials Used:

• Orange cardstock
• Scissors
• Glue

Steps:

1. Cut out a pumpkin shape from orange cardstock.
2. Fold it to create a 3D card holder.
3. Add spooky decorations like Jack Skellington’s face.

Oogie Boogie Spider Web

Design a paper spider web with Oogie Boogie-inspired designs.

Materials Used:

• Green cardstock
• Scissors
• Glue

Steps:

1. Cut out a spider web shape from the green cardstock.
2. Decorate it with Oogie Boogie symbols or spider illustrations.
3. Hang it in a spooky corner to add Halloween ambiance.

Assembly and Decoration Ideas for Paper Crafts

Paper crafts are a fantastic way to add a personal touch to any celebration or home décor. Whether you’re looking for simple decorations or creative displays, paper crafts can be assembled in various ways to suit different themes. Here are some fun and easy assembly and decoration ideas for showcasing your handmade paper pieces:

1. Arrange on a String or Garland for Easy Hanging
   • Stringing your paper crafts along a piece of twine or ribbon creates a beautiful garland that can be draped across walls, windows, or ceilings.
   • This is an ideal way to showcase multiple pieces in a cohesive display and can be reused for different occasions.
2. Use as Standalone Cutouts for Table Displays or Door Decorations
   • Paper crafts can be placed on tables as part of a centerpiece or used as standalone cutouts for a unique touch.
   • Hang them on doors or windows to create a festive atmosphere. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or special event, these cutouts will add a playful flair.
3. Attach to Gift Boxes or Use as Gift Tags for Themed Presents
   • Add an extra layer of charm by attaching paper crafts to gift boxes as decorative elements.
   • Paper cutouts also work wonderfully as gift tags, enhancing the presentation of your themed gifts with a personalized, crafty touch.

These ideas can transform any event or home décor project into something special, allowing your paper crafts to shine in creative ways.

Advanced Tips for Creative Paper Projects

If you’re looking to elevate your paper crafting skills, here are some advanced tips that can add depth, uniqueness, and a personal touch to your projects. These techniques will help transform simple designs into sophisticated creations:

1. Layering for a 3D Effect
   Adding multiple layers to your design is a fantastic way to create a three-dimensional effect. By using varying heights and depths, you can make certain elements of your design pop. Try cutting out shapes and stacking them with foam tape or other materials to give the illusion of depth.
2. Personalization
   Give your project a personal touch by incorporating names, dates, or unique messages. Whether it’s a birthday card, a wedding invitation, or a keepsake, custom text can make your creation truly special. You can handwrite, stamp, or even use die cuts to achieve the desired effect.
3. Color Variations
   Experiment with different colors and paper textures to make your design stand out. Use contrasting colors to make certain elements pop, or try out a monochromatic scheme for a more subtle, elegant look. Adding patterned or textured paper can also provide extra visual interest to your project.
4. Glow-In-The-Dark Elements
   Add a fun and unexpected twist by incorporating glow-in-the-dark elements. Special paints or adhesives that glow in the dark can be used on certain areas of your project, such as stars or other decorative features. This effect is especially striking for night-time or outdoor events, making your creation stand out even after the lights go out.

These advanced techniques are a great way to take your paper crafting projects to the next level, whether you’re creating cards, invitations, scrapbooks, or other paper-based items.

Can I use regular printer paper for this project?

Yes, regular printer paper works fine for this project, but for a more durable craft, you can use thicker cardstock. This will also help if you’re creating 3D pieces or detailed cutouts.

How can I make the characters from “The Nightmare Before Christmas” look more detailed?

To add more detail to the characters, you can use markers, colored pencils, or watercolors to draw extra features or shadows. You can also cut out small pieces of paper to create layered effects, like Jack Skellington’s face or the bat wings on a craft pumpkin.

Do I need a template for the craft?

Templates are optional but can be helpful, especially if you’re looking to recreate specific elements like Jack Skellington’s face, Sally’s patchwork dress, or the iconic pumpkin from the movie. You can find downloadable templates online or create your own based on your vision.

How can I make my paper craft 3D?

To make your craft more three-dimensional, consider using folded paper for elements like Jack’s hands or the spiral hill. You can also layer different cutouts using foam tape or glue to give a raised effect.

How long will it take to finish this DIY project?

The time to complete your Nightmare Before Christmas paper craft will depend on the complexity and size of your project. Simple crafts can take an hour or two, while more detailed and intricate ones may take several hours or more.