Looking for a fun Halloween craft for kids? This free printable 3D paper ghost craft is a creative way to make a ghost with a little personality! Kids can color or paint a colorful checkerboard pattern, decorate the accessories, and make their ghost pop right off the page.
With accessories like a cozy beanie, sneakers, a bow, and even a skateboard, this little ghost is ready for some Halloween fun!
A Fun 3D Halloween Ghost Craft
What makes this ghost craft extra fun is the 3D effect! Small tabs on either side of the ghost attach to a background sheet, giving it a curved shape that pops right off the paper.
The printable also includes a light gray grid that’s perfect for creating a checkerboard design. Kids can choose their favorite colors, experiment with patterns, and give their ghost a style all its own.
Add a beanie or bow, some sneakers, and a skateboard to complete the look!
It’s a fun Halloween art project for home, classrooms, or a creative afternoon with the kids.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Free printable 3D paper ghost craft template
- White printer paper or cardstock
- Paint, markers, or crayons
- Paintbrush (if painting)
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
- An extra sheet of paper for the background
How to Make Your 3D Ghost Craft
Step 1: Print your ghost.
Download the free printable ghost craft and print it on regular white paper or cardstock. Everything you need for your ghost is included on one page!
Step 2: Color or paint your ghost.
Use the light gray grid lines to create a colorful checkerboard pattern! Alternate two colors or come up with your own design.
Tip: Lighter colors work especially well for this craft! They’ll help the ghost’s eyes and details on the accessories stay visible. If you’re using darker colors, you can always go back over the details with a marker.
Step 3: Decorate the accessories.
Color the beanie, bow, sneakers, and skateboard. Mix and match colors to give your ghost its own personality!
Step 4: Cut out your pieces.
Carefully cut around the ghost, keeping the tabs on either side attached. Cut out any accessories you’d like to use.
Step 5: Make your ghost pop out!
Fold the side tabs behind the ghost. Gently curve the ghost outward, then glue the tabs to a separate sheet of paper.
The trick is to glue the tabs closer together than they naturally sit when the ghost is flat. This creates the curved, 3D effect that makes your ghost pop right off the page!
Hold the tabs in place until the glue is secure.
Step 6: Add the finishing touches.
Attach your ghost’s accessories with glue or tape. Add the beanie or bow, then arrange the sneakers and skateboard to complete the look.
And that’s it! Your one-of-a-kind 3D ghost is ready to display.
Tips for Crafting With Younger Kids
This ghost craft is easy to adapt for little hands!
For younger children or classroom activities, consider cutting out the ghost and accessories ahead of time. That way, kids can spend more time coloring, painting, and creating.
You can also pre-fold the tabs to make assembling the 3D ghost a little easier.
If you’re making these with a group, glue sticks or double-sided tape can help keep the process simple and less messy.
Make Your Ghost Your Own!
One of the best parts of this craft is seeing all the different ways kids can decorate their ghosts.
Here are a few fun ideas to try:
- Classic checkerboard: Alternate two favorite colors for a bold, playful look.
- Pastel ghost: Try soft pink, lavender, or light blue for a sweet Halloween style.
- Halloween colors: Use orange, purple, or green for a festive design.
You can even make a whole collection of ghosts, each with a different personality.
Download Your Free Printable 3D Ghost Craft
Ready to make your own ghost?
This free printable includes the ghost with its checkerboard grid and folding tabs, plus a beanie, bow, sneakers, and skateboard to decorate.
Just print, color, cut, and create!
I’d love to see how your ghosts turn out!
More Free Halloween Crafts for Kids
Looking for more creative Halloween activities? Check out these other free printables from Wild Cottonwood!
- Flapping Bat Craft – Make a paper bat with wings that flap as you move it.
- Haunted House Lift-the-Flap Craft – Create a spooky house with surprises hidden behind the windows.
- Ghost Garland Printable – Make an adorable ghost garland for Halloween decorating.
Happy crafting!
