We created our own version of this project on Built by Kids. See our Witch and Grim Reaper Silhouettes.
Even if you’re past the age for trick-or-treating, Halloween is a great reason to decorate your home and yard. If you want to make your house the spookiest on the block, try these DIY haunted house silhouettes. They deliver maximum impact for minimal cost and effort, and are a fun, family-friendly project that kids can help with.
This project is simple to pull together. Before you start, gather the following supplies:
Materials
• A large roll of black paper
• White chalk or a light pencil for tracing
• Scissors or a craft knife with a cutting mat
• PDFs of silhouette images (original designs were shared by Craft magazine)
Optional extras to set the mood:
• A Halloween playlist (Ghostbusters, Thriller, Monster Mash, etc.)
• Cold cider or another seasonal drink
• An assortment of Halloween candy to keep everyone energized
This idea comes from illustrator Jeffrey Rudell, whose popular spooky silhouettes were collected into the book “Spooky Halloween Silhouettes.” Rudell’s simple yet striking designs are perfect for windows and front-yard displays.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Choose the silhouette designs you like and print them at home or take the files to a copy shop for enlargement. Match the size to your windows for the best effect.
- If you’ve printed small templates, have them enlarged at a local copy store to fit your windows or entryway.
- Place the enlarged printouts on the black paper and trace the outlines with white chalk so the shapes are easy to see.
- Carefully cut out each silhouette with scissors or a craft knife. For delicate details, use a sharp craft knife and a steady hand.
- Mount the silhouettes in your windows. Larger shapes can be taped directly to the glass; smaller pieces look great suspended with fishing line or thin thread for a floating effect.
If you prefer a custom touch, freehand your own creepy shapes directly onto the black paper, cut them out, and arrange them in your windows or around the porch. Experiment with layered silhouettes and backlighting for more depth and drama—placing a lamp or string lights behind a window silhouette creates a striking, shadowy effect.
These silhouettes are inexpensive, reusable, and easy to swap each year. They work well for front windows, porch panels, or even as cutouts tucked into shrubs for a yard display. Consider combining classic Halloween figures—witches, black cats, ghosts, and skeletons—with a few original creations to make a personalized haunted scene.
Will you try these spooky silhouettes for your Halloween décor? They’re a quick way to transform your home into a memorable, eerie display that neighbors and trick-or-treaters will love. Photo courtesy of Craftzin.