DIY Paper Plate Spiders; As Halloween approaches, the allure of all things spooky becomes hard to resist. Among the many creepy creatures that capture our imagination, spiders hold a special place. Their intricate webs and unique shapes inspire creativity, making them perfect for craft projects. This blog post will guide you through 14 delightful DIY paper plate spider crafts that are fun for all ages, whether you’re looking for activities to keep the kids entertained or unique decorations for your home.
Spider Craft Ideas
1. Classic Paper Plate Spider
The classic paper plate spider is a foundational Halloween craft that’s ideal for young crafters. Begin by painting one side of a standard paper plate black and allowing it to dry completely. Cut six pipe cleaners in half to make twelve legs, then carefully poke holes around the edge of the plate to insert each leg. Bend the pipe cleaners at the joints to mimic the natural curves of spider legs. Finish the look with two or more googly eyes glued to the center of the plate for a fun and friendly face.
This design is simple enough for preschoolers, yet satisfying for older kids who want to practice fine motor skills. The flexible materials allow for creativity in how the legs are positioned, giving each spider a unique personality. You can even try using plates of different sizes to make a family of classic spiders. Add glitter, stickers, or sequins for a custom touch. These spiders make excellent decorations for windowsills, doors, or classroom walls.This timeless design uses a painted paper plate to create a simple yet effective spider.
2. 3D Pipe Cleaner Spider
Take your spooky creations to the next level with this 3D pipe cleaner spider. After painting your paper plate black, fold four pipe cleaners in half and twist them to create jointed “V” shapes. Glue each twisted leg under the plate so they jut outward and lift the spider off the surface. This adds a lifelike quality and makes it appear as though your spider is creeping across the table. Finish it with large googly eyes to enhance the effect.
This craft is perfect for encouraging children to explore dimension and structure in their artwork. The legs can be positioned to crawl, stand, or crouch, offering plenty of options for play and display. Try mixing pipe cleaner colors or using glitter-coated ones for added flair. These 3D spiders are great centerpieces for Halloween tablescapes or haunted house setups. They’re sure to delight kids and visitors alike with their realistic appeal.
3. Glittery Spider Decoration
Add some shimmer and shine to your Halloween décor with a glittery spider decoration. Begin by painting a paper plate black, then apply white glue in swirling or zigzag web-like designs. Sprinkle your favorite shade of glitter—silver, purple, or orange works great—over the glue and shake off the excess. Once the plate dries, attach pipe cleaner legs and large googly eyes to complete the design. The result is a spider that’s equal parts spooky and glamorous.
This craft is especially appealing to kids who love working with sparkly materials. It offers a fun sensory experience as they handle glitter and pipe cleaners. You can experiment with glow-in-the-dark glitter for a magical nighttime effect. These glitter spiders are ideal for hanging in windows, placing on mantels, or adorning Halloween party tables. They’re eye-catching and add a festive pop to your seasonal setup.
4. Spider Web Plate
The spider web plate is a perfect blend of spooky and stylish. Start with a plain paper plate and glue white yarn in a spiral pattern from the center outward to mimic a spider’s web. Let the web dry thoroughly, then glue a small, painted black spider—crafted from a mini paper plate or pom-poms—onto the web. Add pipe cleaner legs and googly eyes for extra detail. The finished piece makes an excellent wall hanging or table decoration.
This craft teaches kids about patterns and structure while keeping the fun intact. The spiral web design helps younger children practice fine motor coordination and sequencing. You can even turn this project into a lesson about real spider webs and their natural geometry. Vary the yarn color or use metallic string for added contrast. It’s a visually striking craft that blends learning with Halloween fun.
5. Spider Family Craft
Celebrate family and creativity with this charming spider family craft. Use paper plates in small, medium, and large sizes to represent baby, parent, and grandparent spiders. Paint each plate black and let them dry completely. Then, cut pipe cleaners to various lengths to make proportionate legs for each family member. Decorate with googly eyes and colored craft foam shapes to differentiate each spider.
This activity opens up storytelling possibilities as kids name their spiders and create family dynamics. It’s a wonderful craft for group projects or sibling crafting sessions. Display the spider family on a bulletin board, wall, or across a mantel. You can even write short descriptions or “bios” for each family member on small cards. It’s a delightful way to add heartwarming charm to Halloween festivities.
6. Monster Spider
For kids who love bold colors and wild designs, the monster spider is a top pick. Instead of sticking with traditional black, use bright, neon, or rainbow paint on the paper plate base. Once the plate dries, add pipe cleaners in clashing or complementary shades to form the legs. Stick on googly eyes—lots of them—and use foam spikes, pompoms, or stickers for added monster features. Each spider becomes a goofy, colorful character all its own.
This craft is fantastic for encouraging imagination and letting kids break away from traditional Halloween colors. The more outrageous, the better—there’s no wrong way to make a monster spider. You can also use glow-in-the-dark elements or glitter paint to amplify the visual impact. These spiders are perfect for decorating children’s rooms or party spaces with a fun, playful vibe. It’s a silly take on a spooky classic that kids will love.
7. Pinecone Spider
Bring nature into your Halloween crafts with the pinecone spider. Begin by painting a pinecone black or leaving it natural for a more rustic look. Place the pinecone on a black paper plate and glue it down securely. Then attach pipe cleaner legs to the sides of the plate, bending them to give the illusion that the spider is crawling. Add a pair of large googly eyes near the top of the pinecone for a fun finishing touch.
This craft is a great way to incorporate outdoor exploration into crafting time. Kids can collect pinecones during a nature walk, adding an educational twist to the project. The textures and shapes of real pinecones bring depth and uniqueness to each spider. Pinecone spiders work well in autumn-themed decorations, blending seamlessly with pumpkins, leaves, and gourds. They’re the perfect mix of creepy and crafty.
8. Glow-in-the-Dark Spider
Make your Halloween night extra spooky with a glow-in-the-dark spider craft. Paint a paper plate with glow-in-the-dark paint and let it dry thoroughly. Once dry, attach glow-in-the-dark pipe cleaners for legs and finish with bright or even reflective googly eyes. Charge the spider under a lamp or sunlight to enhance its glowing effect. Turn off the lights and watch your spider come to life!
This craft is ideal for evening parties, haunted houses, or even just a spooky bedroom décor. Kids will love the magic of seeing their creation light up in the dark. For added fun, create a few of these spiders and hang them in clusters around your home. You can also use black lights to intensify the glowing effect during Halloween events. It’s an eerie and exciting way to make your spiders stand out.
9. Interactive Spider
The interactive spider craft is a clever twist that lets kids move and play with their creation. Start by painting a paper plate black and allowing it to dry. Cut and bend eight pipe cleaners into legs and attach them to the plate using brads (paper fasteners), which allow the legs to rotate. Add a pair of googly eyes and maybe even a small paper tongue or fangs for extra personality. The movable legs bring a dynamic and playful element to your spider craft.
This is a great project for engaging young children in both crafting and imaginative play. Kids will love posing their spiders in different ways—crawling, dancing, or even waving. You can use this craft as a storytelling tool or include it in interactive Halloween games. Try making a spider race or having kids act out spider movements. It’s not just a decoration—it’s a toy they’ll enjoy again and again.
10. Spider Headbands
Transform your paper plate spiders into wearable art with this creative headband project. Cut a paper plate in half and paint it black, letting it dry completely. Attach four pipe cleaners to each side so that they stand upright like spider legs. Add googly eyes and perhaps some pom-poms or stickers to give your spider a face full of character. Use a strip of cardstock or elastic to turn your creation into a headband that fits comfortably.
This craft is perfect for Halloween parties, classroom activities, or trick-or-treating costumes. Kids will love making their own personalized spider hats and showing them off to friends and family. You can offer a variety of materials so each child’s headband is one-of-a-kind. It’s a wearable keepsake that encourages both creativity and confidence. Plus, they’ll get plenty of smiles while wearing it out and about.
11. Storytelling Spider
Take your spider crafts to the next level with this storytelling version that inspires both art and imagination. Create several small paper plate spiders, each with unique colors and expressions. Hang them from strings on a branch, stick, or mobile to create a scene that sets the stage for a story. Kids can name each spider and invent tales about their adventures or family life. Add backgrounds or props made from construction paper to enrich the storytelling environment.
This activity encourages language development and creative thinking, especially in group settings. Teachers or parents can prompt kids with questions like “What is this spider afraid of?” or “Where is this spider going?” Each spider becomes a character in a larger narrative, transforming simple crafts into powerful tools for expression. It’s an excellent option for rainy-day activities or classroom projects. Plus, when not in use, the storytelling spider display becomes a charming Halloween decoration.
12. Paper Plate Spider Mask
Let kids step into the role of their favorite eight-legged friend with a DIY spider mask. Paint a paper plate black, then carefully cut out two holes for eyes. Attach pipe cleaner legs to either side, bending them outwards for a dramatic 3D look. Add additional decorations like glitter, fake fangs, or tiny spiders for more detail. Finish by attaching string or elastic so the mask can be worn comfortably.
Spider masks are a hit at Halloween parties and costume parades, giving kids a chance to be part of the spooky fun. They can also double as photo booth props or dramatic play accessories. This craft encourages imaginative play and helps build confidence as children embody their character. For a classroom twist, have each child create a unique spider and present its backstory while wearing the mask. It’s spooky, silly, and seriously fun.
13. Splat Spider
Get ready for some messy fun with the splat spider craft! Start by placing a paper plate on a protective surface, then dip a toothbrush into black paint. Use your finger or another brush to flick or splatter the paint onto the plate, creating a chaotic and wild backdrop. Once the paint dries, attach pipe cleaner legs and googly eyes to bring your splat spider to life. The result is a bold and quirky spider with a one-of-a-kind appearance.
This craft is perfect for energetic kids who enjoy sensory play and don’t mind a little mess. Each splat comes out differently, so every spider is a unique work of abstract art. You can use this technique to teach about texture and randomness in design. Add neon or glow-in-the-dark paint for extra flair. It’s an exciting and artistic way to put a new spin on spider crafting.
14. Spider Art Collage
Wrap up your Halloween crafting with a spider art collage that combines all your favorite designs. Start with a large poster board or canvas and arrange your previously made paper plate spiders in a fun layout. Add yarn webbing between them to tie the pieces together visually. Use markers, stickers, and construction paper to fill in a spooky background complete with stars, moons, or even other Halloween creatures. Glue everything down and hang the finished piece for a show-stopping seasonal display.
This collage is an excellent group project that brings together various styles and personalities. It’s perfect for classrooms, parties, or family gatherings where everyone contributes their own spider creation. Not only does it showcase individual creativity, but it also demonstrates how collaborative art can tell a bigger story. You can continue adding to the collage each year as a seasonal tradition. It’s a meaningful and memorable way to celebrate spooky season together.
Conclusion
Crafting is not just an activity; it’s a way to unleash creativity and bond with loved ones. These 14 creepy crawly crafts are perfect for Halloween or any time you want to bring a little fun into your day. So gather your materials, unleash your imagination, and let the spider-making begin!
