Step-by-Step Guide to Halloween Card Making

Welcome to the Blog today, Friends.

Welcome to the Blog today, Friends! I can’t believe it’s already the middle of September, especially when it is still so hot outside. It certainly doesn’t feel like autumn here yet! When you’re still thinking about warm summer days, it’s a little hard to wrap your head around autumn holidays, Halloween, and decorating for fall. Somehow, though, the calendar keeps moving right along!

Even if the weather hasn’t gotten the memo, I’ve been getting into the Halloween spirit in my craft room. I’ve been working on some fun Halloween cards to send to friends and family, and I thought it would be fun to share the making of one of these cute little cards with all of you.

There is something especially nice about receiving a handmade card in the mail. In this age of texts and emails, opening the mailbox and finding a card that someone took the time to make just for you feels like a little surprise. And Halloween is such a fun holiday for crafting! There are pumpkins, ghosts, bats, spiders, autumn colors, and all sorts of whimsical possibilities.

So, while the temperatures outside may still be saying “summer,” let’s pretend that crisp autumn air is just around the corner, gather up our crafting supplies, and make a cheerful little Halloween card together. Grab a cup of tea—or perhaps something cool to drink since it’s still so hot—and let’s get started!

I started by selecting the papers for my card. I chose four different designer paper patterns in blacks and oranges that seemed perfect for a Halloween project. I love mixing patterns when I’m making cards, and these papers have just the right combination of spooky, cheerful, and fun.

Black cardstock was used for the base of the card, giving all those colorful patterns a nice, dramatic background. I also added two narrow strips of decorative edging paper. You could easily cut these strips from another piece of designer paper if you don’t have edging paper on hand. I happened to have these two pieces in my stash and thought they would be perfect for this card.

One has a fun moon-and-stars pattern, while the other is a geometric design in orange and white. I love little details like these because they add another layer of pattern and interest without overwhelming the card. And, of course, using pieces I already had tucked away in my craft supplies is always a good thing!

Cut the paper to the following dimensions:

Black cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ scored at 4 1/4″

1 piece 3 1/4″ x 3 1/4″

Scraps for witch die cut and trick or treat punch

Designer Paper: 1 piece 2 3/4″ x 4 1/4 “

Second DSP: 1 piece 2 3/4″ x 4 1/4″

Third DSP: 1 piece 3″ x 3″

DSP strips x 2: 1/2″ x 4 1/4″

White Cardstock: 1 piece 2 3/4″ x 2 3/4″

Orange scraps for pumpkin and witch’s skirt

Take your folded base card and turn it to portrait view. Glue the first piece of DSP to the top half of the card making sure the edges are even with the base card. Next glue down the second DSP to the bottom of the card making sure the edges are straight.

Attach the first strip of 1/2″ paper to cover the join of the two DSP papers. Next glue down the second strip above the first with edges joining. Now you’re ready to assemble the second part of the card.

Glue your third DSP, the 3″ x 3″ paper to the square black card stock. Then glue down the white card stock square in the center of the DSP paper. You now have three layers of squares glued one on top of the other with edges showing. Now take that collection of squares and glue it to the middle of your card front. creating a layered look on the font of your card.

You can see that layer in this picture. Sorry, forgot to take one without the witch.

Create your witch with the die cut and then trace the outline of the pumpkin and the skirt on a solid piece of orange scrap paper. Fussy cut the shapes and glue them to the back of the die cut creating this lovely look for the skirt and the pumpkin.

Punch out the trick or treat in black card stock or create your own sentiment using a die cut or a stamp. Adhere the dimensionals to the back of the witch and your sentiment to give a 3D look to the card. Attach the witch and the sentiment to the front of the card. I liked the look of the witch partly on and partly off of the white cardstock but you can put it wherever you like.

You can substitute another die cut or a stamp for the witch and just have fun playing with the patterns.

I made two of these cards—one to experiment with the design and another to see if I could easily repeat it. Sometimes when I’m making a new card, I have to make a little trial version first just to see how everything is going to come together. Once I’ve worked out the details, I can make a second one with much more confidence!

I also created two different looks for the inside of the cards. The base for the inside is 4″ x 5 1/4″. As you can see, one card has an orange interior and the other has a white interior. Either one works beautifully, so you can choose whichever look you prefer.

From there, you can just have fun with the inside! Add a stamped sentiment, decorate it with some of the designer papers you used on the front, or simply leave plenty of room for a handwritten message. I think the inside of a handmade card is another opportunity to add a little personality and make the card special for the person receiving it.

This was such a fun card to make, and I think it would be suitable for crafters of all levels. You don’t have to be an expert card maker to give it a try. Just gather your papers, enjoy the process, and have a little fun creating something festive for Halloween.

Thank you so much for joining me here today for a little card-making therapy! There is something wonderfully relaxing about sitting down with pretty papers, a few crafty supplies, and a project in front of you. I hope this little Halloween card has inspired you to make one of your own.

Until next time, enjoy your crafting—and Happy Halloween!