Picture a glowing moon hanging in a spooky October sky, with a tiny bat swooping right across it. That’s the magic we’re making today, and it starts with a paper plate, a squirt of paint, and one adorable handprint bat. This craft is messy in all the best ways, quick to set up, and the finished moon looks amazing taped to a window or stuck on the fridge.
It’s perfect for a classroom activity, a cozy afternoon at home, or a Halloween party station. Kids get to squish paint (a guaranteed favorite), watch a marbled moon appear like magic, and turn their own handprint into a bat. Let’s get crafting!
Craft Supplies:
Gather everything before you start so little hands don’t have to wait once the excitement kicks in.
- 1 white paper plate (per child)
- Yellow, orange, and gold paint
- Black construction paper (for the bat)
- Loose craft glitter
- 2 googly eyes per bat
- Scissors
- Glue or a glue stick
- A smock or old shirt, plus newspaper or a wipeable tablecloth
Quick tip: Set up in a spot that’s easy to clean, or take the whole thing outside if the weather cooperates. Paint splatting travels farther than you’d expect!
Directions:
Step 1: Fold Your Paper Plate
Start by folding a paper plate in half (one plate per moon craft you want to make). Give it a good crease, then open it back up so it lies flat.
Step 2: Squirt On the Paint
On one side of the open plate, squirt some yellow and gold paint. Tulip Puffy Paint is perfect for this step since the controlled squirt bottle makes it easy for little hands to manage. Keep the paint inside the plate, and don’t lay down too much, a few dabs go a long way.
Step 3: Fold and Squish
Now for the best part. Fold the plate back together and squish it closed. Rub your hand all over the folded plate so the paint spreads nicely across the inside. Paint will more than likely squeeze out the sides, so keep an eye on it and wipe up any escapees with a baby wipe.
Step 4: Reveal the Marbled Moon
Carefully unfold the plate to reveal your “marbled moon” design inside. Watch your child’s face light up, this is pure magic every time. While the paint is still wet, sprinkle on some glitter or rhinestones to add shimmer and texture, like moonlight catching in the dark.
Step 5: Make the Handprint Bat
While the moon dries, it’s time for the star of the night sky. Cut out your two handprint cutouts for the bat and secure them at the palms with a little bit of glue.
Glue on two googly eyes. Just like that, you’ve got an adorable little bat ready to fly. Attach it to the center of your marbled moon so it looks like it’s swooping across the sky.
Step 6: Add Embellishments
To finish the Paint Splat Haunted Moon, add your bat-themed stickers on top.
Step 7: Let It Dry and Display
Set your craft aside and let it dry completely before showing it off. Then prop it in a window or hang it on the wall and let everyone admire your spooky, shimmery haunted moon.
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We can’t wait to see the haunted moons your little ones dream up! Snap a photo of your finished craft, tag @GLUEDTOMYCRAFTS, and inspire other families hunting for a fun Halloween project. Every moon turns out a little different, and that’s exactly what makes each one special.
Happy crafting, and happy haunting! 🦇
Paper Plate Paint Splat Halloween Moon Craft
Here’s your checklist of supplies to bring this craft to life:
- School Glue
Prepare your creative haven by laying down a protective cover before the crafting magic begins!
Directions:
- Start by folding a paper plate in half (one plate per moon craft you want to make). Give it a good crease, then open it back up so it lies flat.
- On one side of the open plate, squirt some yellow and gold paint. Tulip Puffy Paint is perfect for this step since the controlled squirt bottle makes it easy for little hands to manage. Keep the paint inside the plate, and don't lay down too much, a few dabs go a long way.
- Now for the best part. Fold the plate back together and squish it closed. Rub your hand all over the folded plate so the paint spreads nicely across the inside. Paint will more than likely squeeze out the sides, so keep an eye on it and wipe up any escapees with a baby wipe.
- Carefully unfold the plate to reveal your "marbled moon" design inside. Watch your child's face light up, this is pure magic every time. While the paint is still wet, sprinkle on some glitter or rhinestones to add shimmer and texture, like moonlight catching in the dark.
- While the moon dries, it's time for the star of the night sky. Cut out your two handprint cutouts for the bat and secure them at the palms with a little bit of glue.
- Glue on two googly eyes. Just like that, you've got an adorable little bat ready to fly. Attach it to the center of your marbled moon so it looks like it's swooping across the sky.
- To finish the Paint Splat Haunted Moon, add your bat-themed stickers on top.
- Set your craft aside and let it dry completely before showing it off. Then prop it in a window or hang it on the wall and let everyone admire your spooky, shimmery haunted moon.
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