Nothing says Halloween quite like a batch of googly-eyed bats hanging around the house! This paper plate and clothespin bat craft is one of our all-time favorites here at @GluedToCrafts, and it’s perfect for little hands. The best part? The wings get their spooky, swirly look from our signature “paint splat” technique, which kids absolutely love.
Whether you’re planning a classroom party, a rainy afternoon at home, or a fun activity for daycare, this project is easy to set up and even easier to enjoy. Let’s make some bats!
Craft Supplies:
Gather these supplies before you get started:
- Large paper plates {one makes TWO bats}
- Wooden clothespins
- Black craft paint {the body}
- White craft paint {the fangs}
- Small paint brush
- Tulip Slick Puffy Paint {two to three different colors}
- Scissors
- Googly eyes {two per bat}
- Black construction paper
- Glitter
- Craft glue
Directions:
Step 1: Prep the Wings
Cut a paper plate in half. Each half becomes a set of bat wings, so one plate makes two bats.
Step 2: Try the Famous “Paint Splat” Technique
Here comes the fun part! Squeeze small blobs of black, purple, and orange paint right onto the paper plate. Don’t be shy, big splats work best.
Now, fold the plate in half so the colors squish together, then open it back up. This creates a wild, marbled swirl of color across the wings. Every bat turns out one-of-a-kind, so no two look the same!
While the paint is still wet, sprinkle on a little glitter for some extra sparkle.
⭐ Important Tip: Let It Dry!
This step matters. Set the wings aside and let the paint dry completely before moving on. The dimensional and puff paints are thick, so they can take a while. Rushing this part can lead to smudges and sticky fingers, so grab a snack, read a book, or start on the next bat while you wait.
Step 3: Paint the Body
While the wings dry, paint a wooden clothespin all over with black paint. This becomes your bat’s body. Let it dry fully, too.
Step 4: Make the Head
Cut two small triangles from black construction paper for the ears and glue them to the top of the clothespin. Then glue on two googly eyes just below the ears.
For the finishing touch, paint on white fangs under the eyes. Now your bat has a face!
Step 5: Put It All Together
Once everything is dry, cut the paper plate piece in half to make two equal “wing” shapes.
Clip the clothespin body right onto the center of the wings. The clothespin does the holding for you, so no extra glue needed there. Give it a little wiggle to make sure the wings sit evenly.
And that’s it, your spooky little bat is ready to fly!
RELATED —> Handprint Bat Keepsake For Halloween
We hope your family has a blast making these adorable bats! There’s something magical about watching kids splat, swirl, and create their very own creepy crew. Every “paint splat bat” is unique, just like the little artist who made it.
If you make this craft, we’d love to see it! Snap a photo and tag us @GluedToCrafts so we can cheer you on. And don’t forget to share this tutorial with a fellow parent, teacher, or crafty friend who could use a little Halloween fun. Happy crafting, my friends! 🦇
Paint Splat and Clothespin Bat Craft Idea For Halloween
Here’s your checklist of supplies to bring this craft to life:
Prepare your creative haven by laying down a protective cover before the crafting magic begins!
Directions:
- Cut a paper plate in half. Each half becomes a set of bat wings, so one plate makes two bats.
- Here comes the fun part! Squeeze small blobs of black, purple, and orange paint right onto the paper plate. Don't be shy, big splats work best.
- Now, fold the plate in half so the colors squish together, then open it back up. This creates a wild, marbled swirl of color across the wings. Every bat turns out one-of-a-kind, so no two look the same!
- While the paint is still wet, sprinkle on a little glitter for some extra sparkle.
- This step matters. Set the wings aside and let the paint dry completely before moving on. The dimensional and puff paints are thick, so they can take a while. Rushing this part can lead to smudges and sticky fingers, so grab a snack, read a book, or start on the next bat while you wait.
- While the wings dry, paint a wooden clothespin all over with black paint. This becomes your bat's body. Let it dry fully, too.
- Cut two small triangles from black construction paper for the ears and glue them to the top of the clothespin. Then glue on two googly eyes just below the ears.
- For the finishing touch, paint on white fangs under the eyes. Now your bat has a face!
- Once everything is dry, cut the paper plate piece in half to make two equal "wing" shapes.
- Clip the clothespin body right onto the center of the wings. The clothespin does the holding for you, so no extra glue needed there. Give it a little wiggle to make sure the wings sit evenly.
- And that's it, your spooky little bat is ready to fly!
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