Spooky Toilet Paper Roll Halloween Tree

Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the colors, spooky costumes, and the eye-catching decorations that just make it fun.

I love toilet paper roll crafts and this one becomes a creepy, glowing tree that looks like it belongs in a haunted forest in just a few steps. It’s one of my go-to projects because it’s simple, affordable, and fun for all ages.

Kids get the chance to practice fine motor skills, patience, and creativity. I know they’ll make something they can be proud of. Whether you’re crafting with little ones, older kids, or even by yourself for some seasonal fun, this spooky Halloween tree is a project that delivers instant wow factor.

Supplies

• Empty toilet paper roll
• Black paint and paintbrush
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Tealight candle (battery-operated only)
• Adult assistance for cutting (recommended)

Instructions

Step 1: Paint the Roll
Begin by painting your entire toilet paper roll black. Don’t worry about perfection—slight streaks or texture only add to the eerie look of your tree. Let it dry completely before moving on. While it’s drying, kids can start imagining the kind of spooky branches and twisted limbs their tree will have.

Step 2: Flatten the Roll
Gently flatten the painted roll. This makes it easier to draw and cut your tree while giving kids a visual sense of how their design will come to life. Flattening also helps create clean lines when you cut the branches and trunk.

Step 3: Draw the Tree Shape
Using a pencil, sketch your spooky, bare tree. Don’t be afraid to make the branches jagged, twisted, or asymmetrical—those imperfections add personality. Leave a solid base at the bottom so the tree can stand upright later. Encourage kids to get creative: maybe one branch bends like a crooked finger, or another twists into a little spiral for extra spook factor.

Step 4: Cut and Assemble
Carefully cut out the tree shape, leaving the base and any connecting branches intact. Take your time—this is where patience makes the difference between a simple cutout and a tree that truly looks like it’s haunted. Once cut, gently open the roll back into a circular form so it can stand upright.

Step 5: Add a Face (Optional)
For an extra creepy touch, add a spooky face to the trunk with triangle eyes and a jagged mouth. Carefully cut out the features with adult help, especially for younger kids. This step gives the tree character and makes it feel alive when the light shines through.

Step 6: Add the Light
Place a battery-operated tealight inside the tree trunk. Watch as the glow transforms your simple craft into a mysterious centerpiece that casts eerie shadows across the table or windowsill. You can create a whole haunted forest by making multiple trees in different shapes and sizes.

Finishing Touches

This spooky tree craft might look simple at first, but it’s so much fun for kids. Placing the battery-operated candle inside and seeing the tree glow instantly makes it feel like a proper Halloween decoration. Adding a few more small details can make the display even more exciting, and keeping safety in mind ensures everyone has a good time.

• Grouping: Make several trees of varying heights and shapes for a more dynamic display.
• Decorations: Add little paper bats or tiny owls perched on branches for extra fun.
• Safety: Always use battery-operated lights. Real candles are a fire hazard in crafts like this.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can younger kids make this craft?
Yes! Younger kids can help with painting and drawing the tree shape. Cutting is where adult assistance is recommended. You can also pre-cut some shapes for younger children to assemble.

2. What kind of paint works best?
Acrylic paint is ideal because it dries quickly and provides an even, dark surface. If you don’t have black, dark brown or deep purple can create an equally spooky effect.

3. Can I use regular candles instead of battery-operated tealights?
No, always use battery-operated lights. Regular candles are unsafe in crafts like this because the paper roll is highly flammable.

4. Can I make different variations?
Absolutely! Try taller trees, shorter trees, or add faces and decorations. You can even create a little “haunted village” with other toilet paper roll characters like ghosts or pumpkins.