Paper Witch Bookmarks - A Fun Halloween Craft for Kids

Halloween is the perfect time for a little crafting magic, and these adorable paper witch bookmarks are a fun way to combine Halloween creativity with a love of reading.

With her curly-toed shoes, striped stockings, pointy hat and trusty broomstick, our little paper witch looks as though she has tumbled headfirst into the pages of a favorite book. Only her legs are left sticking out to mark your place!

This is a simple paper craft that children can make using colored craft paper or card stock. I've also included a free printable witch bookmark template to make cutting out all those witchy shapes a little easier.

And there's no need to stop at the witch's legs. The template includes everything you need to create three Halloween-themed bookmarks including witch's feet, a witch's hat, and a broomstick.

Years ago I took this photo of my son curiously checking out some upside down witch legs outside a country store in Kentucky. It became my inspiration for this craft.

A Witchy Halloween Reading Craft

There's something about Halloween that lends itself perfectly to stories.

It's the season for tales of witches and ghosts, mysterious happenings, ancient legends and things that go bump in the night. A handmade witch bookmark is therefore a lovely little craft for children who enjoy both books and Halloween.

These bookmarks would also make a fun classroom Halloween activity. Bookmarks make a lovely homemade gift for a young reader. They also function as a cute addition to a Halloween party favor bag.

The witch's legs are my favorite. When the bookmark is tucked inside a book, her striped stockings and pointy shoes poke out over the top. It look as though a witch has crash-landed right between the pages.

Supplies for Paper Witch Bookmarks

You only need a few basic craft supplies for this project:

• Colored craft paper or card stock
• Craft glue or a glue stick
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Black marker or Sharpie
• Printable witch bookmark template

I used black, white, gray, purple and yellow papers for the witch's legs, but don't be afraid to change the colors. Orange, lime green, bright pink or Halloween purple would all look wonderful for those striped witch stockings.

How To Make A Paper Witch Bookmark

Here are the step-by-step photographic instructions for this cute craft. You'll find a printable craft instruction sheet at the end of this post.

Step 1 - Print And Cut Out The Template Pieces 

Print the witch bookmark template and choose the colors of craft paper or card stock you'd like to use.

Trace the different template shapes onto the appropriate colored papers using a pencil. Carefully cut out each piece with scissors.

The printable template contains the pieces needed to create the witch's feet, hat and broomstick bookmarks.

Step 2 - Add The Buckles To The Witch's Shoes

Glue a small yellow U-shaped buckle onto each black shoe.

Position each buckle toward the upper part of the shoe, with the open ends of the U shapes facing inward.

These tiny yellow buckles add just the right pop of color to our witch's fancy footwear.

Step 3 - Create The Striped Witch Stockings

Cut several thin strips of colored paper for the witch's stockings.

Glue the strips horizontally across each white stocking piece, alternating the colors as you work your way along the legs.

I chose purple and gray for mine, but this is a great opportunity for children to get creative with their own Halloween color combinations.

Step 4 - Trim The Stockings And Add The Shoes

Once the paper strips are securely glued in place, carefully trim away any excess paper extending beyond the edges of each stocking.

Glue one black witch's shoe to the narrow end of each stocking.

Now those little witchy legs are starting to take shape.

Step 5 - Assemble The Bookmark

Arrange the two completed witch legs side by side.

Glue the top ends of the stockings onto the rectangular bookmark base.

Try to position the legs evenly before pressing everything firmly into place.

Step 6 - Finish The Back Of The Bookmark

Glue the second rectangular base piece over the first, sandwiching the tops of the stockings between the two layers.

This hides the overlapping pieces of paper and gives the top of your bookmark a stronger, neater finish.

Allow the glue to dry completely before using your bookmark.

Make A Witch's Hat And Broomstick Bookmark Too

Don't put away those scissors and glue just yet.

Additionally, the same printable template can be used to create the coordinating witch's hat and broomstick bookmarks.

Next, trace the pieces onto colored paper, cut them out, and assemble each design.

The witch's hat can be attached to a strip of card stock to turn it into a sturdy bookmark.

Now it's time to add a few details with a black marker to give the broom its rustic twiggy appearance and to outline the witch's hat.

Make one bookmark or make the entire witchy set.

What Age Is This Halloween Craft For?

I think this craft is best suited to children aged about 6 years and older, although younger children can certainly join in with some adult help.

There are quite a few small pieces to trace, cut and glue, so younger crafters may need assistance with the scissors and some of the fiddlier template pieces.

Furthermore, older children can personalize their bookmarks by choosing their own stocking colors and adding extra Halloween decorations.

A Fun Halloween Classroom Craft

These little bookmarks would work especially well as a Halloween classroom project because they're inexpensive to make and, once finished, they're actually useful.

Teachers could print the templates ahead of time and let children choose their own paper colors. They would also make sweet Halloween gifts from teachers to students when paired with a new book.

And unlike candy, this little Halloween treat can be enjoyed long after October 31st has come and gone.

Printable Craft Instruction Sheet

First, you can print this template for cutting out the paper pieces required to make your bookmarks. Simply click the picture below and you will be taken to a printable PDF file.

Here is the printable craft sheet if you would like to keep it for your crafting files.

Celebrating Halloween With A Little Witchy Fun

Witches have long been part of Halloween imagery, and here in Ireland, Halloween has especially deep roots.

The ancient Celtic festival of Samhain marked the transition from the harvest season into the darker half of the year. Over the centuries, old traditions and newer Halloween customs became intertwined, giving us the wonderful mixture of ghosts, witches, costumes, storytelling and spooky fun that we associate with Halloween today.

Our little paper witch isn't particularly frightening, of course. With those purple striped stockings and curly shoes, I think she's far more likely to be found hiding in a children's storybook than stirring a bubbling cauldron.

So, print out the template, gather some colorful paper, and have fun creating your own set of witchy Halloween bookmarks.

Happy Halloween crafting!

And remember, there's always room for a little Irish magic between the pages of a good book.