DIY Halloween Crow and Raven Decor: Paper Silhouettes and a Raven Nest Wreath
You can make Halloween crow decor two ways: cut a flock of glittering black card stock crow silhouettes with glow-in-the-dark green eyes (about 30 minutes and about $5), or wrap a styrofoam wreath in black crepe paper, pin on feathers and perch a decorative raven in a crumpled-paper nest.
Crows and ravens say Halloween without any gore. You can cut a flock of glittering paper silhouettes from card stock for under $5, or build a raven nest wreath for the front door. Start with black card stock for the flock or a feathered crow prop for the wreath, and set them in a haunted forest scene.
What do you need for DIY crow and raven decor?
| Project | Materials (from the source) | Time and cost |
|---|---|---|
| Paper crow silhouettes | Black card stock, spray glitter, green neon paint, double-sided tape, printer, scissors and a paintbrush | 30 minutes (10 prep, 20 active) and about $5 for one bird, per the author |
| Raven nest wreath | 35 cm flat styrofoam wreath, black crepe paper, large black feathers, a black ribbon, pins, double-sided tape, scissors and a decorative raven such as this feathered crow | 15 (unit not stated; likely minutes); no cost given |
How do you make paper crow silhouettes?
This build follows Patti Estep of Hearth and Vine.
- Get a template. Save the bird image from her post, resize it in Word or Paint if you want bigger birds, print it and cut it out.
- Trace and cut. Trace the template onto heavy black paper, then cut the birds out. Heavy paper holds its shape better than standard paper.
- Add glitter. Spray the cutouts with glitter.
- Give them an eye. Paint a dot of green neon paint for the eye, which glows in the dark.
- Hang the flock. Attach the birds around the house with double-sided tape.
How do you make a raven nest wreath?
This build follows a tesa DIY guide, last updated September 22, 2022. The page lists no author, and two of its steps repeat each other, so we followed its materials list and photo captions.
- Wrap the wreath. Cut the black crepe paper into strips, wrap the styrofoam wreath and tape the ends on the back.
- Make the nest. Cut 0.5 cm strips of crepe paper, pull them apart and crumple them. Stick 2 cm strips of double-sided tape to the lower area of the wreath, remove the protective film and press the crumpled paper on closely all around.
- Add feathers. Pin the large black feathers to the wreath.
- Hang and perch. Hang it with the ribbon and set the raven in the nest.
More paper strips make a fuller nest. Pair the wreath with some realistic spider webs or place the silhouettes in a graveyard scene.
Which crow project should you make?
| Factor | Paper silhouettes | Raven nest wreath |
|---|---|---|
| Skill | Trace and cut | Wrapping and pinning |
| Best spot | Walls and windows around the house | Front door |
| Glows in the dark | The eye does, with neon paint | No, per the source |
| Weather | Source gives no outdoor advice; paper suits indoors or covered spots | Source calls it a door decoration; a covered door is safest |
Safety note: neither source gives safety guidance, so this is ours. Use spray glitter and paint in a ventilated area, keep crepe paper and feathers away from candles and hot bulbs, and use battery lights if you want to highlight the birds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do paper crow silhouettes take? About 30 minutes for one bird, with 10 minutes of prep, per Hearth and Vine.
How much do the paper crows cost? The author estimates about $5 for one bird silhouette.
How do you make the crow eyes glow? Paint a dot of green neon paint for each eye, which glows in the dark per the source.
How big is the raven nest wreath? The tesa guide uses a flat styrofoam wreath 35 cm (about 14 inches) in diameter.
Can these crows go outside? Neither source gives weather advice. Use them indoors or on a covered porch, and bring them in before rain.
Building a whole scene? Build your haunted forest next.
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