Transforming forgotten treasures into enchanting decor, this adorable floating paper witch with a broom offers a whimsical, elegant touch to your Halloween festivities. Crafted from the pages of an old, worn-out book destined for the trash or recycling bin, this project embodies sustainable creativity at its best. Beyond its charming appearance, it’s a testament to how simple materials and a little imagination can produce truly magical results. Whether placed on a rustic base as a tabletop centerpiece or suspended gracefully from the ceiling to create a captivating floating effect, this bewitching creation promises to be a focal point in any Halloween decoration plan.

What makes this DIY paper witch truly special is its unique blend of rustic charm and sophisticated elegance. Unlike many Halloween decorations that lean towards the overtly spooky, our paper witch exudes a sweet, friendly aura, inviting smiles rather than frights. It’s an ideal project for those who appreciate understated holiday decor and love the idea of upcycling. This craft not only reduces waste but also infuses your home with a handmade warmth that store-bought items simply can’t replicate. Give your witch a distinct personality by adding your own unique embellishments, ensuring your creation is truly one-of-a-kind. It’s an engaging and straightforward project perfect for crafters of all skill levels, making it a fantastic activity to enjoy with children.

Craft an Enchanting Floating Paper Witch with Broom from Old Books

Forget the scary stereotypes! This Halloween, let’s craft a paper witch that’s as sweet as she is easy to make. Utilizing the forgotten pages of an old book, a splash of paint, and a handful of common crafting supplies, you can conjure up a bewitching decoration that’s both rustic and wonderfully elegant. This project is a delightful deviation from the typical spooky Halloween decor, offering a charming alternative that brings beauty and a touch of whimsy to any room. Imagine the joy on children’s faces when they discover this cute little witch adorning a mantle or gracefully “flying” above! It’s a fantastic craft for family bonding, allowing everyone to contribute to a memorable holiday display.

The beauty of using old book pages lies in the texture and character they bring to your witch. The slightly aged paper provides a vintage foundation that perfectly complements the rustic aesthetic, while the elegant folding technique transforms ordinary pages into a flowing, gown-like body. This handmade witch isn’t just a decoration; she’s a conversation starter, a symbol of creative upcycling, and a delightful addition to your autumn and Halloween seasonal displays. Her gentle presence makes her suitable for any setting, from a cozy living room to a festive classroom, proving that Halloween decor can be both beautiful and fun.

Creative Ways to Display Your Paper Witch

Once your charming paper witch is complete, you have several wonderful options for displaying her. The primary method involves a small wooden slice, which provides a stable and natural-looking base, allowing your witch to stand upright with ease. Consider using a round or irregular wood slice for a truly rustic feel, ensuring it’s wide enough to support the folded book’s base. Secure it firmly with hot glue for lasting stability. However, the possibilities for creative display extend far beyond a simple stand.

For those who love the “floating” aspect, attaching a discrete length of fishing line, thin twine, or decorative rope to the back of the witch allows her to be gracefully suspended from the ceiling. Imagine her gently swaying by a window, over a doorway, or as part of a larger Halloween mobile, creating an ethereal and magical effect. When hanging, ensure the line is securely glued to the witch’s back at a balanced point to prevent tilting. For a different structural look, you could insert a dowel or a sturdy skewer down the center of the witch’s body, then glue its bottom end to a small piece of wood or even thick cardboard. This method provides a more rigid upright posture, which can be further embellished to blend seamlessly with the witch’s design. The choice of display ultimately depends on your desired aesthetic, but remember, the true magic lies in the intricate details and unique decorations you add.

Crafting the Perfect Witch Hair

The hair is a crucial element in giving your paper witch character and personality. While pipe cleaners are a fantastic and easy choice, offering great flexibility for spirals and curls, you have a wealth of other materials at your fingertips. For a soft, wispy look, consider using shredded paper, perhaps from more old book pages to maintain continuity with the body, or colorful construction paper cut into thin strips. These can be curled with a pencil or left straight for a more windswept appearance. Yarn or string, available in countless colors and textures, can create anything from neat braids to wild, tangled locks, adding another layer of dimension to your witch’s style. Explore different yarn weights and fibers for varying effects – chunky wool for a cozy feel, or fine embroidery floss for delicate details.

If you’re aiming for a more elaborate hairdo, small pieces of fake hair, often found in doll-making supplies or salvaged from an old wig, can be cut and styled to fit. Think about the color and texture that best suits your witch’s overall theme – traditional black or grey, vibrant orange or purple, or even multi-colored strands for a truly whimsical touch. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to mix and match ideas to ensure each paper witch you create has her own unique charm and flair. Don’t be afraid to experiment with materials you already have, turning everyday items into delightful coiffures for your magical creation.

Decorating Your Witch: Adding Unique Touches and Embellishments

Decorating your paper witch is where her true personality comes to life. For this particular witch, a strip of delicate beaded ribbon was used around the base of her hat, adding a subtle sparkle. However, this is just a starting point for your creativity. Consider an array of embellishments: sparkling sequins, small charms, tiny buttons for an old-fashioned look, or even miniature faux flowers and leaves for a nature-inspired witch. Different types of ribbon—satin for elegance, burlap for rustic appeal, or patterned Halloween ribbon for a festive touch—can dramatically change her appearance. Don’t limit yourself to traditional notions; think outside the box to reflect your personal style and the mood you want to evoke.

The choice of color for the book pages is another significant decision. While orange spray paint was used here to achieve a vibrant, autumnal hue, you could opt for classic black for a mysterious witch, enchanting green for an earthy enchantress, deep brown for a wise old crone, or magical purple for a whimsical spellcaster. Remember, there are no strict rules for a witch’s color palette; feel free to choose any shade that complements your decor or sparks your imagination. You can even distress the edges with a bit of brown ink or paint after the main color dries to give the pages an even older, more weathered look, enhancing the recycled book aesthetic.

The witch’s hat, crafted from felt in this tutorial, offers another canvas for customization. Instead of felt, you could use sturdy cardstock, textured fabric scraps, or even burlap for a different feel. Pre-made miniature witch hats are also readily available at craft stores for convenience. For the finishing touches, consider adding small button eyes, tiny googly eyes for a playful look, or simply painting on delicate eyes and a gentle smile. A small fabric or pipe cleaner mouth can add expression, and a sprinkle of glitter around the edges of her hat or dress can provide an extra magical shimmer. You can also attach tiny elements like miniature spiders, bats, or even a tiny fabric pumpkin to her broom or hat, truly making her a personalized masterpiece ready to adorn your space.

Essential Supplies for Your Paper Witch Craft

Gathering all your materials before you begin will make the crafting process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need to create your very own charming paper witch:

Old book (a paperback with plenty of pages works best, roughly 150-200 pages is ideal for a full-bodied witch)
Twine (natural jute twine is perfect for the broom, providing a rustic texture)
Black felt (or any other color you prefer for the hat)
Orange spray paint (or your chosen witch body color)
Beads or ribbon (for hat and neck embellishments)
Black pipe cleaners (for broom handle, if desired, or additional hair)
Orange pipe cleaners (for witch arms, or your preferred hair color)
Small golf ball or styrofoam ball (approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter for the head)
Wood slice (for the base, or an alternative stand)
Scissors (sharp craft scissors are recommended for clean cuts)
Hot glue gun (a low-temperature option is good for kids)
Hot glue sticks or hot glue rope (ensure you have plenty for all attachments)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make a Paper Witch from Old Books

Follow these detailed instructions to bring your charming paper witch to life:

Prepare the Book: Carefully remove the outer cover (hardback or paperback) from your old book. Be sure to leave the spine intact, as the glue holding the pages together is crucial for the witch’s body.
First Fold: Take the first page of the book. Fold the top corner downward at an angle, creating a crisp triangle shape that aligns with the book’s spine.

Second Fold: Now, fold the bottom half of the same page upward at an angle. This should meet the previous fold, forming a complete triangular shape with the page.

Third Fold & Repeat: Fold the outer edge of this large triangle inward once more at an angle. This final fold will create a long, thin, and elegantly angled triangle, giving the witch’s body its distinctive shape. Continue this exact folding process with every single page of the book until all pages are uniformly folded. Precision here will result in a more symmetrical and pleasing witch body.

Form the Body: Once all pages are folded, gently stand the book upright. Apply hot glue to the two outermost folded pages where they meet, bringing them together to form a circular or conical shape that will serve as the witch’s flowing dress. Hold until the glue sets.

Attach the Base: Apply a generous amount of hot glue to the bottom edge of the folded book body. Carefully press it onto your chosen small wooden slice (or alternative base), ensuring it is centered and stands steady. Allow the glue to cool completely.

Paint the Body: Take your assembled book witch body outdoors or to a well-ventilated area. Using your orange (or desired color) spray paint, apply an even coat over the entire folded paper body. Let it dry completely according to the paint manufacturer’s instructions, which may take several hours.

Cut Felt for Hat: While the body dries, prepare the hat. Cut a long strip of black felt, approximately 1 inch wide, for the hat brim. Then, cut a large triangle from the remaining felt. The size of this triangle will determine the height and width of your witch’s hat, so adjust it to your preference.

Form the Hat: Roll the felt triangle into a cone shape, carefully securing the seam with hot glue. This forms the main part of the witch’s hat. Set it aside for now.

Create Hair Spirals: Take 2 to 4 pipe cleaners (black, orange, or a mix). Wrap each pipe cleaner tightly around a pencil to create neat spirals or curls, forming the witch’s hair. Slide them off the pencil once shaped.

Attach Hair to Head: Apply dabs of hot glue to the styrofoam or golf ball (the head). Attach the pipe cleaner hair spirals to the sides and back of the ball, positioning them as desired to create a flowing hairdo.

Gluing pipe cleaner hair to styrofoam ball

Attach Hat to Head: Apply hot glue around the base of the felt cone hat. Place it firmly onto the top of the ball, ensuring it covers the edges of the pipe cleaner hair and sits securely.

Add Hat Brim: Take the 1-inch wide felt strip you cut earlier. Glue it around the bottom edge of the hat cone to create a neat brim, adding a classic witchy touch.

Craft the Broom Head: Wrap twine around your fingers 10-15 times to create a thick loop. Carefully slide the twine off your fingers and cut one end, creating fringe. Take a black pipe cleaner and wrap it tightly around the uncut end of the twine bundle, leaving one end of the pipe cleaner long and straight to form the broom handle.

Embellish the Hat: Add a strip of beaded ribbon or any other embellishment you chose around the base of the witch’s hat, just above the newly added brim. Secure it with hot glue.

Attach Head to Body: Once the painted body is completely dry, apply a generous amount of hot glue to the top center of the folded book body. Carefully attach the witch’s head (with hat and hair) to the body, ensuring it is centered and stable.

Adding witches head to orange witch body

Create Arms: Take an orange pipe cleaner (or desired color) and wrap it around the base of the witch’s head, just above the neck, allowing the ends to dangle down as arms. Adjust the length and position as needed.
Attach Broom: Position the broom so the pipe cleaner handle extends into the witch’s “arms.” Wrap the dangling ends of the pipe cleaner arms around the broom handle to secure it in place, as if the witch is holding her broom.

Final Embellishments: For an extra touch of elegance, glue additional beaded ribbon or other decorative elements around the witch’s neck, creating a charming necklace.
Display Your Creation: Your enchanting paper witch is now complete! Place her proudly on a mantle, side table, bookshelf, or hang her to create a floating effect. Enjoy her charming presence throughout the Halloween season.

Halloween provides countless opportunities for creative expression through decorations, and your new paper witch is just the beginning of a truly personalized collection. To complement your elegant witch and create a cohesive autumnal display, consider crafting a few other whimsical pieces. This little scarecrow clay pot lantern is a perennial favorite, adding a cozy glow, while a few clothespin bat decorations can flutter playfully nearby. For a touch of sophisticated charm, I often arrange several wine glass pumpkin art decorations alongside my witch on the mantle. And for a softly illuminated ambiance, a mummy mason jar lights decoration makes a perfect companion. If you’re looking for more witchy inspiration, this gorgeous DIY witch hat Halloween decoration is another beautiful project. Don’t forget to explore a huge list of ideas for monster doors and wreaths for the front door to greet trick-or-treaters with maximum impact!

Crafter’s Tip: Sourcing Old Books for Your Projects

If you don’t happen to have a collection of old books lying around waiting to be upcycled for this enchanting project, don’t worry! Old vintage books are surprisingly easy to find and often very affordable. Check out local thrift stores, second-hand book shops, or even garage sales for great deals. Online marketplaces like Etsy also offer bulk lots of deconstructed or unbound old books specifically for crafting purposes. They are truly ideal for a wide range of DIY projects, proving that one person’s discarded item can become another’s treasured craft supply. Embracing the beauty of aged paper adds an authentic touch that new materials simply can’t replicate.

Yield: 1

DIY Floating Witch with Broom

Follow this easy tutorial for turning an old book into a paper witch with fun broom. This is a great and easy to make Halloween decoration even kids can help create!

Active Time
30 minutes

Additional Time
15 minutes

Total Time
45 minutes

Difficulty
Easy

Estimated Cost
$2

Materials

Old book
Twine
Black felt
Orange spray paint
Beads or ribbon
Black pipe cleaners
Orange pipe cleaners
Small golf ball or styrofoam ball
Wood slice

Tools

Scissors
Hot glue gun
Hot glue sticks or hot glue rope

Instructions

Fold the first page of the book down at an angle to create a triangle;
Fold the bottom of the page upward at an angle to form another triangle;
Now fold the outside of this large triangle inward until it forms a longer thin and more angled triangle or diamond-like shape;
Continue this process until all of the book pages have been folded;
Stand the pages up and attach the two outside pages with glue;
Glue the book to a slice of wood by adding hot glue to the bottom of the witch body made from the book;
Spray the pages with orange paint then set aside to dry;
Cut a 1″ strip of felt from the end of a piece of felt, then a triangle from the felt;
Roll the triangle of felt into a cone shape then set them aside;
Now, use a pencil to wrap the pipe cleaners around and form spirals;
Glue those spirals to the side and back of the ball;
Glue the hat on top of the ball and over the pipe cleaner hair;
Use the strip of felt and glue it around the base of the hat;
Wrap twine around your fingers 10-15 times then cut the end and wrap a black pipe cleaner around one end of the twine bundle leaving the bulk of the pipe cleaner long for the broom handle;
Cut through the bottom loops of the twine to create the broom head;
Next, add a strip of beaded ribbon around the base of the witches hat just above the brim;
Glue the witch hat onto the witches body;
Now, wrap an orange pipe cleaner around the base of the head leaving the ends dangling down to create witch arms;
Wrap the end of the arms around the broom handle to attach to the witches body;
Add additional bead around the neck;
Now you can display your witch on a mantle or table.

Notes

Feel free to paint your witch any preferred color and customize with various embellishments to match your personal style.

Finished Project Gallery

Browse through our gallery to see the charming results of this DIY old book paper witch craft. Get inspired by different angles and settings, and envision how this delightful decoration can transform your own home for Halloween.