DIY Cricut Halloween Lanterns: A Spooktacularly Easy Tutorial

Updated at: 29/03/2025

Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to add a touch of spooky charm to your home décor than with personalized, DIY lanterns? Forget expensive store-bought decorations; this year, unleash your creativity and craft some truly unique Halloween ambiance with your Cricut machine. These enchanting lanterns are surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal crafting experience and readily available materials. Imagine the warm, inviting glow of intricately cut designs casting eerie shadows on your walls – perfectly setting the scene for a frightfully fun Halloween night.

This tutorial will guide you through creating your own spooktacularly easy Cricut Halloween lanterns, perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. Get ready to transform plain jars into stunning, personalized decorations with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, ensuring you achieve professional-looking results. Let's dive into the crafting process and get started on making these bewitching beauties!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Black cardstock (100lb recommended)
  • Clear transparency sheets
  • Glue (hot glue and liquid glue)
  • Black hammered spray paint
  • Book ring
  • LED flickering candle
  • Cricut machine
  • Cutting mat
  • SVG file (available for free on Burton Avenue dot com)
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise children around cutting machines and hot glue guns.
  • Use caution when handling sharp craft blades and tools. Always cut away from yourself.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation when using any paints or adhesives; refer to product instructions for safety precautions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Download and Prepare SVG File

    • Download the free SVG file from Burton Avenue dot com.
    • Unzip the downloaded file to access the SVG.
    Unzip the downloaded file to access the SVG.Unzip the downloaded file to access the SVG.
    Download and Prepare SVG File

  2. Upload and Prepare Design in Cricut Design Space

    • Upload the SVG file into Cricut Design Space.
    • Resize the design to your desired lantern size (5.5 inches wide x 13 inches tall recommended).
    • Ungroup the design elements and arrange them for cutting on three sheets of cardstock and two transparency sheets.
    • Attach elements destined for the same cardstock sheet.
    Attach elements destined for the same cardstock sheet.Attach elements destined for the same cardstock sheet.Attach elements destined for the same cardstock sheet.Attach elements destined for the same cardstock sheet.
    Upload and Prepare Design in Cricut Design Space

  3. Cut Cardstock and Transparency Sheets

    • Cut the cardstock pieces using your Cricut machine.
    • Spray paint the cardstock pieces with black hammered spray paint for a metallic look.
    • Print the transparency sheets with orange ink (if desired) and cut them using your Cricut machine. Ensure the textured side is facing the printer and avoid touching the textured side to prevent residue.
    Print the transparency sheets with orange ink (if desired) and cut them using your Cricut machine. Ensure the textured side is facing the printer and avoid touching the textured side to prevent residue.Print the transparency sheets with orange ink (if desired) and cut them using your Cricut machine. Ensure the textured side is facing the printer and avoid touching the textured side to prevent residue.
    Cut Cardstock and Transparency Sheets

  4. Assemble the Lantern Base

    • Glue the transparency panels inside the bottom pieces, then glue the bats and ghosts. Fold along perforation lines and glue the two bottom pieces together.
    Assemble the lantern: Glue the transparency panels inside the bottom pieces, then glue the bats and ghosts. Fold along perforation lines and glue the two bottom pieces together.
    Assemble the Lantern Base

  5. Assemble the Lantern Top

    • Glue the spider web section onto the lantern base, followed by the long rectangle piece and top triangle piece.
    Glue the spider web section onto the lantern base, followed by the long rectangle piece and top triangle piece.
    Assemble the Lantern Top

  6. Final Touches

    • Secure the book ring at the top.
    • Insert the LED flickering candle.

Read more: Easy Origami Paper Box Tutorial: Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Use 100lb cardstock for durability.
  • A mixture of hot glue and liquid glue works well for assembly.
  • To make smaller lanterns, adjust the width in Cricut Design Space. The smallest recommended size is about 4 inches wide.
  • For transparency sheets, cut one panel per sheet to avoid waste, arranging the transparency sheet horizontally on the mat.
  • Use a spatula tool to remove excess cardstock from the cutting mat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Material Selection

Reason: Using materials too thick or too thin for your Cricut machine, or using materials that are not compatible with your chosen cutting blade.
Solution: Choose materials specifically recommended for your Cricut machine and blade type, checking the Cricut Design Space material settings.

2. Improper Weeding

Reason: Leaving small pieces of vinyl or other material attached to the design, resulting in a messy or incomplete lantern.
Solution: Use weeding tools carefully and take your time to remove all excess material thoroughly.

3. Poor Adhesion of the Design

Reason: The vinyl or other material doesn't stick properly to the lantern, causing peeling or bubbling.
Solution: Ensure the lantern surface is clean and dry before applying the design, and use appropriate adhesive for your chosen material.

FAQs

What materials do I need to make these Cricut Halloween lanterns?
You'll need: a Cricut machine (any model will work), a cutting mat, your chosen design (either from Cricut Design Space or a downloaded file), adhesive vinyl in Halloween colors, glass jars or containers, transfer tape, scissors, and a weeder tool. Optional: battery-operated tea lights or LED candles.
Can I use different types of jars or containers?
Absolutely! Mason jars, canning jars, small glass vases, or even repurposed jars will work perfectly. Just ensure the surface is clean and smooth for the vinyl to adhere properly. Consider the size of your design when choosing your jar.