Halloween Paper Flower Canvas Art: Spooky Floral & Bats!

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Learn how to make Halloween paper flower canvas wall art!

I love creating large paper flowers (the bigger, the better!) for each season and holiday. Poinsettias for Christmas, roses for spring … but what about Halloween? I think flowers belong there, too! 

But how do you combine lovely, delicate flowers with spookier styles? Follow me as I create a piece of unique Halloween art to combine the looks — and bring a hauntingly pretty ambience to the season. Make a Halloween Paper Flower Canvas with me!

It’s officially fall, meaning it’s time to put out your Halloween decor! Do you have the perfect place for a pretty piece of seasonal decor, but need something for Halloween? This project combines a beautiful sunflower with spooky little bats to make a stunning piece of autumn wall art.  

I used my DIY Paper Sunflower as a jumping off point, and modified the design so it appears that the flower’s petals are transfiguring into bats! Did you know that a group of flying bats is called a cloud? I didn’t either, but now we do!

This is an easy project that can be made in less than an hour. There are only a few materials to make it (mostly cardstock), along with some craft glue and an optional canvas. 

I used orange cardstock for the large background, then yellow cardstock layered over it to mimic a full moon. In the foreground is the black sunflower, with some glitter cardstock layered underneath to represent the seeds. Plus, the bats! Of course, you can use whichever colors you like — but I do like how this one evokes the feeling of an eerie Halloween night.

A Cricut (or another cutting machine) does all the hard work of cutting out the bats and each of the flower’s details. Along with that, you’ll need the typical papercrafting tools like a 12″ by 12″ green StandardGrip machine mat, a brayer, spatula, and a scraper tool (to help crease the petals). 

In my written tutorial below, I show you how to use craft glue to assemble the layers and attach them together. I love how whimsical it looks when it’s all put together!

One optional tool that you may want to use is a scoring tool or pen — but not for scoring, drawing, or writing. Instead, I’ll show you how to use one to curl your petals slightly, which enhances the three-dimensional look of the sunflower. 

The last thing you’ll need is a 12″ by 12″ canvas to attach your layers to. This turns it from a pretty cardstock design into a hangable piece of stunning Halloween art! You can also simply hang the cardstock if you prefer!

Want to customize your Halloween paper flower canvas even more? Leave off the background piece, and decorate the canvas with acrylic paint before adding the sunflower and bats. There are many ways to make it your own, and I can’t wait to see your ideas. 

With just a few materials and some basic tools, you can make a classy Halloween paper flower canvas for the spookiest corner of your home (or anywhere else you’d like to hang it). I always say that simple projects are often my favorite, and this one is no exception!

Let me show you how easy it is to make a Halloween paper flower canvas! This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Read my full disclosure policy.

Materials to Make a Halloween Paper Flower Canvas

How to Create a Halloween Paper Flower Canvas 

Halloween Flower Canvas

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: $3.00

Learn how to make a Halloween Flower Canvas!

Print

Materials

• Two (2) Sheets of 12" x 12" 65 lb. Black Cardstock (for the bats, petals, sepal, and seed head top)
• One (1) Sheet of 12" x 12" 65 lb. Yellow Cardstock (for the moon)
• One (1) Sheet of 12” x 12” 65 lb. Orange Cardstock (for the background)
• One (1) Sheet of 12” x 12” Black Glitter Cardstock (for the seed head base)
• 12” x 12” Stretched Canvas (optional if you want to mount the design for hanging)
• Design #647 (My free SVG/DXF/PDF design files are available in my free resource library - get the password by filling out the form at the bottom of this page)

Tools

• A way to cut your cardstock - I’m using the Cricut Maker 3, but you can also use the Cricut Maker, a Cricut Explore Series machine, or even the Cricut Venture
• Cricut Green StandardGrip Machine Mat 12" x 12”
• Brayer
• Spatula
• Scraper
• Craft Glue (I used Bearly Art Precision Glue)
• Scoring Stylus (for curling petals)

Instructions

STEP 1: GET MY FREE HALLOWEEN FLOWER CANVAS DESIGNS

First, download my Halloween Flower Canvas designs from my free library – look for Design #647. Alternatively, you can use the Save This Project form near the top of this post and the design link will be emailed to you.

In the download folder, you’ll find an SVG, DXF, and PDF file with the designs.

Upload the files you need to Design Space to get started.

TIP: If you’re not sure how to upload, go to jennifermaker.com/svgs to learn how to unzip and upload SVG files.

STEP 2: PREPARE AND CUT YOUR HALLOWEEN FLOWER CANVAS

CRICUT DESIGN SPACE

1. Open Cricut Design Space and click “New Project.”
2. Click “Upload” and then “Upload Image.”
3. Click “Browse” and find your downloaded design files.
4. Select the Halloween Flower Canvas SVG file.
5. Click “Continue.”
6. Click “Upload” to add the file to the Canvas.
   
   
   
7. The design is sized to fit on the 12” x 12” orange cardstock in the materials list.
8. “Ungroup” the design in case you want to change any layers’ colors.
   NOTE: The design has six layers going down from the top of the Layers Panel:
   1. Bats, which I cut out of black cardstock.
   2. The intricate seed head top layer, which I cut out of black cardstock.
   3. The solid seed head lower layer, which I cut out of black glitter cardstock.
   4. The grouped petals, which I cut out of black cardstock.
   5. The sepal or flower base, which I cut out of black cardstock.
   6. The moon, which I cut out of yellow cardstock.
   
   
   

CUTTING

1. Make sure the correct machine is selected in the top right.
2. Click “Make.”
3. On the Prepare screen, make sure the correct Material Size is selected for your materials.
   
   
   
4. Click back on the first mat so it loads first on the next page.
5. Click “Continue.”
6. On the Make screen, set the Base Material for your first mat. I used:
   “Medium Cardstock - 80 lb (216 gsm)” with “More” Pressure to cut plain 65 lb. cardstock.
   “Glitter Cardstock” with “More” Pressure to cut glitter cardstock.
   NOTE: Not all machines cut the exact same way, but I got the best results with these settings.
   TIP: Changing the “Pressure” to “More” results in a cleaner cut.
   
   
   
7. Place your cardstock face up on a green StandardGrip machine mat.
8. Use a brayer to make sure it’s fully adhered.
   
   
   
9. Check that your Premium Fine-Point Blade is clean and in the clamp.
10. Press the flashing “Load/Unload” button to load the prepared mat into your Cricut.
11. Press the flashing “Go” button to begin cutting.
12. When the cuts finish, don’t unload the mat right away. Gently lift a corner of the material to make sure the cuts went all the way through. If not, press the “Go” button again to make a second pass of cuts in the same spots.
    
    
    
13. When the cuts are complete, unload the mat, flip it over onto your work surface, and gently roll it back to release the cardstock.
    TIP: If you have any issues with your cuts, go to jennifermaker.com/cleaner-cuts.
14. Use a spatula to help lift delicate areas.
    
    
    
15. Place the pieces face up in the correct orientation so assembly is easier later.
    TIP: Pay extra close attention to the seed top and the underlay piece. They can be tricky to line up and it is easier if you keep them in the same orientation when removing them from the mat.
16. Use a scraper to remove cutouts left on the mat.
    Continue cutting the rest of the cardstock, aligning the panels face up as you go.
    NOTE: I used black glitter cardstock for the gray mat with the seed head base.
    
    
    
    
    

STEP 3: ASSEMBLE THE HALLOWEEN FLOWER CANVAS

1. Make sure the intricate seed top and solid pieces match.
   TIP: If you see spots where the spiral bumps out over the underlay, just keep rotating it until the bump-outs disappear.
   
   
   
2. Turn over the seed top and place small dots of glue on the backside.
   
   
   
3. Press the two pieces together and set aside to dry.
4. Apply glue around the back side of the yellow circle and place the circle in the center of the orange cardstock with about ¾” of space around it.
   
   
   
5. Glue the sepal in the middle of the yellow moon.
6. Use the scoring stylus or a pen to curl and shape the petals.
   
   
   
7. Put a small dab of glue at one tip of a shaped petal (whichever tip you want), then attach it to the top center edge of your sepal.
   
   
   
8. Glue the second petal to the bottom center of the sepal.
   
   
   
9. Glue the third petal to the center right of the sepal (3:00 position).
   
   
   
10. Continue adding a first layer of petals, filling in the gaps between the first three petals. I used nine petals for the first layer.
    NOTE: Remember to keep the petals on the right half of the sepal.
    
    
    
11. The second layer will be the same but this time you will place the petals to fill in between the petals of the first layer.
12. Place the first petal angled just to the left of the top center petal. Work your way around and glue the petals. I used 10.
    
    
    
13. There is one extra petal just in case you want to fill in any bare spots. It’s okay to not use it if you’re happy with the placement of the petals.
14. Apply glue to the back of the seed pieces and press into place
15. Hold the center in place for a minute to help it adhere since the curled petals may try to lift it.
    
    
    
16. Gather your bats and use your fingers to shape the wings upward in a flying position.
    
    
    
17. Position the bats around the left side of the moon, varying the sizes. Don’t glue them yet in case you need to rearrange any.
    
    
    
18. Once you’re happy with the bats’ arrangement, place a dot of glue on the underside of each bat and press them into place.
    
    
    
19. Your Halloween Flower Canvas is complete!
    
    
    
    
    

STEP 4: SHOW IT OFF

Here is my finished Halloween Flower Canvas! You can display it just like this, or glue it to a stretched canvas for easy hanging!

Notes

Finished Size: 12" x 12"

Answers to Your Questions About Making Halloween Paper Flower Canvas Wall Art

Q: Can you resize this project?

A: Yes, you can. Please keep in mind that if you resize down to smaller canvas the bats will more difficult to handle. If you need help resizing, please read my guide to resizing SVGs.

Q: What kind of paper should I use?

A: You can use any cardstock. I used 65 lb. cardstock, but 80 lb. cardstock will work just as well. 

Q: What kind of glue should I use?

A: There’s no hot glue necessary — you can do the whole project with regular craft glue (like my favorite, Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue). 

Q: What Halloween decorations can I make at home?

A: There are lots of Halloween decorations you can make besides canvases and art prints. Check these out:

• Hanging Paper Lanterns
• Backlit Shadow Boxes
• Haunted House Lanterns

Q: Can you show me how to decorate a Halloween theme party?

A: I have lots of projects that would be great for decorating Halloween parties! Check these out:

• Halloween Paper Lanterns
• 3D Paper Cats
• Mason Jar Luminaries
• Pumpkin Lanterns
• Paper Haunted Houses
• Bonus: Use a DIY Masquerade Mask as part of your costume!

Q: How can I be the coolest house for Halloween?

A: Once you have the decorations figured out, you can get to the sweetest part — the candy! Make your house a memorable stop on the trick-or-treat trail with these fun Halloween Treat Boxes. Stash them in a homemade Mummy Candy Bowl for an extra eerie twist!

Q: Do the files work with a Silhouette cutting machine? 

A: Yes, my free design downloads come with SVG and DXF files to use with Cricut, Silhouette, and other cutting machines. 

Q: Do you have any other canvas projects like this one? 

A: I sure do! Take a look at these similar canvas projects for other seasons and decor styles:

• Paper Flower Dress Canvas
• Tree With Hearts Canvas
• Butterfly Canvas
• Vase & Mason Jar Flower Art

Q: Do you have other paper flower tutorials?

A: You bet I do! Check out some of my favorites:

• Make paper flower wall art without a canvas: Paper Flower Shadow Box, Wood Sign Flower Art, Layered Paper Cut Flower, 
• Learn how to make rolled paper flowers (easy to cut with your Cricut!)
• Make these from crepe paper or tissue paper: Paper Peony, Paper Cherry Blossoms
• Create paper floral arrangements with these projects: Paper Flower Bouquet, Pop-Up Flower Bouquet Card
• Make giant paper flowers and display them with these tutorials: Giant Paper Flowers, Paper Sunflower, Flower Backdrop

Get my free SVG files to make your own Halloween paper flower canvas!

(If you do not see the signup form above, click here.)

I love seeing what you make with my designs and how you use them! Inspire others and share a photo of your Halloween Paper Flower Canvas wall art in our Facebook group or tag me on social media with #jennifermaker.

Love,

Want to remember this? Save this Halloween Paper Flower Canvas Tutorial to your favorite Pinterest Board!