Halloween doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune on costumes or spending hours with a sewing machine. Sometimes, the simplest crafts bring the biggest smiles. Paper masks are the perfect example: quick, affordable, and endlessly customizable. With just a printer, scissors, and some string or elastic, you can turn anyone into a spooky ghoul, a cute animal, or a favorite character in minutes.
To make things even easier, we’ve gathered 15 printable paper mask ideas you can use right away. They’re simple enough for kids, fun for adults, and perfect for last-minute parties, school parades, or family crafting sessions.
1. Pumpkin Mask
Nothing says Halloween like a pumpkin. A simple jack-o’-lantern face printed on orange card stock makes for a classic and instantly recognizable mask. Add a green paper “stem” at the top for extra charm.
Tip: Use a black marker to draw different jack-o’-lantern expressions—grinning, scary, or silly.
2. Black Cat Mask
Cats have been linked to Halloween magic for centuries. A sleek black cat mask is easy to make and great for both kids and adults. Print a simple outline, color it in, and don’t forget the pointy ears.
Extra flair: Glue pipe-cleaner whiskers for a 3D effect.
3. Witch Hat & Mask Combo
Instead of just the face, print a mask that includes a pointy witch hat silhouette. Decorate with purple, green, and glitter for a magical look.
Variation: Cut out a small paper wart and tape it to the nose opening for a fun detail.
4. Friendly Ghost
Not all ghosts have to be scary! A white mask with round eyes and a playful smile makes the perfect “friendly ghost” look for younger kids.
Tip: Use glow-in-the-dark paint around the edges so it lights up at night.
5. Smiling Skeleton
Skeletons are a Halloween classic. With bold black lines against white paper, this mask is striking yet easy to make.
Safety note: Make sure the eye sockets are cut wide enough for kids to see clearly.
6. Cartoon Vampire
Instead of a terrifying Dracula, try a cartoon-style vampire mask with oversized fangs and a widow’s peak. Perfect for a playful, not-too-scary Halloween.
Variation: Print on red paper and add a small detachable “cape collar” around the neck.
7. Owl Mask
Owls bring mystery to Halloween nights. With big round eyes and feather patterns, an owl mask is equal parts spooky and majestic.
Tip: Print in brown or gray and layer feather shapes cut from scrap paper.
8. Bat Mask
Simple and effective, a bat mask with wide wings makes a great headpiece. You can either keep it face-only or extend it across the forehead to suggest spreading wings.
Extra flair: Add a little glitter on the wings for a magical nighttime shimmer.
9. Wolf Mask
Werewolves are Halloween favorites. A wolf mask with pointed ears and sharp teeth brings out the wild side.
Variation: Print in gray, then let kids add “fur” using cotton balls colored with marker.
10. Frankenstein’s Monster
A blocky green mask with bolts sticking out of the sides is instantly recognizable. Add a stitched scar across the forehead and a flat-top haircut for the full effect.
Tip: Color with different shades of green to make the monster look more alive.
11. Zombie Mask
Creepy, funny, or just gross—zombies are versatile. Print a template with droopy eyes and a missing tooth, then let kids decorate with fake “scars” drawn in red crayon or marker.
Variation: Use ripped paper edges to make it look worn-out.
12. One-Eyed Monster
Think Mike Wazowski meets Halloween! A round mask with one giant eye in the center is goofy and fun. Great for younger kids who want “monster vibes” without being too spooky.
Extra flair: Use shiny foil paper for the eyeball to make it pop.
13. Superhero Mask
Not all Halloween costumes are scary. A simple superhero-style eye mask can turn kids into their favorite comic heroes. Print in bright colors like red, blue, or gold, and pair with a cape for instant transformation.
14. Pirate Mask
Arrr, matey! A pirate mask with an eye patch, beard stubble, and maybe even a paper parrot is a sure hit. Add a bandana pattern across the forehead for extra detail.
Tip: Print on thick card stock so the “eye patch” holds shape.
15. Princess Crown Mask
For a sweeter option, make a princess crown mask. It’s a paper tiara with cutouts for the eyes, decorated with “jewels” (colored stickers or rhinestones).
Variation: Try a “dark queen” version for a spooky spin.
Crafting Tips for Success
- Use card stock instead of regular paper for durability.
- Attach with elastic string or tape to a popsicle stick for handheld masks.
- Let kids decorate with crayons, stickers, sequins, or glitter to make each mask unique.
- Print multiple sizes: scale up for adults or down for toddlers using your printer settings.
- Always test fit to ensure the mask is comfortable and the eye holes are safe.
Keep the Halloween Fun Going
If you enjoyed making these paper masks, you’ll love these other crafty Halloween ideas:
- 10 Easy Halloween Crafts with Paper – spooky and simple projects kids can do in minutes.
- How to Draw a Skull That Doesn’t Look Generic – perfect if you want to sketch skulls to match your skeleton mask.
- The Universal Cat: How Artists Have Drawn Felines for 30,000 Years – a fascinating read if your favorite mask was the black cat.
Or dive into 10 Easy Halloween Crafts with Paper for more printable projects.
Conclusion
With just a printer and a little creativity, you can make Halloween costumes that are budget-friendly, fun, and completely customizable. These 15 easy paper mask templates are a great way to spark imagination and keep the spooky season stress-free. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing for trick-or-treating, or crafting with kids at home, paper masks prove that sometimes the simplest ideas are the best.
So grab your scissors, print a few favorites, and get ready to wear your Halloween spirit right on your face!