We are in October, which means it is finally time to get out the orange and black decor, watch family-friendly scary movies, and read horror books. On that last note, one book you simply cannot miss out on is Dracula by Bram Stoker!
With “Scary Season” coming up, we are all set to celebrate our favorite Halloween characters. While ghosts and pumpkins are classics, there is something undeniably cool about the vampire—the sophisticated gentleman of the monster world.
Although Dracula is Bram Stoker’s most famous novel, did you know it wasn’t his first? It was actually the seventh of his 18 books. While it was well-received when published in 1897, it was only much later (thanks to theater and film adaptations) that Dracula achieved the iconic pop-culture status he enjoys today.
So, if you are looking to bring a little Transylvanian flair to your home or classroom, we have got you covered. Here are 10 Delightful Dracula Crafts for Kids that are easy, fun, and not at all too scary!
Fun Facts: The History of the Vampir
Before we dive into the glue and glitter, let’s add some educational value to our crafting session. Kids love learning “spooky” history!
- The Fashion Makeover: Did you know? Dracula is a vampire, but early folklore vampires weren’t the handsome men in capes we see today. They were originally believed to be dressed in shrouds and had a dark, bloated appearance. It was after John Polidori wrote The Vampyre in 1819 that the vampire got the cool, sophisticated, and aristocratic image we know now.
- The Name: The name “Dracula” means “Son of the Dragon.”
- No Reflection: In folklore, vampires cast no shadow and have no reflection in mirrors. This makes crafting a “mirror” for Dracula a funny prank!
Now that we know our subject, let’s get crafty!
1. The “Corner-Bite” Origami Bookmark
Since we’re talking about reading scary books this season, you can’t go without a Dracula bookmark! This corner bookmark features a cheerful-looking Dracula who “bites” the page to save your spot.
Supplies: Black, red, and beige origami paper, glue, scissors, white paper scraps. How to Make It:
- Start with a square piece of black paper. Fold it diagonally to create a triangle.
- Fold the bottom corners up to the top point, crease, and unfold.
- Fold the top layer of the top point down to the bottom edge.
- Tuck the side flaps into the pocket you’ve created. This is your base.
- Cut a beige triangle for the face and glue it inside the pocket.
- Add the defining details: a black widow’s peak hairline, red eyes, and—most importantly—two sharp white triangular fangs pointing down from the “mouth” of the pocket.
2. Paper Bag Count Puppet
The Dracula novel has been adapted for film over 30 times! While you might not have a movie camera, you can create your own special puppet show for Halloween featuring this smart Dracula puppet craft.
Supplies: Brown paper lunch bag, acrylic paint (black, white, purple), construction paper. How to Make It:
- Paint the main body of the bag (the bottom part) black for the tuxedo and the flap purple for the face.
- Cut a white triangle (shirt) and a red bow tie from paper. Glue these to the black body.
- Lift the flap. Underneath (where the mouth would be), glue a red tongue and two white fangs.
- When your child puts their hand inside and opens the flap, Dracula will look like he is talking (or biting!).
3. Toilet Roll Dracula
The ultimate recycled craft! Never throw away those cardboard tubes in October.
Supplies: Empty toilet roll, black paint, black and red construction paper, googly eyes. How to Make It:
- Paint the top third of the tube a skin tone (beige/light green) and the bottom two-thirds black.
- Paint a white “V” shape at the top of the black section for his shirt.
- Cut a cape from black paper. The secret to a good cape is to cut a high collar that stands up behind the tube. Glue this to the back.
- Draw on a widow’s peak hairline and add googly eyes. He stands up perfectly on a shelf!
4. “Count Rock-ula” (Rock Painting)
Rock painting is a craze that never goes away. These make excellent paperweights or hidden treasures for the garden.
Supplies: Smooth oval stones, acrylic paint, paintbrushes, sealant (Mod Podge). How to Make It:
- Wash and dry your rock.
- Paint the entire rock light grey or pale green for the vampire’s skin.
- Paint a black triangle at the top for the hair.
- Paint a black collar at the bottom.
- Use a fine-tip brush to add red lips with two tiny white fangs sticking out.
- Seal with a waterproof varnish so “Count Rock-ula” can survive the rain outside!
5. Handprint Vampire Keepsake
Handprint crafts are perfect for preserving memories of how small your children once were.
Supplies: Black, white, and red washable paint, cardstock. How to Make It:
- Paint your child’s palm white (for the face) and their four fingers black (for the hair/cape). Keep the thumb unpainted or paint it black to hide it.
- Stamp the hand onto a piece of paper. The fingers should be pointing up to look like a spiky hairdo, or pointing down to look like a cape—it’s up to your artistic interpretation!
- Once dry, draw a face on the white palm section. Add a red bow tie at the wrist.
6. The Wooden Spoon Vampire
A classic puppet that is sturdy enough for hours of play.
Supplies: Wooden spoon, black felt, red felt, black paint, glue gun (adult supervision required). How to Make It:
- Paint the handle of the spoon black and the “bowl” of the spoon a pale skin color.
- Cut a cape from black felt and tie or glue it around the “neck” of the spoon.
- Use red felt to make a high collar that stands up behind the spoon’s head.
- Draw the face on the back of the spoon bowl. This puppet is great for sticking into potted plants as decor!
7. Popsicle Stick Puzzle
This serves as both a craft and a game.
Supplies: 8-10 jumbo craft sticks, masking tape, paint/markers. How to Make It:
- Line up the craft sticks side-by-side. Use masking tape on the back to hold them temporarily together.
- Flip it over and paint a large image of Dracula across the entire surface. Make sure to include his cape, medallion, and fangs.
- Once the paint is dry, remove the tape from the back.
- Scramble the sticks! Now your child has to put the “Count” back together again.
8. Cupcake Liner Vampire
This is perfect for toddlers because it requires minimal cutting and focuses on texture.
Supplies: White and black cupcake liners, red paper, glue, googly eyes. How to Make It:
- Flatten a white cupcake liner. This is the face.
- Fold a black cupcake liner in half. Cut it in half again. These two wedges become the “wings” or the high collar of the cape.
- Glue the black wedges behind the white circle.
- Add a face. The crinkly texture of the liners gives Dracula a fun, ruffled old-fashioned look.
9. Paper Plate Mask
Let the kids become the vampire!
Supplies: Paper plate, elastic string, paint, scissors. How to Make It:
- Cut eye holes in a paper plate.
- Paint the plate a pale, vampire-ish color.
- Paint a black “widow’s peak” hairline at the top.
- Cut two triangles out of the bottom rim of the plate to shape the chin, leaving a space for the mouth.
- Draw a mouth with blood-red lipstick or paint and add paper fangs.
- Punch holes on the sides and attach the elastic string.
10. The Flying Bat-Dracula
Dracula often transforms into a bat. This craft celebrates his animal form.
Supplies: Black construction paper, a clothespin, googly eyes. How to Make It:
- Paint a wooden clothespin black.
- Cut bat wings out of black construction paper.
- Glue the clothespin onto the center of the wings.
- Add tiny eyes and fangs to the top of the clothespin.
- You can clip these onto curtains, lamp shades, or hang them from the ceiling with fishing line!
Tips for a Successful Halloween Crafting Session
- Set the Mood: Play some fun, spooky music like “Monster Mash” or the Addams Family theme song while you craft.
- Mess Control: Halloween crafts often involve black paint, which can be hard to clean. Put down old newspapers or a plastic tablecloth before starting.
- Safety First: If you are using hot glue for the felt or wooden crafts, ensure an adult handles the gun. For younger kids, glue sticks or school glue work just fine for paper projects.
Conclusion
Halloween doesn’t have to be about gore and fright. By focusing on the literary history of Dracula and engaging in these creative, kid-friendly projects, you turn the holiday into a season of imagination and family bonding.
Whether you make the Paper Bag Puppet to put on a show or the Corner Bookmark to mark your place in a spooky story, these 10 delightful Dracula crafts are sure to make your October extra special. So grab your scissors, watch out for paper cuts (vampires love them!), and have a fang-tastic time crafting!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are these crafts suitable for toddlers? A: Yes! Specifically, the Cupcake Liner Vampire and Handprint Vampire are excellent for toddlers as they require less precision and more sensory engagement.
Q: Where can I buy supplies for these crafts? A: You don’t need a specialty store. Most supplies like toilet rolls, egg cartons, and paper plates are likely already in your home. The rest can be found at any local dollar store or stationery shop.
