How to Make DIY 3D Bat Decals for Halloween (Free Template Included!)
When I’m not off exploring new destinations, I love making the most of my time at home—especially when it comes to decorating for the holidays! Halloween is one of my favorites, and each year, I seem to add a little more to my decor collection. A couple of years ago I decided to get crafty and make my own 3D bat decals, and I have been reusing them every Spooky Season since!
If you’ve spent any time on Pinterest, you’ve probably seen the trendy bat cut-outs that people stick on their walls, windows, fireplaces, and mirrors. I love the look—it’s a simple yet stylish way to add a Halloween vibe without making your space feel cluttered or tacky. While you can buy a set of these bats online, I had a thought—why not DIY them?
Instead of ordering a pack, I grabbed a few sheets of black poster board from the dollar store, sketched a simple bat template, and got to work with some scissors. Not only did I save a few bucks, but I also ended up with unique bats that aren’t identical to the mass-produced ones. Since I loved how they turned out, I’m sharing my bat template and a step-by-step guide so you can create your own spooky swarm at home!
And if crafting isn’t your thing, no worries—I’ve also linked some pre-made bat cut-outs below.
What’s up with ‘bat’?
Bats are often associated with Halloween and all things spooky, but in reality, but they play a vital role in ecosystems around the world! They help control insect populations, pollinate flowers, and disperse seeds that aid in forest regeneration. Many plants, including bananas, mangoes, and agave, depend on bats for pollination. Insect-eating bats also help reduce pests naturally, benefiting farmers and even helping to control mosquitoes! Despite their spooky reputation, bats are fascinating and beneficial animals that contribute to healthy environments. So next time you see a bat—whether in a Halloween decoration or in the wild—remember that these flying mammals deserve our appreciation.
(Pictured: A bat in Costa Rica)
How to Make DIY 3D Bat Decals for Halloween
DIY 3D Bat Decals
Materials
- Black poster board
- Scissors
- Sticky wall tack (to hang the bats)
- Bat template (included below)
Instructions
- Print out the bat template.
- Cut around the bat outline with scissors.
- Trace the bat shape onto black poster board using a thin-tip marker.
- Cut out the traced bats.
- Repeat until you have your desired number (I made about 25).
- Fold the bats in half to give them a 3D effect.
- Attach them to your walls, windows, fireplace, or mirrors using small pieces of sticky tack.
Notes
And that’s it! In just a few steps, you’ll have a fun, budget-friendly decoration that brings a little Halloween magic to your home. Would you try making these, or are you more of a “buy it ready-made” kind of decorator? Let me know in the comments!
Download the bat template here:
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