DIY Witch House From Cardboard

Bring a touch of spooky charm to your Halloween decor with this handmade paper mâché witch house! This project combines sketching, sculpting, and painting to create a whimsical miniature home full of quirky details and character.

Watch my full video tutorial on Youtube: https://youtu.be/4d5v-KvDf-A

1. Paper mâché clay
2. Sculpting tools (or household items like a straw or knife)
3. Pencil and sketchbook
4. Epoxy glue
5. Paints: black, gray, brown, green, ochre, beige, yellow, mustard
6. Markers and wax crayons (for highlights and shading)
7. Craft paper or cereal box cardboard
8. Silicone sheet
9. Brushes
10. Small bits of fake greenery

Start with a pencil sketch. I always begin on paper—it helps solidify the concept and plan out dimensions and proportions. For big builds, use a notebook to make notes and outlines.

If you’re feeling confident, sketch your design directly on your work surface to serve as an outline for sculpting.

Paper mâché clay dries quickly—about 20 minutes—so work efficiently. If it hardens too soon, soften it with a little water (though this slightly changes the texture).

1. Knead the clay to make it pliable.
2. Shape a coil for the roof, flatten it, and sculpt wavy edges using a straw or sculpting tool.
3. Create a chimney—mine is triangular with quick carved lines for a brick effect.

1. Roll and flatten thin sheets of clay to form the stone walls.
2. Make window frames by arranging small clay coils around the openings.

Accidentally covered a window? Scrape away excess clay with a knife.

1. Sculpt the door frame and wooden steps, using a bit of water to blend the joints smoothly.
2. Add a supporting pole.
3. Let the wall dry slightly before carving lines into it—this creates a rough, chipped stone texture.
4. Add a small side gate for extra detail.

Once sculpting is complete, let your witch house dry overnight so it’s firm and ready for painting.

Time to bring your house to life with color!

1. Roof and window frames: black
2. Stone walls: dark gray
3. Wooden boards: nutty brown with dry-brushed touches of green, gray, and ochre for an aged look
4. Stones: mix shades of gray, green, and beige
5. Window glow: yellow

For the background, I first considered a dark blue night sky, but chose mustard yellow instead—it makes the house pop!

While the paint dries, sculpt your witch:

1. Spread paper mâché clay on a silicone sheet.
2. Shape the flat outline of a witch, then add details—dress, cape, hat, hair, hands, and feet.
3. Don’t forget her pointy hat and broom!

Once dry, paint her:

1. Skin: peach tone
2. Dress: black
3. Hair: dark gray
4. Hat: light gray
5. Cape: green
6. Broom: yellow and ochre

To make the colors pop, use wax crayons in similar tones for a shiny, textured finish.

1. Glue the witch to the house using epoxy glue.
2. For the under-roof area, glue painted strips of cereal box cardboard to create a boarded facade.
3. Wrap craft paper around the cardboard base edges to hide corrugated sides.
4. Add window sills and rails to enhance realism.

Use markers to add shading and contrast to areas like:

1. The broom bristles
2. The witch’s hair and clothing
3. Wood grain and rough stone edges

1. Add a few bits of fake greenery around the base to mimic bushes or overgrowth.

Step back and admire your finished spooky witch house, a charming Halloween display full of handmade character!

🎃 Tip: This technique works great for fairy houses, haunted cottages, or whimsical fantasy builds—just change up the paint palette and accessories.