Egg Carton Spider Craft
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Egg carton spider craft projects are one of the easiest and most fun ways to turn everyday recyclables into cute and spooky Halloween decorations. Using a simple paper egg carton, a little black paint, pipe cleaners, and googly eyes, kids can create their very own creepy-crawly spiders. This easy Halloween craft for kids is perfect for classroom parties, fall afternoons, or adding a homemade touch to your Halloween décor.
I love Halloween crafts that are easy for kids to help with. like these witch broom lollipops, Halloween drinks for kids, and Halloween DIY window clings.
This spider craft is a great craft for little kids. My five-year-old had so much fun making this spider craft with me. I had to help with some things, like cutting out the egg carton and punching the holes, but he painted the egg holders, attached the eyes, and attached the legs himself. He had so much fun. He kept holding each spider up to me, and saying, “Mom, isn’t this one adorable?!” – So cute. My 12-year-old even got in on this craft. It’s fun for all ages!
Why You’ll Love this Craft?
Fun and kid-friendly – Great for preschoolers, elementary kids, or even family craft night.
Recycled craft idea – A creative way to reuse egg cartons.
Customizable – Paint your spiders any color or add glitter, sequins, or webbing for fun variations.
Perfect Halloween activity – Simple setup, minimal mess, and super cute results.
For these Egg Carton Spiders, You’ll Need:
- Paper egg carton (cardboard-style, not plastic)
- Black acrylic paint (or any washable craft paint)
- Paintbrushes
- Black pipe cleaners (also called chenille stems)
- Googly eyes – small or medium size
- 1/16-inch round hand punch (a small hole punch works too)
- Scissors
- Glue
How to Make Egg Carton Spiders
Cut the egg cups
Carefully cut apart the individual egg holders from your paper egg carton. Each one will become a spider body.
Paint the spider body
Paint the outside of each egg cup black (or any spooky color you like). Set aside to dry a little.
Attach the googly eyes
While the paint is still tacky, you can press on two googly eyes — they’ll usually stick right to the wet paint. If they slide off, wait until the paint dries, then attach them with glue.
Punch leg holes
Once the paint is fully dry, use the small hand punch to make four tiny holes on each side of the egg cup, near the bottom edge. These will be for the spider legs.
Make and attach the legs
Cut your pipe cleaners into four equal pieces (for a total of eight legs per spider). Insert a pipe cleaner into each hole, bend the ends inside to secure, and then shape the legs outward to stand.
Display your spiders.
Once complete, your egg carton spiders are ready to crawl across tabletops, hang in faux webs, or decorate a spooky shelf.
Variation
Colorful spiders: Try purple, orange, or green paint instead of black for a kid-friendlier look.
Sparkly spiders: Add glitter glue or metallic paint for extra Halloween sparkle.
Friendly spiders: They are cute enough on their own, but you could use bright eyes and smiles drawn with a paint pen for a non-scary version.
Hanging spiders: Tie a string through the top and hang them from the ceiling or in doorways.
Expert Tips for Success
Use paper egg cartons – Plastic ones don’t hold paint as well.
Pre-cut the cups for younger kids to make it easier and safer.
Let the paint dry completely before adding holes or legs to prevent tearing.
Keep extras handy – You can make an entire colony of spiders from just one carton.
FAQs
Can I use white glue instead of tacky glue?
Yes! You might have to set the spider on its side so the eyes do not slide off while it dries and it might take longer to dry, but you can definitely use white glue. A glue stick would be another great alternative to tacky glue, because it will grab and hold a little faster than liquid white glue.
What if I don’t have a tiny hole punch?
You can carefully poke holes with a pencil tip or skewer instead.
How long does this craft take?
About 10-20 minutes, plus a little drying time for the paint.
Can I make this as a classroom project?
Definitely! Just pre-cut the cups and pre-punch the holes — it’s a great Halloween classroom craft that’s simple to prep and clean up.
More Halloween Crafts You’ll Love
Printable Craft
Egg Carton Spider Craft
Equipment
- 1 small paper punch 1/16 in. recommended
- 1 Pair of scissors
- 1 paint brush of sponge brush
- protection for your work surface like newspaper, wax paper, butcher paper, etc…
Materials
- paper egg carton
- black paint
- googly eyes
- black pipe cleaner
Instructions
- Cut the egg cups – Carefully cut apart the individual egg holders from your paper egg carton. Each one will become a spider body.
- Paint the spider body – Paint the outside of each egg cup black (or any spooky color you like). Set aside to dry a little.
- Attach the googly eyes – You can attach the eyes while the paint is still tacky or wait until the paint is dry and attach them with glue. Press on two googly eyes – they’ll usually stick right to the wet paint. If they slide off, wait until the paint is dry and attach them with glue.
- Punch leg holes – Once the paint is fully dry, use the small hand punch to make four tiny holes on each side of the egg cup, near the bottom edge. These will be for the spider legs.
- Make and attach the legs – Cut your pipe cleaners into four equal pieces (for a total of eight legs per spider). Insert a pipe cleaner piece into each hole, bend the ends inside to secure, and then shape the legs outward to make them stand.
- Display your spiders! Once complete, your egg carton spiders are ready to crawl across tabletops, hang in faux webs, or decorate a spooky shelf.
~Melissa – KidFriendlyThingsToDo.com
