Get into the Halloween spirit with this fun and easy DIY craft for all ages! In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to make whimsical parchment paper witch dolls, a charming and slightly spooky twist on traditional corn husk dolls. Perfect for Halloween decorations, fall displays, or a seasonal craft night, these handmade witches are full of rustic charm. We’ll walk you through each step as you shape your doll from parchment paper, then personalize her with a felt witch hat, miniature broom, and magical accessories for a spellbinding finish.
If you love these witches you’ll love our vintage style Halloween candles!
Materials You’ll Need
- Fiskars Ultra Lilac Scissors
- Storage Trimmer
- Micro Tip Scissors
- Wire Cutters
- Fabric Scissors
- Unbleached parchment sheets or a roll of parchment paper
- Twine
- Ribbon
- Floral wire
- Wooden dowel or skewer
- Felt (for accessories like hats or cloaks)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Want to follow along in real time? Watch the full video tutorial [here] to see each step in action!
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Parchment Paper Witch Doll
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own parchment paper “corn husk” witch doll a perfect DIY Halloween craft that blends rustic charm with spooky season style.
1. Prep the Parchment Paper
To get started, use precut 12 by 16 inch unbleached parchment paper sheets. If you’re using a parchment paper roll, cut several sheets to roughly that size.
Fold each sheet in half lengthwise (hot dog style). Then, using scissors, cut a diagonal line from the top outer edge down toward the folded side, about one fourth of the way down the sheet. When unfolded, the sheet should resemble the shape of a corn husk, similar to a house with a flat roof and slanted sides. Crumple up each piece of parchment paper to give it a textured look. These steps give your doll its signature rustic look and mimics the texture of real husks.
Make at least four to six sheets to start your first doll.
2. Create the Doll Base
Stack five of your shaped parchment sheets together. Tie a piece of twine tightly around one end of the stack, about an inch from the top. This tied section becomes the top of your witch doll and will form her head. Make sure it’s secure but not so tight that the paper tears.
3. Form the Head
Gently peel or fold the parchment downward, fanning it out in all directions, like peeling a banana. This creates a soft, rounded head shape at the top of the doll.
4. Secure the Neck
Wrap a second piece of twine just below the head to define the neck. This keeps the shape intact and gives your parchment paper witch a more defined silhouette.
5. Make the Arms
Take a small strip of parchment paper and roll it tightly into a cylinder to form the arms. Use your fingers or a scoring board to help keep it firm.
6. Create the Hands
Tie a piece of ribbon at each end of the rolled arm to create tiny hands. Trim the ends if needed for a neat look.
7. Attach the Arms
Carefully separate the parchment layers that make up the body. Slide the arm roll horizontally between the front and back layers, centering it so the arms extend evenly from both sides.
8. Define the Waist
Tie another piece of ribbon just below the arms to shape the waist. Your witch doll is really starting to come together now! Use the Micro Tip scissors to trim her fingers, it should look similar to a scarecrow.
9. Add Shoulders
Cut another parchment sheet in half lengthwise to create two long strips. Drape one strip over each shoulder so they cross in front like an X across the chest. Tie again at the waist to secure the strips in place. This adds volume to the dress and gives a cape-like effect.
10. Add a cape
Cut another piece of parchment paper, place it on your table and place the doll on top. Cut two long pieces of ribbon and tie it around the neck making sure a bit of the cape is out to create a collar. Tie a bow with long tails.
11. Trim and Customize
Use the micro tip scissors to trim any extra parchment or uneven edges.
12. Make a Felt Witch Hat
To make a hat, trace a 5 inch circle on felt, cut it in half, and roll one half into a cone. Glue it closed. Then, trace a smaller circle using a ribbon spool, cut it out, and cut a hole in the center to form a brim. Glue the cone to the brim and wrap a ribbon around the base. Attach the finished hat to your doll’s head with hot glue.
13. Craft a Mini Broomstick
Take the extra half sheet of parchment paper from the shoulder step. Fold it about one fourth down and cut vertical slits into the unfolded part to create fringe. Be sure not to cut through the folded section. When unfolded, you’ll have short fringe on one side and long fringe on the other.
Trim a wooden dowel to broom-handle size using wire cutters. Wrap the parchment fringe around the bottom of the dowel, keeping the long fringe at the base. Secure it tightly with floral wire, then glue a piece of ribbon over the wire for a polished look. Attach the broom to your witch or pose it beside her.
Finish with Witchy Accessories
Get creative with this! Add a final touch by gluing on small details like:
- Add plastic spiders
- Different colored ribbon
- Add a dowel to keep her propped up and place in a pot
- Add floral wire to hang her in a wreath
Use a hot glue gun or floral wire to attach anything that needs extra hold.
Need a visual guide? Check out the full DIY witch doll video tutorial [here] it’s the perfect companion to this step-by-step!
Check out our handwoven Halloween spiderweb greeting cards!