A little spooky, a lot of lovely: make a paper bat garland

A few things to have ready

Black craft paper
Pencil and scrap paper
Scissors
Cotton twine
Hole punch
Surface-compatible removable hooks

Make a garland that fits your space

Measure the spot you want to decorate before cutting anything. A short garland above a sideboard can feel more intentional than a strand stretching across the entire room. Leave a little extra twine at each end for hanging. Keep the finished garland away from candles, heaters, door mechanisms and places where children or pets could become tangled.

Draw one simple template

Fold a piece of scrap paper in half. Draw half a bat with the body against the fold, a pointed ear and a wing with two or three scallops. Cut around your drawing and unfold it. Adjust the shape until you like it, then use this as your template. You do not need a complicated pattern for a lovely result.

Cut a small family of bats

Trace the template onto black paper and cut out each bat. Make a few smaller ones to add variation. Keep the folded crease through the middle so the wings lift slightly instead of lying flat. Children can help with tracing and arranging; an adult should supervise scissors and handle any difficult cuts.

Thread, space and adjust

Punch two small holes near the top of each bat, leaving enough paper around each hole so it does not tear. Thread the twine through and spread the bats out. Lay the garland on a table first to check the spacing. If a bat slides around, tie a gentle knot nearby rather than pulling hard against the paper.

Hang gently and store flat

Choose hooks rated for your surface and follow their preparation, weight and removal instructions. No adhesive is guaranteed damage-free on every wall, especially delicate or recently painted surfaces. If in doubt, tie the garland to an existing suitable fixture instead. After the season, wrap the twine around scrap card and store the paper bats flat for next year.