Vintage Halloween on a small shelf: paper rosettes and black cats

A few things to have ready

Orange and black paper, A4 or US Letter
Black and cream cardstock for cat medallions
Ruler, pencil, scissors and glue
Double-sided tape and scrap cardboard
Optional small pumpkins and reusable display tray

The charm is in the handmade details

Black cats, checks and orange-and-black styling anchor Michaels’ nostalgic 2026 collection. This original shelf project borrows that broad mood with simple paper folds. Plan around 60–75 minutes for three rosettes, plus drying time. You can make the decorations at a kitchen table and prop them up indoors without drilling. Use medium-weight paper; very thick card is harder to accordion-fold neatly.

1. Fold matching paper fans

For one rosette, use two matching sheets of paper. With a short edge facing you, fold a strip about 1.5 cm (⅝ in) deep. Turn the paper over and repeat until the entire sheet is folded like an accordion. Repeat with the second sheet, keeping the fold width similar. Press each fold with your fingers or a ruler edge. Fold each finished accordion in half across its length.

2. Join the fans into a circle

Glue the touching inner edges of each folded accordion to form two semicircular fans. Join their straight outer edges to make one round rosette. Add a scrap-card circle to the back center to hold the join steady while it dries. If gaps open between sections, reinforce them with a little double-sided tape. Let the piece dry flat under light support rather than crushing the pleats under heavy books.

3. Make an original black-cat medallion

Cut a black circle for a cat face and two triangles for ears. Glue the ears behind the circle, then add cream paper eyes and a small triangular nose. Draw whiskers with a light-colored pencil, or leave the face minimal. Mount the cat on an orange or cream circle slightly larger than its head, and glue this medallion to the rosette center. Your own uneven ears give it personality; no downloaded character artwork is needed.

4. Arrange a shelf with breathing room

Make one orange rosette, one black rosette with an orange center and a smaller third piece. Prop them securely against the shelf back, using a small folded-card stand if necessary. Add a pumpkin in front and leave open space between groups. Keep the decorations clear of lamps, candles and heaters. For a rental, a freestanding arrangement avoids wall attachments altogether. Check that nothing can fall into a walkway.

Can I make these with children?

Younger makers can help choose colors, fold paper and draw cat faces, while an adult handles tricky cuts. Larger medallions are easier than tiny details. To reuse the display, keep the finished rosettes flat in a wide box with nothing heavy on top. If you want collapsible versions next time, use paper clips for the final joins instead of glue and remove the center medallion before folding them closed.

Inspiration & sources

Our original project instructions interpret these published seasonal style references. The image is a styling concept, not a photograph of a tested project.