Recommended Free Tools
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
Free scan · Windows 10 & 11
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Free scan · under a minute
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Free scan · no reinstall
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
To make a movable paper plate skeleton, cut its body parts from a sturdy white paper plate or white cardstock, draw a face, then join the pieces at the holes with metal paper fasteners. For a hanging decoration, tape a loop of string to the back of the head.
Materials for a paper plate skeleton
- A sturdy white paper plate or white cardstock
- Scissors
- Black marker
- Metal paper fasteners, also called paper brads, or string
- String and tape if you want to hang the finished skeleton
The source instructions refer to both 10-inch and 12-inch plates, so treat those sizes as examples rather than a fixed requirement. Choose a plate or cardstock that fits the printable pattern you plan to use.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
How to make the skeleton
- Print and check the pattern. Use a skeleton pattern with separate body pieces. Before cutting, check that it fits your plate or cardstock.
- Cut out the pieces. Cut along the outlines with scissors.
- Add the face and joint holes. Draw facial features on the head with a black marker. Make holes at the marked joint locations.
- Connect the body parts. Use metal paper fasteners through the holes to join the pieces. Arrange them so the arms and legs can swing. String is another assembly option in the paper plate instructions; a British Council cutout also names cotton thread as an alternative for a moving skeleton.
- Add a hanging loop if needed. Make a string loop and tape it to the back of the head.
Fasteners or string: which should you use?
| Method | What the instructions support | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Metal paper fasteners | Used to join the skeleton’s parts at punched holes. | A cutout with clearly defined joints. |
| String or cotton thread | Listed as an alternative assembly method; the British Council says its cutout can move when joined with fasteners or cotton thread. | A thread-joined version or when you do not have fasteners. |
The cited instructions do not compare how long either method lasts, so choose based on the materials available and the movement you want.
#1 Best Overall
24 Sets Day of The Dead Crafts Movable Coloring Skeletons Mexican Festival
- Día de los muertos movable skeleton diy craft kit: bulk holiday craft set with 24 color sugar skeleton cards in 4 unique designs (6 per style) and 300 golden brass paper fasteners; Ideal for day of the dead altar decor, halloween parties, school art classes and community cultural events
- Flexible movable joints for interactive craft fun: sturdy golden fasteners allow the skeleton's head, arms and legs to connect flexibly and swing smoothly after assembly; The painting and assembly process can cultivate creativity, color matching ability, and hands-on skills
- Made of high-quality thick cardstock with clear pre-cut lines: The skull card measures approximately 7.09 x 4.72 inches / 18 x 12 cm and is made of high-quality paper that is thick, sturdy, and not easily torn or bent; The precise pre-cut lines allow for easy removal of all parts without any tools, ensuring a smooth and easy assembly process
- Wide application for diverse holiday and group scenarios: works for día de los muertos, halloween, mexican theme parties, church activities, school art projects, craft workshops, and family time; Finished skeletons serve as wall hangings, party props, class displays or holiday gifts
- Ideal Day of the Dead gifts: Suitable for Día De Los Muertos party favors, classroom activities, community events, and large parties; Perfect for group use, allowing each participant to create a unique skull as a keepsake
Other skeleton and skull crafts
A dancing skeleton is a related, more involved activity: the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s version uses card or cardboard, glue, fasteners, string, drinking straws and tape. It has you glue printed pieces to card, cut them out after the glue dries, make holes, and connect the joints with fasteners.
For a simpler flat decoration, Makedo describes a two-dimensional paper plate skeleton. Crayola’s separate paper skeleton project uses paper towel rolls and construction paper, among other materials, and includes drying steps. These are different projects, not timing or age guidance for the movable paper plate version above.
Rank #2
Sugar Skull Tissue Acetate Craft Kit for Day fo the Dead - Makes 12 - DIY Halloween Crafts for Kids and Fun Home Activities
- Celebrate the Day of the Dead with this fun craft kit for kids. This craft turns into Day of the Dead decorations you can carry through Halloween.
- Includes self-adhesive foam pieces acetate sheets and satin cording.
- Makes 12.
- Size: 8 1/4 x 9 1/2
- All craft kit pieces are pre-packaged for individual use. Kits include and extra pieces.
A paper sugar skull is also a separate craft, not another name for a skeleton. The San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum places its tissue-paper-and-paper-plate activity in the context of Día de los Muertos, a time to honor and commemorate deceased loved ones on November 1 and 2.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 2
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
4Pcs 48" Halloween Paper Jointed Skeletons, Posable Skeleton Cutouts
- Premium Paper: Made of thick cardstock, these 48'' paper skeleton cutouts resist creasing. Easy to fold for space-saving storage and suitable for annual Halloween & themed holiday decor
- Double-Sided Print: This cardboard skeleton set features brilliant, eye-catching colors on both sides. It includes 4 unique pirate skeleton designs, perfect for window, door and party decorations
- Secure Joints: Reinforced movable joints hold our paper skeleton firmly in various poses without slipping. The 48 plastic fasteners are enough for both assembly and spare replacement
- Fun Easy DIY: Each posable skeleton cutouts has pre-punched hanging holes and strings on the head. The kit includes 48 plastic fasteners, 4 sheets of adhesive dots. You can enjoy simple hands-on assembly
- Wide Application: These 48'' posable jointed paper skeletons instantly create a strong festive atmosphere for Halloween and Day of the Dead. They serve as eye-catching hanging decorations for haunted houses, themed parties, window displays and holiday backdrops
Rank #4
Puzzled 3D Puzzle Human Skeleton Wood Craft Construction Model Kit, Fun & Educational DIY Wooden Toy Assemble Model Unfinished Crafting Hobby Puzzle to Build & Paint for Decoration 50 Pieces Pack
- THE HUMAN SKELETON PUZZLE COMES WITH UNIQUE DESIGN YOU WILL LOVE - Be proud to exhibit your assembled Human Skeleton 3D model decor on any tabletops, cases, & surfaces! Share the love for puzzles with your friends and relatives. This educative and realistic 3D wooden puzzle is ideal for kids and teenagers with an interest in science and anatomy. Our collection of puzzles will help them learn in an entertaining way, giving them endless hours of fun when building & decorating our wooden puzzles.
- THE HUMAN SKELETON DIY 3D PUZZLE IS FOR ANYONE WHO LOVES PUZZLES - The Human Skeleton 3 dimensional craft kit is a model to build for adult and kids who love using their brain and create something with their hands. Puzzles lovers at any age or gender will enjoy building this amazing, challenging 50 piece wood toy kit & painting the 3d wood puzzle to make it their own. Great father & son 3d puzzles for boys school project and puzzle for girls get together craft play time with friends and family,
- INCLUDED WITH THE PURCHASE OF 3D HUMAN SKELETON WOODEN PUZZLE KIT - Includes 1 Human Skeleton 3D pretty Puzzle Wood Craft Construction Kit with 50 interlocking puzzle pieces, instruction manual & 1 paper for sanding edges. 3D Puzzles never looked so good! The unfinished natural wood can be painted or colored for a more personalized look. In most parts no glue is needed and the pieces are interlocking together. The wooden puzzle assembly size is: 3"Lx4"Wx15"H. Paint and glue are not included.
- HIGH-QUALITY HUMAN SKELETON WOODEN PUZZLE 3D KIT - The Human Skeleton 3D puzzle is made of high-grade 3mm natural wood. All puzzle pieces are laser cut and sanded thoroughly to ensure smoothness of edges. Adorned with realistic details like rib cage and skull that can be painted individually for a realistic look. Make it come to life and give it a unique design! Once fully assembled, this Human Skeleton model will stand upright holding a striking and bold pose, ready to exhibit or to present.
- IDEAL USE FOR THE HUMAN SKELETON WOOD KIT 3D MODEL PUZZLE - Challenge yourself and your loved ones to building this amazing DIY cut 3-D puzzle, display your achievement as artwork or play with your new model toy. 3D puzzles woodcraft construction kits help develop skills like eye coordination, problem-solving and shape recognition, while encouraging creativity, too. Customize your skeleton diy toy kits and paint it for school projects or make it a game for friends and family to enjoy together.
Rank #3
Jeyiour 6 Pcs Halloween Jointed Paper Skeleton Cutout Cardboard Decorations
- Package Included: what you will receive are 6 pieces of halloween jointed skeleton decorations in vintage style, sufficient to meet your decoration demands, adding a scary Halloween vibe and intense festival atmosphere
- Quality Material: the halloween party jointed skeleton accessory is mainly made of quality cardboard, which is sturdy, light, double sided, not easy to fade, and can be applied for many times for a long time
- Movable Joints Design: the skeleton decoration comes with eyelets, creating a realistic appearance, allowing you to move cardboard skeleton into different positions, and providing a range of motion for flexibly arranging various shapes or movements of the skeletons you want
- Suitable Displaying Size: jointed skeleton decoration is approx 80 x 20 cm/ 31.5 x 7.9 inches, coming with a portable string for carrying and hanging on a porch, windows or trees, easily attract people's attention
- Wide Application: the Halloweendecor skeleton are ideal decoration for horrible atmosphere occasions and activities, such as Halloween theme parties, frightening trick or treats, haunted houses, graveyard scenes, street carnival, and are applicable for decorating your doors, windows, fireplaces or other indoor and outdoor places on Halloween
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
