How to Make Paper Quilled Halloween Black Bat Earrings

It’s that time again! Halloween is nearly here and we are celebrating with another round of Craft Lightning. I decided it was just about time that I share some more paper quilling projects here. My paper quilling posts are really popular with you guys and I’m sorry that I just don’t have more of them for you to look at. Well, problem solved because starting with this Paper Quilled Halloween Black Bat Earrings tutorial, I am beginning a weekly series of quilling posts. 

These Paper Quilled Halloween Black Bat Earrings are quick (under 15 minutes minus a bit of drying time) and easy to make – it’s the perfect simple project for a beginner!

Supplies needed:

Quilling paper – some craft stores carry this but it can be a bit hard to find. You can easily order it online. You need 3 strips of black paper.

A quilling tool – you can purchase these anywhere they sell quilling supplies or make your own. Use a large eyed embroidery needle. Clip the very tip of the end where the eye is using a pair of pliers. This will turn the eye into a slit. Then stick the point of the needle into some tacky glue and shove it into a wine cork. The cork will serve as a handle making it easier for you to use the tool.  You can even just form the coils with a toothpick or a needle but it can be a bit tricky for some beginners. 

A toothpick – this is the best way to apply the glue

Tacky glue

A ruler – for measuring the strip lengths that you need. After some experience, you’ll be able to eyeball this.

Two earring wires

Two jump rings – I didn’t have any on hand so I made my own with some wire.

Small needle-nosed pliers -for attaching the earring wires and jump rings

Quilling form (optional) – you can see this in the photo above. The one pictured was my very first one given to me as a child back in the 70s so the ones you find will look a bit different. It is not absolutely necessary as you can simply form the coils and size them without it but you may find it handy when you start doing larger, more elaborate projects. 

So, the first thing you need to do is tear your paper strips to the appropriate lengths as shown above. That’s right, I said tear. Tearing helps the paper bond better when glued so it is preferable to cutting. Once you have cut those strips, use your tool to form coils. Start the coil on the cut edge (if you have one), leaving the torn edge for gluing. Apply a tiny bit of glue (and I do mean tiny – it really doesn’t take much) to the end of the strip (the torn part) to secure the coil. I like to let them dry a bit (mere minutes) before assembling the bat shapes.

Want more of a paper quilling tutorial? Check out a previous post of mine here. 

The two small coils stay as is but you need to do a bit of shaping to the larger ones. Using your index finger and thumb, pinch in 4 places on each coil to form a squarish type shape. It doesn’t have to be perfect and in fact, it looks better when it is imperfect. Glue together using the photo above as a guide. Let dry.

Attach the paper bats to the earrings using the jump rings and you’re finished! Aren’t they adorable? Perfect for adding a touch of Halloween to any outfit. 

You can find more of my paper quilling posts at the links below:

Spring Floral Paper Quilling Design

A Paper Quilled Wedding Cake Topper

Before you go, be sure to check out the rest of the posts in our Craft Lightning: Halloween Edition series by clicking on the image below!