Paper luminaries become much more interesting when each one tells a tiny story. A simple villain silhouette behind vellum looks crisp during the day and turns into a shadowy surprise after dark.
Martha Stewart’s paper luminaries use folded paper forms and LED tea lights for easy ambiance. This project expands that basic construction into a miniature horror village with layered windows and rooflines.
What you’ll need
- Heavy black, plum, and charcoal cardstock
- White or amber vellum
- Strong double-sided tape
- Battery-operated LED tea lights only
- Cutting machine, scoring tool, and craft mat
- Optional kraft paper, moss, and miniature bottlebrush trees
How to make it
- 1
Build three simple house shapes
Cut rectangular building fronts in staggered heights and add roof peaks, doors, and large windows.
- 2
Size the silhouettes
Place one villain behind each window and leave clear space around the figure so the outline remains readable.
- 3
Back the windows
Tape vellum behind every opening, then attach the black silhouette to the back of the vellum.
- 4
Score and assemble
Add side tabs, score the folds, and assemble each house as a three-sided sleeve with an open back.
- 5
Create the village base
Arrange houses at different depths on a tray, using kraft paper, moss, or tiny trees to hide the LED lights.
- 6
Light the windows
Place cool-running battery tea lights behind the houses and adjust their distance for soft, even shadows.
Ways to make it yours
Use kraft-paper cabins, miniature trees, and a tiny paper lake.
Add torn posters, crooked shutters, and gray dry-brushed edges.
Use five identical cream houses with only black silhouettes and warm LEDs.
Inspiration & further reading
This is an original Klean Kut Halloween Crafts project inspired by approachable techniques shared across trusted craft and home sources. Explore Martha Stewart paper luminaries, Martha Stewart porch luminaries and Cricut personalized home décor guide for more ideas and technique background.