A paper Halloween reaper with a matching sickle is a neat figure you can make with simple folding steps. This mini model works great as spooky holiday decor, a fun tabletop toy, or a cute handmade gift for friends during autumn celebrations. It adds a pleasant touch to any shelf or desk space.
Ghost of Halloween
Creating this model only requires a few basic paper sheets and gentle folds. You start by shaping the main body into a hooded figure, then craft a separate paper tool to place into its hands. The process is smooth and easy for crafters of all ages to follow from start to finish.
You can place your finished paper figure near pumpkins, on study tables, or inside party display boxes. Setting up a few of these figures in different colors like black and white creates an exciting display for your home. It brings instant holiday spirit to any room in your house.
Folding paper crafts is a peaceful activity that helps you build focus while having fun. Making your own handmade Halloween decorations gives a great sense of achievement. Grab a sheet of paper today and start crafting a fun new paper friend to show off to family and friends.
Things that you need before crafting:
Black Origami Paper (Body): 1 sheet of 15 cm × 15 cm (or 20 cm × 20 cm for a larger figure) square paper.
Black/Gray Paper Strip (Scythe): 1 strip measuring 16 cm × 4 cm.
Note: Use lightweight, durable paper (around 70–80 gsm) that holds sharp creases well, as tight crimp folds and reverse folds are required for shaping the blade and hood.
Gauge: Final assembled figure measures approximately 10–12 cm tall when using a 15 cm base square.
Key Construction Features
Single-Sheet Reaper Body: Constructed entirely from one square sheet using standard diagonal and mountain/valley creases to form the hooded cloak and flowing robe.
Integrated Hood & Face Cavity: Uses an internal sink fold technique to hollow out the hood area, creating a dark, featureless face effect.
Drawn Arms & Hands: Crimp folds along the sides extend paper flaps forward to form folded hands capable of gripping accessories.
Curved Blade Shaping: The scythe features a series of angled reverse folds that transform a narrow rectangular paper strip into a rigid handle and curved blade.
Modular Assembly: No glue required—the folded scythe slides securely into the reaper’s paper hands.
How To Make:
Round 1: Forming the Reaper Hood & Cloak Base
Begin by placing the square black paper color-side down. Fold diagonally both ways to form a cross crease, then fold all four corners into the center to create a square base. Turn the paper over and collapse along the diagonal creases to form a standard waterbomb/preliminary base.
Fold the top point downward internally using an inverted sink fold; this forms the deep, hollowed-out cavity of the Reaper’s hood while leaving the outer cloak sides draped downward.
Round 2: Shaping the Body & Extending the Arms
Narrow the lower half of the figure by making vertical mountain folds on both side flaps, tucking the raw edges under to form the flowing folds of the robe. To form the arms, take the middle side flaps and fold them diagonally downward, then reverse-fold the tips forward at a 90-degree angle to create forward-facing sleeves and hands. Crease the bottom edge of the robe slightly backward to give the figure a stable base that stands upright independently.
Round 3: Folding the Death God Scythe
Take the 16 cm × 4 cm strip of paper and fold it lengthwise down the middle. Narrow the strip by folding both outer long edges inward toward the center crease. Approximately 4 cm from one end, perform an angled crimp/reverse fold to turn the paper outward at a right angle, establishing the base of the blade.
Continue making small, tight pleat folds along this short section to naturally curve the paper downward into a sharp hook, then tightly roll and pinch the long remaining section to create a sturdy, narrow handle.
Note: If you face any hurdles in creating this project, then you can watch the tutorial here.
Round 4: Finishing Touches & Assembly
Shape the tip of the scythe blade with a fine diagonal reverse fold to sharpen the point. Refine the Reaper’s hood by gently rounding the top edges outward with your fingers to give it an organic, draped appearance. To complete the figure, slide the handle of the scythe through the folded sleeve openings of the Reaper’s hands, adjusting the angle so the blade rests menacingly across the front of the cloak.
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