Bats get a bad rap, but a paper one is nothing but charming — especially when it stands up in 3D with little wings and a face waiting for googly eyes. This one folds up in nine quick steps, so you can make a whole colony before the party starts.

Grab a square (black is classic, but a purple or orange bat is pure Halloween), and let's fold one to hang by the window.

Folding Instructions

STEP 1. Place the white side face up and make a crease in the triangle.

STEP 2. Fold it in half from the bottom.

STEP 3. Fold it down from a point slightly below the center.

STEP 4. Fold both sides in to meet the center crease.

STEP 5. Fold it outward along the dotted line.

STEP 6. Once folded, turn it over.

STEP 7. Fold the triangle down along the dotted line.

STEP 8. Fold it slightly to the back from the center line.

STEP 9. Your three-dimensional bat is complete. Draw eyes on the triangular face.

Tips for Folding

The model gets bulky in five spots, so press the creases down firmly.

How about hanging it with a thread or sticking it on the wall to decorate your Halloween party?

Bats are usually thought of as black, but it is fun to fold them in your favorite color to match a Halloween pumpkin.