Halloween Decorations

By Kendra Smoot

Halloween crafts don't have to be complicated to add spooky fun to your home or yard. These easy DIY Halloween decorations will add a festive touch to any room in the house, plus they're a fun activity for children.
A Spooky Display

If your kids are bringing home loads of Halloween artwork, use these paperclip ghosts to display their spooky creations. All you need is cheesecloth, cotton balls, white thread, paperclips, and a marker. Start by spearing a cotton ball with a paperclip, then bring the cotton ball to the top of the first bend in the paperclip. This forms the head of the ghost. Cut three 4"x4" squares of cheesecloth and wrap them around the cotton ball. Tie the thread around the neck of the ghost, and draw a face with the marker. Kids will love making these with you, and what could be better than displaying their art with more of their own creations?


Seth Smoot

Scary Snacks
This sweet treat is a must for Halloween parties -- the combination of a classic Halloween staple with something salty will be a hit with kids and adults alike. To make, simply mix equal portions of candy corn and honey roasted peanuts.


Seth Smoot

Boo-tiful Bucket
This $5 metal bucket gets a craft store makeover with a couple of coats of chalkboard spray paint. The result is a totally unique trick-or-treat container that's just waiting to be decorated with creepy messages and chalk drawings. Unlike most trick-or-treat buckets, this one will provide entertainment for months after Halloween.



Seth Smoot

Bat Mobile
This simply sophisticated mobile can be made with a few craft items in about 30 minutes. Just spray paint an embroidery hoop black and attach a string to hang the hoop. Then print out a bat template and use it to cut out about ten bats of varying sizes from black felt. Use black thread and a needle to tie a knot from the bat to the embroidery hoop. Much cheaper than the real Batmobile, and just as likely to impress your friends!

Seth Smoot

Wicked Web
Cotton spiderwebs look nice the first day you put them up, but they turn into a lumpy mess after a few rainy days. This version, made with bright orange pin striping automotive tape, makes a statement on outside doors. Just be sure to use it on wooden doors only, as it may remove paint.


Seth Smoot