Regardless of whether you call it a bar, pub or saloon, bartenders frequently say to customers, “Pick Your Poison.” If you are unfamiliar with this expression, it means what kind of alcohol do you want. I found a “Pick Your Poison” sign, which will make a great addition to my brother’s bar. Let’s get started.
Unfinished Sign
I purchased this sign at Michaels Arts & Crafts from their Halloween collection. Experiment with color schemes on scrap paper and then choose your supplies. Later in this post, you will see further experimentation using photo editing software.
Supplies
Supplies:
“Pick Your Poison” Sign (14” wide x 1” deep x 8” high)
Acrylic Paints – black
Magic Markers – green, black
Paintbrushes
First Line Colored Black
Using a black marker, color the top line of text. It may require a few coats.
Second Line Colored Green
Color the next line of text green. It may require a few coats.
Top & Bottom Trim Painted Black
Paint the trim black. I wanted the word poison to really stand out but the marker just wasn’t enough. I switched to paints as you will see below.
Revised Supplies
Revised Supplies: Acrylic Paints – black, metallic green Paintbrushes
Painted Letters
Paint the word Poison with several coats of metallic green. I considered adding drips of 3D paint to make the green letters appear to be bubbling or oozing but decided against it. You could stop at this point if you like the wood grain background.
Photo Editing – Experiment 1
Using photo editing software, I experimented with different background colors. I was just dabbling so I apologize for the sloppy lettering. It was just what I needed to decide how to proceed.
Photo Editing – Experiment 2
I also tested different color combos for the text against the new backgrounds.
Photo Editing – Experiment 3
Because I liked the high contrast and implied sense of danger, I chose red as the background color.
Finalized Supplies
Finalized Supplies: Acrylic Paints – black, metallic green, red Paintbrushes
Painted Background Red
Paint the background red. Due to streaking, which did not appear until after the paint had dried, it took several coats of paint.
Finished Sign
Here is the finished sign, ready to be hung above the bar.
I hope you enjoyed this quick & easy project as much as I did. Sitting here at the bar, I drink a toast to my readers. I’ll save the seat next to me in case you decide to join me.
It seems we are always keeping an eye on the time. Busy schedules and ever-growing “To-Do” lists often prevent us from stopping to review our accomplishments. Let us take a few minutes to look back at the highest ranked posts, as voted by you, the readers. Below is a list of the Top Six posts of 2022, in ascending order:
Number 6: Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice
In Autumn, as the leaves begin to turn, pumpkin flavored items begin popping up everywhere, from coffee shops to fast food restaurants and even the local pub. To read more, please click here.
Number 5: Decorating Easter Eggs
Dyed eggs are a staple of any Easter celebration. To read more, please click here.
Number 4: Collages: Old School vs. High Tech
Collages can be created by two different methods: 1) “Old School” Traditional, or 2) High Tech. To read more, please click here.
Number 3: Inspiration: Lost & Found – Part 1
Sometimes it feels like inspiration is impossible to find. It hides in plain sight, masquerading as mundane items in our daily lives. To read more, please click here.
Number 2: Halloween: Naughty or Nice?
There are all sorts of Halloween themes and characters to help us celebrate this imaginative holiday. To read more, please click here.
Number 1: Blogging Vacation
Throughout the summer, I usually take a break, by posting every other week. This year there were so many inspirations to share I simply kept going. To read more, please click here.
And there we have it – the top 6 posts of 2022. We have a new year to explore the world of creativity. There are always new ideas and I’ll be sure to include more of your favorites. Your opinions are greatly appreciated, and I look forward to so much more this year. If you have any suggestions for future posts, please let me know.
When you think of Halloween, what images come to mind? Most likely there’s a black cat and a few pumpkins in the mix, and rightly so since these mascots of Halloween have been honored for centuries.
In this vintage illustration, a cuddly kitten saunters through a pumpkin patch.
Ceramic Cat & Pumpkin – Front
Our project this week is an adorable kitten sitting inside a jack-o-lantern.
Ceramic Cat & Pumpkin – Back
This three-dimensional Halloween decoration is available at Michaels.
Ceramic Cat Closeup
The top of the pumpkin sits on the kitten’s head like a little hat. Aww, so cute!
Ceramic Pumpkin Closeup
The cut-outs in the faces of the cat and pumpkin hint at a surprise, which will be revealed at the end of this post in the last photo.
Supplies
Supplies:
Ceramic Cat in a Pumpkin (6” wide x 6” deep x 8” high)
Acrylic Paints – dark green, black, metallic gold, buttercrunch yellow & orange
Paintbrushes
Painted Pumpkin – Front
Paint the pumpkin orange and the stem green. Be sure to paint all the edges of the cut-outs too.
Painted Pumpkin – Back
It will probably require two coats of paint for a nice even finish.
Painted Cat’s Eyes & Pumpkin Top Edge
Paint the cat’s eyes metallic gold, including the inner edges. Add black for the pupils and a dot of white in each. Paint the top edge of the pumpkin, around the cat’s body, with buttercrunch yellow.
Painted Pumpkin Top Edge – Back
Painted Cat Closeup
Painted Pumpkin Closeup
Painted Cat – Front
Paint the cat with two coats of black paint, including the front paws draped over the pumpkin. Add black lines on both sides of the pumpkin stem.
Painted Cat – Back
Working out the Details
At this point I noticed something funny. It looks like this kitten is sitting in a bowl of soup, and his disembodied paws appear to be floating on top! To fix these issues, draw lines in pencil to thicken the pumpkin’s rim and connect the paws, via legs, to the body.
Painted Details – Front
Paint the legs black, and the pumpkin rim orange. With a fine brush, paint the whiskers white and the mouth pink. Indicate toes with thin white lines on the front paws.
Painted Details – Back
Finished Cat Closeup
Finished Pumpkin Closeup
Glowing LED Lights
This is the finished project. Concealed LED lights illuminate the inside, just like a real jack-o-lantern. I hope you enjoyed this fun and easy Halloween project.
Salem, Massachusetts is an interesting place to visit, especially in October. The residents really know how to throw a month-long party, and all are invited.
Live Music
There’s live music and lots of costumes. You never know who or what might appear around the next corner.
Live Street Performances
Street performers entertain the crowds. We were fortunate to see the ghostbusters arrive in their famous Ecto-1 ambulance. “I ain’t afraid of no ghost.”
Salem Cemetery
Wander the streets and cemetery by lantern light on a haunted walking tour.
Good Witches
See a bronze statue of Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha Stephens from the television show, “Bewitched,” or conjure up a little magic of your own during a Halloween photo shoot.
Hocus Pocus Films
Take a trolley ride around town to see numerous historic sites as well as film locations from both of Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” films.
While visiting Salem, my mom and I noticed several unique Halloween decorations. Here are a few of our favorites…
Ghosts
In a place with such a long history, there are bound to be a few ghosts.
Pumpkin & Witch
This pumpkin makes spooky sounds and appears to glow in sunlight. The orange-haired witch holds a bouquet of shooting stars and a friendly bat.
Goblin & Crow
The goblin looks perfectly happy for a night of trick or treating, but the crow appears quite annoyed to be wearing his pumpkin costume. More than a few of his tail feathers are ruffled. lol
Mom Ghost & Baby Pumpkin
This one is my mom’s favorite because she loves mother and child themes. We have always loved celebrating Halloween with decorations, costumes, and parties. Lots of warm memories are attached to this popular holiday, and this adorable figurine bring them all to mind.
Metal Spider Candleholders
Here’s an important travel tip: If your carry-on bag contains spikey metal objects, it’s going to be searched! lol. An airport security guard carefully unwrapped the odd-looking objects. When he saw the spiders, he burst out laughing and held them up to share the laughter with all the guards and passengers. It’s still one of my favorite Halloween memories.
There are all sorts of Halloween themes and characters to help us celebrate this imaginative holiday. Every year you decide what costume to wear, so why not choose a style for your decorations? Each of the photos below shows Naughty on the left and Nice on the right. At the end are exemplary displays to inspire your Halloween décor.
Spiders
Jack-O-Lanterns
Pumpkin Pals
Spooky Pets
Pumpkinhead Monsters
Pumpkin Trios
Ghostly Trios
Flying Witches
Pumpkins in the Fog
Skeletons
Scarecrows
Pathway Lights
Pumpkin Personalities
Halloween Beverages
Day of the Dead
Cats & Full Moons
Pumpkins & Vines
Halloween Displays:
Nice – Pumpkin Patch Family
Naughty – Graveyard
Naughty & Nice – Interior & Exterior Display
Naughty & Nice – Ghostly Pumpkin Family
Naughty & Nice – Gated Entry
Naughty & Nice – Pumpkin Creatures
Naughty & Nice – Sunbathing Skeleton
Naughty – Watchful Tree
I hope you have found some ideas to awaken your Halloween spirit. (Pun intended.) Now, you have a decision to make … What will it be – Naughty or Nice? I look forward to reading your answers in the comments section. Thanks for reading!
Illuminated by candles, jack-o-lantern carving is believed to date back to 19th century Ireland. Much like gargoyles, the frightening carved faces were meant to keep evil spirits away, while also celebrating Halloween and the end of the harvest, also known as Samhain.
Mr. & Mrs. Squash
If carving is not in your skill set, painted or hand drawn designs can be applied to real or artificial pumpkins with very little effort. Because they are not carved, they will last throughout the fall, including Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Basic Carving
Most carved pumpkins have eyes, a nose, and a mouth. The shapes and angles determine the expression. The nubby teeth, in the left photo, create a friendly face for young children. On the right, glowing light and mysterious fog take a simple carving to the next level.
Accessorizing
This fashionable character is camera-ready for the next Tim Burton film. The black-outlined carvings are an unusual touch, and the hat gives this pumpkin lots of personality.
Devilishly Handsome
This carved pumpkin owes its devilish good looks to the absence of a nose. That one little detail, plus the intensity of the light within, gives him a more ghoulish appeal. The orange skin has been removed from the teeth to create a fiery translucency.
Fierce and Fabulous
Jagged teeth, angled eyes and an eerie glow make this pumpkin a formidable character.
Glowing Eyes in the Darkness
Visitors won’t stay long in the presence of these disembodied faces. LEDs produce high intensity light, which flicker like candles and may also change color.
Sinister Intentions
Choosing a short squat pumpkin sets the stage for these menacing characters. The one on the left appears to be glaring and possibly snickering at viewers. The other has fleshy, bloodshot eyeballs highlighted in a creepy orange light. Glow sticks produce softer, otherworldly light in a variety of colors.
Anger Management
Maybe the tooth fairy forgot to leave him money, or perhaps his dentist is on vacation. We may never know why he is so angry, but the message is loud and clear!
Good Mother or Cannibal?
Wild animals often carry their young by the scruff of the neck. Since the teeth are rounded, and the little one does not look frightened, I think she is a mother protecting her baby. What do you think?
Sweet Kitten
The soft rounded features on this gentle kitten create an adorable expression.
Feral Cat
This adult feral cat hisses in warning, driving everyone away.
Monsters Under the Bed
Most children believe there is a monster under the bed or hiding in the closet. This monster reaches out to grab passersby if they get too close.
Playful Bat
This cute bat reminds me of the movie, “The Little Vampire.” The orange skin had been peeled off the bat to create bold contrast and to achieve a translucent effect when lit.
Things that Go Bump in the Night
Vampire bats, black cats and scary faces are all traditional Halloween decorations.
Nightmare before Christmas
Tim Burton fans will recognize Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King. The stitched mouth and curved brow lend an ominous quality to his expression.
Tinkerbell & Frankenweenie
Disney’s Tinkerbell and Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie are sure to charm your guests.
Ghostface
From the Scream movie franchise, this disturbing face may haunt your dreams.
Mixed Message
It says welcome, but the jagged cuts look more threatening to me, as if to say, “Get out!”
Day of the Dead
The intricate details of this skull are remarkable. The orange is the perfect background to contrast with this floral skull, a perfect specter for the Day of the Dead.
Monsters Inc.
I am not sure what kind of monster this is, but my what big teeth he has!
Gourd Creatures
These creepy critters have human faces, with thick vines for arms and legs. The wide-eyed stare and twisted fingers look menacing, as if they might spring forward upon unsuspecting viewers.
Fire Breathing Dragon
This dragon was carved from pumpkin, and the artfully arranged flowers and leaves resemble flames. This multi-layer composition offers textures and fine details, harmonized by the many shades of orange.
Let’s Go Wildcats
To create the delicacy of this fierce wildcat, a piece of pumpkin was carved lying flat. The finished cat was reattached to the round opening, and any cut lines were carefully concealed.
Halloween Wishes
I hope you have found a few inspirational ideas for your Halloween pumpkins. Which design is your favorite? Do you like to carve or paint your pumpkins? Please let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading!
When it comes to Halloween decorating, skeletons are featured favorites.
T-Rex Skeleton
Terrifying dragons and dinosaurs are a few of the latest décor entries.
Saber Tooth Tiger Skeleton
Wild dogs and Sabre Tooth tigers are sure to follow.
Close-Up Rooster Skeleton
What about ferocious chickens? Ferocious may be a bit of a stretch, but “cocky” is a well-earned title.
Confident & Cocky
At a farm near my home, I saw a defiant rooster face off against a slow-moving minivan. That bird crowed at the top of his lungs. I wonder if roosters use curse words. The bird won the battle of wills! Apparently, roosters always have the right of way. lol.
Unpainted Rooster Skeleton
There are many Halloween bird skeletons, including vultures, crows, ravens, and ducks. When I saw this rooster, I knew I had to do something to make him stand out in a crowd.
How to Paint a Rooster Skeleton:
Inspiration
A rooster’s crown and wattle tend to be red, but anything goes for the feathers.
Inspiration
Because my favorite color is blue, I chose inspirational photos accordingly, but you can choose whatever colors you prefer.
Supplies
Supplies:
Rooster Skeleton (12-1/2” high x 11-1/2” long x 7-1/2” wide) sold at JoAnn Crafts
Acrylic Paints – red, black, metallic sapphire blue, & metallic periwinkle blue
Paintbrushes
Painted Head Details
Brush red paint onto both sides of the two most recognizable traits of roosters, the comb and wattle. Darken the eye sockets with black paint.
Unpainted Rooster Tail
As you might imagine, roosters are very proud of their plumage. Those tail feathers should be bold and colorful to make their presence known and to impress the ladies!
Painted Tail – Option 1
Paint the tail black, which tends to be the most common tail feather color.
Painted Tail – Option 2
Paint the tail a combination of metallic green and metallic blue.
Painted Tail – Option 3
Paint the tail metallic blue. I love the iridescent blue feathers shown in the two inspirational photos. What bothered me about the skeleton was the five bones in the tail, which resemble a metallic hand.
Defining the Tail Feathers
Carefully apply a line of black paint down the length of each tail bone and angled short strokes to create a feathered appearance.
Side by Side
Minimally painted head details versus fully defined tail feathers. If you are satisfied with your results, you could stop at this point. Additional steps below will give the rooster a more frightening appearance.
Painted Eye Detail
Outline both eyes with red paint. This changes the entire expression with a few easy strokes.
Eerie Glow from Within
Paint the inside of the ribs with metallic periwinkle paint. Many Halloween skeletons come with LED lights hidden inside to illuminate the rib cage. This one did not come with lights, but the metallic paint produces a similar visual effect.
Joint Details
Add red on each of the ball joints for the wings and the knees.
Unpainted Rooster versus Completed Rooster
As you can see, this rooster has come a long way from its humble beginnings. At a distance, you can easily recognize it, and the extra painted details catch the light, drawing your attention to this demanding and amusing creature.
For more ideas, please click here to read last year’s post on skeleton painting.
Have you wondered what it would be like to be a superhero, a celebrity, or a movie monster? Halloween opens the door to adventure. The stage is set, the orchestra is warming up, and an audience of admirers eagerly awaits your arrival. Who or what will you be? Let us find out together…
Basic Costume Building Blocks:
Mask
Sometimes all you need is a great mask! Frankenstein’s Monster & the Wolfman are classics. Monster gloves would be nice additions to complete the look. The only downside is that masks can be hot to wear. Be sure to apply character-appropriate makeup to stay in character without it.
Makeup
Makeup tutorials make it easy to create any character. Be sure to read the makeup labels before you buy to avoid skin irritation. To elevate the creepiness factor, the man in the photo above is wearing white monster contacts in his eyes.
Costume
Whether you prefer DIY or readymade, the key to your success is a great costume. Like the idea of “one and done?” All you need is a one-piece dress to become Zena Warrior Princess. Confidence is an absolute necessity! The boots, wristbands, and a weapon are optional.
Accessories
When creating a character, never underestimate the importance of accessories. Can you imagine Indiana Jones without his hat and whip? Without fangs, Count Dracula is just a guy in a tuxedo. (lol)
Attitude
Musketeers cloak themselves in courage, honor, and dedication to their king. Think about how your character thinks, speaks, and acts and then exhibit those traits. Have fun with it!
Cast of Characters:
Mermaid
If you own a bikini top, you are halfway to a mermaid costume. All you need is the tail. Make sure you can comfortably walk and adjust the tail as needed.
Butterfly
This sexy ensemble requires a one-piece black swimsuit and butterfly wings. Antennae are optional. For a less revealing version, wear a black jumpsuit or top with leggings.
Scarecrow
The Scarecrow from the “Wizard of Oz” is a classic favorite. All this costume requires is a great hat and handfuls of straw. Any plaid shirt will work, and do not forget to smile and move as the actor did in the original movie.
The Joker
This is a perfect recreation of the 1960’s television version of the Joker, played by Cesar Romero. Although he is a criminal, this early version of the character is amusing and lighthearted compared to his diabolical present-day counterpart.
Game of Thrones
True to the “Game of Thrones” characters, this couple successfully combined, costumes, makeup, attitude, and accessories, including the little dragon looking over her shoulder.
Medieval Sorceress & Gothic Witch
In the Wizard of Oz, whose side are you on – Glenda the Good Witch or the Wicked Witch of the West? Actors enjoy playing the villain to break out of their comfort zones in favor of a walk on the wild side.
Fantasy Owl Woman
You might want to create a completely original character, such as this owl woman. Like a living sculpture, she is beautiful and intriguing.
Red Fox
Those mesmerizing green eyes draw you in for a closer look. The details are incredible. The mask blends seamlessly with the costume, and the eye openings are cleverly hidden in the corners of the fox’s eyes. It is utterly amazing workmanship.
Court Jester & Evil Clown
If you want to be a clown, you have a decision to make…Will you be an amusing entertainer like a court jester? Or terrifying like Pennywise in Stephen King’s “IT”?
Skeletons
There is an extraordinary level of anatomical detail in the skeleton makeup. Look at those teeth! And the half-masks are an illusion achieved through expertly applied makeup! The white contacts, worn by the skeleton on the right, produces a piercing cold stare that feels uncomfortable, even from the photo.
Steampunk & Plague Doctor
The secret to a steampunk costume is incorporating metallic details, such as studs, chains, gears, and anything else inspired by 19th century mechanization. The Plague Doctor on the right is terrifying! How could he be a medical professional? He does not appear to be human!
Anime
Every detail of this costume, from the bows in her pink hair to the tips of her knee-high boots, is a shining example of anime.
Fantasy Princess
This costume is so beautifully coordinated. The color of the faux fox stole matches the colors in her dress. Intricate gold patterns are repeated on her dress, her jewelry, and the beads in her hair.
Medusa
Medusa have never looked so fierce and fabulous. Wriggling snakes form the headpiece, topped by a golden crown. The python print dress has snakelike scroll design accents. Special effects snakeskin patterned makeup creates the illusion of snakes emerging from her cheeks and forehead. Yikes!
Reptilian Tree
What do you get when you combine a human, a reptile, and a tree? You get a fascinating creature covered in gnarly roots and raised scales, with a disturbing face and mysterious, unknown intentions.
Samurai Warrior
Psychological battles begin long before any physical confrontations. With this fear-inducing costume, potential opponents will choose to flee rather than trying their luck.
Day of the Dead
When it comes to Day of the Dead costumes, this man must be royalty. The elaborate feathered headdress, staff with life-size human skulls, and tricolor palette ensure he will stand out in a crowd.
Maleficent
This vengeful fairy has great magical powers and a commanding physical presence. The raven sitting atop her staff is a reminder of her connection to nature as protector of the moors. Is she thinking of something witty to say or deciding what to conjure up next? We are probably better off not knowing.
Lord of the Rings: Orc
Tolkien would be proud of this battle-ready orc. The distressed piecemeal garments, weapon in hand, hidden dagger in his boot, and defiant stance are hallmarks of this malevolent Lord of the Rings character.
Amazon Warrior
At first, the soft feminine garments and feathered headdress might lead you to believe she is a vulnerable native princess. But you would be wrong! The multi-pronged weapon, metal-studded glove, and cold calculating stare hint at the powerful fighting capabilities of this formidable Amazon Warrior.
Captain Jack Sparrow
Captain Jack Sparrow is one of the most recognizable characters in the world, which means you need to get the details correct. Check out the tattooed fingers, the braided beard, and the weather-worn hat! All of Jack’s quirky mannerisms and facial expressions have been incorporated into this authentic performance. I wonder how often people request his autograph. Outstanding work!
Venetian Sun
In the “Masquerade” scene in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, the cast sings, “Look around there’s another mask behind you.” During the Venetian Carnival, just when you think you have seen the most exquisite costume ever made, a better one pops up behind it, leaving you awestruck.
Cosplay
Do you enjoy making your own costumes? Most of the extraordinary costumes shown in this post are from the world of Cosplay. There are competitions for best handmade costumes, and these people are incredibly talented. They take costumes to the ultimate level, often equally the wardrobes created for multimillion dollar films. It is fascinating to see, even if you are not into DIY. Enjoy!
For many, Halloween is the most wonderful time of the year. People go all out decorating their homes, and there is always something new to thrill and delight. Let’s look at some decorating ideas for designing the Halloween display of your dreams…or should I say nightmares?
Creatures of the Night:
Bats
Bats certainly have a way of making humans squirm. Keep your visitors on their toes by hanging bats upside down from tree branches, lightly swaying in the breeze on invisible fishing tackle.
Crows
A crow’s habit of feeding upon dead animals and loud calls are bound to cause a shiver or two. Mount a couple crows on tombstones or in a prominent spot, such as atop a wall or the edge of your roof.
Owls
This predator silently soars across the night sky, seeing all with his glowing eyes. There are some motion-activated owls that turn their heads and hoot.
Spiders
Most people instinctively shy away from spiders. The tarantula-sized spiders shown above are painted with glow-in-the-dark paints. Place them along porch railings or on the outer edge of steps. You also might want to have several crawling up a wall near the front door.
Dragons & Black Cats
Many people are superstitious about black cats. When lit from behind, cat silhouette yard stakes have an eerily realistic appearance. Inflatable dragons glisten and change colors, while animated dragons have glowing eyes, frightening sound effects and “breath fire” courtesy of a fog machine.
Rats
Sewer rats are bound to cause a few goosebumps. Just like the photo above, place a few rats on or around pumpkins to create a creepy atmosphere.
Witches
If you want to charm your guests, witches are sure to please. Life-size, motion-activated witches greet visitors with glowing eyes, casting spells, and stirring cauldrons. For a more humorous effect, a wall or tree-mounted crashing witch on a broom is sure to make everyone smile.
Headless Horseman
“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” is a classic. Although you probably won’t have a horse on the lawn, you could create a dummy with a glowing pumpkin head. New this year is an animated life-size headless horseman holding an axe in one hand and a talking pumpkin in the other.
Legendary Movie Monsters
Wolfman, Frankenstein’s Monster, Count Dracula – so many possibilities. You could make a dummy by stuffing an old shirt and pair of slacks and buy a rubber mask to create your monster. If you or a family member are budding actors, dress up in costumes to unnerve visitors on Halloween night.
Zombies
“The Walking Dead” has been a popular television series for years, spawning a zombie craze in movies, merchandise, and Halloween décor. If horror is your goal, zombies are the go-to characters.
Ghosts
Ghosts can serve as props or as live action creatures. Halloween night, if you really want to keep trick or treaters on edge, place a life-size ghost among your yard decorations. Go outside several times wearing an identical costume to stir up chills and thrills as you move across the lawn. Kids love theatrics like this and will return every year to find out what you will do next.
Scary Props:
Carved Pumpkins
Pumpkins are a Halloween staple. Depending upon your preferences and skills, you can carve or paint designs to frighten or amuse your guests. If you have had trouble in the past with squirrels eating fresh pumpkins, buy craft pumpkins, which can be carved and displayed for years to come.
Tombstones
With tombstones, draped in spider webs, and scattered bones, this haunted cemetery is ready for visits from the living.
Coffin & Skeletons
If you like working with wood, you could build a coffin and reuse it with different monsters each year. If the weather cooperates, or if you have a covered porch, a cardboard coffin can be easily made. Skeletons and skulls can be frightening or funny. It’s all up to you.
Kid Friendly Scarecrow
Scarecrows are easy to make and inexpensive to buy. Secure them to tree trunks, or place a few on a bale of hay with pumpkins and a few crows for a bit of humor.
Frightening Scarecrow
This horrifying scarecrow will keep crows, as well as people, at a distance. The vicious teeth are an unexpected and unsettling detail.
Spider Webs
Our brains tell us that where there are webs, there are spiders. Drape webs over bushes and railings. A bag of plastic spiders has great impact or buy one large spider to instill fear.
Lighting:
Halloween String Lights
Pumpkins, Bats, Skulls, Witch Hats, and Ghosts are just a few of your string light options. Some are the plug-in variety, but for more flexibility there are also battery-operated versions.
Pumpkin Lamppost Cover
This lamppost cover is an easy way to show your Halloween spirit, and it acts like a beacon attracting Trick or Treaters like moths to a flame.
Luminaries
Luminaries are easy to make by simply drawing Halloween designs, such as cats and bats, with Sharpie markers on glass jars. For lighting, burn tealights or use battery-operated candles.
Special Effects:
Spooky Sounds & Fog
Sound is an often-overlooked element in Halloween displays. Howling wolves, dragging chains, maniacal laughter, growling monsters, and high-pitched shrieks are among the many scary soundtracks. Fog provides additional layers of Halloween ambiance.
Lightning & Thunder
Conjure up the perfect storm by using theatrical spotlights, which project lightning bolts upon your house, accompanied by claps of thunder.
Setting the Scene: Finished Halloween Displays
Witch’s Brew
Wondering what it would be like to have a close encounter with a witch? A cauldron, bubbling over with glowing fog, rests upon a flickering faux fire. With an ancient broom, a book of magic spells and a bottle of her latest potion in hand, this witch chills and thrills guests of all ages. Live action will astound visitors. All you need is a costume and have a few clever “incantations.”
Haunted Graveyard
How do you create a haunted graveyard? Start with tombstones, and then add a red-eyed skeleton climbing out of an open grave, bathed from below by an eerie yellow light, as ghostly apparitions take shape in wisps of fog. An orange moon in the nearby tree completes this otherworldly scene. Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” would be the perfect theme song for this frightening display.
Comical Family Fun
Is it possible to celebrate Halloween in a kid-friendly way? A pumpkin family reunion is a good place to start. Trick or Treaters can pose for selfies with this cheerful, welcoming display. At night, the bright orange glow will intrigue everyone, drawing them nearer for a closer look.
If You Build It, They Will Come
Want to attract attention? Consider your desired theme and select a fascinating focal point, such as the gigantic cat in the above photo. With colors, shapes, textures, and proportions in mind, continue adding props and characters, creating a multi-layered composition to delight viewers. Viewers will discover something new each time they see it. Having a few characters spring to life would be the cherry on top of this theatrical masterpiece.
Trunk or Treat
Are you participating in a community trunk or treat event? Don’t forget to decorate your car. There are Halloween decorations made specifically for trunk or treating. If your furry best friend rides along, a pet costume would be adorable, and the kids will love it!
Halloween brings out the kid in all of us. Do you have a favorite decoration? Have any suggestions to share with readers? Please note your thoughts in the comments section. Thanks for reading and sharing.
Eerie & Otherworldly
No Halloween display would be complete without a skeleton or two. Each one has its own personality.
Unexpectedly Playful
Culturally Festive
Bone-Chilling & Terrifying
Every year manufacturers introduce new items to thrill, amuse or frighten avid Halloween fans. With a few easy steps, you can personalize store-bought skeletons to express whatever style or attitude you desire for your Halloween décor. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Fierce Makeover:
Deep Sea Fish Skeleton
This skeleton is based upon a real life deep-sea fish called an Anglerfish. To attract prey, a bioluminescent fishing lure is cast in front of its head and in no time, those strong jaws snap shut as vicious teeth make short work of consuming the meal. Check out the illuminated photo below.
Illuminated Deep Sea Fish Skeleton
As a Halloween decoration, it certainly is more unique than the usual offerings. When lit, the lure is bold yellow and the stomach has an eerie purple glow. While he does have a menacing appearance, I think we can do better! I really like the purple glow but when the lights are turned off, the bones are a neutral color without any contrast. In other words, he needs an upgrade!
Fish Skeleton Paints Supplies:
Deep Sea Fish Skeleton (8” high x 17” long x 5” wide)
Acrylic Paints – linen, metallic periwinkle blue, & black (not shown)
Paintbrushes
Fish Tail – Before
Fish Tail – After
Paint the tail and tips of the spine with metallic periwinkle blue. Notice how the bones stand out against the metallic blue. The reflective quality of metallic paint contrasts well with matte finish bones.
Fish Head & Fins – Before
Fish Head & Fins – After
Paint the eyes black. Paint the webbing of the fins and crevices around the eyes with periwinkle blue. The fleshy, darker contrast makes the eyes look meaner in a zombie-like fashion. Linen paint can be used to touch up unwanted marks on the head.
Finished Fish
The individual bones in the tail and fins really show up now, resembling creepy skeletal hands for seizing prey or curious trick-or-treaters.
Illuminated Finished Fish
Portraits – Before & After
The first photo is the original fish and the second is the finished makeover. The purple glow now extends across the entire body. With a ferocious expression and intimidating attitude, this Anglerfish is ready to strike, perfect for a Halloween scare.
Fantasy Fashion Makeover:
Spider Skeleton
Spiders often have a very creepy aura and you could certainly go in that direction. This lucky lady prefers a haute couture makeover and we know just how to bring it!
Spider Skeleton Paints Supplies:
Spider Skeleton (6” high x 8” long x 13” wide)
Acrylic Paints – metallic blue sapphire, metallic copper, & pure black
Paintbrushes
Spider Head & Feet
Darken the eyes with black paint, and paint the facial details and feet with metallic copper. Feel free to experiment with the colors.
Spider Joints & Spine
Turquoise and brown are a very fashionable color combination, making metallic blue the perfect complement to the copper. This bejeweled spider is ready to make her debut on the fashion runway! lol!
Finished Spider Pulling Wagon
Why not show off her new look by participating in a Halloween parade with a few friends?
Fairy Tale Makeover:
Frog Skeleton – Before
This little guy has a heartwarming smile. I believe we can add a little more charm.
Frog Skeleton Paints Supplies:
Frog Skeleton (3-1/2” high x 5” long x 4-1/2” wide)
Acrylic Paints – metallic peridot green & pure black
Paintbrushes
Frog Skeleton – After
Sporting his new color, he’s bound to win hearts and maybe even garner a few kisses for luck. Who knows – maybe he will turn into a prince?
I hope you enjoy these fanciful skeletons and apply these ideas to your Halloween décor..
Thanks for reading! Happy Halloween & Happy Crafting!
Crafts Inspire Me 