The most Satisfying Halloween DIY

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Fall is in full swing and something deep in my soul is saying “it’s crafting season!” I think October sort of marks the beginning of crafting season which really runs right through the end of the year. It’s that urge to find cute little DIY ideas and sit with a movie or friends and be creative. Weather its costumes, decor, gifts, or something else, It just feels right to craft when it is cold out. When we lived in Michigan I felt the season change so much more than here in Southern California. There the cold temperatures and sudden rediscovery of my extensive scarf collection really set the mood. But crafting season runs deep in my bones so while the leaves here are not yet turning I am fully invested in my cozy cup of tea, and fun fall craft!

I came across this idea a on Pinterest a couple of years ago and continue to come back to it as one of my favorite fall activates. It is creative, easy, and really satisfying when it’s done. The best part is that each time I make a new one it turns out totally different and adds to my little collection! I think you will really love this one!

Ok lets talk supplies:

Bottles: My husband enjoys a nice glass of aged rum from time to time and will finish a bottle once or twice a year, because Rum bottles can be particularly cool looking shapes i tend to save them for this project, but ANY bottle will do! The first time I did this I went to the thrift store and found a little oil bottle that turned out super cute. You could do this with a wine bottle, pickle jar, or empty bottle of anything really,. Just make sure you give it a good cleaning before you start.

Books: I didn’t have time this year to do a new spooky book this, but it is just as fun as the bottles (maybe more so). You can usually find a good book (hard cover) at a thrift store or library sale. Also shout out to my friend Katy who actually designed the “Magic” book on the left below! Its so fun to see what your friends will come up with, and

Spooky paraphernalia: The dollar store has always been my best friend for this stuff. They usually have all sorts of little skeletons, spiders, snakes, Skulls, you name it. But don’t limit yourself to the Halloween section, lots of dollar stores have a craft section with things like 3d stickers, cheap hot glue, mini frames, etc. I also love going to my local crafty re-use place, it’s like a thrift store just for crafting stuff! Try googling to see if you have on in your area, it’s great for scrapbook puffy letters, puff paint, belt buckles, honestly it’s a crafty treasure trove and usually things are priced better than a garage sale!

Mod Podge: Oh so much mod podge. If you are having a large crowd go ahead and get the big size, otherwise i like having this little jar on hand for crafting projects. In a pinch Elmer’s glue will work too, but it can sometimes dry a little on the cloudy side. I prefer the mod podge matte.

Paint: I used Black acrylic paint that I just had laying around, any black paint that dries quickly will do. They have this at the dollar store too btw.

Hot Glue Gun: Yup you are gonna need one of these. I have a little mini one I’ve had since collage and that thing is a work horse! It has seen more sequins that a Vegas show girl, and lived to tell some tales, for nearly 4 years there was a green rivet glued to the side. Its my trusty crafting side kick, and isn’t just good for attaching things together with molten glue (my fingers included). You can also make 3d letters/words with the glue, create spiderweb patters, or ribs like I did on this bottle. Use it to build on other elements or create a totally original design.

Paper Towles: This craft has a cool effect that sort of looks like stretched skin that you can achieve with a paper towel, water and mod podge. Any type of paper towel or two ply napkin will do. You will want to separate they ply though so you have a thinner piece to work with.

Other Crafty supplies:

• paint brushes
• rub n buff
• exact knife, scissors,

How to:

Step 1:

Assemble your supplies and start brainstorming your design. Will it be a potions bottle, poison, or something else? You can always cut things apart to make them work in your design, like I cut these little skulls in half so they would lay flat against the bottle.

Step 2:

Once you are happy with your design, grab your trusty glue gun and start attaching all of your pieces or creating your elements. You don’t have to be precious with this, as long as they stay it will be good enough.

Step 3:

Grab your paper towel, Mod Podge, and some paint brushes. This is the step where we will add the “pulled Skin” or spooky gossamer effect!.

Step 4:

Once the Mod Podge is dry go ahead and apply one or two coats of paint making sure to cover all the little white spots.

Step 5:

Once your paint is dry Take a little dab of rub n buff on your finger and just gently go over the surface. You might be thinking that your design hasn’t really turned out until you do this step, this is where it really becomes satisfying, when you can see the details pop out! Play with it. i used gold rub and buff but you an also use silver, or other colors of paint.

Et Voila! My Spooky Skull Decanter is complete!

I absolutely love to to craft and I hope you will gibe it a try! So go for it

grab a seasonal snack (loving these maple marshmallows from trader joes!) and put on a favorite fall movie like Practical Magic, Hocus Pocus, Witches of Eastwick, or even just You’ve Got Mail for the 1,000th time and Enjoy!