What’s better than some wicked-cool Halloween decorations? Making your very OWN wicked-cool Halloween decorations, of course! Ask any mad scientist – creation is half the fun. And that’s not even including the feeling of pride you’ll get from surveying the finished product! We’ve compiled seven deliciously spooky DIY projects that allow you to elevate your Halloween display while flexing your creative muscles. Keep reading to discover these hand-picked how-tos!


Paintings with an Eerie Twist

You may remember this one from your social media platform of choice. But let’s make one thing clear: these paintings are too cute to be a passing trend! For this project, you’ll transform an existing painting into a chilling Halloween scene.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

  • 1 Pre-painted painting (can be thrifted, store-bought, or even one of your own!). Paintings that depict houses or landscapes are preferred.
  • Your preferred paints (acrylic, oil, etc.)
  • Paint brushes
  • Newspaper or drop-cloth

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Prepare your space! Any artist knows that paint can be a messy medium. Lay down a drop-cloth or some newspaper (whichever you have on hand), and be sure to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Have your paintbrushes ready nearby, as well as a cup of water for brush cleaning and a palette for mixing paint. If you don’t have a painting palette at home, a paper plate works just fine!
  2. Once your space is ready, place your painting down on the drop-cloth/newspaper. If it is framed, remove the frame (if possible) so that it stays clean.
  3. Start painting! When it comes to this project, it’s all addition, no subtracting. Add little ghosts, black cats, spider webs, and bats – any classic, spooky iconography works! You can make it as simple or elaborate as you’d like.
  4. Once you’ve finished, be sure to give your painting ample time to dry. Then, place it back in its frame and hang it wherever you please!


Mini Haunted Birdhouses

If your bird of choice is less “duckling and sparrow” and more “raven and vulture,” then this craft is for you. Make your own little haunted neighborhood in just a few easy steps!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

  • 4-5 Unpainted wooden mini birdhouses
  • 1 Can of spray paint (black preferred)
  • 1 Can of clear spray paint varnish
  • Newspaper or drop-cloth
  • Fake birds and props (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. You know the drill – get your space paint-ready! Lay down a drop-cloth or some newspaper (whichever you have on-hand) and be sure to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. You’ll want some extra coverage, since spray paint can get particularly messy.
  2. Lay your birdhouse out on your covered space, then apply a thin coating of spray paint to each side. Allow each layer to dry fully before reapplying.
  3. Once each side is dry, spray a layer of varnish on each side to maintain the paint’s longevity.
  4. After the varnish has dried, you’re ready to display your houses wherever you’d like! Feel free to add cobwebs, fake birds, creepy figurines, fake bones, or any other props that you want. What’s great about this project is how much you can customize it!


Spine-Chilling Skull Vases

In dire need of a vase? No need to lose your head! With this craft, your next spooky statement piece is just a simple prop and some household items away.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

  • Plastic skull
  • Cup or bowl
  • Pencil
  • Drill
  • Hacksaw or other cutting tool
  • Flowers (fake or real)

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Use a pencil and the rim of your cup or bowl to trace a circle onto the top of your plastic skull.
  2. Use your drill to create a small hole along the circle you just traced. Be extra careful while using electric tools—you may even want to wear eye protection!
  3. Carefully use your hacksaw (or cutting tool of choice) to cut along the circle, starting at the drilled opening.
  4. Once the circle is fully cut out, you’re ready to fill the skull with any floral arrangements or greenery you’d like!


Conjure Up Chicken Wire Ghosts

What’s that lurking in the distance? It’s your new favorite DIY project! Chicken wire ghosts make a stunning addition to any display.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

  • Wire cutters
  • Protective gloves
  • 1 Foam mannequin head
  • 1 4-foot roll of chicken wire
  • Ground stake pins

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. First and foremost, be sure to put on protective gloves! Once they’re on, use your wire cutters to cut out a 2-foot by 3-foot section for the torso, a 1-foot by 1-foot section for the shoulders, and two 2-foot by 1-foot sections for the arms. Twist each piece into their respective shapes.
  2. Next, you’ll want to cut out a 1-foot by 2-foot piece of chicken wire. Take your foam mannequin head and use it as a molding base. Once the head is shaped, remove the mannequin head and reshape any remaining openings.
  3. Once the head is finished, it’s time to make the skirt. Cut out an 8-foot piece of wire with v-shaped slits along the top, so that it can be cinched together at the waist.
  4. Combine the torso and skirt pieces, shaping them to resemble a human body as you go along.
  5. Combine the arm pieces onto the top of the torso, twisting the wires to keep each part fastened. Shape as needed.
  6. Finally, you can add the head piece to the top of the torso! Shape and twist where necessary. At this stage, you’re free to add extra wire if you want to customize your ghost’s hair and clothing!
  7. To keep your ghost fastened into the ground, use a handful of ground stake pins, loop them through the bottom of the skirt, and press them into the ground.


Hula Hoop Spider Webs

Give your local arachnid a run for its money when you display your very own hand-made web! This project gives your space the spookiness it needs, no spiders required.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

  • 1 Hula hoop
  • 1 Roll of jute twine
  • Spray paint (black or white preferred)
  • Scissors
  • Newspaper or drop-cloth

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Before you begin, make sure that your hula hoop is fully prepped. If it has any decorative foil, stickers, or covering, be sure to peel it off!
  2. Once your hula hoop is ready, take your twine and make a small circle within the center of your hula hoop – this will be the web’s center.
  3. Next, tie pieces of twine onto the circle, extending them out to the hula hoop and tying them in place.
  4. Once this framework is fastened in place, take the rest of your twine and weave it through the extended strips, creating a circular spiral that spans from the inner circle out to the hula hoop itself. Once you get to the end of the hoop, tie off your twine and cut off any excess.
  5. Lay down some newspaper or drop-cloth, then place your completed web hoop down upon it. Apply a thin coating of spray paint to each side. Allow each layer to dry fully before reapplying.


To-Die-For Doorway Garlands

Give your guests a festive Halloween welcome when you display your very own hand-made garlands! Nothing gives off cozy autumn energy the way that good, old-fashioned paper decorations do.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

  • Scissors
  • Pencil
  • Cardstock paper
  • Thread, string, or twine
  • Embroidery needle
  • Tape

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Take your pencil and cardstock paper and draw outlines of Halloween-themed shapes and lettering. You can make pumpkins, candy, bats, ghosts, or even phrases like “Boo!” or “Trick or Treat!”—anything you can imagine, really! You can free-draw them by hand or use a stencil or printable online template to get a cleaner look.
  2. Cut out your shapes using scissors. Within each shape, you’ll want to cut out little slits for your string to run through.
  3. Thread an embroidery needle with thread, string, or twine (whichever you prefer), and use it to run the string through each shape.
  4. Once each shape is threaded through, use tape to display your garland across any doorway!


Picture-Perfect Paper Bats

Transform your space into Count Dracula’s estate in mere minutes with this sweet and easy craft! This project is simple enough that even the little ones can join in on the crafting fun.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

  • Cardstock paper (black preferred)
  • Scissors
  • Pencil
  • Bat template (optional)
  • Removable glue dots

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Take your cardstock paper and draw the outline of bats using your pencil—any size works. You can free-draw them by hand or use a stencil or printable online template to get a cleaner look!
  2. Using your scissors, gently cut each bat out, taking extra care not to crumple or bend them too much.
  3. Place one removable glue dot behind each bat’s center, then gently fold each wing forward to give the effect of flying.
  4. Stick your bats wherever you please!


See something you like? Keep those creative juices flowing with some of our other DIY projects! Check them out at the links below:

Better get to decorating! Halloween will be here before you know it. For more how-to’s, DIY guides, spooky pop culture content, and all things Spirit Halloween, be sure to visit the Spirit Halloween Blog!