Halloween Decorations made with Paper-Mache

Paper-Mache (or Papier-Mâché if you want to get fancy) is one of my all time favourite mediums to make things with. It's super inexpensive and makes for lots of messy fun!

There are two main techniques when it comes to paper-mache. One, make the paste of glue, water and flour, dip strips of paper in the paste then layer the paste covered paper over a base. Two, make a paper-mache clay then spread the clay over a base. I like the strip method for big projects and clay method for small things.

My favourite thing to make is pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. I could tell you everything I know about making large paper mache pumpkins and it would never even come close to a snippet of what Scott Stoll knows. He is hands down, the paper-mache pumpkin master.

So let me just go on ahead and direct you right over to 

STOLLOWEEN

This link will give you all of the step by step instructions.

All you really need is newspaper or butcher paper, flour, pva glue, a trash bag, masking tape and some string then you will be on your way to making big Jack O' Lanterns.

Be careful, it's addictive. My pumpkins kept multiplying. I couldn't stop making more and more and then went down a Rabbit Hole and made a bunch of Alice in Wonderland sculptures but, I digress!!

I made the big Jack O Lantern head pictured above about 7 years ago and he's still kicking.

A few of my pumpkins became a nighttime snack for some rodent type critter so if you store them in a shed or garage I suggest wrapping up in plastic bags or plastic containers.  

Some tiny, furry creature thought paper-mache pumpkins were absolutely scrumptious!

For smaller projects, I like to use paper-mache clay. 

I use Jonni Good's recipe. She is super cute and has loads of fantastic YouTube tutorials. 

Clay Recipe Here

The only thing you may not have around the house is joint compound. I bought mine at Bunnings and it's also great to use if you want to smooth out other paper-mache projects using the paper strip method.

I like making pumpkins with the kids because the shape is super easy.

Squish a piece of newspaper into a ball. Wrap the ball in masking tape then wrap again with a layer of aluminum foil. 

Use a piece of cardboard to spread on a layer of paper-mache clay.

If it is cold and rainy outside the clay does take a while to dry completely. Setting the pumpkin up by a heater vent can help speed things up!!

Once the first coat has dried, add a second coat of clay. I found some dried twigs (I know, I know...always with the sticks) to use for the pumpkins' stems. Use a skewer to make a hole and pop in the twig. Make sure to cover the bottom of the twig in clay. Use the skewer to make pumpkin lines from the base of the stem.

Then it's just waiting for the pumpkins to dry.

When the clay is dry you can use fine sand paper to smooth but honestly I like a rough, rustic surface for these little guys. Break out the acrylic paint and give your Jack a good old 
Halloween smile! Don't stress about perfection. These guys should have a "folk art" feel to them anyway. 

Of course you don't have to stick with pumpkins!!

I wanted a giant skeleton so with a heap of toilet paper rolls and loads of paper-mache this Skeleton was born.

I can't wait to see what You make!!

Halloween Glitter Houses

 Putz (aka Glitter) Houses may usually be seen as a Christmas thing but who wouldn't love a glittery Halloween Village?

Putz Houses are easy to make, fun with the kids and another craft that uses lots of stuff from around the house or headed to the bin.

I've made a house template and supply list that you can download

HERE 

The Pattern has a plain house and a printable design. You can print directly onto cardstock or print on paper and glue the paper layer to a cereal box layer. 

For those of you not confident with cutting out your own house you can order pre cut cardboard houses. The two houses in the back row of the photo above were made with the pre cut houses.

Order Houses Here

They are definitely convenient but it's way more economical to cut you own.

I use cereal boxes for the house and cardboard for the base. Black foam core is also great for a base. Your base can be small if you don't want much of a scene around your house or large if you want to add lots of trees and buttons.

Pop hot glue on the folded tab of the house.

Hold the house in place until the glue sets.

Hot glue the bottom of the house and stick to the base.

Add hot glue along the roof line then pop on the roof. Next glue on the small awning.

Time to paint! I always paint my whole house with acrylic paint even on places I will cover with glitter.

If you are good with stanley knife you can cut windows and doors out before you glue your house together. I like to draw windows and glue them on. These are just black ball point pen on yellow paper.

If you don't draw you can print Halloween images to use in your windows.

The Graphics Fairy has loads of copyright free images.

Halloween Images

These windows and doors came from the Graphics Fairy. I've added them to the pattern for you!

Glue on your windows and door and let them dry completely.

Paint the area that will be covered in glitter with PVA (school) glue.

Sprinkle Away!! Use a dry paint brush to wipe away unwanted glitter from the door and windows.

You can glitter the edge of the roof or the whole thing. I like to add glitter to the edge of the base as well.

You can stop here and have a perfectly lovely Halloween Putz House! 

OR......

Add Buttons and Sticks!!

My family teases me about sticks. I'm always gathering sticks for some craft project or another.

Hot glue some twigs together to make the "trunk" of the tree.

Make a puddle of hot glue then stick your tree in the puddle. Hold the tree in place until the glue sets. Once the glue dries completely you can paint the glue puddle black.

I bought a button bundle from Amazon (Buttons)

There are lots of cute Halloween buttons but also Thanksgiving/Autumn and Dia De Los Muertos included.

The packs vary so everyone doesn't receive the same buttons.

The back loop on the button cuts off pretty easily with regular scissors if you want your buttons flush against the house.

Add as many buttons as your heart desires!!

I also like using the mini bottle brush Christmas trees. I paint them black with acrylic paint and sprinkle on some glitter. I bought these mini trees on ebay but have also picked other sizes up at Spotlight and Kmart.

If you want your Putz House to hang on your Halloween tree simply poke two holes in the roof and add a ribbon before you glue the roof on.

There are loads of other free house templates online so you really could make a little Halloween village.

Find More House Patterns Here

Or have a go at creating your own!!

I can't wait to see what you create! 

If you post on social media please tag me @elliottsplayground

Happy Halloween House Making!!

Easy Halloween Decorations ~ Painted Jars and Stick Tree

I love making decorations from things I have around the house. 

My kids love crafting so making something with stuff heading for the recycling bin is a 

win-win.

Grab some cans, old coffee jars or used plant pots in the garden and make them into little Halloween masterpieces.

Spray paint (or paint with acrylic and a brush if you prefer) your jars, cans and pots in the colours of your choice. 

Use Acrylic craft paint to add some Halloween faces.

For some face inspiration check out all the printable pumpkin stencils at printablee.com 

Faces Here

Pop in some plants and now you have your own Spooky Garden!!

Or you can use one of your jars, cans or pots as a base for your Halloween Stick Tree.

Again, I am openly mocked by my family for my constant stick gathering but sticks are awesome! And Free! And looking for sticks gets you out exercising in nature so sticks rule!

I spray painted my stick collection black and orange.

To keep the sticks from wobbling or spreading out too far I used a toilet roll and paper to stabilise the sticks. 

If you don't like to paint, an easy way to add some sparkle to the base of your tree is to wrap Halloween garland around the bottom of your sticks then put them in a clear jar. 

Pop on some lights (I got these battery operated strands at Kmart) and Voila! Halloween Tree!

Spooky Cute Collection

 

I am SO excited to share my new pattern made especially for the readers of Hallozween Magazine ~ For Australians who LOVE Halloween as much as I do!

You can download the pattern for Free

HERE

I kept the stitches simple so this is great for beginners and kids. 

If you aren't sure about a stitch there are a gazillion instructional videos on YouTube.

One of my favourite YouTubers is Dano Does Things. She teaches many of the stitches

In This Video

If using a needle and thread is really not your thing you can always make paper versions.

Whether you go with stitched felt or papers ornaments, your Halloween tree will look super Spooky Cute!!!