Easy + Unique Halloween
Crafts To Do with Your Kids

Looking for some fun and unique ways to spruce up your Halloween decor for the Fall season? Let's face it we're busy parents...  most of us don't have Martha Stewart's army vacationing in our guest room. So we've dug up some easy yet creative spooky frights that are sure to delight, but without draining tons of time or your pocket book. MUAHAHAHA!

PARANOMAL PORTRAITS

[photo courtesy of crow's feet chic]

Here's what you'll need
Black and white photocopies of family, friends, or pets
Old sponge
Black craft paint
Picture frames
Card stock
Glue stick
X-Acto knife
Battery operated mini Xmas lights

STEP 1. Make a black-and-white copy of your favorite portraits of family, friends, or even pets and cut to fit your frame.  

STEP 2. To "age" the picture, lightly brush it with a sponge dipped in a solution of a few drops of black craft paint mixed with water. Let the paper dry. For extra creep factor paint the frame the same way to give it a vintage look. 

STEP 3. Cut a piece of card stock the same size as the photo, glue to the photo's back, and let dry. Mom, dad, or the older ones can use an X-Acto knife to cut out the eyes of the picture's subject(s), piercing through the card stock and creating holes about 1/4 inch in diameter.

STEP 4. Open the frame's back, remove the glass, then fit the photo inside.

STEP 5. Insert red mini LED Xmas lights through the back of the eyeholes. Turn on the lights, then replace the frame's backing — securing it with tape if necessary — and drape with fake cobwebs.

Voila!! Freaky Personalized Family photos that are sure to amp up the creep factor! Also an opportunity to tell stories and reminisce about our loved ones of times past.

Add a little extra bite to your photos with fangs: Cut small triangles from white paper and glue or tape them to the subject's mouth.

SPOOKY FIGURINES

We love a good upcycle and this one is sure to delight!

Here's what you'll need 
Ceramic or plastic figurines
Black spray paint
Red paint with a brush or red paint pen

STEP 1. Find some creepily sweet and fun figurines at your local thrift shop.  There seems to always be a never ending supply for mostly inexpensive.

STEP 2. Make sure to clean them of any dirt or dust and let them dry.  Then evenly spray paint with a high gloss black paint and be sure to get every nook and cranny.  Then let dry

STEP 3. Using red paint or a red paint pen fill in those eyes and there you have it - your very own collection of creeps.

BUG SOAP

Want a fun ooey gooey project that is sure to encourage hand washing and endless pranks?