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I think we make decor for Halloween more than any other holiday, maybe we have the most free time in October or maybe we just like the excuse to use reptiles as decor? Either way the awesome creatives at Family Fun Magazine (which we still love and subscribe to) let me share these tutorials with all of you!
SLITHERING STAIRS – These are sssssssso easy the kids will want to snake-ify every room.
YOU’LL NEED:
- 12 x 12-inch scrapbook paper
- Pointy object like a blunt pencil or ballpoint pen
- Adhesive jewels
- Removable mounting adhesive
WHAT TO DO:
- Place the paper facedown on a padded surface (like a folded newspaper).
- Use the pointy object to press a long, curvy line into the paper from one end to the other.
- Cut out the snake, leaving about 1⁄2 inch on either side of the line; taper one end for the tail and cut a wide triangle on the other for the head.
- Flip the paper over and pinch along the scored line; the snake will start to curve.
- Add adhesive red jewels for eyes.
- Attach snakes to the wall with removable adhesive.
SPIDER NEST LANTERNS – Cast an eerie glow, anywhere.
YOU’LL NEED:
- Two 1-liter soda bottles
- Craft knife
- Clear packing tape
- Cheesecloth
- Cotton string
- Plastic spiders
- Battery- operated tea lights
WHAT TO DO:
- Cut the spout off each bottle and make the hole 13⁄4 inches wide (an adult’s job). Cut them in half and discard bottoms.
- Cut a vertical slit into the side of one bottle, then slip it onto the other; tape the globe together.
- Cut the cheesecloth into a 20-inch circle. Place the globe in the center, then pull the edges up and over, tucking them into the opening.
- Wrap the globe with string, and attach spiders.
- Pop in the light.
TOILET TENTACLES – Don’t forget the bathroom! This one is the creepiest to me, octopus are SO smart so I would not put it past them to figure out how to hide in my toilet!
YOU’LL NEED:
- Black contact paper
- scissors
- hole punch
WHAT TO DO:
- Draw squiggly octopus arms on the back of black contact paper
- cut them out
- Punch holes along one side
- Peel off the backing and stick to the clean, dry tank.
DOOR, SWARMED! – Passersbys will be dying for a closer look…
YOU’LL NEED:
- Drop cloth
- Acrylic spray paint
- Plastic toys
- Gift wrap
- Thumbtacks
- Heavy-duty scissors
- Plastic hardware cloth (find it in the gardening department)
- Parchment paper
- E6000 glue
- 20-lb. fishing line
WHAT TO DO
- On a protected surface, spray the tops of the toys with 2 to 3 light coats of paint, letting dry in between. (Don’t paint the undersides.)
- While they’re drying, use old gift wrap to make the swarm template: Tack it to your door, and draw on your desired shape (it can be any size); remove and cut out. Use this template to cut the hardware cloth.
- Cover your work surface with parchment paper, then place the hardware cloth on top.
- Have the kids arrange the toys on the cloth, largest ones first. Glue them down; let dry overnight.
- To hang, loop 8 to 10 lengths of fishing line through the top of the cloth, spaced about 3 inches apart (depending on size). Use thumbtacks to secure the loops to the door.
Do you think you’ll try any of these? I think we might have enough plastic snakes to stick those to the walls but I do love the way the different patterned scrapbook paper looks. And those tentacles might just be too scary for me lol!!