Getting creative at home is a great way to get into the fall spirit — and you don’t need to be an arts and crafts expert or experienced chef to do it. Here are a few easy and affordable ways for the entire family to get involved in some festive fun.
Craft stick spider webs
Celebrate Halloween by making craft stick spider webs. This craft is ideal for kids of all ages and can be made with just a few simple materials. You and your family can also play around with the design and colors, making a unique decoration to put on display each year.
What you’ll need to create this look:
- Craft sticks
- Hot glue gun
- Paint (a thick, quick-drying paint like tempera or acrylic works well)
- Yarn
To make the web, paint three craft sticks in the color of your choice. Once they’ve dried, glue them together at the center, making sure they are evenly spaced. Cut a long piece of yarn and wrap it around each of the sticks, tying or gluing it at each end to create the look of a spider web. Use the remaining yarn to make a string to hang it from.
If you want to add a spider to the web, you can make one out of pipe cleaners or paper, or use plastic spiders. (Tip: The plastic spider rings sold in bulk during the fall are a great option.)
Mason jar jack-o’-lantern
If you don’t feel like dealing with the mess of carving a pumpkin, try lighting up the room with a Mason jar jack-o’-lantern. There are several different ways to go about making this Halloween craft favorite. You can use orange paint or tissue paper for the pumpkin, and permanent marker, paint, or construction paper to create a spooky face. Green paint, ribbon, pipe cleaner, or string can be used to transform the top rim of the jar into a stem.
You can use this concept to create other Halloween characters as well, such as a ghost, mummy, or Frankenstein’s monster.
What you’ll need to create this look:
- Mason jar
- Orange tissue paper
- Mod Podge
- Paintbrush or sponge brush
- Black construction paper
- Green paint
- Small candle or tealight candle
Cut the tissue paper into small squares, then use the Mod Podge to glue them onto the Mason jar. Cut two eyes and a mouth out of the black construction paper and glue it to the jar, on top of the tissue paper. Paint the top rim of the jar green to make it look like the stem of a pumpkin. Place a small candle inside the jar, light it, and watch it glow.
Fall wreath
Create a classic fall wreath to decorate a door or wall in your home. This is where you can really let your artistic side shine, as you can choose from a wide variety of shapes and materials. Some ideas include using an old picture frame or glued clothespins as the base of the wreath and using ornaments or bows as decorations.
The wreath can be as simple or complex as you wish, making it a great craft for both young children and adults.
What you’ll need to create this look:
- Sturdy foam ring
- Patterned cloth ribbon
- Artificial floral or fall-themed décor
- Hot glue gun
Wrap the ribbon firmly around the foam ring, gluing it here and there to ensure it stays in place. Arrange the décor as desired on the wreath. You can use glue or small nails and string to create a loop to hang it from. Be sure to supervise the kids as they use the hot glue gun.
Candy corn pretzel treats
If you like sweet and salty, then you’ll love these candy corn pretzels. They are easy to make, and are the perfect snack to brighten up your family’s fall festivities.
While using Hershey’s Hugs adds a unique design to this treat, you can substitute Hershey’s Kisses to create a different look and taste. Some options include chocolate, dark chocolate, or caramel Kisses.
What you’ll need:
- Mini pretzels
- Hershey’s Hugs (or Kisses)
- Candy corn
Lay pretzels out on a baking sheet with parchment paper (if heating up in the oven) or a dish (if heating up in the microwave). Place an unwrapped Hershey’s Hug on top of each pretzel and then melt the pretzels in the microwave or oven. Place a candy corn on top of each melted Hug. Let the treats cool in the refrigerator until hardened, then serve.
Clementine pumpkins
Clementine pumpkins are a simple, healthy option — and great for packing in children’s lunchboxes or making at home as a family.
You can use a piece of cucumber or celery stick for the stem, and regular oranges if a larger “pumpkin” is desired.
What you’ll need:
- Clementines
- Cucumber
Carefully peel the clementine so that the insides stay intact. Cut a small piece of cucumber, leaving the skin on. Stick the piece of cucumber into the top of the clementine. Enjoy!
Written and photography by Alexia Severson
Originally published in Neighbors magazine
Posted by LasCruces.com
