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Three Halloween DIYs using upcycled materials

Make use of those jars in your recycling bin!
October 26, 2021 9:06 a.m. EST

Looking for some easy Halloween craft projects you can make with the kids this holiday season? You're in luck because interior decorator Erin Rochon has gathered some great ones that use materials from your recycling bin! From centrepieces to glow-in-the-dark projects, let these DIY ideas inspire you this Halloween! 

Creepy Candle Centrepiece

Materials needed: 

  • 3 pool noodles
  • glue gun and glue sticks
  • matte black spray paint
  • serrated knife
  • 4 plastic skulls
  • round or oval platter
  • flameless candles
  • spooky Halloween decor- spiders & flowers

Step 1

Use a serrated knife and cut your pool noodle at a slight angle at approximately 18 inches in height. This will be your tallest candle. Cut six or more pool noodles in various sizes to fill the platter.

Step 2 

Take a flameless candle and outline the shape with a pencil on the centre top of the pool noodle. Use a knife to cut out the outline so the candles can fit inside. Glue the noodles together and create your centrepiece.

Step 3

Use the glue gun to add glue around the rim and down the pool noodle to mimic the look of melting wax. Complete this step for each pool noodle.

Step 4 

In a well-ventilated area, spray paint the pool noodle candles.

Step 5  

Glue the four skulls together to create a base for the platter. Place your candles on the platter, add some Halloween decor and turn on the flameless candles. Find a spot in your home to display your creepy candle centrepiece.

Upcycled Haunted House

Materials needed: 

  • dollhouse
  • black matte spray paint
  • acrylic paints - green, red, grey & white
  • 3 paintbrushes
  • Halloween decor- black mesh, figurines, moss
  • flameless candles or LED lights
  • glue gun

Step 1

Clean your dollhouse with gentle dish soap to remove any dirt or residue. Once dry, use the black spray paint and completely cover the whole house in black.

Step 2 

Once the spray paint has dried, use the acrylic paints to add some colour and depth to the house. Paint the doors, shutters and other details to give it an aged, weathered look.

Step 3

Glue the black mesh to one of the dollhouse windows to give the look of a worn curtain. Place the Halloween figures and decor around the house to give it a creepy effect.

Step 4

 Place the flameless candles or LED lighting inside the dollhouse and turn them on.

Glowing Mad Scientist Specimen Jars

Materials needed: 

  • 4 jars with lids- can be upcycled
  • creepy Halloween decor- spiders, doll head, bugs
  • underwater colour changing LED lights with remote
  • black matte spray paint
  • small Halloween skulls
  • glue gun

Step One

Clean your jars with dish soap and remove labels.

Step Two

In a well-ventilated area, use the spray paint and spray the jar lids.

Step Three

Once the lids are dry, place a small amount of glue on the inside of the lid. Place the LED light on the glue with the light facing into the jar, secure it in place and let dry. Place some glue on the top of the lid and place a small skull on it, as a handle.

Step Four

Put your Halloween decor- doll head and bugs into each jar. Fill each jar with water until they are completely submerged and close the jars.

Step Five

Use the remote to turn on your LED lights. Now find the perfect spot to display your creepy, glowing mad scientist specimen jars.

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