Best of AC Content: Halloween Crafts and Activities

Pumpkin carving might be considered the original Halloween craft activity. Picking just the right size and shape pumpkin, choosing the shape of the features or even planning an elaborate scene is fun and relaxing for those who are creative. This year extend the fun and make new traditions with these easy and clever craft articles from Associated Content.

Don't leave your preschoolers out of the Halloween crafting fun. Here are some cute ideas that are simple enough for little ones to complete. Your little "pumpkins" will have a blast and get a sense of accomplishment with these.

• Sponge paint pumpkins. Purchase a small pumpkin. Cut sponges into shapes and show the child how to dip the sponge in paint and decorate their pumpkin. An alternate project: let the child paint the whole pumpkin in one color, and then help them paint details to turn the pumpkin into a basketball soccer ball etc.
• Make spooky spider cobwebs. Draw a spider web on black construction paper and outline with glue. Attach cotton from cotton balls to make a fuzzy web.

You don't need to spend a fortune to make these crafts. You might even be able to put them together using items you already have around the house.

• Make a basket of Halloween soap. Cut a spooky image from a magazine and use decoupage to apply it to the soap.
• Make an adorable and easy sock pumpkin. Stuff a stretchy orange athletic sock with polyester stuffing, attach felt shapes for a face with fabric glue and tie with a ribbon.

These next few ideas are good for middle school age or younger kids with adult help.

• Throw spooky shadows with this candle shade.Recycle a large tin can. Use a hammer and nail to poke a decorative pattern of holes. Prime, then paint orange. Use black paint to paint on a pumpkin face and put a votive candle holder and candle inside.
• Make scary skeleton hands. A tracing of your hand on black construction paper is the base for the skeleton hands. Glue uncooked pasta on the hand to represent the hand bones. Once the glue is dry paint with glow in the dark or regular paint. Hang around the house.
• These Halloween pillow covers can be used and then saved for next year. Purchase a zip up pillow cover for one of your existing throw pillows. Decorate the cover using felt, fabric glue and thread.
• Make a Halloween trick or treat bag. Purchase a Halloween colored canvas bag and decorate with fabric paint or Halloween iron on decals. Make this as creative or simple as you like depending on the age group

Planning a Halloween party? These projects will lend the finishing touch to your decorations.

• Cook up a platter of Glow in the dark eggs for your guests. Purchase glow in the dark paint and stickers. Boil the eggs, and when they are cool decorate with the paint and stickers. Use your imagination and make them glow with a ghoulish light. Place them on a platter or in a basket. Don't eat these unless the paint is non toxic.
• Pick up some clear plastic cups that have color, fill half with sand and place a votive candle inside. Use a paint pen to decorate. Use these to light up the walkway and lead the way to your Halloween party.
• Use construction paper, stamps and a cutout of a flying witch to make cute invitations for your party guests.

Get the kids together this weekend and try a few of these. You will have the cutest Halloween decorations on the block.