How to Create a Creepy Halloween Decoration

Halloween is a BIG DEAL in our house! Having two boys definitly colors the decorations used. My son now insists on scary decorations not "sissy cute ones". And THIS from a kid who only a couple of years ago was scared of a screaming bat decorations. Boy, have times changed!

This year my youngest put his creepy creative thinking cap on, conferred with the crafting queen herself (ME) and this is what we came up with. It is simple, easy to create and most everything here is readily found already at home.

Materials needed are:

2 wire coat hangers bent to size, remember these are what WE had in the back of the closet...feel free to adapt this as you see fit.),

old rags or towels,

a large styrofoam ball,

two sturdy poles or dowel rods,

duct tape, chop sticks,

twine or string,

duct tape,

a long sleeved dark colored shirt,

gardening or old formal gloves (depending upon the formality you want your ghoul to have,

aluminum foil,

plastic bags

black fabric (sheer) approximately 5 yards...(sheers for windows work well for this as well. If you wish your ghoul to be a bride or female, there are loads of color choices out there...be creative)

A mask or foam head of your choice.

Clear craft sealant

Place the head together, with the foam ball securely using both hot glue and chop sticks to join together, wrap the wire aroudn the middle of the chop sticks, duct tape here works very well to secure (these will be the arms), after shaping the wire to the desired length, wrap it in duct tape for safety. Then wrap the "arms" in towels/rags to flesh out the form. Cover the arms with plastic bags to make them waterproof. Put the gloves (which you have prestuffed with foil so they can be molded to your need) on the ends of the arms...secure with twine. Next, place the arms carefully in the shirt sleeves, bending and shaping them in the desired shape as you go. Stuff the head with plastic bags and shape...then secure this well to the two dowel rods. This is best done with hot glue poured into the holes before inserting the rods. It makes for a more secure base and helps keep the ghoul sturdy. If you use a foam ghoul or skull head, this is where I suggest you heavily coat it with clear acrylic coat to help keep it waterproof. Most skull heads are made of foam and water will soak it in no time. Sealing it makes it weather proof and longer lasting as well.

Arrange black fabric over the top of the head and around the arms to achieve a ghostly, ghouly look to your yard creep. This fabric works best if it is sheer as it blows in the breeze better that way. you might also like to experiment with shredding it for more of a messy look.
All that is left is to place it in the ground in the position/location of choice. We chose the bushes so he looks as if he is jumping out at passersby. Add a suitably spooky tombstone in front of the ghoul and you're set for Halloween. Remember the placement is limited only by imagination. The choice is all yours...maybe he could be coming out of a garbage can, crawling out from under the porch, or climbing out of a car window...the possibilites are endless...be creative and adventuresome.

My son already has plans for NEXT Halloween. though this year hasn't passed yet. He wants two identical masks and costumes so he can wear one and jump out at kids unawares...just be careful though with THIS idea...Halloween should be for fun not for nightmares! Simply said, be aware the age of the average trick or treater is about 7 years old and decorate accordingly.

Who knows, yours may be the favorite "haunted house" on the block with these decorations, after all everyone likes a good scare....maybe you should get some more candy!?!?! Happy Crafting