How to Make Halloween Luminaries

Add a spooky element to your Halloween décor with homemade Halloween luminaries. Learn how to make Halloween luminaries and line several together along walkways or driveways on Halloween night to welcome guests. Use them indoors with your other Halloween decor. Halloween luminaries look festive when used on a staircase or when lined along the hallway. These Halloween luminaries will hold battery operated candles so they are completely safe to use, but will create a spooky glow to any area indoors or outdoors.

Supplies you will need to make Halloween luminaries:

* Exacto knife
* Durable craft paper bags (color of your choice)
* Pencil
* Play sand
* Single hole punch
* Cutting mat or extra-thick cardboard
* Battery operated candles

How to Make Halloween Luminaries:

STEP 1 - Decide on the image you want on your Halloween luminaries, and draw it out using a pencil. Stick with a very basic image, as it will make cutting it out much easier. If you aren't good at drawing, simply find printable Halloween stencils online and select from any one of the many that are available. Again, stick with something simple such as a ghost, bat, or a pumpkin. You can make several of the same image, or mix it up and display a different image on each of your Halloween luminaries.

STEP 2 - Once you've decided on an image, begin cutting it out using a very sharp Exacto knife. If you have a slender cutting board, slide it inside the craft paper bag to cut your image. If not, use a extra-thick cardboard to cut your image out. (Be careful not to cut too close to the edges of the bag. The sides of the bag are needed to maintain the shape)

STEP 3 - As an additional option, you can use a single hole punch to add a decorative flair to your Halloween luminaries. Punch small holes in random areas of the bag, being sure that they do not interfere with your design.

STEP 4 - When you are finished, add enough play sand to the bottom of the bag to keep it from tipping over. Next, nestle a battery operated candle in the middle of the sand so that it's held firmly in place.

Halloween luminaries look great indoors or outdoors. Set them on the front porch, add them to fireplace mantels, place them around landscaping, use them along pathways and walkways, or line them out beside the street or driveway. They can be used for just Halloween night, or as a decorative touch for the entire month of October.

WARNING - To ensure safety, never use a traditional candle with your Halloween luminaries. Always use a battery operated candle to prevent fire.

More from Jennifer Wagner:

Make a Halloween Goodie Basket for Your Child's Classrom

Easy Homemade Apple Candle Holders

Homemade Halloween Pillows

SOURCE:

Personal knowledge & experience