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Trick Or Tree-t!
Halloween is like the crafter's Christmas, so how is it that this year's spooky month has crept up on me like a phantom? Here we are in October though, so it's time to whip together some quickie decorations that will thrill the kids without killing us busy parents!
We're big fans of the spooky trees in our house. They're fun to decorate, make great candy displays, and add just the right combo of cute and creepy, to pretty much any setting. Here's how you can can make your own!
Materials
Dead, Tree Branch(es)
Spray Paint OR Craft Paint & Sponge Brush
Half Ball of Dry, Florist's Foam
Unbleached Cotton, Muslin or Gauze
Glue
Scissors
Jewelry Wire & Trimmers (optional)
Buttons
Halloween Themed Ribbons & Trims
Yarn Scraps
Candy Corn
Small Beads
Needle & Thread
Novelty Webbing
We're big fans of the spooky trees in our house. They're fun to decorate, make great candy displays, and add just the right combo of cute and creepy, to pretty much any setting. Here's how you can can make your own!
Materials
Dead, Tree Branch(es)
Spray Paint OR Craft Paint & Sponge Brush
Half Ball of Dry, Florist's Foam
Unbleached Cotton, Muslin or Gauze
Glue
Scissors
Jewelry Wire & Trimmers (optional)
Buttons
Halloween Themed Ribbons & Trims
Yarn Scraps
Candy Corn
Small Beads
Needle & Thread
Novelty Webbing
How-To
Tree
- Find a dead branch or (if they're smaller) branches.
- Spray or hand paint branch (if the kids are helping, I recommend the latter).
- Rip fabric into strips (so edges are frayed); then cut into workable, short pieces.
- Using your finger or a popsicle stick, spread a layer of glue over a fabric strip. Lay strip on top of foam base; spread flat. Repeat process until foam is completely covered. Let dry.
- To make a tree-dwelling spider, glue small and large black buttons, side-by-side to base. Add 8, pieces of yarn or string to create legs. Place base on a plate.
- Use scissors to puncture a hole in the top of base; push branch(es) firmly into foam.
- Make a candy corn garland by using a needle and thread to string candy and beads. It helps to tie a knot around each bead, to keep them in place. Drape garland on spooky tree; spread excess candy corn around base.
- Layer a smaller button on top of a contrasting colored, larger button. String a small piece of jewelry wire through button holes; twist wire around branch to secure it to tree. Repeat for as many button ornaments as desired.
Note: If you don't have wire; use thread or sting to tie buttons to branches.
- Cut Halloween themed ribbon into varying sized pieces; randomly tie them into bows and knots throughout tree.
- Finish your spooky tree off by adding novelty webbing to any remaining, barren places on the tree.
Other Ornament Ideas
- Plastic spiders
- Recycled doll heads
- Crocheted ghosts
- Pom-pom bats
- Construction paper or styrofoam tombstones
1 Comments
That is so creative - I like the way the bright candy contrasts with the black tree and twigs. Lovely Halloween decorations!