Black Cheesecloth Bats
Materials – Black cheesecloth, scissors, hairspray, clip art of bat, cardstock, printer
1) Print an image of your chosen bat (I used this picture) in as many sizes as you plan to use (I used two sizes). Cut out the silhouette of the bat, then cut in half to create your stencil.
2) Lay two pieces of cheesecloth on top of each other, to make it double layer. Estimate the amount of cloth that you will need by placing your stencil both horizontally and vertically across the fabric by the amount of bats you plan to cut. To stabilize the cloth (and free yourself of any unnecessary cursing ;-), place your pre-cut and double layered piece of cloth on top of a paper bag/box and spray liberally with hairspray. Let it air-dry for 5ish minutes.
3) Once dried, cut strips of fabric according to the width of your stencil, and then cut those strips into individual pieces according to the height of your stencil. Cutting from a simple piece, rather than from a bigger square, will make this much easier.
4) Place the stencil over the fabric, and cut. Don’t worry if you aren’t cutting perfectly, it won’t be noticeable sine this fabric is so loose/Imperfect.
5) Hang, pin, tape, etc. into place wherever you need a little Halloween spirit.
*You can apply this method to a number of different holiday shapes. Think white ghosts, grey skulls, black spiders, etc. Another fun way to display them would be to string them together, and then hang them from your mantle/door frame or across a mirror/picture frame.
Dressing up your skeleton
Materials – Skeleton, black paper, black cheesecloth, pencil, 2 circular objects, scissors, twine/ribbon, twigs
1) Trace a round object (larger than what you think you’d need) on black paper, and cut it out. Cut a 1/3-piece section from the circle, and fold the piece of paper so that the two cut sides meet. Secure with a piece of tape. This will make the standing portion of the hat.
2) Trace a round object (estimated by placing said round object over the skeleton’s head) on black paper, and cut it out. Cut the center of the circle out, so that it sits on top of the skeleton’s head. This will make the brim portion of the hat.
3) Place the standing portion on top of the brim portion, and tape together.
4) Cut out a piece of cheesecloth using the same method as step one. Place it over the standing portion of the hat, and tape it in place.
5) Break twigs so that there is one long piece, and multiple small pieces (alternatively, you can use dead grass – there’s a lot of that in Seattle! – instead of small twigs pieces.) Gather the small pieces (dead grass) at the end of the long piece of twig, and wrap twine around until it is securely fastened.
*If you have the time, you could have some fun with dressing your skeleton. Think tiny paint palette + mini mustache + beret for a skele-Picasso, a mini chefs hat + tiny baked goods for a skele-chef, or a mini cape + these itty cards for a skele-magician
Painted Pumpkins
Honestly, this is too straight forward for direction, so I’ll just point out one tip – which is to have a wet paper towel nearby, as it may take you (as it did me) a couple attempts to start the web. If you’re looking for some affordable terrarium options, here’s where I got mine.
I hope this gets you in the Halloween spirit! I’m sure a little pumpkin beer and Thriller would only do further good ;-).
Welcome to Blanche & Thirteenth - a site that's one part craft, one part food, and one part lifestyle. I'm a mother, a creative, and a cuddle advocate; who has a deep appreciation for colorful food (mostly naturally occurring, but I like to strike a good balance ;-) and taking adventures. Join me as I find ways to get my hands a little dirty, fill up our bellies, and seek out celebration in daily life.
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