Halloween is just around the corner, but if you’re a college student caught up in schoolwork and schedules it may be the last thing on your mind. Then sure enough, it’s October 31st and you’ve missed all the hype and excitement the month of October and Halloween brings. Decorating your space is one way to fill this horrible void. Even if you don’t have time to carve a pumpkin or sit down and watch ABC Family’s month of Halloween movies every night, you’ll at least enjoy the fun, halloweeny atmosphere these do-it-yourself decorations bring you. So, take a night and make the most of your Halloween this year!
1. Mason Jar Jack-O-Lanterns—for your shelves
What you’ll need: smooth-sided Mason jars, black spray paint, scotch tape, tissue paper (purple, orange, green, white), scissors, paint brush, Mod Podge, black paper, and battery-operated tea-light candles
Step 1: Twist off the lid of the Mason jar, and tape the circular piece to the rim. Paint or spray paint the lid black with several coats, allowing time for each coat to dry.
Step 2: Cut out 1-2 inch strips of tissue paper the length of the Mason jar. Â
Step 3: Place the Mason jar upright on an uncut sheet of tissue paper. Trace the bottom of the jar, and cut out the circle shape. Brush a layer of Mod Podge on one side of the circle shape and apply to the bottom of the jar. Working from the middle, smooth the paper on the jar; the edge of the paper should extend over the bottom ridge.
Step 4: Brush a layer of Mod Podge on the rest of the jar. Apply the strips of tissue paper to cover the entire jar, overlapping the paper you applied to the bottom.
Step 5: Cut out faces with scissors using the black paper. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the back of them and apply to your jar. Place your battery-operated tea-light candle in the jar, twist the lid back on once everything has dried and enjoy your absolutely adorable Mason jar jack-o-lanterns!
2. BOO Sign—for your door/walls
What you’ll need: Thin, light-weight wooden letters, black spray paint, black glitter, orange ribbon, stapler, clear protective spray (optional)
Step 1: Spray paint your letters black. Paint about half of a letter at a time; generously (you can never have to much!) apply the glitter while the paint is still wet.
Step 2 (optional): Apply clear protective spray to letters to secure the paint and glitter.
Step 3: Loop and staple, or tie, strips of ribbon through the “B” and “O” and again through both of the “O”s. Use extra ribbon to loop through the top of the “B” to make a hanger!
3. Candy Corn Ombre Bottles—for your table
What you’ll need: orange, white and yellow spray paint, empty wine bottles (labels removed), optional: twigs, leaves, candy corn, plate/dish
Step 1: Spray paint your bottle(s) white, then orange in the middle, and lastly yellow at the bottom, again, allowing each color and coat to dry completely before applying the next color.
Step 2 (optional): For extra effect, apply another layer of white on the top to create the dripping effect.
Step 3 (optional): Create a centerpiece by placing fake (or real) twigs, branches and colorful autumn leaves in the bottles, and placing them in a dish filled with candy corn!
4. Pumpkin Magnets—use as fillers
What you’ll need: decorative paper, Mod Podge, glass rocks, paint brush, sharpie, small circle magnets or magnet strips, pipe cleaners, hot glue gun
Step 1: Trace the glass rocks on your decorative paper and cut them out.
Step 2 (optional): Draw faces on the cutout circles to make jack-o-lanterns.
Step 3: Using the paintbrush, cover the flat side of the glass magnets with Mod Podge. Then, place your cutout circles facedown on the magnets.
Step 4: Place a small drop of hot glue on the back of the magnet on top of the paper, and place the magnet on top. Then, cut out a small piece of pipe cleaner and glue it onto the back of the glass rock so that a little is sticking out (make sure it is upright above the face you drew).
Step 6: Stick them on your refrigerator or magnetic board to enjoy!