During these unprecedented times, we savour any form of normality. With Halloween just around the corner, and local lockdowns increasing, it puts parents in a difficult situation. How will you explain that ‘Trick or Treating’ is cancelled this year and normality is fading once again?
This article hopes to ease the stress following the half term holiday and provide parents with a great distraction, to help keep their children home and safe this year. Even those without children, who just want to celebrate Halloween in the comfort of their own home, are welcome to keep reading…
Now for the DIYS…
1. Dress up your pets!
This will keep you entertained for hours. Dressing your pet in different costumes and giving them a photoshoot is great fun and will give you long-lasting memories. You can cut up an old sheet or, if you are good at sewing, you can use old fabric to create something more unique.
2. Make some in-house spooky decorations
Whether it is making Papier-mâché pumpkins filled with string lights, making paper pumpkin treat boxes or drawing spooky faces on balloons with marker pens, it will definitely 'spook-up' your house!
These DIYS are easy to do and will not require many materials – great if you are on a budget. We have even created a template for the small pumpkin treat boxes for you!
3. Decorate your front garden
A ghostly front garden can really get you (and your neighbours) in the mood for Halloween. There are so many easy ways to make this happen; creating a scarecrow from old fabric and straw, gluing together some forestry and autumnal fruit to make an eye-catching wreath and painting some scary ‘beware’ signs on some old wood or cardboard – you can even make signs to inform others that you are not giving out treats this year.
4. Let your creative side rule!
One of the easiest crafts you can do; which will keep you distracted, but will still be enjoyable, is to draw and colour some frightful pictures – you can then use these as posters for around the house or in your windows! Another easy DIY can be seen in the above images - you can create these ghostly straws, with a piece of white paper, a straw, scissors, a black pen and some double-sided tape.
5. Bring out the ghoulish-side of your baked goods
Baking can be time-consuming and tricky, but it is all worth it for those tasty treats at the end! If you are not much of a baker, you can just pick up some plain cupcakes, biscuits and doughnuts from your local supermarket – whilst doing your essential shopping, so that you only have to decorate them. This is the most rewarding DIY, as it is enjoyable and delicious!
6. Do not forget your pumpkin!
The most common way of celebrating Halloween (and sometimes the messiest), is carving a pumpkin. It would not be Halloween without a scary pumpkin at your doorstep. If you feel like switching things up this year, or are concerned about your children using the carving tools, you could always paint your pumpkins this year! – Adding a coat of mod-podge after you are finished, can help to protect your artwork outdoors. Electronic/battery operated candles are also a great alternative; especially if you worry about your pumpkin being a fire hazard.
If you choose to get creative with any of the above, we would love to see. Tag us in any photos you have, on any of the following social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
We hope these DIYs keep you busy and safe at home this Halloween.
Have a spook-tacular Halloween!
Please note: we recommend adult supervision for the above DIYs.
