As Halloween swiftly approaches, I always get an overwhelming desire to roll up my sleeves, break out the acrylic paints, paper glue and dive right into making cute little Halloween crafts. Of course having a nine year old daughter only adds to the excuse to run riot, and as per usual Emma’s roped into peppering our little abode with all sorts of spooky artistry.
This year I thought I’d attempt a really cute bat display I spotted in Tesco Food & Living Magazine. Although the original creation is displayed with the twigs pushed into a Pumpkin, Em’s and I thought we’d save ours the pain of piercing him with garden sticks and opted a glass flower vase instead finished off with black ribbon.
I must admit, this is probably one of the easiest and most effective Halloween crafts I’ve created (even the most novice of crafter can’t go far wrong), it doesn’t make too much mess (though a table covering is highly recommended) and is relatively quick so you’re not left grumbling a few hours later – great for eager kiddies who prefer to see their efforts come to life rather pronto!
So here’s what you’ll need:
Firstly, get yourself out to the garden or local woodland and find some decent size twigs. Thankfully our garden is edged with rather bulky bushes so uncovering our twigs wasn’t too much of a task, however you’ll also need to rustle up:
Some paint (acrylic works really well)
A decent child’s sized paint brush
Some black card
Twine or thread
A pencil and pair of scissors…
Something to display the twigs in when done: vase/pumpkin/large jar/ empty bottle etc.
Here’s how to do it:
After rummaging around the garden to find your chosen sticks, clear them of all dirt and debri. I’d suggest you also give them a clean under warm water to remove any hidden nasties that could be lurking. If necessary leave them to dry.
(We found ours right beside Peppa the cat)
Once dry it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get painting! Em’s and I chose a gorgeous coppery acrylic paint for a touch of autumnal shimmer. However blacks, browns and even purple will look equally as impressive. Just make sure you get all the nooks and crannies covered, then leave the paint to dry – this really shouldn’t take too long if using acrylic, ours were touchable in 30 minutes!
Next take your black card and draw a template of a bat with your pencil. Cut this out and use it to draw another 4-6 bats… or as many as you darn well like! Carefully cut out your little colony of bats and trim to neaten. You’ll also need to rub out any obvious pencil lines.
Next make a hole in the head of your bat *ouch* and carefully tie your thread through. I used a hole punch as my card was rather thick. Now make a loop on the other end of the thread to dangle your bats from the twigs.
Display your twigs in a vase (or pumpkin) and enjoy your crafty art work… voila!
Top Tips…
- Sprinkle your twigs with glitter for an extra twinkly effect… black glitter looks fantastic over black acrylic paint!
- Once done keep them for Christmas. You can always swap your bats for mini baubles!
- If you’re limited for space why not make a miniature version to display on your desk? Your bats could look super cute in a jam jar with some spooky themed ribbon tied around it!
This is such a cute idea I love the decorating twigs idea I bet that it would look good at Christmas time to but obviously with different theme haha xx
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Thanks so much Milliee… it was such a fun project to make and really easy to do! Yes, hoping to change the bats for baubles thereafter lol 🙂 Xx
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Your display looks amazing! It sounds like you and your daughter had endless amounts of fun while making this display. 😀 I am absolutely in love with your white caged candles. They look so pretty! 🙂
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Thanks so much Nadine – it does look really pretty with all the little candles around it 🙂 I’m a bit of a candle-a-holic, and go through masses of tea tree lights… they just make everything look so cosy. Ikea is by far the best for little white caged things, I’m pretty sure everything you see in the pic is from there! 😀 Thanks for commenting X
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It’s always a pleasure when I get lovely, informative replies. 🙂 I’m also quite the candle addict. It truly does make everything look cosy! Especially when you have had a long day and just need to relax in a warm candle-lit bath, they are just amazing. I don’t think we have an Ikea here. I often read or hear of it online. It seems like a wonderful place to find all home-ware goods. x
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Awww, you’re just like me – I love interacting with others, however I do tend to ramble on so apologies in advance :L
That’s such a same you don’t have an Ikea nearby, it really is such a haven for us candle lovers (amongst so many other things) although you might be able to buy online via http://www.ikea.com (just a thought) 🙂 X
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Don’t worry, I think some people who know me in person would suspect I have a doctorate in the art of rambling. I occasionally completely lose train of thought. 😀 There’s no need to apologise. I love to interact with people. 🙂 We have a shop here called @Home Living Space. I am not sure if they have stores overseas but they also have the loveliest candles and nice-smelling things. Thank you so much! It’s much appreciated. :)xx
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Haaaa that firmly makes two of us then 😀 Oh I haven’t heard of that shop before… must look into it, as I could be missing out 🙂 Will let you know if I find it!!! X
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Here’s a link to their website: http://www.home.co.za/default.aspx
I hope that helps! 🙂
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Hi Karen, great Halloween DIY post. It looks amazing 🙂
Xo, Maria
http://theclassifiedchic.com
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Hi Maria, thanks so much for the compliments, really enjoyed making it and so easy to do 🙂 Have just checked out your blog… looks right up my street! You’ve another new follower 😀 Thanks for commenting X
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This idea is adorable! So simple and easy to do. Love that you included a photo of Peppa. So cute!
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Thanks so much Asa! Yes, had to include our little Peppa – had no choice actually as she didn’t want to move from her cosy garden spot lol 😀
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