“Now You Know” How to CReate Your Own Spine-chilling Halloween Decor!

October 6, 2010 by guillaume Leave a Comment

SpOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoky! The most creative time of year is almost here and we have a special DIY Halloween entry just for you! Getting creative with your costumes is one thing, but getting crazy with your decor is way more fun! Whether your trying to outshine your neighbors or your throwing a Halloween party, follow these easy steps and you will have the creepiest most savvy apartment in the building! It’s even a fun project to do with your kids!

The supplies required are: a regular glass frame – http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00091967 , dry glue, water, one pack of loose silver leaves, black latex paint, soft round brush, square soft brush, cotton balls. Now some of these products maybe difficult to find and can be expensive so we have created an art kit for just $40.00. This kit includes: two (2) booklets of silver leaf, dry glue,  one (1) flat square brush and one (1) round brush.

Step 1: Remove the glass from the frame and place it vertically against a wall or kitchen backsplash.

Step 2: Fill a double boiler (water bath/Bain Marie ) with 1.5 cups of water and a table spoon of dry glue. Bring the liquid to a boil.

Step 3: Using the soft round brush, dip the bristles into the pot and create a 3×3″ inch square on the glass. Then gently rub the tips of your square brush against your forehead. Now this may sound weird however the natural oils on your face create a maganetic force between the silver leaf and brush. Grab the sliver leaf with the square brush ( the brush should be touching only about 1/2″ of the silver leaf) and slowly bring it to the glass, you will see that the hot glue/water will suck in the silver leaf very fast, keep going one by one ( if you happened to mess up when the leaf touches the glass do not fret. When the silver leaf dries the next day you can reheat the glue and redo that one particular section.)

Step 4: When you finish applying the silver squares, let it dry overnight.

Step 5: When the silver is dry, using a cotton ball, dust off the extra silver that is loose. Then using the handle of the round brush or anything sharp for that matter, start etching into the silver leaf and draw exactly what you would want to be seen. Such as a here spider web and little spider!

Step 6: When you finish etching, paint the entire surface with the black paint.

Step 7: Once the black paint has dried, flip the glass to see the other side and voilà, your etching is now outlined by black paint! You can go ahead and place it back in it’s original frame!

WELL “NOW YOU KNOW”! These steps are easy, fun and creative! Now it’s your turn! Show us what you got!

-G