In this post, I’ll be sharing a step-by-step guide to making your own DIY Halloween Frames using inexpensive items from Dollar Tree.
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Welcome to a spine-chilling DIY tutorial on creating your very own Halloween skeleton and snake picture frame decor.
Halloween is the perfect time to let your creativity shine with spooky, festive decorations that can be tailored to your personal style. If you’re looking to add a touch of eerie elegance to your Halloween home decor collection, you’ve come to the right place.
In this post, I’ll show you how to transform ordinary and inexpensive items, including dollar store finds, into moody creepy chic art pieces with just a few simple materials and tools.
Using ornate frames and faux taxidermy elements that exude gothic charm, this step-by-step tutorial will help you craft stunning picture frames that capture the spirit of the season – perfect for placing on a console table, or alongside other spooky decor in a Halloween-themed gallery wall. Check out this 3D skull frame from last season!
Get ready to unleash your creativity with these homemade Halloween decorations… let’s dive in!
Making Moody DIY Halloween Frames
Materials
- Picture frames (thrifted or new)
- Flat matte black paint
- Rub-n-Buff gold paint
- Medium fluffy brush – you can use an old or inexpensive makeup brush
- Faux taxidermy objects (e.g., plastic skeleton, faux cobra snake, toy insects)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Super glue
- All-purpose craft glue
- Faux foliage leaves and/or flowers
- Various shades of acrylic paint (grey, beige, white, black)
- Scissors or craft knife
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Skeleton & Snake Halloween Frames
Step 1: Disassemble the Frames
Start by removing the backs of the frames so that you are left with just the frame part and the backing part separately. This will make it easier to paint and decorate each component.
Step 2: Paint the Frame Backing
Paint the backing with two coats of flat matte black paint. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second coat to ensure a smooth, even finish.
Step 3: Decorate the Frame
Use Rub-n-Buff gold paint and a medium fluffy brush to dry brush some paint on the raised edges of the frame. Use circular motions to create an antique, haunted look. Allow the paint to dry completely before proceeding.
Step 4: Reassemble the Frame
Once everything is dry, reassemble the frame with the painted backing. This gives you a solid base to work with for the main decorative element.
Step 5: Add the Main Element (Skeleton)
- Prepare the Skeleton: Use a generic plastic skeleton from a dollar store. Remove its head and arms, cutting off any excess pieces of plastic as needed, until you are just left with the torso.
- Paint the Skeleton: Cover the skeleton torso with two coats of the same matte black paint as the frame backing. Allow each coat to dry completely.
- Attach the Skeleton: Use hot glue and a few dabs of super glue on the back of the skeleton to securely attach it to the center of the frame backing.
- Detail the Skeleton: Add dimension by painting the skeleton with different shades of grey, beige, white, and black. Use light strokes to give it a realistic, creepy look.
- Add Faux Foliage: Tuck and glue faux foliage leaves around the skeleton, making sure they pop out around it for added depth and texture.
Step 6: Create a Matching Second Frame (Snake)
- Prepare the Snake: For the second frame, use a faux cobra snake. Dry brush black paint onto the snake for a darker, moodier look.
- Attach the Snake: Glue the snake onto the frame using a generous amount of all-purpose craft glue and super glue for extra hold, as the object is usually made of rubber and may be heavier.
- Add Highlights: Use lighter shades of paint to add highlights and more visual interest to the snake.
- Add More Foliage: Tuck in and glue some of the same faux foliage leaves around the snake to tie the two frames together.
When styled together, these two frames will create a cohesive, eerie look that is ideal for a moody Halloween display.
I also used my pair of frames on the grazing table during our Vampire Murder Mystery Party.
They fit the gothic vibe perfectly and added just the right amount of table decor alongside the tapered candles and ornate backdrop.
You may like: DIY Gothic Skull Wall Decor for Halloween
Creating your own Halloween skeleton and snake picture frame decor is an exciting and rewarding way to add a personalized touch to your festive decorations. Using simple materials and inexpensive items, you can transform ordinary frames into eerie, gothic-inspired art pieces that will captivate and delight.
Whether you display these frames on a console table or incorporate them into a themed gallery wall, they are sure to enhance the spooky ambiance of your Halloween celebrations.
Gather your materials and let your imagination run free as you create your own one-of-a-kind homemade Halloween decorations this season.
Looking for more inspo!? Check out my Pinterest for tons of lifestyle, DIY, and crafting inspo… updated daily!
This post was all about DIY Halloween Frames. If you like this content, check out these posts below!
– DIY Gothic Skull Wall Decor for Halloween
– Halloween Decor – Creepy Chic Foyer Console
– Elevated Spooky Chic Halloween Decor Guide
Xx- Laura
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