DIY Halloween decor for your cottage

Goblins and ghosts and pumpkins, oh my! No matter what your age, there is always fun to be had at Halloween. Let the kid in you enjoy all the festivities, treats, and crisp fall air before winter arrives. Whip up some spooky new decor with these three Halloween-inspired upcycling projects and your trick-or-treaters will never want to leave.

DIY Racket Pumpkins

Check your garage for those old rackets you no longer use and turn them into these rustic festive pumpkins just in time for Halloween.

1. Remove the handle of each racket with a hacksaw. There is typically a metal rod up the handle that will need to be cut in order to remove it.

2. Paint the head and strings orange. If there is any part of the handle left, paint it brown.

3. For additional texture, thread chunky fall-coloured yarn through the strings. Use hot-glue to secure the ends in place on the back of the head.

4. Glue a piece of thick bark to the top of the head for the stem and add fall leaves for vines to finish off your unique pumpkins.

Serving Up Treats

Ditch the traditional bowl this Halloween and serve up your treats on a tray instead.

1. Remove the backing from an old frame and use hot glue to keep the glass in place.

2. Paint the glass and the frame yellow. When the paint is dry, add a thick layer of black over top of the yellow.

3. Brush on a layer of decoupage medium to the top of the glass and then lay on vintage postcards or clip art. Add another layer of decoupage medium to seal the paper and allow it to completely dry.

4. Attach handles to the ends of the frame and fill your new Halloween tray with your favourite yummy treats.

Gas Can Jack-O-Lantern

Turn a vintage gas can into the perfect rusty Jack-o-Lantern. This DIY Halloween decor will greet all of your trick-or-treaters.

1. Grab an empty old gas can and unused cookie tin for this project.

2. Using sharp scissors or tin snips, cut thin strips of metal from the bottom of the cookie tin. Punch a hole at the end of each strip and thread a piece of floral wire through it.

3. Draw a face on the side of the gas can with chalk and then fill it in with black paint. To give it a worn feeling, distress it with sandpaper once the paint is dry.

4. Place your jack-o-lantern on your lawn or porch and surround it with pumpkins and gourds. Your trick-or-treaters will be delighted to see it welcoming them as they ask for treats.

Check out more creative DIY and repurposing projects in Lisa’s new book Recreated Designs: Cottage Projects With a Vintage Flair.

Looking for more Halloween inspiration? Take a look at some of our favourite cottage-inspired costumes.

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