I don’t celebrate Halloween a whole lot, but we do add a few decorations to excite the kids and we take them trick or treating. For us, it’s all in good fun and we like to keep it child friendly and not creepy – as my daughter says “That’s just mean, to scare little kids like that”.
A few days ago, I shared my Halloween wreath and today, I’ll share the other piece of my outdoor decor – this cute lantern made with Outdoor Mod Podge and a “creepy” curtain made with Stiffy.
{{This campaign was sponsored by Plaid, but like always, I only share what I love!}}
To create your own Halloween Lantern, you will need:
- a lantern (I purchased mine at Ikea)
- a loose weave piece of fabric such as cheesecloth or this Halloween Net Curtain that I found at the dollar store
- Outdoor Mod Podge
- Stiffy
- black card stock
- white tissue paper
- foam brush
To make the netted curtain stiff, I used this great product called Stiffy. You apply it to fabric, and just like the name says, it makes that fabric stiff so you can create permanent fabric projects quickly and easily. I didn’t take a picture of myself applying it because I was afraid of getting it on my camera and no one else was home, but you basically just smear the Stiffy all over your fabric. It takes about 45 minutes to start to stiffen up, and then you can mold it into the shape you want, which is when I put it on my chair and shaped it.
While it was hardening, I worked on my lantern. I tore strips of tissue paper and applied the Outdoor Mod Podge to the lantern.
You could apply the tissue paper all in one piece but I liked the idea of having it more ragged.
Then, I used my cutting machine to create silhouettes of a cat and some bats, which I adhered to the tissue paper strips with the Outdoor Mod Podge.
Once that was all dry, I went back over it with a sealant coat of the Mod Podge to protect it from the great Northern elements. That’s one great thing about the Outdoor Mod Podge formula – it’s a waterbased sealer, glue, and finish all in one that can stand up to life outdoors.
Then, once everything is dry, it’s time to put it in the candle (I highly recommend a flameless candle, especially if its outdoors and unattended for any amount of time) and see how that baby glows!
I love the soft glow that comes through the tissue paper! It’s going to be a hit with all of the trick or treaters!
For more great Halloween inspiration from fellow crafters, check out
Plaid’s Facebook Page or follow them on Pinterest.
And check out these other great Outdoor Halloween projects made with Mod Podge and Stiffy:
Jen says
Cat Cat hiss hiss.. I love THIS! You are good girl, like good– trick or treat!
Sarah says
Jen you rock my world… like pop rocks. I would write you a rhyme but I am too lame to rhyme xo
Chelsea says
I accidentally ordered 3 bottles of Stiffy on Amazon a few months ago – so I’m always looking for ways to use the stuff! Love your lantern – darling!!
Sarah says
Yes, think of the amazing Halloween things you could make with all of that Stiffy! Make some great ghosts 🙂
Heidi @ Happiness is Homemade says
My boys would love this! My little guy is spooked by everything this year, so I’m loving all of the cute-spooky decor this year too. 🙂
Sarah says
I think every should do the cute spooky… who wants to see those creepy weird looking baby zombie things? Not me!
Beverly {Flamingo Toes} says
Love this!! I have always wanted to do a spooky little lantern outside for Halloween but I wouldn’t have thought of mod podging an image on. What a great idea!
Sarah says
Thanks Bev! I’m loving this outdoor Mod Podge… I keep thinking what I could decoupage outside next…
Kelly says
Such a super cute and festive lantern! You rock, girl!
Sarah says
Aww thanks Kelly! 🙂
Bonnie @ Uncommon Designs says
Ok this is just so cute! Love the little silhouettes!
Sarah says
Thanks Bonnie!
Laura / The Shed blog by Pet Scribbles says
Just stopped back here to tell you that I pinned this a few days ago because I adore it!
Julie says
This is so cute! Love cat everything, so this would be great in our home 🙂