Children At Home Driving You Crazy With the Question, <i>“What Are We Doing for Halloween”?</i>
- By Ruth Anne
- Oct 21, 2020
Children At Home Driving You Crazy With,“What Are We Doing for Halloween”?
7 Simple Steps to an Easy DIY Halloween Home Project
By Guest Artist Rhianna Marie
The big question everyone is thinking this year; “Is Halloween Cancelled?” Thanks to the notorious COVID-19 outbreak reaching its way worldwide, leaving so many people wondering what they are going to do for their children on Halloween. With no classroom parties, Trick-or-Treating or Trunk-or-Treat, no Parades, or any event guaranteed right now, how do you keep the spirit going during the holidays?
Crafting!
Yes, you read that correctly, Crafting! There is nothing more fun — to me at least — then getting in the holiday spirit by creating something with your hands for the home.
JAM® has endless supplies to help make this happen. Below I show a detailed, step-by-step, fun, and easy project for kids to enjoy while staying safe in the comfort of your homes!
With this simple DIY Halloween themed garland project, you'll give the kids something spooky and exciting to do this season!
Items Needed:
Step One:
Free-hand draw a Halloween-inspired image. If you prefer, you can also go online and print a clip art picture from the Internet. (I chose to make pumpkins & bats). Once you have your drawing or printed image, cut it out.
Pro Tip: Leave a bit of edging on the sides of your stencil. This helps with connecting the garland without breaking apart when you cut it later. Pictured with my pumpkin stencil, I drew two small squares on the sides of the pumpkin, sort of makes the pumpkin look like it has arms, doesn’t it?
Step Two:
Trace your cut-out stencil onto the edge of your JAM® Wrapping Paper. Be sure to line up the most outer edge of your stencil to the edge of the wrapping paper.
Step Three:
Cut straight across to the end of the wrapping paper creating one long strip.
Step Four:
Fold your strip of wrapping paper in a back and forth motion (Picture an accordion in your mind for reference), until you reach the end of the paper. Try to be exact with your folds as it helps ensure the connection a the images does not get cut off or start to look funky.
Step Five:
Yes, you guessed right! Cut out your Halloween inspired stencil.
Step Six:
Decorate (I drew simple fun faces with a Sharpie® marker but feel free to allow the kids to roam freely with colored pencils, markers, or even glitter! (Personally, I hate GLITTER! Even after you clean up and have taken a shower you find it on the soles of your feet, your scalp, eyelid, you name the exterior body part and you will see a sparkling colored spec. Similar to my feelings about Play Dough but let’s save that for another DIY Crafting Blog).
Step Seven:
Cut and tape string to the back of the Halloween Garland and hang anywhere in your home.
Viola! A Fun and Easy DIY Project to keep the Halloween spirit alive and more fun than ever, right from the comfort of your home!
Q & A with Guest Artist Rhianna Marie
RAW: "Where do you get your crafting inspiration?"
Rhianna Marie: "Well, for starters I am an Artist by trait and crafting does come naturally to me. When I am thinking of a new project to create, I always keep in mind, what seems fun to me. For example, my latest series of Artwork is composited by Puzzles. Yes, PUZZLES! As a child, I loved sitting with my mother and completing 1000 piece puzzles. When we were finished, we would break it up and start another one. Of course, that part of the activity never sat well with me. As, a semi-stubborn woman, my hard work and time I put into this puzzle only to tear apart killed me on the inside."
Born with an imagination, so many wish for, gifted this ability and for that I am forever grateful. Wherever I go, creation follows.
—Rhianna Marie
RAW: "Where do you get your ideas from?"
Rhianna Marie: "One trip to New Orleans, a town filled with beautiful art of all different kinds, I came across an intriguing piece of Art in a Bodega. Walked in to get snacks and ended up starring at this enormous Art piece on the wall by the exit, covered in puzzle pieces. I was simply captivated by it’s complexity and it’s beauty. Thought to myself, I can do anything and I most certainly can create something amazing inspired by this puzzled painting. I found myself back home in New Jersey and not even a day later ordering numerous puzzles online. Took weeks completing puzzles and feeling so content with gluing them together, which I never got to as a child, to mount them. Meshing larger pieces from each puzzle and bringing them into one giant collage, and a month later right in front of my eyes, a finished piece of Art! So satisfying, I was so attracted to my creation, found myself making another, and then another, and so on. Six-7-8-9 large canvases later, my 3D Puzzled Series was born and ready for the world to indulge in..
RAW: "You are also a fashion designer?"
Rhianna Marie: "Yes, I also sew and design clothing. I am never not creating! Whether it is my Art Work, or my clothing designs...creating and crafting is embedded in my DNA. Born with an imagination, so many wish for, gifted this ability and for that I am forever grateful. Where ever I go, creation follows!"
RAW: "Where can our readers view your work?"
Rhianna Marie: "My puzzles and fashions can be viewed on There you may see couture currently up for sale."
RAW: "Thanks so much!"
Rhianna Marie: "Thank you! Happy Halloween!"
Fun and Safe Halloween Activities for Children at Home
With children at home driving you crazy with the question "What are we doing for Halloween?" it's time to get creative and plan some fun and safe activities. From pumpkin carving and decorating the house to hosting a virtual costume party with friends and family, there are plenty of ways to make this Halloween memorable. Embrace the spirit of the holiday by organizing a scavenger hunt around the house or neighborhood, complete with spooky clues and hidden treats. Additionally, consider baking Halloween-themed treats together, such as ghost-shaped cookies or spider cupcakes, for a delicious and festive bonding experience. By incorporating these activities, you can ensure that your children have a memorable and enjoyable Halloween while staying safe at home.
The Benefits of Celebrating Halloween at Home
Celebrating Halloween at home offers numerous benefits for both children and parents. By organizing activities within the safety of your home, you can ensure that your children have a fun and memorable Halloween without the risks associated with traditional trick-or-treating. Additionally, celebrating at home allows for more personalized and creative activities, fostering a sense of togetherness and family bonding. Furthermore, by avoiding crowded public spaces, you can prioritize the health and safety of your children and family members. Ultimately, celebrating Halloween at home provides an opportunity to create lasting memories and traditions that your children will cherish for years to come.
Alternative Halloween Activities for Children at Home
If traditional Halloween activities are not feasible, there are plenty of alternative options to ensure a fun and memorable celebration at home. Consider organizing a Halloween movie marathon, complete with classic spooky films and homemade popcorn. Another alternative is to host a themed arts and crafts session, where children can create their own Halloween decorations or costumes. Additionally, consider setting up a DIY haunted house in your living room, complete with spooky decorations and surprises around every corner. By exploring alternative activities, you can ensure that your children have a fantastic Halloween celebration at home.
Tips for Creating a Memorable Halloween at Home
When planning a Halloween celebration at home, it's important to consider a few tips to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience for your children. First, involve your children in the planning process by asking for their input on activities and decorations, fostering a sense of excitement and anticipation. Additionally, prioritize safety by setting clear guidelines for any activities and ensuring that all decorations are child-friendly. Consider incorporating a mix of traditional and alternative activities to keep the celebration engaging and dynamic. Finally, don't forget to capture the memories by taking plenty of photos and videos to look back on in the future.
Creative and Spooky Halloween Decorations for Your Home
Transform your home into a haunted wonderland with creative and spooky Halloween decorations that will delight your children and guests. From eerie cobwebs and glowing jack-o'-lanterns to ghostly silhouettes and creepy crawlies, there are endless possibilities for creating a festive and spooky atmosphere. Consider incorporating DIY decorations such as paper bats, hanging ghosts, and glowing eyes in the bushes to add a personal touch to your Halloween decor. Additionally, explore themed decorations such as witches, skeletons, and black cats to set the stage for a memorable celebration. By embracing creativity and imagination, you can turn your home into a Halloween haven that will enchant and thrill your children.
Delicious Halloween Treats to Make with Your Children
Get into the Halloween spirit by whipping up delicious and spooky treats with your children. From pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies and candy-coated apples to mummy hot dogs and monster cupcakes, there are endless possibilities for creating festive and tasty treats. Encourage your children to get involved in the baking and decorating process, allowing them to unleash their creativity and imagination. Additionally, consider hosting a Halloween-themed baking competition, where family members can compete to create the spookiest and most delicious treats. By making and enjoying these treats together, you can create lasting memories and traditions that will make this Halloween unforgettable.