Let’s be honest – when you hear the term ‘holiday crafts and collections’ Christmas comes to mind. Why should Santa get all the blow molds, gingerbread houses and advent calendars? For years I have been creating and curating Halloween ideas that are spooky spins on Christmas and today I am sharing a few of my favorites. Some are crafts, others are collections, all of them holiday fluid and with the right color combo could work for Halloween or Christmas.
1. Halloween Trees – The Christmas Trees Creepy Cousin
I have been preaching about Halloween trees for almost 20 years now and this may be the holiday hill I die on. Black Halloween trees are an obvious choice BUT don’t underestimate pastel pink, lavender, orange and even rainbow.
2. Halloween Countdown Calendar – 31 Days of Dread
This project is two fold. First of all I get to show off my collection of vintage trick-or-treat bags. Second – excited kids get the joy of a Christmas advent calendar but with a spooky theme. Just add numbers to the bags and hang from a garland. Not sure what to put inside your Halloween advent calendar? Check out Halloween Party Goodie Bag Buffet – think small toys and candy just like Christmas.
3. Mini Pinatas – The Halloween Answer to Christmas Crackers
For those of you that love a British tradition during the holidays, sub a cracker for candy corn (or vampire fangs). These are super easy to make with streamers and a party hat. Great for Halloween party favors too.
4. Corsages But Cursed
Have you ever seen a vintage Christmas corsage or perhaps tried making your own? This was a fun tradition that was popular in the 40’s and 50’s are a fun holiday collection to have (ask me how I know). Why not make a Halloween corsage that also doubles as a best costume prize ribbon!
5. Drape the Doom with Halloween Wreaths and Garlands
Sure most people have started to dip their toes into the world of Halloween trees and Halloween wreaths have been around a hot second, but let us not forget the festive Halloween garland. Deck the haunted halls and all that.
6. Broken Jewelry Trees – Holiday Assemblage in All Black
One of my favorite Christmas collectibles are broken jewelry trees. I’ve taught workshops, made my own enamel flower pin version and am always on the hunt at flea markets for new additions to the gallery. However, why couldn’t you make a broken jewelry Halloween tree? Just use all black baubles and a sprinkling of doll parts.
7. Blow Molds – There is a Halloween Version of Your Favorite Christmas Collection
Collecting vintage Christmas is like shooting fish in a barrel. In other words it’s easy. Collecting vintage Halloween on the other hand can be tricky because it was not as popular and not as much of it was made. I love my collection of vintage Christmas blow molds, but I love my Halloween blow mold collection a little bit more.
8. Halloween Trees Need Ornaments Too
What’s good for the Christmas goose is great for the Halloween gander. In other words most holiday crafts could easily have a Halloween spin on it. If you are going to decorate a Halloween tree you might as well make some ornaments. Try these stenciled felt monsters, mystic moons or black cat baubles. Who knows in the future just like you pass down nana’s handmade Christmas ornaments your stenciled spiders could become family heirlooms.
9. Spooky Sequins – Because Ghouls Just Wanna Have Sparkle
Have you ever seen vintage sequin covered Christmas ornaments? They were a popular handicraft in the 50’s and 60’s. I’ve decorated entire Christmas trees covered in my vast collection and made my own versions. Halloween lovers like shiny things too so why not try making these fun sequin pumpkins. Here is a how-to video I did for Michaels to show you how.
10. December Daily – A Halloween Spin on Scrapbooking
I’ll be the first to admit that scrapbooking was my gateway drug to junk journals. The pretty papers, stickers, washi tape – what’s not to love. When I heard about December Daily – I was in because nobody loves a theme more than me. Then the next year I decided to do a Halloween version because everything is better in black and orange.
11. Halloween Tree Skirts – Because No One Wants to See That Ugly Metal Tree Base
I don’t care if it’s Halloween or Christmas my rule of thumb is like Mommy Dearest with wire hangers – “no more wire tree bases”. Try making this Stenciled Monster Tree Skirt or this Kitschy No-Sew Spider Skirt. Don’t worry – I’ve got these Clever and Crafty Christmas Tree Skirt Ideas too.
12. Witch Tree Toppers – Because Angels Are So Last Year
You can’t call yourself a Christmas collector if you have never laid eyes on one of those angels from the 60’s with a blonde comb over. A few years ago I started hosting workshops where folks could make their own. The next logical progression was for a Halloween version to be born. Except she’s not an angel, she’s a wee witch.
13. Halloween Putz Houses Are the New Black
Once again proving my point that any vintage inspired Christmas craft project, like a Putz House, can be transformed into a Halloween theme with a coat of black paint, sparkly pumpkin and a wee skeleton.
14. Haunted Gingerbread House Making Party
The holidays are not complete without a gingerbread house, but what about Halloween? Sure Christmas has candy canes but Halloween is where we really bring out the sugary big guns. It only makes sense to set the kids free with some icing, graham crackers and gummy eyeballs. See my entire post over on HGTV.
15. Knock, Knock – Boo’s There? – A Halloween Wreath on the Door
Not ready for a full sized Halloween tree just yet? Baby step yourself into spooky season with an easy Halloween wreath. Christmas isn’t the only holiday that should get front door privileges. This yarn wrapped monster wreath can be made in an afternoon while you binge your favorite horror movie.
And there you have it 15 pieces of proof that Christmas doesn’t own the idea of tree toppers, wreaths or advent calendars – t just got there first. A black and orange color palette can go head to head in a crafty makers match with red and green any day. Which ones are your favorites? Any you are dying to try? Oh and let us not forget how most of these concepts can also work for Easter, Valentines, Thanksgiving and more!
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