This post is accompanied by the video below. For the post, scroll down.
This year is my first autumn living away from home and not in uni accommodation, and I just knew I wanted to decorate it for Halloween. I'm also trying to be as sustainable as possible, and definitely didn't want any plastic decorations.
So I decided to make my own! Two garlands and some leaf ghosts later, and my living room is feeling so cozy. The ghosts are perfect for Halloween, and although the garlands are more autumnal than spooky, I think they go really well together. All three crafts are really easy, and are perfect to focus on as restrictions start to tighten again.
1. Orange garland
This orange garland is so easy and effective, plus it makes your house smell amazing! Slice an orange or two into slices (the thinner, the better) and put on a lined baking tray and into the oven on it's lowest setting. For me, this was about 100oC. Bake for around 4 hours, flipping halfway through, and bare in mind that the time will change depending on how thick your orange slices are, and the temperature of your oven.
When they're done, use scissors or a knife to poke two holes in the slices, and then thread them on to some twine. You can tie cinnamon sticks, conkers or bay leaves in between, but I kept it simple.
And there you have it! Literally two steps, so easy, but so effective.
2. Leaf and conker garland
Another garland, this time with dry autumn leaves and conkers. Collect as many pretty leaves as you want, as well as some conkers. If it's been rainy (England's constant state atm), leave the leaves the dry before starting the garland.
Twist a small, thin knife into the conker to carve a hole through them, just big enough for twine to fit through.
Then simply tie the twine around the stems of the leaves and thread a conker in between each leaf. Again, you can incorporate other seasonal things, but I liked the conker/leaf look.
3. Leaf ghosts
Make sure to pick up some extra leaves on your walk, preferably maple or sycamore leaves to give them an even ghostier look, although any shape will do. When the leaves are dry (but not crunchy or crumbly), paint them white, and when they're dry, draw on eyes and a mouth. These are so cute, and so effective!
So there you have it. 3 cheap, sustainable and gorgeous crafts to provide a bit of calm in the current storm, and decorate your house for the season. Let me know if you try any!
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