The Artemis II mission has sparked a lot of interest in space, and with it, curiosity about the work of NASA to bring us back to the moon and beyond. One of the most remarkable achievements is that of Perseverance, a rover that has been exploring Mars since  2021 in search for traces of life and information for human exploration down the line. Inspired by this, CircuitMess created a DIY kit so fans of space, new and old, can build their own replica of Perseverance.

This model is more than something cool to decorate your living room with; it’s a fully functional robot. At the same time, it’s somewhat of a hands-on course in engineering and coding. The building process introduces core concepts in robotics, electronics, and wireless communication, but to keep it easy and achievable for everyone, it comes with a step-by-step building guide with over 100 photos.

While the actual perseverance is over 7 feet tall, this NASA-approved replica is 7.87 x 15.94 x 8.07 inches. Despite its compact size, it truly packs a punch. It features over 300 components, and requires soldering and working with smaller electronic components, so it is recommended for ages 11 and up. Overall, CircuitMess says the building process can take about 20 hours. While challenging, the company has tried its best to keep it as accessible as possible.

Among the features of this rover are its fully motorized sample collecting arm, evoking Perseverance’s ability to collect specimens, and a rotating AI-powered camera for autonomous navigation and object recognition. It also comes with dual control options in the form of a custom-built RF controller for hands-on driving and WiFi connectivity for remote commanding.

For those more confident in their coding abilities, once they are done building, they can reprogram the rover in Python or C++, experiment with CircuitBlocks, integrate additional modules, or completely change its behavior. Its modular architecture can accept additional sensor modules, letting builders upgrade and enhance what their rover can do over time. That’s why, according to CircuitMess, the kit is more of a flexible platform than a one-time build.

With this model, the Croatia-based company aims to close the gap between space enthusiasm and STEM education. To them, this model is for “space enthusiasts, robotics hobbyists, or anyone who’s ever wanted to understand how a Mars rover actually works.”

If you’d like to take on this mission and build your own Perseverance rover, you can order your own kit on Circuit Mess’ website.

CircuitMess created a DIY robotic kit that allows fans of space build their own replica of the NASA Perseverance rover.

This model is more than something cool to decorate your living room with; it’s a fully functional robot.

For those hoping to learn more about the science behind space exploration, the building process introduces core concepts in robotics, electronics, and wireless communication.

CircuitMess says this model is for “space enthusiasts, robotics hobbyists, or anyone who’s ever wanted to understand how a Mars rover actually works.”

CircuitMess: Website

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by CircuitMess.

Related Articles:

NASA’s Artemis II Launches First Crewed Moon Mission in Decades

NASA’s Perseverance Rover Has Discovered Potential Signs of Ancient Microbial Life on Mars

Timelapse by NASA Reveals How a Supernova Remnant Has Grown Over 25 Years

NASA’s Curiosity Rover Discovers Crystals of Pure Sulfur on Mars

READ: You Can Build and Code Your Own NASA Perseverance Rover With This DIY Kit

If you’ve ever marvelled at the beauty of a butterfly’s wings, this crochet cardigan pattern lets you create a pair of your own. It was designed by Binh Wu of Biyabimi, who creates a wide range of charming crochet accessories using colorful yarn.

Inspired by the monarch butterfly, Wu’s two-tone design features veined patterns and dotted borders. But you don’t have to stick to the monarch’s classic orange—any yarn colors will work. Wu sells a downloadable pattern for the butterfly wing cardigan, making it easy to recreate your own version at home. The bundle includes written instructions, a 40-minute video tutorial, three tapestry crochet charts, and several tips and tricks from Wu herself.

According Wu, one of the best things about crochet is that anyone can do it. “What I love the most about crochet is the freedom,” she tells My Modern Met. “I love how it turns my anxiety off and my creativity on. I love that I can make mistakes and fix them pretty easily.” The talented textile artist adds, “Compared to other fiber arts, crochet is quite forgiving. And last but not least, I love the infinite potential of what you can create with crochet.”

Wu spent around six months developing her butterfly crochet pattern, from the initial sketches to the final design. “I experimented with different combinations of techniques to figure out the best approach,” she tells us. “It was so much fun trying to solve all of the puzzles and problems. I’m so happy that people are enjoying it.”

Wu recently shared a video featuring photos from multiple people who recreated her crochet cardigan, each in different colors. Seeing others enjoy her design has been incredibly moving. “Words cannot express how grateful I am to have such a loving community,” she says. “I’ve been crying so much since this pattern was published.”

Check out Wu’s butterfly design below, and buy the pattern here to crochet your own wings and bring a little butterfly magic to your wardrobe.

Follow Wu on Instagram to find more of her designs.

If you’ve ever marvelled at the beauty of a butterfly’s wings, this crochet cardigan pattern by Binh Wu of Biyabimi lets you create a pair of your own.

 

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The downloadable bundle includes detailed instructions and practical tips to help you crochet your own version at home.

@biyabimi Introducing the crochet monarch butterfly cardigan/sweater pattern & tutorial combo is available on my website now This concept is inspired by @Mochipan #crochetcardigan #crochetsweater #wings #butterfly #crochetideas ♬ original sound – via

You can decide if you want to create a butterfly cardigan or sweater.

@biyabimi Cardigan or sweater? Also, how’s your progress? This concept is inspired by @Mochipan #crochetcardigan #butterfly #crochetideas #crochetpattern #crochettutorial ♬ Library Vibes – Cozy-Cozy-Moodscape

So many people have created their own versions. Look at all those amazing wings!

@biyabimi Words cannot express how grateful I am to have such a loving community. I’ve been crying so much since this pattern was published. I hope you really see my messages through this pattern This concept is inspired by @Mochipan #crochetcardigan #butterfly #crochetideas #crochetpattern #crochettutorial ♬ Beanie Waltz – Seb Wery

@biyabimi Should I just stick with solid color yarn for this butterfly cardigan pattern? #butterfly #crochetcardigan #crochetideas #crochetpattern #crochettutorial ♬ dźwięk oryginalny – wiktoria

@biyabimi This was the 4th prototype of the crochet butterfly cardigan that I frogged. The shape is a lot better in the final version #crochet #crochetcardigan #butterfly #crochettutorial #crochetpattern ♬ Mysterious and fantastic background music.(1283709) – Sauti

BIYABIMI by Binh Wu: Website | Instagram | TikTok

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Biyabimi.

Related Articles:

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READ: DIY Butterfly Cardigan Invites You To Crochet Your Own Pair of Wings

On November 9, the iconic lawn at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena transformed into a vibrant open-air studio as Clawlab welcomed creators for a full day of hands-on tufting. Color, conversation, and a vibrant, creative energy filled the space, as the rhythmic hum of tufting guns provided the calming soundtrack for the day.

Fifty makers, from artists to DIY enthusiasts, gathered together to try out the Clawlab Tufting Kit H1, a tool engineered to remove typical barriers to textile art, and make tufting approachable. This all-in-one solution includes everything first-time tufters need to bring their creative vision to life—a nail-free frame, fabric, yarn, and, of course, Clawlab’s lightweight tufting gun.

Weighing just slightly over one pound, the tufting gun is easy to maneuver. Its enclosed design prioritizes safety and usability for creators at all levels. And best of all, its size and weight make it the perfect creative gadget to throw in your bag and go. In fact, if anything, Clawlab’s day at the Rose Bowl proved just how much fun you can have tufting outside.

What Clawlab has engineered, and what the event showcased so clearly, is a tool that removes the intimidation factor from fiber arts. The gun’s enclosed mechanism and automatic stop protection feature helped attendees feel safe experimenting, allowing them to focus on color, form, and the satisfying sensory rush of the craft rather than on mechanical details. That sense of ease opened the door for joyful experimentation—abstract shapes, type treatments, graphic motifs, and plush illustrations emerged as people found their rhythm.

From a designer who guided her friend through her first tufting experience to groups of new friends who bonded over their creations, the event was an opportunity for the tufting community to come together. The setting added to this sense of community. The Rose Bowl, iconic in its own right, became an impromptu hub for local makers—some seasoned artists, others dipping a toe into fiber arts for the first time. Strangers compared color palettes, traded tips, and celebrated each other’s progress. Even passersby stopped to watch as vivid rugs and wall pieces came to life, each one a testament to how quickly tufting becomes accessible with the right tools.

“We all made something different, but somehow it feels like one big work,” mused one participant.

From mirror frames to decorative pillows to wall art, the participants’ final pieces are living demonstrations of tufting’s versatility. And as golden hour settled in and participants completed their work, the joyous hugs and affection exchanged are proof that creativity can bring us together.

For more insight on Clawlab’s tufting day at the Los Angeles Rose Bowl, read their full take on the day.

Clawlab welcomed creators for a full day of hands-on tufting at the iconic Rose Bowl.

Creators of all levels used Clawlab’s lightweight tufting gun to bring their designs to life.

It was a beautiful event where creativity and community came together to celebrate this tactile method of artistic expression.

Clawlab: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Clawlab.

READ: Clawlab’s Tufting Event Brings Community and Creativity to the Rose Bowl

Stock Photos from Mariontxa/Shutterstock
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

For many, stationery supplies are a must-have luxury. They can help you develop ideas, practice gratitude, keep in touch with friends, and more. And while you don't need any fancy utensils to practice these routines, a little decoration can transform a blank page into an artistic design. Washi tape is one of the most popular accessories right now for embellishing journals, planners, notebooks, and more.

Originally from Japan, this adhesive has risen in popularity all over the world for its large array of cute and creative designs, its affordability, and for its versatility. Crafters and hobbyists are discovering more ways to incorporate this charming material into their creations, even using it in their home decor to cover coasters and outlets.

Here, we'll learn what washi tape is, how to use it, and see a selection of beautiful tapes to try.

What is Washi Tape?

Washi tape is a decorative masking tape made from traditional Japanese paper. The name washi comes from the Japanese characters wa 和 meaning “harmony” and also symbolizing Japan, and shi 紙し meaning “paper.” It is typically created using fibers from vegetation indigenous to Japan, such as the bark of the gampi tree, the mitsumata shrub, and the kōzo bush.

Washi tape is a popular adhesive for crafts and journaling because of its beauty and durability. Available in a wide variety of prints and colors, this tape can be torn easily by the hand and is both waterproof and heatproof. Plus, washi tape does not leave any residue when it is removed from a surface and remains sticky enough to be reused.

Washi Tape Ideas

 

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From decorating planners to adorning mugs, there are many creative ways to use washi tape. Its versatility makes it a great material for experimentation, so don't be afraid to try something a little different.

Cover your notebooks

Have a plain notebook lying around the house? Well, a colorful roll of washi tape can easily transform a blank cover into a unique design. Use one tape to solidly cover it in several strips or use a few to zigzag across the surface.

Organize Your Planners

Most of the time, the enviable journal spreads you've seen on social media feature cleverly placed pieces of washi tape. Whether it's to divide sections with a floral motif, to embellish the page borders, or to frame some text, try incorporating some tape into your daily planner.

 

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Decorate Letters

 

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While texting and messaging is an efficient way to keep in touch with long-distance friends and loved ones, receiving snail mail is always a special event. If you keep in touch with someone by sending letters, try decorating your next envelope with washi tape. You can create whimsical designs, and keep it secure by covering the opening.

 

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Collages

 

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If you think your washi tape is beautiful enough on its own, then try incorporating it into your next art project. You can cut the tape into shapes to create a design by itself or combine it with other materials to create a funky collage.

Decorate Chargers

There's nothing really unique about chargers, but with a little washi tape, you can easily change that. Use one or two to wrap around the adapter and create a pleasing pattern.

Customize Your Clipboard

If you have washi tape for days, then a great customization project can be decorating the surface of your clipboard. Use it as an opportunity to mix and match patterns and make cool designs.

Decorate Planters

You don't need to spend a lot of money to spruce up your indoor garden. Wrap a little bit of washi tape around the rim of plain white planters to give them some instant flair.

Beautiful Washi Tape to Try:

Gold Foiled Floral Watercolor Washi Tape

SterlingInkDesign | $4.50

Alchemist Washi Tape

PaolasPixels | $5

Moroccan Tile Washi Tape

StarPaperMoon | $4.99

Bee Washi Tape

thecleverclove | $4.99

Snail Mail Washi Tape

ILOOTPAPERIE | $6

Grid Washi Tape

WishiWashiLoft | $2.25+

Peaches Washi Tape

GoatGirlMH | $3.95+

Sea Life Washi Tape

AmberDavenportUK | $4.42

Matte Clear Washi Tape With Botanical Print

SmallBlissKawaii | $4.99

Set of 48 Washi Tapes

OccasionalMotto | $19.50

Related Articles:

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15+ String Art Kits That Have Everything You Need To Create Colorful Connect-the-Dot Art

READ: What Is Washi Tape and Why You Should Try It

Photo: IVANOV.AA.IRK@GMAIL.COM/DepositPhotos

Spooky season is well and truly upon us. With Halloween approaching, it is time to consider what sweet or scary treats you will be making with friends and family. Pillar candles to pumpkin cakes will enhance your stylish costume party. Glitter candy apples will delight. A cat in a pumpkin is a sweet surprise when sketched on a card. Whatever your style on All Hallows' Eve, a DIY craft is great for stretching your creative muscles.

Scroll down for some fun DIY craft ideas to celebrate Halloween.

As Halloween approaches, get crafty with these silly, scary, and sweet treats to make and share.

Cake Pops to Pass Around

Cake pops are cute and made for sharing. Follow this video from Kawaii Sweet World to create your own color ghouls, pumpkins, and ghosts. Display the pops in little vases or grouped in mason jars on a table. Give them to family and friends as sweet bouquets encased in plastic wrap with black and orange bows.

Witch's Hat Gift Box

If you have a gift to give this spooky season, pop it in this clever paper witch's hat. The simple design is illustrated by
Creative Ideas. The box is a perfect place to hide a piece of candy or maybe a spooky Halloween ring.

Glitter “Poison” Candy Apples

Snow White would definitely take a bite out of one of these shiny, glitter apples. Cristina in the Kitchen clearly outlines the process for you from apple prep to the stunning final snack. Airbrushed gold-color and edible glitter make these luxurious delicacies just as pretty to look at as they are to eat.

Smiley Paper Pumpkins

If your kids get a bit spooked by creepy jack-o-lanterns, they will love this smiling, friendly pumpkin. These easy steps from Make Kids Crafts will also be great fine motor skills practice with the accordion folding required. All that is left at the end is to decide where to display your creation—the front door, windows, and as table centerpieces are all great options.

Cat-o-Lantern Drawing

If all you have is paper and a marker, you can still create this sweet Halloween sketch. Follow the example drawing shown by HalloweenDrawings to create your own piece of artwork. You can use this sweet illustration to decorate cards to send to friends for season's greetings!

Realistic Pumpkin Cakes

It's a gourd, no it's a cake! This clever recipe from Preppy Kitchen breaks down the steps of creating your mini-masterpiece. Fittingly, of course, the interior is delightful pumpkin with rich cream cheese frosting.

Bubbling Cauldron Candles

“Double, double toil and trouble/ Fire burn and caldron bubble.” Make your home smell delightful with these cauldron candles of which even Shakespeare's trio of witches would approve. Hand poured with wooden wicks, this project is ideal for someone with a bit of candle-making experience under their belt. If you are feeling adventurous, all your potion “ingredients” can be found at the local craft store. Follow Cooking and Craft Chick for step-by-step guidance.

Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall

If you love the creepy side of Halloween, this craft is for you. Christopher Hiedeman takes you through up-cycling an old picture frame into something the Addams family would pick out from Home Goods. Best done in the outdoors or a well-ventilated space, this project offers a lot of opportunity for creativity and design.

Halloween Pop-Up Card

Christmas cards may be standard, but Halloween cards are also festive fun. Make your own, Hallmark-quality pop-up card with RMS Art. A little bit of freehand sketching, scissors, glue, and colorful paper is all you need. Pop it in the mail and make your friend's Halloween.

Spooky Pillar Candles

With modge-podge, tissue paper, and printed designs, one can make candles that look store bought. TiffyQuake walks you through some clever candle designs. Simple white pillar candles are easy to find at craft stores. With only a little work, they will dress up any Halloween party.

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READ: 10 Cute and Spooky DIY Halloween Treats That Are Easy To Make and Share

Photo: eremey90/Depositphotos

Did you know you can create your own paint pigment? It's true! And better yet, the DIY version is easier and more accessible than you might think. Using some special (and not-so-special) materials, you can produce pigments to your exact specifications. This gives you ultimate control over viscosity and allows you to experiment with hues to create unique color palettes.

But, where do you start? We have simple recipes on how to make paint, from tempera to watercolor to acrylic. Each approach has at least two elements: the pigment (or pigments) and the binder, which is how the paint will stay together. Egg is one such binder, and this humble ingredient has a rich history in the world of pigment creation. Egg tempera is a type of paint that can be traced back to ancient Greece and the 4th century BCE.

Carry on the tradition of artist-crafted paints when you try the DIY paint recipes below.

DIY Paint Recipes You Can Try

Tempera Paint

Photo: bitpics/Depositphotos

Tempera, also known as egg tempera, is a type of paint that features pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder, typically an egg.

You will need:

• 1 egg yolk (binder)
• Pigment (dry artist pigment, fine chalk, or spices like paprika or turmeric)
• Cold water

Add a small amount of pigment powder to a cup. In a bowl, separate the egg yolk from the egg white. (You can discard the white.) Mix the yolk and add an equal amount of water to thin it out. When you’re ready to create the pigment, combine a one-to-one ratio of powder and egg yolk. Stir thoroughly. If you find the pigment is looking dull, add more egg. If it’s too shiny, add more powder.

Use this paint immediately, as it doesn’t store well.

Watercolor Paint

Photo: Elena Mozhvilo

Watercolor is one of the easiest paints to make using pantry staples. If you’re looking to experiment with DIY paints for the first time, try using food coloring.

You will need:

• Gum arabic (binder)
• Honey (for texture)
• Pigment (can be powdered or liquid, like food coloring)
• Cold water
• Clove oil (for preservation)

Mix two parts water and one part gum arabic. Add a few drops of honey for texture. Slowly stir in the pigment using a Q-tip, toothpick, or something similar to avoid clumping. Add a drop of clove oil. Pour the mixture into a pan or tin and allow to dry.

Acrylic Paint

Photo: Kseniya Lapteva

You can make acrylic paint using the acrylic medium of your choice. This will act as the binder and a neutral base to add powdered pigment.

You will need:

• Acrylic medium (such as matte medium)
• Powdered pigments
• Palette knife
• Glass surface for mixing
• Water

Place a small amount of powdered pigment on the glass. (The amount you place will depend on how much paint you want to create.) If blending colors, mix with the pigments with a palette knife. Slowly add water to create a saucy, smooth consistency—work until there are no lumps. Mix in two to three times the amount of medium as you have pigment, and work it all together with your palette knife. Place in an air-tight container for storing.

Natural Paint

Photo: Laura Adai

Natural paint simply refers to pigments taken from the earth. The binder will be what makes it either oil or watercolor paint.

You will need:

• Mineral pigment (or another earth element)
• Linseed oil (for oil paints)
• Gum arabic (for watercolor)
• Palette knife
• Glass (for mixing)

Mix the dry pigment with a small amount of binder on a piece of glass. Use the palette knife to get a smooth, buttery consistency. (This might require adding more binder.)

Once your paint is created, put pigment to paper (or canvas) with one of our painting ideas!

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READ: Learn How To Make Your Own Pigments With These DIY Paint Recipes

Photo: Rawpixel/Depositphotos

Fall is in full swing, which means that there’s more time to spend indoors working on crafts. Flower pressing is a wonderful way to work with your hands and create wall art or cards with items from nature, allowing you to have a bit of the great outdoors while inside. Of course, spring and summer instantly conjure up images of freshly cut flowers, but there are still plenty of blossoms to work with through the autumn season.

We’ve compiled a list of five flowers that work particularly well for flower pressing. From clematis to dahlias and daisies, these flowers will brighten up your art project and leave you inspired.

And once you’ve picked out your flowers, you’ll be ready to start pressing. If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry. At My Modern Met Academy, we turned to flower-pressing artist Anna Zakirova to demonstrate how fresh blooms can become art in her class Beyond Bouquets: Turning Pressed Flowers Into One-of-a-Kind Art.

In this hour-long online class, she’ll teach all the necessary skills to press fresh flowers and get you inspired to make your own creations. And, as it’s available on demand, you can watch as many times as you’d like, whenever you want.

So, let’s see which flowers are particularly suited to this craft and then get started.

Here are 7 fall flowers that are perfect for flower pressing this autumn.

Photo: svetik-81-81@mail.ru/Depositphotos

Clematis

There is a wide variety of this climbing plant, which is divided into three groups. When they flower depends on which group they fall into, with group three blooming in both summer and fall. Clematis come in many bright, vibrant colors, and with a single layer of petals, they are perfect for pressing.

Photo: EBFoto/Depositphotos

Dahlia

Since most dahlias bloom until the fall frost begins, they make a great option for flower pressing throughout September and October. Available in a rainbow of colors, you’ll find dahlias as an endless source of inspiration.

Photo: pritsadee/Depositphotos

Cosmos

Cosmos will flower until temperatures drop. In fact, the cosmos is actually October’s birth flower. These delicate blooms make a great addition to any composition.

Photo: elenathewise/Depositphotos

Pansies

Pansies are a hardy, versatile plant that can brighten up your garden into the winter, making them a great option for flower pressing in cooler months. Not only that, they’ll keep their shape nicely and are available in many colors.

Photo: a.onufriiciuc@gmail.com/Depositphotos

Gerbera Daisy

With their vivid colors and low-maintenance care, Gerbera daisies are a wonderful option for pressing. It’s easy to find these flowers in autumn colors, so you can even create a composition with rich reds, oranges, and yellows.

Photo: JJ Harrison via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Japanese Anemone

Though native to Asia, these perennials are also now fairly common in North America. Flowering in late summer and early fall, they have large white or pink petals that are perfect for pressing.

Photo: phototota/Depositphotos

African Violet

One of the most popular house plants in the United States, the violet's rich, purple petals are a staple of flower pressing and can make any project pop.

Want to learn how to press flowers but aren't sure where to start? Check out My Modern Met Academy's online class, Beyond Bouquets: Turning Pressed Flowers Into One-of-a-Kind Art.

My Modern Met Academy: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok

This article has been edited and updated.

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READ: 7 Flowers That Are Perfect for Pressing This Autumn

Photo: Stock Photos from ILONA.SHOROKHOVA/Shutterstock
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

The spooky season has arrived! Whether you are celebrating at home or going out on the town, why not make your house into a spooky spectacle? There are plenty of easy and affordable DIY Halloween decorations that you can make in time for the big day. And the best part is that most of them require just a few simple materials that you may have around the house or can pick up at your local dollar store.

You can freak the family out with “eyeballs” floating in liquid soap or make your neighbors jealous with a stunning jet-black wreath on the front door. And if “tricks” aren't your thing, you can make your home decor a “treat” with some candy corn creations everyone will love.

We've selected a handful of fun, easy DIY Halloween decoration projects for you and the whole family to get into the holiday spirit. No matter what type of setup you want to create for All Hallows' Eve, you're bound to find something that suits your fancy. Scroll down for some spooky inspiration.

Try these quick and easy DIY Halloween crafts to decorate your home this spooky season.

Photo: Stock Photos from EVGENY ATAMANENKO/Shutterstock

A Haunted Wreath

 

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A hot glue gun and black spray paint are all you need to make a Halloween wreath. You can collect real greenery or simply paint the more durable plastic options available at craft stores. See this tutorial from Lemon Thistle for guidance. If you already have an old wreath lying around, you can try a candy corn makeover with this tutorial from In Between Laundry.

Potion Bottle Candleholders

Photo: Stock Photos from MARINA LITVINOVA/Shutterstock

Recycle empty wine bottles to make candleholders worthy of the Addams family house. One simple way is to (carefully) drip hot wax from a candle in cool patterns and colors. Black matte spray paint also lends a dark vibe to your décor. If you are feeling adventurous, try this tutorial to craft mysterious potion bottles using creepy labels and spray paint.

Mad Scientist Centerpiece

 

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Mad scientists preserve their specimens. You can make a creepy centerpiece with some mason jars and “specimens” of your own. Plastic spiders and rubber snakes would be excellent additions to your table. Find the easy instructions on Papermart.

Witches' Brooms

 

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Any witch or wizard needs a broom. Whether it's a Quidditch-lover's costume prop or a nostalgic nod to Hocus Pocus, these brooms can easily be made with a few simple materials. Check out tutorials on how to make one using foraged materials or an existing broom.  Tuck them around your house to remind guests they are in a witch's lair.

Enchanting Painted Pumpkins

 

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Painted pumpkins are some of the easiest Halloween DIY crafts. Clean and dry your pumpkins to prepare. Pick up some acrylic paint from your local craft store and let your creativity run wild. Permanent markers are also ideal for fine lines and designs. Pastel colors can be a bold move, departing from the classic spooky Jack-O'-Lantern.

Halloween Mantel

 

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Spruce up your fireplace by creating a spooky Halloween mantel. Whether you want to hang paper bats or paint some small pumpkins, there's a lot you can do to bring some Halloween spirit to your home. You can even put together this easy ribbon tassel garland in seasonal colors to create a unique Halloween scene.

Stacked Pumpkin Planter

 

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While real pumpkins give you a lot of versatility in your crafting—particularly in their size—if you want a craft you can reuse year after year, try this stacked pumpkin planter. All you'll need are some basic supplies: plastic pumpkins, spray paint, a hot glue gun, and dried artificial flowers and foam to decorate the top pumpkin in the bunch.

Candy Corn…Everything

Photo: Stock Photos from 5 SECOND STUDIO/Shutterstock

Candy corn is a staple of Halloween. It's also an incredibly versatile craft material. Try stringing a sweet garland by simply poking a needle and fishing line through these sugary kernels. You can also nestle some pillar candles into a hurricane candle holder full of candy corn for a delicious decoration. And if you're looking for a less-perishable treat, try making this candy corn wall ornament made from dyed coffee filters.

Icky Eyeball Soap

Photo: Stock Photos from ANDREA ALEXANDER/Shutterstock

What is spookier than eyeballs floating in jars? Nothing. Using ping-pong balls and permanent markers, design your own eyes—bloodshot or beady. Suspend them in any liquid for creepy decoration, but try them in hand soap to liven up your bathroom sink (and maybe surprise a guest).

Ghost Lights

Photo: Thrift Diving

These ghost lights are not only easy to whip up, but they also look great in an entryway or on your front porch. You'll need just a few supplies, including a white sheet, tomato cage, foam ball, and a string of white lights. This project is easy enough to include the entire family, just check out the tutorial.

Devilish Candles

Photo: Stock Photos from OLYA DETRY/Shutterstock

Candlelight makes everything spookier. Try this tutorial for tortured pillar candles that can be made from candles you may already own. A less gruesome option, these tissue paper image transfer pillar candles make an elegant addition to any living room. They can be made easier with a printer and a hairdryer.

Fake Fire

Photo: Make Life Lovely

Want to make your house the spookiest on the block? Create a witch's cauldron when you complete this DIY by Make Life Lovely. Using orange twinkle lights, spray foam, paint, and some plastic bones, you can create a scene that will add some fun scare to Halloween night: a pot surrounded by “embers” and scattered bones.

Creepy Giant Spider

Photo: Little Yellow Wheelbarrow

This giant spider might look like the work of professionals, but you can replicate it for yourself by following a project by Little Yellow Wheelbarrow. You can find most of the supplies at “bargain and thrift shops” making this DIY accessible on any budget; and considering how scary it looks, you'll be getting a lot of bang for your buck! Some of the supplies you'll need are wire coat hangers, rubber balls, and a fur blanket.

Kid-Friendly Adorable Art

 

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A post shared by Stay at Home Activity Mom (@stayathomeactivitymom) on Oct 6, 2020 at 1:18pm PDT

Halloween is the perfect time to craft with the kids in your life. Try this adorable cat dot art idea from Stay at Home Activity Mom. Create a spider's web to hang on your kiddo's wall with this family-friendly tutorial from TheArtfulParent.

Photo: Stock Photos from BODNAR.PHOTO/Shutterstock

This article has been edited and updated.

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Photo: ThirtyPlus/Depositphotos

To celebrate Henri Matisse’s vibrant paper cut-outs, Kathy Barbro, founder of Art Projects for Kids, recently published a simple, step-by-step tutorial for creating your own Matisse-inspired artwork. Although designed with kids in mind, the tutorial is equally enjoyable for adults. After all, Matisse himself didn’t start exploring collage until the final decade of his life.

Matisse’s paper cut-outs are among the most celebrated artworks in history. The French artist began creating these iconic pieces in the '40s and '50s, following life-changing surgery that confined him to a chair or bed for the rest of his life. These bold, large-scale compositions were revolutionary in their time and played a pivotal role in shaping the future of Modern Art.

Working with paper cut-outs enabled Matisse to continue expressing his creativity even when he was physically limited in what he could do. He referred to his method as “cutting directly into color,” as it allowed him to simultaneously create lines and color with each cut of the scissors through the paper.

The Matisse Collage Project by Art Projects for Kids is designed to help young art students delve deeper into their creativity using simple materials. Inspired by the artist’s Creole Dancer artwork, the process starts with arranging blocky shapes from colored paper, followed by layering abstract elements—such as stars and swirls—to create a vibrant, dynamic composition. However, there’s a bit more to it than just cutting and pasting.

“When students are new to collage work, they will often spread things around in one layer and call it done,” says the tutorial description. “The instructions in this tutorial ask them to put more thought into layering, and adding more than they probably would on their own.” The creators add, “The beauty of Matisse’s art is how the shapes are often jumbled on top of each other, and with some encouragement, students can easily get that look too.”

If you’re feeling inspired, grab your paper, scissors, and glue, and either follow the tutorial below or head to the Art Projects for Kids website for the full details. The makers also created a Matisse-inspired coloring page that’s free to download.

Art Projects for Kids recently published this simple, step-by-step tutorial for creating your own Henri Matisse-inspired artwork.

Art Projects for Kids: Website | Facebook | Instagram

All images via Art Projects for Kids.

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READ: Step-By-Step Guide Reveals How to Craft Your Own Matisse-Inspired Paper Collage

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With their endless enthusiasm and infinite imaginations, kids are known for their creativity. And what better time to foster their artistic flair than the fall? On top of getting children into the holiday spirit, seasonal, hands-on projects are the perfect way for kids to keep cozy on those cool and crisp autumn days—especially when the kits and supplies are as creative as they are.

These fall crafts for kids offer autumn-loving little ones unique alternatives to carved pumpkins and traced-hand turkeys. Miniature fiber artists will love stitching a fantastic felt fox, while petite painters will have a hoot decorating their own owl. Other crafty kits include a paper scarecrow template perfect for preschoolers and leaf cookie cutters for little bakers.

In any case, each kit is sure to turn the apple of your eye into a budding artist!

Kick off a creative holiday season for your little ones with these fall crafts for kids.

Corn and Pumpkin DIY Paint Kit

Snazzy Dazzy Crayons | $4.50

Origami Bookmark

It's Always Autumn | Free

Paintable Owl Pet Rock

ALEX | $14.99

Leaf Cookie Cutters

Anyana | $9.75

Woodland Watercolors

Dana Fox | $22.31

Nature-Inspired Multicraft Kit

Uncommon Goods | $50

Felted Fox

LauraDan | $34.06

Scarecrow Papercraft Kit

Little Bella Boutique 2 | $3.25+

Organic Vegan Finger Paint

Veggie Baby | $19.98

Kids' Bead Sewing

LittleExplorersPlay | $16.95

Felt Animal Garland

PollyChromeCrafts | $27.51+

Solar Photography Kit

Uncommon Goods | $14.95

DIY Birdfeeder

TiedUpWithStringIA | $19

DIY Needlepoint Pillow Kit

Uncommon Goods | $48

Thanksgiving Sewing Kit

ZOIIWA | $19.99

Toilet Paper Roll Jungle Animal Template

Green Pixie Designs | $3.27

Play Food Set

Melissa & Doug | $17.85

Felt Acorn Kit

GreyFoxFelting | $35

Lantern Kit

Punch of Color | $12

Autumn Coloring Book

Ernest Creative Coloring Book | $5.99

Looking for seasonal projects geared toward grown-ups? Check out our selection of fall crafts!

This article has been edited and updated. Prices were accurate at time of publishing.

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