Not Another Dollar Tree DIY: Turn Egg Cartons Into A Dainty, Rustic Halloween Garland

Making a seasonal DIY doesn't have to involve a trip to the Dollar Tree or craft store. Upcycling projects can transform items you already have around the house. In this case, fromabolivian shows how to make a witch-themed Halloween garland using a cardboard egg carton. When you're gearing up for the spooky season, it's a project that can come together in a couple of hours.

There are lots of smart ways to reuse empty egg cartons, but upcycling them for decor is probably the most fun. Use scissors or a utility knife to cut out the tall middle posts between the cups that hold the eggs. This piece will become either the top of a witch's hat or a broom head. A pointier shape is ideal, but a rounded shape can also work. You can also use the cup-shaped part if your carton doesn't have enough posts. For example, a 12-pack egg carton will likely have 5 post pieces, but 12 cup pieces. So plan according to how long you want the garland to be and how many egg cartons you can save up.

Apart from paint, a paintbrush, and a hot glue gun, you may be able to find the other crafting materials around the house. Grab some scrap cardboard and cut it into circle shapes to act as the brims of the witch hats. Paint the circle and carton pieces black, wait for them to dry, and then hot glue the cardboard circle to the bottom of the egg carton piece. 

Collect thin sticks from outside to use for the broomsticks. Simply cut them into small pieces and glue them to the top of the painted egg carton pieces (brown, deep yellow, or orange paint can all work). Then, snip into the carton at narrow intervals to create the bristles. When they're dry, string the hats and brooms onto a piece of twine. You can also use any type of thin string you have on-hand. Consider using fishing line if you want the string to be near-invisible: it will make it look like the decorations are magically floating (very witchy!). 

@fromabolivian

Craftember day 11! Today we're making some witchy Halloween garland out of egg cartons 🥚🧙‍♀️ What you'll need: 🥚 Egg cartons ✂️ Scissors to cut 🎨 Black and brown paint 🧹 Sticks 📦 Cardboard or cardstock 🧴Hot glue 🧵 Twine Only two more days left of Craftember! Follow along for more whimsical fall craft ideas 🎃👻 #cardboardcrafts #diyhalloween #diyhalloweendecor #halloweencrafts #diygarland

♬ Halloween – Chappy Bara

This craft is family-friendly. Younger kids can handle the painting if they're too little to use the scissors or a glue gun. With upcycled materials and real sticks, the finished garland has a homespun, rustic look. It's not just for children, though, and will look enchanting in whimsical home styles, like in cottagecore, maximalist, and, of course, witchy whimsigothic homes too. To get your home fully ready for trick-or-treaters, here are some more Halloween decor ideas.