Scrap 2x4 Halloween Monsters

I wanted to make some new Halloween decorations, and I wanted them to be fast and easy to make. I decided to make these little monsters out of scrap 2x4 blocks. I had all the supplies on hand, so they were completely free!

Needed Materials:

Scrap Wood Blocks - I used scrap 2x4s and 1x2s, but you could use 2x3s, 2x6s or any other scrap wood you have laying around.

Paint

Wood Glue

Scraps of fabric (for the mummy)

Here is how I made each of my monsters.

Step 1: Cut your wood

You can cut your blocks to be whatever size you want. I rummaged through my scrap bin and used scraps that were 3"-5".

Step 2: Sand

Ensure that everything is sanded smooth.

Step 3: Paint

I did not use any kind of template. I just drew on a design with pencil and then painted it. You could also do a search for templates and then trace them on.

Step 4: Glue on extra parts (if applicable)

Step 5: Enjoy your Bootiful Halloween decorations!

Frankenstein

Use your wood block and cut two small blocks from a 1x2 for the bolts. You could also use a dowel, screws, or bolts.

Mummy

Use your wood block and paint on the eyes. Then, wrap the scrap fabric around the board, gluing it on as you wrap. I tore strips from an old pillow case, but any kind of scraps that you have laying around would work.

Jack-O'-Lantern

Use your wood block and cut a small block from a 1x2 for a stem. You could also use a dowel or even a stick.

Ghost

Nothing extra is needed for this one. Just paint it!

Black Cat

Use your wood block and cut two triangles from a 1x2 for ears. The eyes I painted are not the greatest, but they work for me. I had originally painted on a nose, mouth, and whiskers on my cat. But then it looked too friendly, so I painted over them. Now I think it looks like Batman. Oh well, he is kind of scary, too!

These scrap 2x4 Halloween monsters are inexpensive, quick, and easy to make. They would make a great kid's project. The kids could personalize the monsters anyway that they want.

DIY Quick and Easy Fall Centerpiece

I wanted a simple centerpiece that I could use for more than just the fall season. Looking at Pinterest, there are a ton of wood boxes out there. I knew that I could make one with things that I already had at home and that it could be used for multiple seasons. 

If you don't have wood laying around, it only takes one board to build. You can buy one for under $3.50 and it took me less than an hour to build!

Here are the directions to make your own.

Needed materials:

1 - 1" x 6" at 8 foot long board

Wood Glue

Stain or Paint

1 1/4" Finishing Nails (optional)

Step 1: Cut your wood.

3 - 1" x 6" at 24" (base and sides)

2 - 1" x 6" at 7" (ends)

Step 2: Using wood glue, attach the two sides to the base.

Step 3: Clamp the sides to the base until the glue has dried. I am not very patient, so instead of waiting for it to dry, I used a few finishing nails. The nails are not necessary, as the glue will hold it. But if you don't want to wait for the glue to dry or you don't have clamps, or you just want a little extra support, you can use finishing nails.

Step 4: Glue on the ends of the boxes. Again, I used a few finishing nails, but this is not necessary.

Step 5: Stain or paint your box. I used Minwax Dark Walnut stain that I had leftover from another project. I'm not the greatest sander, so ignore the weird spots. :-)

Step 6: Add any decor that you like. I added some Mason jars and artificial Mums for the Fall season. Other options for fall could be small pumpkins and gourds, candles, autumn leaves, the list can go on and on. 

Step 7: Enjoy your customizable centerpiece wood box. This simple box can be used for any season or holiday by simply changing the contents of the box. Some ideas are: Poinsettias and jingle bells for Christmas, plastic Easter eggs, spring or summer flowers, and red, white, and blue jars with American flags. 

This also would make a great gift! You could make several boxes to have on hand and then customize them based on the reason for the gift. The size also can be easily altered if you want a shorter or longer box.