As I went through my craft supplies, I had an idea of combining the humble pistachio shell with the classic popsicle stick frame to create a haunting masterpiece.
The best part? It only took 15 minutes! In this article, I’ll show you how to create your own DIY Scary Frame Halloween Craft using popsicle sticks and pistachio shells, step by step.
Whether you’re crafting with kids or just want a quick Halloween project, this is perfect.
Step 1: Things You’ll Need To Make Halloween Scary Frame
- Popsicle Sticks: To make the wooden base frame you can use a bunch of popsicle sticks. As an alternative you can use other wooden sticks or cut strips from cardboard for the same.
- Pistachio Shells: To make the scary figures similar to what I’ve made you will need pistachio shells.
- Colors and Paintbrush: To shade the popsicle sticks and Pista Shells you can use watercolors or acrylic paint and a paintbrush.
- Yellow Paper & Scissor: To cut the shape of a pumpkin you can use a piece of yellow craft paper. And of course to cut the shape you’ll need a scissor.
- Glue: To stick the popsicle sticks together and the pista shells over its frame you will need glue. You can use either multipurpose glue for a more flexible application or a hot glue gun for a faster, stronger bond.
- Markers: To draw scary details over the pista shells I’ve used red and black permanent markers. However, you can use color pens or washable markers also.
Estimated Time Taken to Craft the Halloween Day special Scary Frame: It took 15 minutes for me to make the scary frame craft for Halloween (It includes the drying time of the glue and paint).
Step 2: Preparing The Popsicle Sticks Frame
First, you’ll need to create the base frame for the craft using popsicle sticks.
So grab the popsicle sticks and start aligning them to form a frame.
I’ve placed 2 popsicle sticks as the base and applied glue to their surface.
Then, take more popsicle sticks and align them across the base sticks, sticking them down until the frame is fully covered.
You can see what it should look like by referring to image 2.2 above (This image shows the completed base frame and will give you a clear idea of how to arrange and secure the popsicle sticks).
Step 3: Coloring The Popsicle Stick Frame (With Black Color)
Now that the glue had dried and the popsicle sticks were firmly bonded together, it was time to paint the frame a dark color to give it a finished and cohesive look.
I used black acrylic paint to color our popsicle stick frame (Perfect for halloween background).
Standard watercolors can also be used to paint the frame black (it’s just that acrylic paint gives that finished look hence I chose acrylic paint).
After thoroughly covering the frame with paint, I set it aside to dry.
Step 4: Awakening of the Shell Devils
This might be the most exciting part of the whole activity i.e. turning pistachio shells into little devils.
First, I painted a few shells using white, yellow, and red acrylic paints with a paintbrush (After painting, I let them dry for a while).
Once the paint was dry, I picked up the shells to add the scary details.
I used red and black permanent markers to draw the eyes, mouth, nose, and facial stitch marks.
Feel free to get as creative as you want when adding these scary details to the shells.
Step 5: Preparing The Scary Pumpkin
Next up, I made a scary pumpkin figure using yellow craft paper.
First, I carefully cut out a pumpkin shape from the yellow craft paper, making sure that I get a precise, clean and accurate shape.
Then, using a marker pen, I drew the scary facial details on the pumpkin.
You can look at image 5.2 above to draw similar details.
With this, we had all the necessary elements ready:
- The base frame
- The scary shells
- And the pumpkin shape.
Let’s assemble all the above halloween theme elements in the next step.
Step 6: Assemble Them All
I carefully positioned the pumpkin cutout in the center of the frame and secured it by applying glue, ensuring it was firmly in place.
Then, I arranged the scary shells around the pumpkin.
I applied glue to the base of each shell and carefully stuck them onto the frame one by one.
Finally, I let the entire structure dry for a while.
This is one of the most unique creations you’ll find on the internet, and you’ll enjoy every step of making it.
Final Thoughts
While I’ve covered the basics, I’d like to emphasize the importance of personalizing your creation.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different materials, such as using seashells or bottle caps instead of pistachio shells.
Consider adding LED lights behind the frame for an eerie glow, or incorporate glow-in-the-dark paint for a spooky effect.
I encourage you to research the origins of jack-o’-lanterns and other Halloween traditions to inspire your designs.
Lastly, if possible opt for eco-friendly materials when possible, and think about how you can repurpose or recycle your creation after Halloween.
Note: I have also shared the video walkthrough of this Halloween Scary Frame on our official YouTube channel as well.
