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I am so happy that October is almost here. It really is my favorite month of the year and I have been eager to pull out our Halloween decor. I’ve been slowly working on a couple of new projects for this year to replace some old ones that needed to be retired (it happens, right?).
When I saw the new Halloween marquee signs at Michaels by the amazing Heidi Swapp, I knew I needed to have one for myself. This skeleton was my favorite! Because it’s so light, it was easy to attach to a tombstone and create a fun and interactive Halloween sign.
It couldn’t be easier to make, though it does require a small drill. Here’s what you need and how to make them.
Supplies:
*Heidi Swapp Skeleton Marquee Sign
*Wood Sign
*Purple Marqee Light Covers
*Paper, Ribbon, other accessories
*Paint and Wood Glue
*Drill and drill bit (Love my Ryobi!!)
Directions:
1. Take a stroll down the aisles at Michaels and snag your own marquee-there is a skeleton, witch hat, bat, ghost, and pumpkin. You can also pick up coordinating paper, glitter, washi tape, and orange or purple light covers. Because I already had paper at home, I only purchased the purple light covers. I really like purple.
2. Pick up a wood sign from the Halloween aisles. I found a tombstone board that was light and large enough to hold the skeleton. If you need any ribbon, paint, or other accessories, grab those as well. I also had all of this at home. It was a good way to use up what I had!
3. When you’re ready, remove the marquee from the box along with the template. Each marquee comes with a template that makes it easy to trace paper. Lay out where you would like to place your skeleton and lightly trace around the outside.
4. Grab your drill and find a drill bit that will allow you to pull the string of lights through it while leaving the batter pack on the back.
5. Trace the template onto the paper you have chosen. I used the “Bewitched” stack from Die Cuts With A View that came out a couple of years ago. I have made a lot of projects with this stack! I had two pieces of paper-one that is behind the skeleton and the other that goes over the top. Be sure to trace the hole marks for the paper you’re placing on the top.
6. Paint! Paint your sign and the marquee. If needed, sand the wood. I didn’t paint the entire wood piece because I added some background paper. If you’re using background paper, my favorite way to adhere it is with wood glue.
7. Glue your skeleton outlines down, one on the wood and the other on the marquee.
8. Pull your string of lights through the hole you drilled if you haven’t already. Add the light covers to the holes. Using the instructions that came with the marquee, place the lights in the holes of the marquee.
9. Center the marquee over the top of the other skeleton outline.
10. Glue the marquee down (use wood glue if you have it-it’s amazing!!). Leave it alone for awhile to dry.
11. Once it’s dry, add your accessories and the details. I used ribbon, bells, “RIP” letters cut from the paper, and spider webbing.
The sign is so much fun! I taped the batter pack on the back to make it easy to turn on at night. The sign can be hung on a door or placed on an easel-it’s really light.
More than anything, use your imagination and you’d be amazing what you can come up with. Marquee lights have so many applications and add a unique dynamic to holiday decor.
