by Athena Garner

Created on: October 20, 2009

Halloween has always been a holiday associated with gathering round the fire to spin tales of ghosts or peel harvest apples for use in ancient traditions. It is a time for coming together in cooperation to frighten and entertain. Perhaps this is why even today many families take this opportunity to come together and put their hands to common activities. Halloween cookies are baked and decorated, pumpkins are carved and lit according to the whim of the carver and mantles, doors and furniture are draped with homemade garlands.

Homemade Halloween decorations are the best because they pay tribute to the communal feeling of the holiday. Halloween is associated with celebrating the harvest and enjoying seasonal treats. For years All Hallows' Eve has been a night for popping popcorn and eating candy apples. These are the kinds of traditions that can be enjoyed with the whole family in preparation for a very spooky night. Kids love to help make creepy crafts to decorate the home and give out as gifts. Below are instructions for making two very inexpensive Halloween decorations. Both involve traditional Halloween favorites: candy and popcorn.

Ghoulish Gloves: Latex gloves (make sure they are clear or translucent and unpowdered); popped, unbuttered popcorn; candy corn; ribbon

1) Place a piece of candy corn in the tip of each finger of the glove. This will be the finger nail.

2) Fill the glove the rest of the way up with popcorn.

3) Tie off the wrist with ribbon.

These hands can be hung from light fixtures or strewn around on a table of party food. Make enough to give to party guests or a few lucky trick-or-treaters.

Harvest Garland: Thick thread; sturdy needle; popped, unbuttered popcorn; candy pumpkins

1) Measure out the desired length of your garland and cut the thread to fit. Thread the needle. This step is best done by an adult if children are involved.

2) Begin stringing popcorn and candy pumpkins in any desired pattern. Several pieces of popcorn followed by a pumpkin is probably best due to the proportions of supplies you'll have.

3) Tie each end of the garland around a piece of popcorn to secure it. String the garland around your banister or loop it around a houseplant to create a Halloween tree.

Theses craft ideas are perfect for the whole family and easy enough for kids to do mostly on their own. And the best part is, when they've served their purpose, they make a great snack!

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