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5 Halloween DIYs with Rub-On Transfers
Looking to add a touch of spooky charm to your decor? Tammy from Cheers to Creativity took us through five unique Halloween projects using Essential Stencil's halfway-to-Halloween transfers. From upcycled glass lanterns to charming shadowbox silhouettes, these creations are easy, stylish, and packed with seasonal inspiration!
Table of Contents
- Glass Lantern with Crow & Butterflies
- Interchangeable Skeleton Frame Art
- Teacup & Saucer Crow Display
- Halloween Welcome Sign with Transfer Accents
- Shadowbox Crow Silhouette
Glass Lantern with Crow & Butterflies
Tammy upcycled a thrifted glass lantern into a Halloween-ready showpiece using the Bones to Blossoms transfer set. A crow anchors one side while mystical purple butterflies flutter around the others, creating a stunning contrast against the glass.
Materials:
- Glass lantern (thrifted)
- Bones to Blossoms Transfers
- Transfer Tool
- Rubbing alcohol (to clean surface)
Step-by-Step:
- Clean the glass surface with rubbing alcohol.
- Cut out the crow and butterflies from the transfer sheet.
- Apply the crow to the front panel using the transfer tool.
- Add butterflies to other panels or corners as desired.
Helpful Tips:
- Always prep slick surfaces like glass with rubbing alcohol to help the transfers adhere cleanly.
- Use scissors to separate and position transfers before applying.
Interchangeable Skeleton Frame Art
This clever DIY uses a reusable frame and cardstock background for easy seasonal swaps. A floral skeleton from the Bones to Blossoms Rub on Transfer takes center stage, enhanced with a soft halo of gray paint for a misty effect.
Materials:
- Black cardstock or stencil backing
- Bones to Blossoms Rub on Transfer
- Gray paint (e.g., Zinc)
Step-by-Step:
- Trim cardstock to fit your frame and place on flat surface.
- Cut out and apply skeleton transfer to cardstock using the transfer tool.
- Use a dry brush and gray paint to soften edges and create a vignette effect.
- Frame your design behind glass and display.
Helpful Tips:
- Use dry brush technique to add misty highlights that blend any transfer edges.
- Make it reusable by swapping out seasonal backgrounds in the same frame.
Teacup & Saucer Crow Display
A delicate vintage teacup becomes the perfect perch for a moody crow and butterflies from the Mystic Garden transfers. A floral detail added to the saucer ties the set together beautifully.
Materials:
- Teacup and saucer (thrifted or vintage)
- Mystic Garden Transfers
- Optional enamel paint (to add branches or accents)
Step-by-Step:
- Clean teacup and saucer thoroughly with alcohol.
- Cut out rose and crow transfers to fit curved surfaces.
- Apply the rose to the saucer and crow to the cup, snipping to fit curves as needed.
- Add butterflies around the design for a balanced look.
- Optional: Paint a branch for the crow to perch on using enamel paint.
Helpful Tips:
- Cut your transfers to better fit curved or scalloped surfaces.
- Seal with polycrylic or clear spray if piece will be outdoors or handled.
Halloween Welcome Sign with Transfer Accents
Tammy customized the Customizable Halloween Welcome stencil with a candy corn gradient and replaced the "O" with a vibrant jack-o'-lantern transfer for a layered effect that’s both whimsical and spooky.
Materials:
- Halloween Welcome Stencil
- Bones to Blossoms Rub on Transfer
- Stencil Brushes
- Paint: Light Buttermilk, Baby Duck, Spice Pumpkin
Step-by-Step:
- Paint wood base black and sand lightly once dry.
- Stencil "WELCOME" using light buttermilk for the base coat.
- Add candy corn stripes to each letter using yellow, orange, and white.
- Skip the "O" and instead apply a jack-o'-lantern transfer from the bundle.
- Finish with accent butterflies or crows for extra flair.
Helpful Tips:
- Use a soft dry brush to blend candy corn stripes smoothly.
- Mask out the "O" if you plan to replace it with a transfer.
Shadowbox Crow Silhouette
This framed silhouette uses a crow stencil from the Mystic Garden transfers as a base, then overlays a transfer directly on top. Tammy blended purples and grays for a haunting background and added floral elements for extra texture.
Materials:
- Wood panel frame
- Mystic Garden transfers
- Paints: Purple, Slate Gray, Black, Light Buttermilk
Step-by-Step:
- Paint the inner frame panel purple and blend in black around the edges.
- Use a gray paint to stencil a crow silhouette in the center.
- Once dry, overlay a crow and flower transfer to add detail and dimension.
- Frame your piece and display for a moody, layered look.
Helpful Tips:
- Blend your background while the paint is wet to get soft, moody gradients.
- Layer a transfer over a stenciled shape for dimension and contrast.
Inspired by these spook-tacular ideas? Shop the full Halloween Transfer Bundle here and start creating your own haunting masterpieces today.
