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3 Easy Halfway to Halloween Crafts
Looking to celebrate the spooky season early? In this fun and creative tutorial, Melissa with Junk and Craft Treasures shares three inspiring halfway-to-Halloween DIYs using rub-on transfers that blend spooky and sophisticated. Whether you love skeletons, florals, or gothic glam, these step-by-step projects will spark your creativity.
Jump to a Project:
Project 1: Crackle Floral Wall Hook
This layered wall sign combines purple florals with a vintage damask stencil and a rustic chippy finish.
Materials Used
- Mystical Garden Rub-on Transfer Set
- Essential Transfer Tool
- Velvet Plum and White Paint
- Soft Wax and Sanding Tool
- Damask Mini Stencil Set (3-pack)
- Knob Hardware + Wood Board
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Paint the base: Start with a coat of Velvet Plum. Once dry, apply soft wax around the edges and over any area you want to distress.
- Topcoat with white paint: Paint over the waxed surface. Once dry, sand lightly to reveal a âchippyâ effect.
- Apply the floral transfer: Use the Mystical Garden transfer to cascade purple flowers diagonally across the board. Burnish using the Essential Transfer Tool.
- Stencil in damask texture: Add subtle damask details around the transfer using black paint. You can use the Damask Mini Stencil Set or explore similar styles.
- Attach knob: Drill and secure a vintage-style knob to transform your sign into a functional wall hook.
Helpful Tips
- Tip: Avoid applying wax where your transfer will goâit can prevent adhesion.
- Pro tip: Use wax only on corners and edges to keep your center clean for transfers.
Project 2: Blossom Skeleton with Crackle Finish
This spooky-sweet decor piece combines skeleton rub-on transfers with fine-line crackle for a vintage Halloween look.
Materials Used
- Bones to Blossoms Halloween Rub-on Transfer Set
- White Paint + 7"x7.5" Wood Board
- Matte Varnish + Fine-Line Crackle (2-step)
- Brown Eyeshadow or Tinted Wax (to highlight cracks)
- Essential Transfer Tool
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Paint the base: Coat your board with white paint and let it dry completely.
- Apply varnish: Use a matte sealer before the crackle steps to prep the surface.
- Crackle layer: Apply Fine Line Crackle (Part 1 & 2) and let dry thoroughly.
- Add the skeleton transfer: Use the Bones to Blossoms transfer to center the skeleton on the board.
- Highlight the cracks: Lightly brush tinted wax or brown eyeshadow over the surface to reveal the crackled finish.
Helpful Tips
- Tip: Crackle works best with a full overnight dry between layersâbut heat tools can speed this up during lives.
- Hack: Use eyeshadow instead of wax to enhance cracks in a soft, buildable way.
Project 3: Shell Trinket Dish with Gold Accent
Turn a seashell into a whimsical jewelry tray using rub-on transfers, paint, and pouring resin for a glossy finish.
Materials Used
- Mystical Garden Rub-on Transfer Set
- Shell surface + Bonding Boss (primer)
- White paint + Gold Rub ân Buff
- Essential Transfer Tool
- Pouring Resin for topcoat
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the surface: Apply Bonding Boss or another primer to help paint adhere to the shell.
- Paint the interior: Coat the inside with white paint for a clean base.
- Add floral transfers: Apply flowers from the Mystical Garden set using gentle pressure to follow the curve.
- Accentuate with gold: Use Rub ân Buff around the rim for a vintage touch.
- Seal with resin: Pour a thin layer of clear resin for a beautiful glass-like finish.
Helpful Tips
- Tip: Transfer tools work best on curved surfaces when burnished gently from the center outward.
- Note: Pouring resin dries clear and self-levelsâperfect for sealing delicate transfers.
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