by Ellen Luckett Baker

Halloween Craft: Cereal Box Stencils
By Ellen Baker


More ghosts and jack o’ lanterns! I’m afraid of the scary Halloween stuff, so we like to keep it happy around here. We made these fun and simple stencils to use on treat bags, but you could add them to tees, banners, or any other fabric decorations. You can buy a simple canvas tote bag at most craft stores, or you can make one like I did with muslin using this tutorial (just skip the pocket and embroidery). If you make your own bag, it’s easiest to add the stencil to your fabric before you sew. The kids can do the painting so they’ll have a bag they love to carry. Be sure to allow a day for drying time.
Supplies:
-fabric tote
-fabric paint
-stencil brush or sponge
-cereal box
-craft knife and cutting mat
-masking tape

1. Cut one of the largest rectangles from your cereal box.
2. Click on one of the images below and print out the template. Secure the template to your cardboard with masking tape. Cut out the shapes with a craft knife on a cutting mat. Obviously an adult will need to do this part.
3. Next, tape your template to the fabric and have your kids dab on the paint using a stencil brush or sponge (we used the end of a spongy paint roller). The trick to getting it on neatly is to hold the brush or sponge end perpendicular to the surface.
All done! Now let those kids get a belly ache!

Related Halloween Ideas:
* Halloween Boo and I’ve Been Boo’d
* Trunk-or-Treat Halloween Tradition
* Halloween Craft: Paper Ghost Garlands
* Halloween Craft: A Ghostly Garden Graveyard
* Halloween Craft: Embellish Your Witch’s Hat
* Halloween Craft: Make Your Own Pumpkin Patch
* Halloween Cupcake Ideas
* Halloween Craft: Handmade Halloween Cards
* Great Halloween Crafts
* The Best Halloween Cupcakes
* Best Halloween Cookies & Crafts
* Best Halloween Costumes
* Halloween Costume Ideas for Children
* More DIY Costumes (2007)
* Our Favorite Halloween Costumes for 2007
* Best Halloween Children’s Costumes 2006
* Best DIY ideas for Halloween costumes (from 2006)
* What not to wear this Halloween
* Best Halloween Trick or Treating Bags, Masks and Costumes

Related posts:

1. Halloween Craft: Paper Bag Candy Bowls
2. Last-Minute Kids’ Owl Costume
3. ‘Where The Wild Things Are’ Halloween!
4. Great Halloween Crafts
5. Inspiring Halloween Costume Ideas for the DIY-er