Organize a Skeleton Decorating Contest for Halloween

Next to Christmas, Halloween is perhaps the most exciting holiday for which to decorate your home. People who enjoy Halloween and those who really enjoy arts and crafts can really get into the decoration aspect of Halloween. One fun way to make decorating for Halloween an exciting group event is to hold a skeleton decorating contest in the weeks before Halloween. The finished projects can be used to decorate homes or can be donated to places such as nursing homes or hospitals.

There can be as much or as little set up for this project as you wish. First and foremost, no matter how big of a project you expect to make this into, you'll need some skeletons. Determine how many participants you will have in the skeleton decorating contest (and now, if you're really serious about this, is a good time to invite them). You can purchase paper skeletons of varying quality from most big chain suppliers or party stores, though the finished project looks better if you can create or purchase skeletons made of paper mache. I've even seen some really fantastic homemade ones made of pipe cleaners and styrofoam balls.

Next, you'll need some decorating supplies. For the skeleton decorating contest with friends, you can request that your friends bring some of their own supplies, or you can simply purchase bulk packs of a variety of basic arts and craft supplies. Pipe cleaners, sequins, feathers, strips of fabric and construction paper all make for great ways to decorate skeletons in unique manners. Many craft stores will have a Halloween section, and anything that you can glue or tape on to the skeleton would be a good bet, especially bags of cheap rings in pumpkin and spider shapes. Don't forget to purchase enough scissors and glue or tape to go around! You can also raid your own home. Some really creative skeleton decorating ideas can include things from the recycling bin of your home.