My favorite Halloween decorations are the ones that evoke the past and happy childhood memories. That’s why I decorate my home with Halloween costume photos of the boys, and seasonal arts and crafts projects they made way back when.
In, How to Create a Kid Keepsakes Gallery, I explain how I use a long wall in the finished basement to display arts and crafts created by my sons. I rotate the artwork seasonally, and in September swapped the pictures to back-to-school, fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving subjects.
Now that it’s October, I also bring out framed photographs of family members in Halloween costumes; placing them around house. I’ve also taken some of those Halloween costume photos and turned them into stand-up cutouts.
Let me show you a fun way to take pictures of your kids or grandchildren, and create easy DIY Halloween decorations the whole family will enjoy.
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Trick or Treaters
That’s me as Guinevere, with my sisters and cousin. Sistah B was a clown stuffed with newspapers, and I can still remember the crunching noise she made every time she moved LOL!
I wish I had more of these old Halloween costume photos. Do you have photographs of yourself dressed up for trick or treat?
A Family Halloween Tradition
An excellent seamstress, my mother always made our Halloween costumes. Our outfits were often complimented with wigs, makeup and other accessories. We never wore those store-bought plastic costumes and masks. As the oldest, I got to choose what I wanted to be. It was always a fun outing going to the store to pick out costume patterns and fabric.
My younger sisters and cousin often wore the costume in subsequent years. I especially love seeing the pictures of each of us in the same Halloween outfit. My favorite, was the year I was the colonial lady in the white powdered wig with a beauty mark on my cheek. That’s Sister A wearing the same costume in the picture above.
The tradition of handmade costumes continued with my sons. Although nowhere near the seamstress as my mom, I can manage my way around a pattern and sewing machine. Many costumes were actually a combination of crafting and sewing projects. Between my mother and I, the boys always had Halloween costumes that were the talk of the neighborhood.
Here’s my son at a Gymboree class. I was amazed at how agile he was in that dinosaur costume. He’d simply grab one of the spikes in the tail and move at full speed ahead! When it was his female cousin’s turn to wear the outfit, my sister added pink winks and turned it into Puff the Magic Dragon.
Cast of Characters
We also made costumes for plays, school activities and even for college parties and events. I always had the best costumes in my sorority for Halloween and theme events thanks to mom.
Once, I was a Greek goddess in a chariot racing down College Avenue! (I was chosen, because I was one of the two lightest weight members in the sorority, LOL!).
I have kept many, if not all of the costumes; stored in a walk-in cedar closet in the basement. I call them my cast of characters. And I still have that Greek goddess costume! There’s also a Spanish flamenco dancer and Zorro costume that hubby and I wore to a Halloween party as newlyweds.
Recognize the fan? My dad brought it back from Spain for me when I was a teenager. And, I took it back to Spain with me in Seductive Seville Entices with Arabic Palace, Flamenco Dance.
And like with my sisters, the costumes were often passed down from one to the other, as well as to cousins.
Some costumes that my mom made when the boys were toddlers, like the dinosaur and Donald Duck, I consider family heirlooms. Who knows, maybe one day my grandchildren will even wear them?
Monster Mash Halloween Costume Photos
As the boys entered elementary school, they wanted to be scary monsters. I made them stick to the classics; Frankenstein, the Mummy, Dracula and Wolf man. That’s also when I started including wigs and makeup in my Halloween costume designs, rather than have them wear plastic or rubber masks.
Those monsters are some of my favorite Halloween costume photos of the boys. After they graduated from high school, I turned several of those pictures into tabletop Halloween decorations.
Photo Cutouts Decorate Grad Party
Originally, I made about a dozen photo cutout standups of the boys for each of their graduation parties. Each one served as a table or buffet centerpiece. See more details at, DIY Photo Graduation Party Decorations & Mementos.
I choose photos of them from across the years; including in sports, marching band, plays, the first day of school, and dressed in Halloween costumes.
Cut-out photographs are stuck in clay pots, and decorated in their school colors of blue and gold. Because their high school mascot was a Blue Devil, I spray painted small pitchforks (bought ahead of time at Halloween) blue, and made tails from felt.
After the parties, I had three or four of each son in a Halloween costume. So, I decided to turn the photo cutouts into Halloween decorations.
DIY Halloween Photo Cutouts
Stand-up photos are easy and fun to create.
Materials:
- Photo printed on 11×17 sheet
- Sheet of foam board
- Photo adhesive spray
- Large wooden dowel rod
- White medical tape
- Floral foam
- Small clay pot, basket or decorative container
- Assorted floral picks
- Optional: foil wrap, fabric or netting to cover pot, decorative ribbon & embellishments
Step 1: Print Costume Photo
Choose photographs where the subject is standing.
For pre-digital pictures, you will first have to scan the prints onto a computer. Open an 11×7 inch page size in Word, and paste the image into the document. Crop out as much of the background as possible; making the image fill the space.
Then, print the image on an 11 x 17 inch sheet of paper. I didn’t go to the expense of using photo paper. You could also take image files to somewhere like an Office Depot to print the Halloween costume photos.
Step 2: Attach Printed Photo to Foam Board
With scissors, cut around the photo(s), removing any large areas that do not include the main image.
Spray the adhesive onto the front side of the foam board. With clean, dry hands carefully press down the paper and smooth out any wrinkles. Move quickly as the spray adhesive dries fast. If you are doing multiple images, you can fit as many as possible photos onto a single sheet.
Step 3: Use Exacto Knife to Cut-Out Image
Now, cut-out the photo image carefully, using a sharp Exacto Knife. Be careful not to apply pressure to the image, or you might crease or crack the foam board. While sawing/cutting, let part of the board hang over the edge of a table.
This is the most difficult part of the entire project. Just work slowly and in small sections at a time.
Each of the boys as Frankenstein, several years apart.
Step 4: Attach Photo to Dowel Stick
Lie the foam board with the photo side down on a clean surface. Position the dowel stick so that in covers the bottom two thirds of the image.
Attach with white medical or clear packing tape.
Step 5: Insert Photo Cutout into Container
I have made photo standup cutouts for a number of occasions; including a bridal shower and rehearsal dinner. Choose the container to fit the occasion or party theme. For the Halloween costume photos, I used mini orange baskets (Michaels).
I also place one of the Halloween costume photos of each son in their old bedrooms. Here, I’ve set a paper lunch bag pumpkin crafted while R was in kindergarten — yes, I saved it all! I’m a sucker for sentimentality.
Clay pots work well because they help to counterweight the height of the photo cutouts. You can spray paint the pots or cover them with foil or fabric wrap — as I did for the grad parties.
Simply fill each container with floral foam, then insert the dowel rod with the photo already attached.
Step 6: Decorate, Embellish the Container
Lastly, insert tall floral picks and other embellishments to hide and decorate the backside of the photo cutout. Use shorter elements to decorate in front.
You can also tie ribbon around the container to fit the occasion. I added the blue tail to the grad photo cutouts to fit the Blue Devil theme.
I like to display a pair of the Halloween costume photos at the bottom of the basement steps, across from the art gallery wall seen in the mirror reflection.
Seasonal Update to Kid Art Gallery
Come September, I also swap out the summer seasonal artwork for fall subjects in the kids art gallery.
Now there are black cats and each child’s version of the nursery rhyme, Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eater.
There’s also Jack-o-Lanterns, turkeys, Indians and even the Santa Maria for Columbus Day.
Fall leaves and spooky Halloween trees decorate the wall.
Many happy memories of past Halloweens and fall seasons.
Do you decorate with Halloween costume photos or your kids’ arts and crafts?
Check out more ways to decorate and celebrate Halloween in Not-So-Scary Home Tour, Jaw Dropping Chandelier, and Spooktacular Halloween Table.
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I regularly participate in: Metamorphous Monday, Turn About Tuesday, Centerpiece Wednesday, Whimsical Home Projects, In Link Party, Share Your Style, Tablescape Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Crafty Creators, Fabulous Friday, Saturday Sparks, Happiness is Homemade, and Love Your Creativity.
How clever…what a wonderful tradition. The only costume I remember wearing was that of a gypsy woman…because it was easy…long skirt…scarf around your forehead and lots of long necklaces…lol. You guys went all out. My kids did not like dressing up.
Hi Carolyn, I was a gypsy once too! Fortunately, my sons liked dressing up and even enjoyed theme parties while in college. I’d love to host an annual Halloween party, but my husband doesn’t like wearing costumes. The Queen of Theme is not married to the King of Theme LOL!
Love all the pictures – great job Debbie
Aww well you are partial to those little monsters! We need to catch up on our trips and life in general.
Waking up on Saturday mornings to your imagination is the eight wonder of the world. You come by it honestly. Your Mother’s costume making is incredible. I can only guess at the many dresses she made for you. Every year on Easter Sunday the congregation drew an audible breath as you all traipsed down the isle.
My Mother could sew on a button and darn a wool sock. She spent most, if not all, her time cleaning house. I did not inherit her OCD. Instead learned to sew, knit, crochet and embroider. Had no problem climbing over a pile of clothes so I could finish a sweater. All my children hated homemade clothes. Their friends went to the mall when sales were on.
My witch is ready to fly on to the front door. We still have summer and I’m not quite ready to discard the annuals on the porch. They grew into hedges this summer. Again thank you for my Saturday treat. My second cup is waiting.
Mom did make the three of us dresses (with matching coats) many Easters, plus nightgowns and bathrobes at Christmas. I loved them. But, by middle school we girls were like most kids and wanted our clothes from the mall. I really admire those who can knit; all I can manage is scarves. Use to be able to crochet a bit. Always had trouble with getting the right tension. Embroidery I’m OK on, but I like needlepoint better.
Decided to pull my hedge-like annuals today to swap for mums. It’s still so darn warm, pumpkins will have to wait. My twin witch wreath went up this morning. Hugs!
Debbe, you could almost convince me to love Halloween for those photo tabletop decor items. Those are simply brilliant. Love them!
Thanks Rita! Halloween was always such a fun occasion here. We have a walking school district which helps make for a close knit community. There were the classroom parties and school parade. And, the community parade with the marching band down our main street. Parents walked the sidewalks and socialized while the kids trick or treated from mandated 6-8 PM only. It always felt fun and wholesome.
Debbee, you have no idea how much this post impressed a retired elementary teacher. I admire your treasured collection. Your collection of your children’s art work, framed, and given a place of honor is the ultimate compliment to your children. I wish more parents would elevate thier children’s original art like this. As a teacher, it truly makes my heart sing and reminds me of one of the favorite aspects of the elementary school where I first taught. The halls were lined with large frames meant to fit the large art paper used by students in the school. Teachers selected art from their students to be placed in the frames and on display in the halls. It was the perfect way to honor the children’s ceative work and gave all in the school colorful art to enjoy. I love Halloween! Thanks for sharing this.
Oh my Sarah, what a lovely treat today to read your comment! It really meant a lot to me. My boys were blessed to have some absolutely wonderful teachers. I was particularly fond of their elementary art teacher. She didn’t just let the kids explore their creativity and different forms of expression, much of the projects were tied to curriculum. We have a neighborhood, walking district and I was privileged to get to know many of their teachers.
Deebee, these are so very fun!!
I wish I had Halloween costume picture of my husband and I when we were young to add to the monster mash! Oh well, one day when I have grand kids…
Great Post, blast from the past! We DID have the best costumes, as did our kids! Love you, Sister B
It’s part of why I still love Halloween today; all those great memories! Wish we had more pix though.
These decorations are so clever, and such a fun and creative way to share family photos and memories! Thank you for sharing at our Merry Monday Link Party. I’m going to include your costume artwork in my Halloween Decorations Features this coming week. We’d love to have you join the party again and share a few new projects!
Emily I’m glad you liked my monster mash! And, I’m thrilled to have the project chosen to be featured — thanks!
What a wonderful way to create using fun from the past!! Glad to know my girls loved and kept the memories, they were all works of love, as obviously our creativity is. SOO proud!!
Most of the costumes I’ve saved are timeless characters. Hope my future grandchildren will know what that bulky Teenage Mutant Turtle is LOL!
Very clever, I love them all. Pinned
Well, I’m pretty partial to these particular little monsters, LOL!
Debbee, I think this is the cutest, most clever idea. How I wish I had photographs of my childhood Halloween costumes. I remember being a clown and a pioneer girl. The cutouts are an adorable way to add personal decor. And kudos to you for the gallery of children’s art. I was an elementary teacher for 30 years. I always felt it was important to frame children’s art and hang it for viewing. The school where I taught for the first 20 years had premade frames that hung in the long halls. We could simply slip the children’s art work in behind the glass and mat. It was easy to change out the art frequently so everyon felt that their art work was recognized. Thanks for sharing this. I’m going to share it with my sister as an idea for her grandchildren.
Sarah, I’m delighted you enjoyed the post and project! I didn’t realize you were a teacher — I’ll bet you were terrific! I loved how the art program at our elementary school was most often linked to curriculum. We had an annual art festival that transformed the interior of the school. One year it became a jungle, another year Egypt.
What an adorable idea! Thanks for linking up to Creative Compulsions!
Thanks Michelle, I always enjoy pulling out my little monsters this time of year!
hi debbee, found you via a link party. i love this idea. I have shared a few ways I incorporate the kids’ school crafts into the decor! love the Halloween photos idea! laura in CO
Thanks for visiting Laura; it’s always great “meeting” other bloggers. This time of year, I like to put the boys’ costume photo’s up in their old bedrooms. If you like incorporating kid crafts into decor, check out How to Create a Kid Keepsakes Gallery.
Such a very cute idea!!
I love pulling out old photos during the various holidays like Christmas and Easter. They bring back lots of happy memories.
Your talents are showcased once again! I love your Halloween decorating ideas. I always hung my kids’ artwork around the house when they were growing up. It really does help to make the atmosphere a festive one. xo Kathleen
Have you saved any of it Kathleen? It was a really fun trip down memory lane, spending the better part of a day going through what I had kept. I loved planning and making costumes for the boys, and now I get to enjoy them every Halloween.
I loved hearing about your Halloweens as a child. My mom sewed, too. We were lucky if we got one “storebot” H item towards a costume! My daughter loves to decorate for H like I like to decorate for Christmas! I am glad you are keeping the traditions and the memories alive.
I just pulled out the sewing machine my parents bought early in my marriage this morning. Not to do anything fun, like make costumes, but do some repairs on a few household items. So glad I learned to sew from my mom and in what was then called “home ec.” And, I love decorating over the top for both! You’ll have to share the Halloween decorated chandelier and new tablescape I’ll be posting over the next week with your daughter.