Our last Family Day, in October, focused on spooky art from the museum’s collection.
Halloween is a holiday that takes place every year on October 31. The origin of Halloween has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (a Gaelic word pronounced “SAH-win”). Samhain was a celebration to welcome the harvest at the end of summer, when people lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 All Saints Day, as a day to honor saints. The evening before All Saints Day was known as All Hallows Eve, and later, Halloween.
Over the years, Halloween has incorporated many traditions — from trick or treating to carving pumpkins and haunted houses.
What are some Halloween traditions that you enjoy doing with your friends and family?
Now it is your turn to make some art. Here’s how to create your own spooky, glowing
Halloween-inspired votive.
You will need the following supplies:
- A clean, empty jar
- Black paper
- Colored tissue paper
- Mod Podge (if you don’t have this craft supply, you can also dilute Elmer’s Glue with water)
- Electric tea light
- Paintbrush
- Scissors
- Pencil
DIRECTIONS:
- Use the colored tissue paper to create a glowing background for the image that will appear on your votive. Paint a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the jar, then place tissue paper on top until the jar is covered. Try cutting out shapes and layering colors to create interest and dimension in your design.
- Coat the surface with another thin layer of Mod Podge.
- Next, create a design with black paper to add on top. Remember that light will not shine through wherever you place the black paper. Use a pencil to trace your design onto the black paper before cutting it out. You might create a jack-o’-lantern face, a creepy creature, a ghoulish ghost or even a spiderweb – use your imagination!
- Apply another thin layer of Mod Podge where needed to affix the black paper onto the jar.
- Add one final coat of Mod Podge to seal your design. The Mod Podge will dry completely clear in a few hours.
- Once your votive is dry, turn on the tea light and put it inside the jar. What spooky shadows does your design make?
