Monster pails

Scare up some fun with these easy trick-or-treat buckets

Hallmark staff
Trick-or-treat monster pails

Dr. Frankenstein was a real Halloween do-it-yourselfer when you think about it. A bit of sewing, a smidge of wiring know-how, a few concoctions from his grade-school chemistry set, and voilà, he made an instant friend.

But if you’re like us—a little iffy on the correct voltage you need to create your own real-life monster pal—how about trying out this friendly little Frankenstein’s monster pail for Halloween? This guy is so cute you’ll fight over whether he goes out with the kids to collect candy or stays home to give it out. On second thought, you might need to make lots of these…

Monster pails

What you’ll need

  • Lime green spray paint
  • New, empty paint cans (available at hardware or home-supply stores)
  • Assorted hardware, including medium-size nuts, bolts and screws, and household items like small measuring spoons
  • E-6000 craft adhesive or 3-minute epoxy glue (available at craft stores)
  • Hot-glue gun and glue sticks
  • Black felt or fake fur (fake fur is available in squares or by the yard at fabric stores)

How to make it

1. Go outside to spray the cans green, both inside and out. Use newspaper or a drop cloth underneath the cans to protect the ground. Let them dry completely. Full coverage may take more than one coat.

2. Start making faces (we won’t judge) with the hardware and household items. Remember, the less symmetrical the items, the more ragtag he’ll look—so have fun. Secure the items to the pail using the E-6000 or epoxy glue. You can scratch off a little of the paint behind each feature so the glue holds better.

Try this twist

While you’re at the hardware or craft store, grab a package of small magnets. Glue the magnets to the back of the hardware (use the E-6000 or epoxy glue to guarantee a good hold). Then you and your kids can switch out his features over and over again. Just keep in mind if he goes out trick-or-treating, he might “lose face” before the night is out.
Mwah-ha-ha-ha.

3. Give him a cool hairdo by using a hot-glue gun to line the rim of the can with the felt or fake fur. Doing this will also make sure the edge of the can is soft—perfect for tickling little hands as they reach in.


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