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Reshaped Milk Container Transformed into Spooky Halloween Prop

Transform a milk jug into a spooky family-friendly skeleton for Halloween decorations! This engaging, budget-conscious project is perfect for some seasonal entertainment.

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Craft a milk jug skeleton with your loved ones as a thrifty and entertaining Halloween decoration!...
Craft a milk jug skeleton with your loved ones as a thrifty and entertaining Halloween decoration! This DIY project is a fantastic way to spend quality time together.

Reshaped Milk Container Transformed into Spooky Halloween Prop

Get Hal kerwheeet! Watch Video PrintGet ready to craft a spooktacular milk jug skeleton for Halloween! This budget-friendly activity is a blast for both kids and adults. No prior crafting experience is required, plus we've got a free printable template to help you out.

Skills: None. You'll be using a Sharpie to draw patterns on plastic containers, then cutting out the body parts with a craft knife. Finally, you'll be tying and gluing everything together. This family-friendly project can be tackled together, or older kids might even enjoy doing it alone.

Every year, I'm on the hunt for unique Halloween crafts that I haven't tried before. This year, I wanted to create a Halloween craft for kids using recycled materials that could be displayed on our front porch without worrying about it getting ruined by rain.

Introducing the milk jug skeleton! If you or your children are fans of skeleton crafts, this one's for you. Plus, you won't need any fancy crafting skills to pull it off!

The cherry on top? All the compliments you'll get from people who spot your DIY decor. I've already gotten a few nice comments on mine, even from delivery drivers who hardly notice my decor!

Beyond showing you how to make this adorable skeleton, I'm excited to share a free printable template that makes the whole process even easier. You can find it below!

Milk Jug Skeleton

Equipment

  • Scissors
  • Craft knife and mat
  • Hole punch
  • Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Materials

  • 6-8 Milk jugs
  • Skeleton pattern
  • Sharpies
  • Clear twine
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Paper towels

Instructions

  1. Gather your materials. You'll need milk jugs (about 6), scissors, Sharpies, a craft knife, hole punch, clear thread or floss, painter's tape, and a hot glue gun.
  2. Print the skeleton pattern on 8.5 x 11 sheets of paper.
  3. Start with the face. Cut out the necessary pieces of the pattern you'll trace with a craft knife (eyes, nose holes, and teeth slots).
  4. Pick up a milk jug, turn it upside down, and fasten the pattern to the center back with painter's tape. Trace with a Sharpie.
  5. Remove the paper, leaving the pattern behind. Cut out the traced areas of the jug with a craft knife.
  6. Use rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover on a paper towel to remove any Sharpie marker lines.
  7. Repeat the process with the ribs and another milk jug. Then grab a third jug for the hips and turn it upside-down. Tape the pattern to the jug as instructed.
  8. Trace the pattern onto the jug with a Sharpie, then cut out the hip piece from the jug using a craft knife and scissors. Again, use rubbing alcohol to remove the marker lines.
  9. The torso and some body parts don't have specific patterns. Trace shoulders around the handles of two milk jugs with a Sharpie. You can do this for the remaining body parts as needed.
  10. Cut out the shoulder pieces and remove the marker lines. Set the pieces aside.
  11. Warm up your hot glue gun. Attach the head to the neck first. Then, connect the hips to the base of the ribs. Continue by attaching the shoulders and tying everything together with clear thread or floss.
  12. Hang your skeleton inside or outside under a covered area, and show off your crafty skills!

Video

Now that you've completed this skeleton project, check out our other creative Halloween ideas:

  • Adorable Mini Mummy Pinata
  • Halloween Perler Bead Art (Over 50 Free Patterns!)
  • Wine Cork Skeleton for Halloween Decor
  • Breathtaking Lighted Pumpkin Topiary for Your Front Porch
  • Unusual Halloween Cross Stitch Canvases
  • DIY Paper Pumpkins for a Fun Fall Kids’ Craft

Enrichment Data:Making a milk jug skeleton for Halloween is a fun and eco-friendly way to recycle plastic containers. Here's a step-by-step guide using basic tools and materials:

Materials

  • Clean, empty milk jugs
  • Pencil or washable marker
  • Scissors or craft knife
  • Optional: White paint, string, or fishing line

Instructions

  1. Gather and Clean Milk Jugs: Rinse out the containers, remove labels, and dry them completely.
  2. Design Skeleton: Draw a skeleton shape (eyes, nose, and mouth for skull) on one jug, and bones on additional jugs as needed.
  3. Cut the Pieces: Safely cut out the pieces with scissors or a craft knife, then decorate the skeleton by drawing or painting on details.
  4. Assemble the Skeleton: Attach the pieces using string, fishing line, glue, or staples. Display your creation by hanging it or placing it as a standalone decoration.

Safety Tips

  • Supervise children during cutting and assembly.
  • Ensure sharp edges are smoothed or covered before handling.
  • Dispose of excess plastic responsibly.

This DIY project allows you to craft a creative milk jug skeleton that blends perfectly with home-and-garden decor for Halloween. The clever use of recycled milk jugs means your spooktacular skeleton will also contribute positively to your lifestyle by reducing waste.

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