It’s no secret that I love capturing the essence of holidays and season in jars. I’ve done it for Christmas (twice, if you count this project), Summer, Spring, and Winter. But, up until today, I hadn’t done one for Halloween. So, I’m rectifying that by making some Halloween terrariums!
Instead of jars, however, I decided to use decorative lanterns. Mostly because I found some recently and figured they’d be perfect for the job!
First, I found this metal-and-glass lantern…
And then I found a wood-and-glass version.
Both had black frames and were in various states of “yikes”. In other words, dirty, beat-up, and ideal for Halloween decor!
Now I just needed to transform them into Halloween terrariums.
This post contains affiliate links for your crafting convenience. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Upcycling Lanterns into Halloween Decor
Not only did I find the perfect lanterns for these Halloween terrariums, but I also found some fake Venus fly trap plants at Michaels!
I figured they would work brilliantly for the look I was going for. I also gathered a piece of floral foam, aquarium gravel, and some plastic skulls, as well.
First, I sliced the floral foam in two, one for each lantern. I didn’t do it evenly because of the size difference between the lanterns.
Then, using my wire cutters, I snipped off pieces of the Venus fly trap and stuck them in the foam. No glue needed; I just pressed the stems into the foam.
Next, I placed the Venus fly trap inside the lantern to check size and even-ness.
It was a good thing I did because it seemed a little cockeyed at first! So I carefully shaved off a hair on one side to even it out.
I didn’t glue down the foam, either. This way, nothing is permanent, and I can break down my Halloween terrariums and use the lanterns for other projects during the year!
Anyway, I then carefully poured in some aquarium gravel until the floral foam was completely hidden. Sure, you could use terrarium filler from a craft store but pet store aquarium gravel is super cheap!
Halloween Terrariums in Decorative Lanterns
Lastly, I added a Halloween skull and the first of my Halloween terrariums was done!
What do you think? Do they put the “eek” in sleek? WINK-WINK!
I thought I’d be super cool and call them “Terror-iums” (being for Halloween AND my well-documented love of puns), but there’s already a shop with that name!
So, maybe I’ll call them…SCARE-ARIUMS instead! Halloween scare-ariums! I think that works just fine.
Either way, though, I’m digging these Halloween terrariums as a sleek, modern alternative to traditional Halloween decor.
And, since no glues or paints were involved, everything can be broken down (if I even want to!) so that I can use the lanterns again.
If you enjoyed this idea for easy, unusual Halloween decor, then you may also be interested in these Halloween silhouettes, as well!
Craft on!
S
Want to be notified when I publish my next upcycling project tutorial?
Join me on Social Media:
PIN ME!
Love them! Once again you inspire me!
Thanks, Molly!
This is brilliant! I did not know Michael’s had faux flytrap plants. Thanks for sharing.
It was a fun discovery for me, too- and I found them in the Halloween section, not the floral section (FYI).
Love it. Never seen a faux Venus fly trap before. Being a rubber bug fan, I think some flies or a furry spider would be great, too!
Totally!!!
So cool! I see the lanterns in thrift shops all the time and have even bought several. I wish we had a true craft supply store in my area for all the other fun items you can use Closest one is over 100 miles away. We have Walmart for those types of supplies and that’s it. I know I can order stuff but sometimes it’s nice to be able to look at things in-person before you buy them. Actually the thrift shops I go to are in that same town so it’s always a long day of hunting treasures! Just haven’t been able to really go much of anywhere this year. ☹️
Ugh, I forget that so many of you live in more rural areas- everything is just a mile or 2 away for me. 🙁 And I totally understand that you want to see these things in person before buying.