It sure is a challenge when you have to out-do last year’s awesome Halloween wreath. We went from a spider, to this year making a cute Halloween bat wreath.
Mama, remember the awesome spider we had on the front door last year? What cool thing are you going to make for us this year? Do you remember how all the neighbors LOVED the spider? He was SOOOO cool!
Yeah, no pressure. None what so all. Thanks, kids!
Thankfully, the very day the kids asked me about our front door Halloween decorations, I scrolled through my newsfeed and found this craft round-up by Red Ted Art – and my idea was born!
A bat door wreath, how hard can that be?! Well, you are in luck, because I did all the “figuring out”, so all you need to do is follow my simple directions!
Supplies Needed to Make a Bat Halloween Wreath:
Two foam spheres, one small and one medium
Large googly eyes
Stiff black felt
Black ribbon
Black acrylic craft paint
Hot glue gun
Sharp knife
Paper
Pencil
Wreath hanger
Step by Step Directions of How to Make a Bat Halloween Wreath:
- Paint the two foam spheres black. I had to go over them twice, since the foam was hard to cover completely in just one layer.
- Trim about one-third of the smaller foam sphere so it fits onto the larger foam sphere. The smaller one is the head, the larger is the body.
- This step is best done by trial and error.
- I started by carving a small rounded section off and then shaving layers until it fit well onto the body.
- Draw bat wings on a piece of paper.
- Start by tracing a small section of the sphere onto the paper, so you know how tall the wings should be.
- I drew our batwings free-hand but had to adjust a few times to get the right look.
- Cut the finished wing out of paper, lay it on top of the black felt and cut along the edge.
- Remember to make two identical wings.
- Take two small pieces of “scrap” felt and make triangle ears for the bat.
- Repaint the foam pieces now that they have been cut and matched perfectly. This final layer of paint will also ensure that you get full-color coverage.
- Fire up your hot glue gun!
- Glue along the head of the bat and attach to the body.
- Fill in any gaps with additional glue.
- You can lay it on thick to make sure the two pieces are attached securely.
- My motto: “There is no such thing as too much glue!”
- Glue the ears on top of the head and the eyes on the front of the head foam piece.
- Tip: Place the eyes higher on the head than you would think – otherwise it looks like his eyes are pointing downwards at an awkward angle.
- Attach and glue the wings onto the body foam sphere.
- Be sure to let the glue dry completely in one area before you attach something else.
- Flip the bat over and attach the black ribbon (approx. 12″) on the back.
- Paint black over any glue that is showing.
- I went through quite a bit of glue, but I also wanted to make sure that everything was securely attached.
- Voila! Once the glue and the paint has dried, you are good to hang your bat!
I love how this Bat Wreath turned out, but last year’s Spider Wreath was equally adorable!
This year we also made these adorable (not-spooky) Halloween decorations. Perfect for any home with younger children.
Friendly Halloween Wooden Peg Dolls
Oh I LOVE your wreath! And so pleased that our round up was of help!!!
Oh Maggy, your roundups are always so helpful – and provide hours of entertainment!