Need something to add a creepy atmosphere to you home or front stoop on a starless night? Try making a DIY votive!

Grab a scary stamp and some black ink. I chose a stamp of “The Screm,” but you could use spiders, bats, or whatever you have on hand. Stamp with the black ink several times onto tissue paper. I used white so that the color of the jar would change the appearance of my stamped images. Set these aside.

Step 2:

Choose a nice used jar. Mine is a jelly jar. Those are usually decorative, and small. Swirl a dab of yellow paint around the inside along the bottom.

Step 3:

Swirl some orange around the top, blending the two colors as you go. Experiment with different color combinations. Let dry. I used tempera paint. Acrylic would work too.

Step 4:

Carefully cut out your stamped images. Using Mod Podge, or your favorite gel medium, carefully glue them to the side of your jar. There are endless ways to line them up. After you are finished gluing your pieces down, use additional Mod Podge to cover the paper with a thin layer. Let dry.

Step 5:

Disguise the screw on edge of your jar with some decorative yarn, twine or ribbon.

Step 6:

Place a small candle inside and enjoy! Try using beeswax candle. They are more environmentally friendly.

(Please note that the type of paint you use on the inside will affect the care of the jar. A tea light candle with a metal holder will prevent wax from dripping on your jar and ruining the paint.)

This tutorial came from 99 Crafting

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The healthy treats and treasures you are giving away this Halloween deserve to look good! What better way to showcase how special they are than with some snazzy goodie bags? Perfect for your next party. Feel free to improvise with recycled materials.

For goodie ideas, check out our list of treat alternative, Candy Cheat Sheet, and twitter party tips.

Pumpkin Pouch Party Favors

• Orange crepe paper
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Greenfloral tape
• Treasures to wrap up

For each pouch, cut two 10-inch diameter circles from the paper. Stack two circles and put the goodies in the center. Gather the outer edges of the circle to form a pouch. Twist the paper above the treats. Wrap the “stem” with floral tape. You may need to trim excess paper before binding. Twist a piece of tape around a pencil to make vine tendrils.

Full-moon Flavor Bags

• Brown paper lunch bags
• Stamps + ink pad
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Hole punch
• Black ribbon or seam binding

Stamps the bags with fun words or pictures and fill with goodies. Fold corners back. Fold top of bag 1 1/2 inches down. Make a 2 inch paper moon. Glue moon to front of bag in top right corner. Punch two small holes through moon and bag 1/4 inch apart. Repeat in another spot in the moon. Cut two 5-inch pieces of seam binding and thread through the holes; knot to form bats (they will also secure the bag). Trim wings with scissors. To watch a visual demonstration, check out this video (just avoid all the candy she has in that bowl!).

Hand them out to your guests, and watch as they marvel at these precious bags and their delicious contents.

These crafts are from the book Martha Stewart’s Handmade Holiday Crafts.

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As school is back in session, there are a lot more reading assignments to do. Your little scholar might have to trudge through a few different novels, textbooks, and workbooks. It’s tough stuff! What better way to help them through it than by having a little book-themed fun with a Halloween twist? These scary origami bookmarks are a roar! You can make a whole family of paper creatures. Use scrap paper, old newspapers, or magazines to make this more eco-friendly

Find the instruction here at the blog CT Baker in the Acres. She gives great pictures of the step-by-step process.

Check out this list of inspiring “green reads.” However, The Secret Garden will always be the book that inspired by love of nature.

So this weekend, dig through some scrap paper, fold up a new friend, and plop down with some of that school reading.

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So it seems like a gust of cold air blew through the neighborhood this evening. The temperature is well below 60°. It’s quite a shock after weeks sweating in the 90° heat. Of course, October 31st will likely be chilly and it’s important to be prepared.

This costume, which comes from Fiskars designer Lisa Storms, is a great solution. The costume uses a long-sleeve shirt, but a sweatshirt could easily be substituted. You can also sewing scraps from around the house.

So, grab that old stained shirt and get started!

This owl costume is simply a brown shirt with rows of fabric ovals sewn beginning at the bottom. Trace the ovals and cut them out. Then sew the pieces on with a needle and thread. Fabric glue or safety pins will also get the job done.

For the hat:

Turn a knit cap inside out. Cut off a semi-circle from the top, then sew the large remaining hat piece back together. Circles and a triangle glued to the hat complete the cute face.

Viola! An owl with a cheap and eco-friendly coat of feathers.

I would say, now we might finally know how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop, but this is Green Halloween! Give your owl Yummy Earth Lollipops instead!

For more ways to stay warm this Halloween follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/greenhalloween or Twitter @greenhalloween

by Corey

This Halloween tip is just too cute (and easy!). Perfect for healthy treats, edible decor or a party activity for wee-ones.

What are your most clever Green Halloween ideas? Can’t wait to hear ‘em!

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Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and authors of  Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, and founders of Green Halloween®.