In the interest of saving Halloween, here are several ideas for contactless trick or treating!

11 Contactless Halloween Trick or Treat Ideas

11 Contactless Halloween Trick or Treat Ideas

Halloween is a mere two weeks away. Let’s get real, 2020 has been hard enough on the kids. Cancelling Halloween would be the biggest disappointment for our little ones. With that in mind, I’ve been scouring the web and my brain for some excellent contactless Halloween Trick or Treat Ideas. Here they are in no particular order.

Ship Your Candy:

This Ohio Dad Saves Halloween with a Shipping Tube and Spray Paint!

 

Spooky Candy Chute:

Wicked Makers breaks out the spooky decor and a plumbing pipe for this Skeletal Candy Chute.

 

A Twist on a Scavenger Hunt: The Candy Graveyard

With a few props and pre-packaged candy, you too can create this fun Halloween Candy Graveyard.

Halloween candy Graveyard

 

Table Halloween…Definitely Not!

Many of our neighbors are planning on leaving pre-packed treat bags on a table by their door. Craft Box Girls, upcycled this sofa table with a little spray paint to create a Halloween Decorated Treat Table.

DIY Halloween Trick or Treat Table

 

Easy Driveway Trick or Treat Table

If DIY isn’t your thing, you can take the easy path and gather a few supplies to create this driveway trick or treat table in no time.

Easy trick or treat driveway table

 

The Giving Tree

If you have a tree in your yard with low branches, you can attach treat bags to the branches. Or cut a branch and add a few treat bags like The Craft Train did.

DIY Treat Tree

 

Hang Up Halloween

Let’s not hang up the idea of trick or treating altogether. Take a note from Little Sooti’s birthday favor idea and hang those treat bags out for the children to grab and go. You can attach them to the door, or on a clothesline between your porch posts. Get creative!

hanging treat bags on a line

 

Door Decor

Hershey comes to the rescue with this fun DIY Door Decor idea for a contactless treat dispenser.

Contactless Door Treat Dispenser

 

Scavenger Hunt

If you don’t feel comfortable letting your kids trick or treat this year, I’ve got an idea for you! A Trick or Treat Scavenger Hunt from Hey, Let’s Make Stuff. Or you can adapt this idea to your front yard for trick or treaters. Simply give one clue to each kid to find their treats.

TRick or treat scavenger hunt

 

Is There Junk in Your Trunk

Trunk or Treat parties have been around for decades, but this year you can park it in your own driveway and open the trunk to your trick or treaters.

Trunk or treat for contactless trick or treating

 

Buckets of Fun:

If you have a two-story window over the front door, you could create a simple bucket and pulley system to deliver treats to the children. Keep the rope in your hands to keep it contactless for the kids. You might also consider wiping the bucket between trick-or-treaters. Don’t have a pulley? No problem, you can simply run a clothesline from the window to a stationary post (light post or fence post) and then loop the bucket handle over the line. Send it down to the trick or treaters (just be sure to attach a second line to the bucket handle so you can pull it back up).

Bucket on a Pulley for contactless trick or treating

How about you? Do you have any idea for a safer contactless Halloween? I’d love to hear them. In the meantime, pin this image and share this post with your friends so the kids can enjoy Halloween even during a pandemic.

11 Contactless Halloween Trick or Treat Ideas

Halloween is lurking around the corner like a stray black cat. Luckily I’m here with the perfect project for Halloween that will use up some of your scrap wood pieces. Let’s make a DIY Spider Stool!

spider stool title

DIY Spider Stool

I have a spooky little spider project today being that Halloween is on the horizon.  I’m Jaime from JaimeCostiglio.com and I’m here to show you how to build this cute little spider stool.

spider stool 1

We all know Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet, when along came a spider —but, this time we’ll turn that nursery rhyme on its head. Let’s sit on that spider instead! This little stool is perfect for adding some themed decor to your kid’s playroom or a great spot to rest the treats near the front door on Halloween.  This spider stool is fairly simple to make and although most spiders have eight legs this one only has six. Shhh, don’t tell anyone. If you truly have an aversion to spiders,  you can always paint the body red with black spots and it would make a cute little ladybug stool.

spider stool with kid

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Instructions:

spider stool dimensions

spider stool body

Step 1: Sketch the spider body shape on the 2×12. You can draw a large oval for the body and trace a drink glass or can for the head. The full length of the body and head equals 16″. The width is 11 ¼”.

spider stool layout

Step 2: Use a jigsaw to cut out the spider body.  Go very slow through the 1 ½” thick material and flip over to refine your cut if necessary.

spider stool cutout

Step 3: Cut 6 legs with 5-degree bevel at both ends, parallel measuring 17″ from end to end.

spider stool legs angles

Layout the legs on the underside of the body inset 1/2″ from the edge.

spider stool legs

Apply wood glue to the top of each leg and attach legs using 2 ½” pocket hole screws.

spider stool unfinished

Step 4: Sand the stool, then finish with black spray paint.

spider stool top

For an extra spooky factor paint 1″ circular dowel pieces bright red and glue onto the head portion.

spider stool collage

Hope you enjoyed this fun spider stool project! If you have more scrap wood, why not make some more spider friends or insect friends for your DIY Spider Stool!

Jaime signature

Jaimes_headshot

Hi, I’m Jaime and I write JaimeCostiglio.com, a DIY project focused blog with an emphasis on building, painting and sewing.  All my life I’ve been painting, drawing, crafting and making things.  I grew up in Minnesota and then majored in Studio Arts at a liberal arts college on the East Coast.  While there, I worked in the costume shop for the theater department, met my now husband of 18 years and then went on to work for an interior design firm in New York City.  We have 3 young children and now that they are all school age I have shifted my focus to do what I love – build, paint and sew.  The real turning point came when we renovated our kitchen in the summer of 2010.  One project led to another and I started blogging about all my projects one by one which has ultimately led to a small business.

My goal with each project is to work smart, efficient and economical.  I love a good challenge whether it be designing a build to fit the space (entry locker unit), solving a logistical solution (portable lego tray), constructing a craft using unconventional supplies (plastic tablecloth rosette garland) or just a simple makeover with paint (front door makeover).  And I firmly believe you can do it too which is why write a majority of my posts as tutorials in an effort to share my experience with readers.

You can connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram.

Read all of Jaime’s Pretty Handy Tutorials.

Pin for later!

If you liked this tutorial, you’ll probably also love these cute little DIY toddler stools:

Cute DIY Animal Toddler Stools | Pretty Handy Girl

Want to make a quick and easy fall centerpiece? Maybe you want to get the kids involved and go on a nature hike to collect pretty leaves.

Quick Fall Leaves Centerpiece

Quick Fall Leaves Centerpiece

I’m looking forward to cooler weather and the beautiful color of fallen autumn leaves. How about you? Today I have a super quick and easy fall leaves centerpiece you can whip up to decorate your home for autumn. Seriously, this will take five minutes (plus a nice walk outside to gather leaves.)

Granted, our leaves haven’t turned yet, but you know I’m anxiously awaiting them!

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Optional: You can use a drinking glass or candy jar and use foil to raise it higher.

Instructions:

Go out for a hike and collect colorful fall leaves. I was lucky to find these buttery-yellow gingko leaves.

And around the corner, a beautiful pile of Japanese maple leaves were ready for me to scoop up.

Center the smaller vase inside the larger one. Begin filling the space between the two vases with leaves.

Continue adding leaves until the interior glass vase is hidden.

Insert battery-powered candle into center vase. (If using a real candle, do not leave it unattended, and make sure your leaves are not super dry.

Turn on the candle and enjoy the glow.

You can make another quick and easy fall vase by cutting the sleeve off an old sweater and wrap it around another vase or votive holder. Insert another battery-powered pillar candle and set it out with your Quick Fall Leaves Centerpiece!

Set out your beautiful fall centerpieces and get ready for the cozy time inside on cold nights.

Anyone else looking forward to cool weather, hot chocolate, and curling up under the blankets to watch movies?

mid-century-modern-house-number-sign-how-to

Finally, I’m back with another Millie’s Remodel project and this one is simple enough anyone can make it. Learn How to Make a Modern Address Number Sign and then learn my tips for hanging things on a brick wall.

DIY House Number Sign

How to Make a Modern Address Sign (and Hang it On Brick)

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

The address sign numbers at the Millie’s Remodel project were hung on the old vinyl shutters before. And if you look closely you’ll see the zero is upside down. Can you spot the other upside-down thing on this house? It must be a theme here.

As you can see, poor Millie really needed an updated address number sign. In one of my many trips to the Habitat ReStore, I scored these two modern numbers for $3 each! Given that they are usually $11 new, this was a real steal. But, I still needed the number 5. Luckily, I purchased a number 5 on Amazon.

But wait, did I screw up and order the wrong finish? Come on, you all know me better than that! I have plans to make them match with a new beautiful gold finish.

How to Repaint Metal Hardware:

Before repainting any metal hardware (numbers, handles, hinges, hooks, knobs, or other metal hardware), you need to complete a little bit of prep work. Start by lightly sanding the hardware with a fine-grit sandpaper. This will give the finish a little tooth for the paint to stick to.

Alternatively, you can use a liquid sander deglosser. Just wipe it on and then buff with a clean cloth.

Set up your numbers outside or in a well-ventilated area. Raise the numbers on shims or scraps to keep the paint from puddling underneath. I chose to use Rustoleum, Bright Coat Gold paint on these numbers.

Spray the numbers with several light coats, allowing each coat to dry before the next one. Avoid the temptation to spray a thick coverage coat, you’ll get better and longer lasting results with several thin coats.

Building a Modern Address Number Sign:

Now it’s time to build that sign. Let’s improve your curb appeal with this easy Modern Address Number Sign!

Materials:

Instructions:

Lay your numbers on a piece of 1″ x 6″ wood.

Figure out how tall you want your number sign to be. You can also make this sign with a horizontal orientation if you prefer. I chose a cedar 1″ x 6″ board (actual dimenisons are 3/4″ x 5.5″ wide by 22″ tall before adding trim).

Cut your board to size and sand off any rough edges.

To give the wood a darker mid-century modern color (and to create more contrast between the numbers and the wood) I stained the cedar plank with a combination of Pecan and Provincial stain from Minwax. After brushing the stain on, let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe off any excess with a clean dry cloth. If you want a darker stain color, repeat this process.

After the stain dries, finish your board with an exterior grade topcoat. I prefer this General Finishes top coat in flat, to allow the grain to show and downplay any glossiness.

Sport Gear Storage Shelves in a Small Space | Pretty Handy Girl

Adding the Numbers:

Remove the templates from the number packages. Cut, them out.

Layout the numbers and the templates on the board until you get the desired layout.

Remove the numbers and use a nail, screw (or another sharp object) to make in indent where the hardware posts are located.

These are denoted on the template as circles.

Select a drill bit the same width (or slightly smaller) than the posts. Remove the templates and drill into the board at the indents. (I use a piece of painter’s tape on my drill bit to mark the appropriate depth to drill.)

Modern-Address-Sign-Tutorial

After the holes are drilled, insert the posts into the back of the numbers.

For exterior use, you may want to add a dab of clear silicone into each hole. This will seal the hole and prevent water from seeping into the holes.

Set the numbers into the holes and gently press them into the sign.

Note: The numbers I used have a 1″ threaded area at the bottom. I ended up pushing the posts through the back of the 3/4″ board to hide the threaded area later. If you are making this sign, you might choose to use a true 1″ board, or you might want to position the frame to cover the excess post poking through the back of the sign.

How to Cut Perfect Mitered Trim:

I try to use rot-resistant materials for exterior use, therefore I chose a PVC 1″ x 2″ trim to frame the house number sign.

Start by cutting two pieces at a 45-degree angle (for one corner, cut each end at opposite angles). Set the trim onto one corner of your sign. Mark the inside corner for the opposite corner.

Line up your saw blade on that interior mark and cut. It’s better to cut it a tad long and “sneak up” on the angle. As you can see below, there’s a gap against the sign.  Simple make another mark and cut again until you get a nice tight fit.

Cut your other sides and dry fit them together around the sign. Perfect mitered corners!

Secure the trim to the sign, and then add a nail or two into each corner.

To get a beautiful corner before painting, run a bead of white caulk over each miter. Wipe off any excess.

Use an exterior grade paint to paint the trim and make it look top-notch!

To hang your modern address number sign, add D hooks to the top of the back of the sign.

2 Ways to Hang Things on a Brick Wall:

Watch my video to learn the easiest way to hang something on brick.

This street number sign is the perfect amount of modern Millie needed.

Well well, I’d say this was a huge improvement. Miss Millie is certainly looking much better!

I’ll share how to build those modern shutters in the near future. Stay tuned.

dining room makeover into homework station

Whether your children are going back to school, being home schooled, or participating in online learning, they’ll need a spot to feel inspired to do schoolwork and homework. Are you trying to keep their school work off the kitchen table? Why not turn your dining room into a homework station with these important supplies.

Turn Your Dining Room into a Homework Station

Dining Room Makeover – Homework/School Work Station

We’ve decided to sign our boys up for the online learning option in our school district. (I have great empathy for anyone who has to make the tough decision on where to school kids this year. This was a decision made based on lots of discussions with other parents, our children, and friends that are teachers.)

If we didn’t carve out a dedicated spot to work, our boys would either sit in bed all day, or spread out all over the kitchen table. In the past, all the books and notebooks ended up on the kitchen table until I asked my sons to put away their homework in time to serve dinner. I’ll admit, some nights I didn’t ask, but barked orders. Can you relate?

Besides cluttering the table we eat at, the kitchen table was not a space without distractions. Like most kitchens, ours is the hub of activity after 5pm. Brother may be watching TV in the adjacent living room, hubby might be on a phone, and I am usually cooking. Obviously, it wasn’t the best location for focused studying and work. Two years ago, after moving pencils and books off the kitchen table (for the umpteenth time), I came up with this plan:

Operation Dining Room Converted to Homework Station

dining room makeover into homework station

The idea was to create a space so organized and inviting that my boys would create better work habits and be able to plow through their school work efficiently. Here’s how I achieved the perfect school or homework station and freed up our kitchen table for other things…like eating!

Creating the Perfect Homework Station

If you create a space that is clean, organized, and comfortable; you can set your child up for good work habits from the start. Having a space that is neat prevents distractions and keeps your child more focused. Personally, I have a hard time working in a messy space. Normally I have to clear my desk completely before I can start writing or taking on a focused task.

To clear the clutter, put writing utensils and other necessary supplies in the center of the table in jars or trays. This puts things at your student’s fingertips and prevents the need to get up and get off track. (Obviously, sharpen those pencils ahead of time, and add eraser tops to any worn pencils.)

Supplies for a School/Homework Station

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

dining room table set with homework supplies pencils, paper, pens

You can use any tray or even an old tool box as a utensil organizer:

Get organized before the school year creeps up on you. This toolbox homework caddy will help your kids find everything they need. | Toolbox Homework Caddy

Papers Galore

In the center of the table is a paper tray filled with lots of looseleaf paper and 3×5 cards. I also salvaged paper from half-used spiral binders. My sons helped me tear the pages out and trim the ragged edges with a paper cutter. Now we have an endless supply of scratch paper and I don’t feel guilty having to throw away half-used notebooks.

The non-essential supplies are nearby on our dining room hutch.

calculator notebooks and other office supplies for homework station

A dish corrals the little things in one space keeping them neat and organized. Earbuds are also stored here for my teenagers who love to listen to music while they work (or maybe to help tune out brother or Dad on his Zoom calls.)

office supplies in pie dish

Proper Chairs

Making a space cozy and comfortable can be as easy as pulling up some upholstered dining chairs (if the seats are hard, just add cushions or pillows.) But, for a full day of learning, it is best to use comfortable and supportive office chairs. We just assembled two new office chairs for the boys (after they tested chairs at Office Depot and Staples. These are the two chairs we bought them for this year of virtual learning: (Dexley Mesh Task Chair and Brenton Radley Mesh Task Chair)

Brenton & Dexley Task Chairs

I completely understand if purchasing new chairs is out of your budget. If so, you can try scouring Craig’s List or Facebook Marketplace for a sturdy used chair. Don’t let the condition deter you, because you can always recover it following this tutorial:

For kids that have a hard time sitting still, you may want to let them try either a wobble stool or an exercise ball (with weighted bottom).

Decorating the School Work Space

Working in a space that has some decorations or art makes a space more appealing. Decorate the homework station with art, flowers, or anything that makes the space feel beautiful and relaxing.

dining room hutch with mark twain eat the frog quote

While decorating the room, I added a wood block calendar and a quote from Mark Twain. Have you heard this quote before?

Eat your frog first thing in the morning Mark twain quote

The gist of the message is to stop procrastinating. Do your least favorite task first thing in the morning and put the worst behind you. This leaves the rest of your day with tasks you don’t mind as much or with the tasks you actually enjoy doing. So, go ahead and eat your frog every morning.

If you like this quote, you can download the printable I made here:Eat your frog first thing in the morning Mark twain quoteSpeaking of eating, you can add snacks and water to the space if you feel it will help your kids avoid leaving to raid the pantry. Plus, if kids grab snacks in the kitchen, they are more likely to set up their workspace there. Snacks already accessible lure them into the homework station and keep them there. Don’t forget to keep fresh water close by. All those salty snacks can make you thirsty.

homework station complete with drink dispenser and snacks

This space has been perfect for my sons to use for focused homework time. I don’t know why I didn’t change the dining room (which rarely gets used) into a more usable space sooner. But, now that we have signed them both up for the online virtual academy, I’ll be creating a second space for my other son. Having a high schooler and a middle schooler means they each need to be able to focus on their work.

dining room reused as homework station also good for home schooling

I’ll be sharing an update on how we are turning the guest room into another school/study zone.

Now, speaking of my sons, here comes my oldest now.

motion blur of boy coming home from school

He loves having a spot to spread out and get his homework done. He has asked me to cut a piece of plexiglass or masonite to top this rustic farmhouse table, because it’s a little too rustic to be a smooth writing surface.

boy doing homework at table with school supplies in foreground

What about dinner guests, you ask? If at some point we have family or close friends over, I can move the supplies onto the hutch and set the table for dinner. Or we could serve Chinese and let our guests use pencils instead of chopsticks. LOL.

Do you have a homework/school work space set up in your home? Where is it? Did I forget to include anything in this functional space?

If you liked the dining room makeover, you might like to see it decorated for the holidays:

Colorful Fall Dining Room:

Pretty Handy Girl Fall Tablescape 2016

 

Christmas Tablescape:

Holiday Home Tour 2016 | Pretty Handy Girl