Halloween is just around the bend, but there’s no time like the present to start decorating! With this time of year, it’s usually the creepier, the better! When it comes to creepy and scary, there’s no better way to go than the classic tropes, and the most classic of all is the skull!

There's nothing as spooky or classically frightening about the skull. It's a go-to party prop and an easy theme for all Halloween related parties and activities.

That’s why Wholesale Party Supplies is bringing you the chance to go classic and scary – in 3D! This skull wall art picture frame is sure to spook up any wall you hang it on this Halloween! Get your creepy going on!

Step 1: Materials

Death Mask (Skull Mask)
Old Picture Frame without glass (16×20 opening or larger)
2 pieces of white foam core 20” x 30”
2 pieces of black fuzzy pipe cleaners
Cheese cloth
Large serrated knife
Fabric Scissors
Craft Knife
Foam Head (Available online and at most craft stores)
Spray adhesive
Krylon Crackle Spray Paint (For the frame-optional)
Spray Paint (black, and gold)
Black Duct Tape
Hot Glue Gun
2 Masking tape Hands (opposite hands) see instructions to create them here

Step 2: Setting the Skull

Use the serrated knife to cut the foam head in half, as shown. Discard the back half of the head.

Place the front half of the foam head inside the death mask.

Step 3: Cutting the Foam Core

Cut both foam core pieces to fit into the frame opening.

Positioning one piece of foam core horizontally, place the death mask in the middle of the foam core. The chin of the mask should be about 3-4” from the bottom of the foam core. Using a pencil trace the outline of the mask.

Cut out the shape of the mask, as shown. The opening should still be about 3-4” from the bottom of the foam core.

Step 4: Attaching the Cheese Cloth

Wrap all the sides with the black duct tape to hold the pieces of foam core together. Sandwiching the 2 pieces of foam core together adds extra durability and will help give the illusion that the skull is actually coming out of the frame.

Spray the foam core with the spray adhesive, and gently place some of the cheese cloth on the adhesive.

Continue covering the foam core with the cheese cloth. The cheese cloth should be applied loosely to create a textured background.

Step 5: Paint the Cheese Cloth

Using the black spray paint, lightly spray the background around the skull. Optional- You can add very light sprays of the gold paint to give some dimension to the background. If you are unhappy with the results, just spray over it again with the black.

Step 6: The Eyes

To make the eyes darker, so that you don’t see the foam head, wrap a black pipe cleaner in a flat spiral.

Take one end of the pipe cleaner spiral and poke it into the foam in one eye. This will hold the spiral in place. Adjust the pipe cleaner, so that it covers all the white.

Repeat with the 2nd pipe cleaner. The eyes will have a really creepy dark look to them.

Step 7: Painting the Frame

Spray paint the frame. I used the Krylon Crackle DIY spray paint. The end result was a cream colored crackle finish, which I think gives a really old look. You can paint your frame whatever color you like. I prefer the lighter frame against the dark ghoulish background we’re creating.

Step 8: The Hands

Spray one of the masking tape hands with the spray adhesive.

Cover the hand with small pieces of cheese cloth. This will mimic the texture of the background.

Apply the cheese cloth to the other hand, and spray both hands with the black spray paint (gold too if using.)

Cut the bottom of each hand in about 3 places to create flaps, about 2” deep. Fold the flaps in and hot glue together, to create a flat bottom for each hand.

Hot glue the hands to the background, so that they are reaching outward. Because the hands were made out of masking tape they should be light enough to stay inverted using the hot glue.

Step 9: Attach the Frame

Put the background in the frame. Use the black duct tape to tape the background to the back of the frame.

Gently crinkle the fingers on the hands to make them appear more bony.

Finish up the whole piece, by adding extra pieces of black spray painted cheese cloth. Place some pieces around the head, to create a shroud feel, and around the hands to hide where they are attached to the frame.