As soon as the new school year begins, my kids and I start crafting our Halloween plan. Costume shopping is always an adventure and we like to pick items that are reflective of my kids’ personalities and interests. But beyond the costume, I’ve noticed an increased attention to the trick-or-treat bags. When they were little, I didn’t put a ton of effort into those bags since they were always more vested in what was inside. But as each of my kids get older, I’ve noticed their requests for unique trick-or-treat bags that they will feel proud of sporting with their Halloween Costumes.
Being the eco-minded mom that I am, I’m always looking for ways to upcycle items in our home. Despite the fact that I’m a nurse, I had no idea that pillows have a “shelf life” of about 12-18 months. After that time frame, it becomes contaminated by skin cells, mold, dust mites and other microorganisms and should be replaced. While pillow cases themselves can be laundered, at some point they become dingy. Instead of throwing them away, repurpose them into trick-or-treat bags!
DIY Trick-Or-Treat Bags
Supplies:
- Pillowcase
- Mattress Monster Template
- 1 1/2 yards of rope or Halloween-colored thick ribbon
- 2-3 pieces of black felt
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
Instructions:
- Download the template for your mattress monster of choice (ghost, mummy and jack-o-lantern) and print it out.
- Cut out each paper shape and place them on top of the black felt to trace and cut out your monster’s frightening face.
- Lay the pillowcase flat and use a hot glue gun to attach the felt features as shown in the template starting one foot below the top of the pillowcase. Note: Time permitting, you can also directly attach the black paper cutouts to your pillowcase with the glue gun.
- Use a pair of scissors and cut a 1⁄2 inch hole on either side of one of the pillows side hems about one inch below the top of the pillowcase.
- Run your piece of rope or ribbon through the pillowcase and then knot the ends together to make a handle.
- Use your imagination! Let your children give their mattress monster its own spooky style by decorating it however they’d like using glitter, beads, markers and more. Then dress up your children in their eerie ensembles and help them fill their bag with candy and goodies galore!
Mattress Monster Templates courtesy of Mattress Firm
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