Halloween is right around the corner, and what better way to get in the spooky spirit than with some DIY décor? This bat garland is not only fun and festive, but it’s also super easy to make. Plus, with the addition of colorful barrel wood beads, it adds a playful twist to the traditional Halloween color palette. Whether you’re looking for a simple project to do with the kids or a quick decoration to add to your home, this garland is the perfect solution.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Colored barrel wood beads (choose Halloween-inspired colors like black, orange, purple, and green)
- Macrame cord
- Scissors
- Paper bats (you can cut your own or purchase pre-cut bats)
- Hot glue gun (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Bats
Start by cutting out your paper bats. You can either print a bat template and trace it onto black construction paper, or freehand them for a more unique look. Aim for a mix of small and medium-sized bats to give your garland some dimension.
2. Cut the Macrame Cord
Measure and cut your macrame cord to the desired length for your garland. A length of 4-6 feet usually works well for most spaces like mantles or doorways. Be sure to cut extra length for adding tassels later.
2. Make a Tassel
Before you start stringing your beads, let’s create tassels for the ends:
- Cut a 6-inch piece of macrame cord and set it aside.
- Take a longer piece of cord (about 20-30 inches) and wrap it around your hand or a small piece of cardboard several times.
- Carefully slide the loops off and tie the top with the 6-inch piece you set aside earlier.
- Cut the loops at the bottom to form a tassel, and trim to your desired length.
4. String the Wood Beads
Begin threading your colored barrel wood beads onto the macrame cord, starting at the base of your tassel tassel. Alternate bead colors to create a fun and festive look and string your bats onto the macrame cord in between your bead patterns.
5. Make Another Tassel
- Cut another 6-inch piece of macrame cord and set it aside.
- Take a longer piece of cord (about 20-30 inches) and wrap it around your hand or a small piece of cardboard several times.
- Carefully slide the loops off and tie the top with the 6-inch piece you set aside earlier.
- Cut the loops at the bottom to form a tassel, and trim to your desired length.
- Tie it to the end of your garland.
6. Secure with Hot Glue
This step is optional, but if you'd like to add stability to your bats dab hot glue onto the backside and glue down your macrame cord. You can also add a dab of glue to each end bead at the base of the tassel to keep everything in place.
Your spooky bat garland is ready to hang! Drape it across your mantel, along a staircase, or over a doorway for a fun Halloween touch. The added tassels at the ends give your garland a finished, festive look that adds just the right amount of flair.
Customization Tips:
• Glow-in-the-dark bats: For extra creepiness, paint your paper bats with glow-in-the-dark paint.
• Try different shapes: Not a fan of bats? Use other Halloween shapes like ghosts, pumpkins, or spiders.
With just a few simple materials, you can create this fun and festive bat garland in no time. The tassels and colorful beads add an extra special touch, making this decoration the perfect addition to your Halloween décor lineup!
Need Crafting Supplies?
Shop our collection of vibrant wood beads, sturdy macrame cords, and everything else you need for this spooky project.
