Easy Skeleton Crafts

Skeletons promote Halloween spirit.skeleton image by JASON WINTER from Fotolia.com

When thinking about Halloween decorations, it is likely that one of the first things that comes to your mind is a skeleton. Life-size hanging skeletons make distinctive decorations for Halloween parties for children and adults. Skeletons also a staple costume for children. Get into the Halloween spirit by making a craft project focusing on skeletons.

Flayed Skeleton Head

Creating creepy Halloween treats is a craft that will make your guests squirm. Use a foam skull to make a flayed head. Cover the foam head with plastic wrap and secure it with toothpicks if need be. Cover the plastic wrap with barbecue sauce and place thinly sliced deli meat over it to form "skin." Secure the sliced meat with toothpicks. Use white cheese for the eyeballs and a stuffed olive for the eyes. Be warned, however, that the finished product looks shockingly realistic and may scare young children. Place the skeleton head on a tray with crackers. Encourage guests to peel off the meat and eat it with the crackers.

Use pieces of dried pasta to help children learn the names of all of the bones. Use a wagon wheel for the skull and petite penne for the collarbone. The arms and legs can be made out of fusilli. Tiny shells make good wrists and kneecaps, while pieces of spaghetti makes good toes and finger bones. Use elbow macaroni for ribs and hipbones. Do this craft around Halloween and use as a decoration by gluing the pasta to black cardstock and hanging in on the wall. Periodically ask the children to name some of the bones or to tell you which bone is which on their skeleton diagram.

Creating a dancing skeleton marionette using polymer clay, which is easy to use. Some types dry overnight. Sculpt a skull and torso, as well as bones for arms, hands, legs and feet. Embed clear thread in the bones to attach them. Add ridges in the torso for ribs and indentations for hips. Add gaping teeth to the skull. Let the skeleton dry overnight. Paint the skeletons and use them as marionettes in a show.