1. Papier-Mâché Jack-o’-Lanterns with Spooky Grins
There is nothing quite like the bumpy, organic texture of traditional papier-mâché to evoke the spirit of Halloweens past. Before plastic buckets became the norm, mid-century children carried these lightweight, hand-painted lanterns door-to-door. To create your own, start with a simple balloon or a crumpled paper form wrapped in plastic. Layer newspaper strips dipped in a classic flour-and-water paste, or use liquid starch for a sturdier finish. Once dry, pop the balloon and carve out triangular eyes and a jagged, toothy grin. Paint the exterior with a dusty pumpkin orange, and use black acrylic for the interior to create a sense of deep, hollow shadows. A light coat of matte varnish mixed with a touch of brown paint will give it that coveted, century-old soot-stained patina.