Creating Halloween decorations, masks and Jack o' lanterns doesn't have to be expensive. There are many websites offering free Halloween stencils, including pumpkin carving patterns and Halloween masks.
Free Halloween Stencils at Activity Village
The Activity Village website is an excellent source for basic printable Halloween templates. The free templates available include a bat, ghost, cat and haunted house.
Once printed the shape of the Halloween template can then be cut out. Once this has been done it can be placed onto black paper or card. Cutting around the templates produces a spooky selection of Halloween silhouettes which can be used as Halloween party decorations.
Free Pumpkin Carving Stencils from History.com
At History.com there is an eclectic range of pumpkin carving patterns available to print out. The pumpkin carving stencils are divided into beginner and advanced skill levels.
The beginner's range comprises fun and easy pumpkin carving patterns including a surprised face and a graveyard design. The advanced range provides more challenging and unsual pumpkin carving stencils. The subjects include George Washington, Mount Rushmore and the Statue of Liberty.
Before printing the pumpkin carving stencil the size of the design can be adjusted, to suit different pumpkins. After cutting around the pumpkin carving pattern it should be placed against the pumpkin to be carved. Using a sharp implement such as a knife or pin small indentations should be made in the pumpkin, tracing the outline of the stencil. The pumpkin carving stencil can then be removed and, using the outline created by the knife or pin, carving of the Jack o' lantern can begin.
Printable Halloween Masks at Free UK Stuff
There is a wide range of colourful free Halloween masks to be found on the Free UK Stuff website, suitable for both children and adults. The free Halloween masks which can be chosen from include Dracula and Frankenstein designs.
Once selected the Halloween mask can be printed and then cut out. All of the masks are already coloured, so after a piece of string has been added to hold the mask in place it is ready for use.
By using free Halloween stencils, mask templates and pumpkin carving patterns it is possible to prepare for Halloween on a limited budget. All that is required are the materials and a little labour. Extra care should be taken when cutting or carving. If children are involved in carving Jack o' lanterns or cutting out templates they should be supervised at all times.
Kevin Guthrie - Kevin is based in Fife, Scotland, where he works as a music teacher, professional drummer and freelance writer. At an early age he ...
