4×4 post Jack-o-Lanterns & Ghosts {Halloween Décor}

Just in time for spooky season, there’s no need to let scrap 2×4 posts go to waste, especially when they can be transformed into charming Halloween decor! In the spirit of repurposing with a creative twist, these easy-to-make wooden Jack-o-Lanterns and Ghosts use simple materials and techniques to deliver a big impact on your porch or in your yard.

Is it too early to show Halloween Decorations? I want to share some easy Halloween projects with you so that you will have time to make them for Halloween this year.
I’m always picking up 4×4 posts in the cull bin at Home Depot. Some are chemically treated, others are heat-treated, which doesn’t use any chemicals. You can tell the difference by the color and the weight. Chemically treated 4x4s will be much heavier. Use caution when working with chemically treated lumber.

Easy Way to Paint 4×4 Sections

For this easy paint technique, you will need a cardboard box, a garbage bag, and some leftover wall paint.

Because I wanted a white washed look without painting, I decided to make a trough to “dip” my jack-o-lanterns. I found a box and lined it with a plastic garbage bag. If you prefer to use a paintbrush, dilute your white paint to achieve a more translucent finish on the wood.

Because I was painting so many scrap wood pieces, I watered down some Dutch Boy Refresh (Sweetened White). I poured the paint into the homemade trough.

Dip Scrap 4x4s Into Diluted Paint

Then, I laid my 4×4 post in the paint and flipped it until each side was coated.

Don’t forget to coat the ends of the pieces with paint.

One down, many more to go.

White Paint for Ghosts, Orange Paint for Jack-o-Lanterns

I then added some orange paint to make the jack-0-lanterns. However, I wasn’t pleased with the shade of orange; it looked too peachy. So I grabbed some of my orange spray paint and painted the peach ones.

Add Scrap Vinyl Features

Black vinyl pieces are a quick and easy way to embellish your new Halloween Decor.

Here are my ghost families.

A close-up. I like the white-washed look of the white paint. Don’t you think it looks a little more ghostly?

If you don’t have a CAMEO, you could easily paint these jack-o-lantern features on. If you aren’t very crafty, consider these sticker faces on Amazon. They are so cute and easy.

I think these 4×4 posts turned Jack-o-Lanterns and Ghosts are the perfect addition to your porch this fall!

With just a few 4×4 scraps, some creative painting, and leftover vinyl cutouts, you have a delightful set of Jack-o-Lanterns and Ghosts ready to haunt or welcome your guests. Whether you go the DIY vinyl route, freehand the faces, or buy stickers on Amazon, the charming rustic finish captures both the whimsy and simplicity of the season. Crafted with love, these wooden Halloween figures are perfect for brightening up your fall front porch or greeting trick-or-treaters with character. Let me know if you give them a try, there’s plenty of time left to get spooky before October night falls!

gail

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DIY Halloween Decor