Halloween decorations are extra fun when you can make them yourself, especially with only a few simple supplies—like this eerie head in a jar project.
Join 500+ cozy folks for weekly recipes, crafts & good vibes – from my home to yours.
Sign up and receive the Cozy Weekend Starter Pack—a free PDF with three recipes, three crafts, and cozy weekend inspiration.
I discovered this simple Halloween prop a few years ago. The original instructions I found were more complicated—requiring a special photo, printing, and sealing—so I simplified the method to make it quicker and easier.
This little scare has delighted trick-or-treaters and their parents for years. I place the head in a jar by the front walk so it inevitably catches every passerby’s eye.
🎭 Materials
- 5-gallon drink dispenser or similarly large jar
- Rubber Halloween mask with strap
- Styrofoam ball
- Green food coloring
- Small closet push light
🫙 Instructions
First, check that the styrofoam ball will pass comfortably through the jar opening. If it’s too tight, trim a bit of the ball—forcing it can make removal difficult later.
Secure the rubber mask to the styrofoam ball using the mask strap. If the strap is loose, tie a small knot to hold the mask snugly in place.
⭐ Tip #1: If you prefer the head to rest on the bottom instead of floating, attach a few fishing sinkers to the underside of the ball to weigh it down.
Place the masked ball inside the jar, add about six drops of green food coloring, then fill the jar with water and secure the lid.
⭐ Tip #2: If the head floats, the lid might pop off from the motion. Secure the lid with clear packaging tape to keep everything sealed.
Turn the jar so its spigot faces the back and place your Head in a Jar in a visible spot near your front walkway for maximum effect.
For nighttime atmosphere, set a small closet push light beneath the jar to illuminate the head and enhance the spooky look.
Happy Halloween!
We’d love to see how your Head in a Jar turned out—share your version if you can!
If you enjoy Halloween projects, explore more crafts and recipes from our collection:
Recipes
- Homemade Black Squid Ink Pasta
- Spooky Face Meat Pie
- Boo-tifully Delicious Triple Chocolate Cupcakes
Crafts
- DIY Image Transfer Candles
- Halloween Paint Splatter Pumpkins
- Crochet Trick-or-Treat Bag
- Easy DIY Tombstones
- Paper Mache Face
- Adorable Crochet Pumpkin
- Big Guy Spooky Decoration
Nature
- Owling, Howling, and What Does the Fox Say?