How to Make Easy, Painted DIY Halloween Coasters

I needed an easy Halloween craft—one that I would want to keep for multiple years. It also had to be something anyone from ages 7 to 45 could do. Pinterest and Google didn’t offer anything quite right, so I came up with these DIY Halloween Coasters.

Not only are they fun to make, but they are also versatile. Want a more sophisticated look? Create four different black-and-white spiderweb coasters. Prefer traditional decor? Make four jack-o-lantern coasters instead!

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Materials

• 4 wooden coasters
• Acrylic craft paint
• Paint brushes
• Multi-purpose sealant

I bought several packs of 4 coasters from JoAnns, because I was planning on a set of four coasters for three families. Ordering a bulk pack of coasters from Amazon may have been easier.

I used the acrylic craft paint and brushes I had around the house. If you are doing the same and only have primary colors (red, yellow, & blue) you can make orange and green by mixing the paint. If you are looking to get more or new paints you can do a multi colored pack (this option is the easiest if you’re ordering online) or you can buy paint in individual colors: orange, green, white, and black. I typically paint with a matte finish. The final finish for these DIY Halloween Coasters will be determined by the finish of the sealer you have.

Step 1: Paint the base color for each coaster.

Paint the front, back, and sides of each coaster. Each coaster should have a solid base color. The recommended colors are orange, green, white, and black.

Let the paint dry.

Tips:

• Allow enough drying time. The base colors may take a while. You’ll need to do the front and sides, let them dry, and then paint the back.
• Multiple coats may be needed. For example, the green paint was more translucent than expected, and it required several coats for a solid finish. The basic craft paint I used, dried quickly. It took about 20 minutes between coats.

Step 2: Paint the Halloween designs on each coaster.

Pumpkin

• Use the orange coaster.
• Paint your favorite jack-o-lantern face using black paint. I chose triangle eyes, a triangle nose, and a smile with a tooth on both the top and bottom.

Spider Web

1. Use the black coaster.
2. Paint two intersecting lines in a cross anywhere on the coaster. The intersection will be the center of the web.
3. Add another set of intersecting lines, crossing the first set.
4. Starting near the center, paint a small “u” shape between two of the lines. The bottom of the “u” should point toward the web’s center.
5. Continue making “u” shapes all around, creating a circular web pattern. There will be eight “u” lines.
6. Repeat this process to create more layers of the web. I made three layers, but you can add more if desired.

Mummy

Use the white coaster.

1. Use the white coaster
2. Paint an angled line across the coaster for the eye line. This should be off-center.
3. Add a shorter line going in the opposite direction, starting at the midpoint of the first line and extending to the coaster’s edge.
4. Paint a straight line across the bottom of the coaster.
5. Paint two half-circles for eyes, emerging from the first two lines.
6. Add a short line for the mouth.
7. Paint additional mummy wraps as desired, such as one across the forehead and another near the mouth.
8. Choose an eye color (I used green to match the Frankenstein coaster) and paint in the eyes.
9. Once the eyes are dry, paint the black pupils.

Frankenstein

Use the green coaster. To make the face:

1. Paint black zigzag lines across the top of the coaster for the hairline.
2. Paint in the hair, including the sides where it meets the edges of the coaster.
3. While using black paint, add the mouth and a scar.
4. Paint two white circles for the eyes and let them dry. The eyes are about the size of dimes.
5. Once dry, paint black pupils in the center of each eye.

Step 3: Seal the coaster.

Once the designs are dry, apply a wood sealer to coat the coasters. Paint the top and sides, allow them to dry, then seal the bottom.

Step 4: Enjoy your new coasters!

In just a few steps, you’ll have a fun and functional set of DIY Halloween coasters. These coasters are perfect for Halloween parties, spooky decorations, or as unique gifts for friends. Whether you go with a classic pumpkin design or try a mummy or spiderweb, this craft is sure to add a bit of homemade charm to your seasonal decor.