It’s been quite some time since I’ve posted, so I chose a pretty simple project to get back in the saddle. Making a pile of burning embers for your witch’s cauldron or to hang a body over is very simple, cheap, and very few supplies are needed for this project.
Supplies
- cardboard
- dry plastic water or clean soda bottles
- box cutters
- scissors
- spray foam
- orange or red string lights
- duct tape
- red spray paint
- black spray paint
- Optional: ashes, sticks, twigs, bones
Shape the Ember Area
First, cut a piece of cardboard into the desired shape for your embers. Rather than using cardboard, I have seen people use a plastic floor liner. I used cardboard instead since it was on hand and cost me zero dollars. Regardless, they’ve still held up well. I’ve done both rectangular shapes (for my fireplace) and circular to put under my witch’s cauldron. You can draw it out on the cardboard first or freehand it with a box cutter. As can be seen, it does not have to be perfect.
Place the Lights
Next, place string lights on the cardboard. I used 100 count for this project because this was a semi-large piece of cardboard. For a smaller ember project, you can use 25 or 50 count. I purchased my lights on Amazon but they’re also available at Walmart, Home Depot, and other locations. Either orange or red lights will work. I’ve used both colors and I prefer the orange myself.
Lay the string of lights over the cardboard, spreading the lights out. They should be placed randomly rather than in any type of pattern. Leave the end you plug in free, giving it as much length as possible. You will then use duct tape to tape down the string and keep the lights where you want them.
Placing the Bottles
Once the lights are laid out, you’re ready to cover them with used plastic water bottles or rinsed-out soda bottles. Make sure they are dried out. You can use different bottle sizes and shapes, but bear in mind you don’t want them to be too large. Remove the lids, then cut the top 1/3 or so of the bottle off. Place the top portion over the lights. This will give the embers texture and prevent you from covering the light all the way up during the next step. It’s okay to have some lights outside the bottles, but it’s important to realize you do want most of them covered. Tape each one down using 2 or 3 pieces of duct tape.
Extra Touches
Afterward, you can add some sticks or bones on top of the bottles to add an additional creepy effect to your faux embers. On the other hand it’s not required for cool looking embers!
Spray Foam
Now for my favorite part of the project…make sure you are outside for this or have something under the cardboard to protect the table or floor. Using your spray foam insulation, spray all over the bottles. Make sure the bottles are covered, leaving most of the openings free from spray. Add more foam to some areas than others to give it more dimension. At the same time, don’t overdo it or you won’t be able to see the “embers” light up. While adding the foam, you can even throw on some more sticks, leaves, etc. to make it look more realistic.
Paint your Embers
Next, spray red paint over the foam. Once dried, use black spray paint over the whole thing, leaving some red areas. It does not have to be perfect. That’s one of the best things about making Halloween props. The less perfect they are, the better!
Final Touches
At this point, you can sprinkle ashes over the whole thing if you’re okay with things being a bit messy. At night you can’t tell much of a difference but at the same time, it does make it look more authentic during the day.
Final Result
I have done several burning ember projects and have displayed them in my fireplace, placed them in the middle of my ghost circle, under a hanging corpse, and most notably under my witch’s cauldron.
Leave a comment below if you’ve tried this out yourself. I would love to hear how it went and what you did differently! Be sure to check out my other tutorials on my Haunt Blog page.