Fall is my favorite season and while it means putting away the beautiful (and much loved) palms on my front porch, it also means pumpkins and decorating for Halloween-- and this year with COVID, I’m thinking a lot about the little ones who may not have a completely normal Halloween experience. And that’s why I want to talk to you from my front porch today about BOOing your neighbors.

Now I know, that sounds awful--BOOOOO! But it’s not that kind of BOO. This is a fun Halloween tradition of anonymously leaving a little gift on your neighbors step with a note encouraging them to surprise two other neighbors or friends.

The steps for this craft go like this
First, you’ll want to spray paint your canvases-- I like to do this on a drop cloth and make even coats of paint until the canvases are completely covered on the top and sides. When they dry, I may need to add a second coat of paint. It should go without saying, but use spray paint in a well ventilated area, outside preferred.

Back inside, using card stock, I cut out my patterns and trace those on colored paper-- one of my favorite cut out designs is the candy corn, but you can do pumpkins or anything you dream up. If you’re feeling, meh, creatively just look online for simple Halloween or fall designs, print, and trace.

To mount the cutouts to the canvas I use mod-podge. I like the gloss kind that dries transparent. Using a paint brush I paste on the cutout design and then carefully mod-podge over the entire canvas to secure and seal. Don’t forget to give the edges of your cutout a little extra attention to make sure it doesn’t peel up. And, you’re going to want to give this a day or so to dry.

Returning to the project, I’m attaching a ribbon using a staple gun and note the extra length at the top so that this can be a door hanging.

To wrap up the BOO just attach a note to the back using hot glue-- I’ll put a few designs on my blog you can use or go online, there are tons out there including poems.

Last, add the BOO display badge to a baggie along with treats and staple to the back of the canvas. The BOO badge should be displayed in the window near the door to let friends and neighbors know that this house has been BOO’d… it’s no fun if everyone BOOs the same family, right? Spread the cheer!

Alright, question time-- do I have to use a certain size canvas? Nope, whatever you like. These 10x10, I find work well, but you do you, boo (sorry, couldn't resist the pun).

Can I print out a design on my ink jet and mod-podge it? Maybe. I’ve personally not have good success with this as the ink tends to get wet with the glue and smear, but it’s always worth experimenting.

What about using a vinyl cutter? That’s a GREAT idea! I bet you could take this idea to the next level.

What if I get BOO’d twice? Well, you’ll just have more Halloween fun to share. Am I right?

I don’t have a lot of time, does a BOO have to be this elaborate? Nope, you can add the print outs and some candy to a zip top bag and leave them, put them in a fun Halloween themed cup, or add a store bought goodie-- you wouldn’t believe all the cool stuff I saw recently in a dollar bin at one of my favorite stores. It’s absolutely the thought that counts.

Here’s hoping this craft helps your friends feel a little more connected this Halloween. Now go be BOOtiful to others! Here are a couple of printout to help get you started.

A BOOtiful Halloween Project