This is an easy project to spruce up a table or counter for Halloween.

Step 1: Supplies

For this decoration, I found most of my supplies at Target and Walmart.

The skull was a $5 decoration from Target's Halloween section.

You will also need:

- Acrylic Paints

- Paintbrushes

- Water and Paper towels

- Fake flowers

- Hot Glue

- Decorative Crow

Optional:

- Spooky Fabric

- String of lights

Step 2: Prep

My skull started out an off-white color. I think the manufacturers were trying to make it look worn and spooky, but I didn't like it for this project. To correct this, I just painted on some titanium white acrylic paint diluted with a bit of water. Try to avoid the really dark parts, like the eye sockets, or you will just have to repaint them later. I went for just a bit of lightening overall rather than a solid white skull.

Step 3: Painting the Skull

Next, I looked up pictures of sugar skulls for inspiration. Using what I found, I borrowed design elements here and there to make my finished piece.

Tips for this part:

Start small and add little bits at a time. Try not to get overwhelmed by the whole picture. You can see in my pictures that I added one small thing at a time. Add some big elements, and then fill in the wholes.

Step 4: Adding Flowers

I bought a couple stems of fake roses for my skull, but you can use whatever type of flower you think suits your skull. I pulled all the leaves and flowers off of the stem and used hot glue to attach them.

Step 5: Arranging Flowers

Continue gluing flowers where they look best. I also glued on a few leaves to fill more space.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Arrange your skull how you like. I found some "Freaky Fabric" at Walmart for the base. I also added in the little crow which partially helps to hold up the large red rose (it's a little heavy for the glue). Finally, I wrapped a small string of LED lights around the whole thing.