I tripped over this adorable Snow White party here at marianasperb.com it is very cute. What I love most about this Disney party is it is not mainstream. There is no Cinderella in sight.
Independent craft blog since 2007
I tripped over this adorable Snow White party here at marianasperb.com it is very cute. What I love most about this Disney party is it is not mainstream. There is no Cinderella in sight.
Every year when Halloween rolls around, I find myself itching to create something new for the porch or entryway. Pumpkins are fun, but I also love projects that are thrifty and a little unexpected. These DIY milk jug skeleton faces tick all the boxes—they’re spooky, colorful, and upcycled from something you’d normally toss in the recycling bin.
Even better, they’re inspired by Mexican sugar skulls (Calaveras), which makes them perfect for those of us who like blending Halloween with a touch of Day of the Dead artistry. If you’ve ever admired the bold, painted skulls covered in flowers and bright designs, this is a playful and budget-friendly way to bring that style into your own decorations.
Start by giving your empty milk jugs a good wash to get rid of any milk residue (trust me, you don’t want lingering smells). Peel off labels and let them dry completely. Using scissors or a craft knife, cut away one flat side of the jug so you’re left with a rounded “mask” shape. The spout becomes the chin of your skeleton face—it’s a surprisingly good fit!
Punch two small holes at the top corners of each cut-out so you can hang them later.
With a black Sharpie or paint, outline the classic skeleton features:
This is your base—simple and spooky!
Now comes the fun part. Sugar skulls are all about color, flowers, and swirls. Here are some ideas to get you started:
If you’re working with kids, hand them markers instead of paints for easier cleanup.
Cut yarn or twine into long lengths for hanging. You can even thread beads onto the string for extra flair,. Tie the strings through the holes you punched and gather them together to hang on a door, wall, or tree branch.
They look especially festive grouped in threes or fives.
For an extra wow factor, tuck a battery-operated tea light inside each jug before hanging. The plastic glows at night, and the painted details shine like stained glass. It’s a budget-friendly way to add some ambiance to your Halloween porch without the mess of real candles.
This project has become one of my favorite DIY Halloween decorations because it checks so many boxes: thrifty, creative, and surprisingly pretty for something made out of old milk jugs. Whether you’re decorating for trick-or-treaters, a fall party, or just want to add some seasonal cheer, these milk jug skeleton faces bring a Day of the Dead flair to your home.
They’re also a great activity for family craft nights—each person can design their own skull and you’ll end up with a gallery of colorful, quirky faces to hang around the house.
So next time you finish a jug of milk, don’t toss it—save it for Halloween crafting!