Sack-O’-Lanterns

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Issue 45

The Escapes Issue

Cook perfect pancakes
Build a modern rustic bench
Sew new life into a vintage dress

Sack-O’-Lanterns

Paper-bag botives for fright night
by Adrian Van Allen

Photos by Michael Bennett

Martha is, like, really into Halloween. On one October Living cover, she went so far as to pose as a witch in full makeup and pointy hat. We can’t top that, but we figured there must be something in our scary household-supply cabinet to freak out our friends. Martha showed us how to make elaborate lanterns that say “Boo!” out of paper bags. But we lean toward the true fiendish spirit of All Hallows’ Eve. Abandon the equivocal and insipid “Trick or Treat” and tell the awful truth: “Sugar is Evil!” Forgo that plebeian jack-o’-lantern face for a far creepier cutout of Frank from Donnie Darko. No matter what spooks you choose, here’s the quick ‘n dirty on how to make your own version of Martha’s glowing sack, so you can get on to more pressing matters, such as making that aluminum-foil-and-duct-tape monster suit.

Make sure the print or graphic element fits within the bag’s border.
Place the cardboard inside the bag so you don’t cut straight through the back.
Attach the printout or drawing to the front of the bag with a paper clip and cut out the stencil.
Cut a piece of light-colored paper to a size that will cover your cutout and still fit inside the bag.
Run the glue stick along the paper’s edges and adhere to the inside of the bag behind the cutout.
Pour an inch of sand into the bag to help it stand upright in the wind.
Wedge the votive candle into the sand, fire it up, and place your lantern on the stoop.
Make costume. Await visitors.