See how to build a Halloween decoration that resembles a bonfire or fire pit that glows and contains bones. The process is easy and costs under DKK 500 to make.
Materials List (approximate budget ~ DKK 500)
Container for the fire-pit — half plastic whiskey barrel (from Jem & Fix)
PU foam (from Biltema)
A bag of Halloween bones (Harald Nyborg)
A piece of cardboard from a cardboard box
LED work lamp
Plug cord for the work lamp
Spray paints: black + red + optionally yellow
Wooden block + a couple of screws
Tools
Cupboard (or work table)
Screwdriver
Cable cutters / wire cutters
Spray mist bottle with water
Hobby knife
Instructions / Procedure
Mount the lamp Start by mounting the LED work lamp onto the wooden block, and then attach the plug cord to the lamp. Drill a hole in the side of your container and feed the plug cord through it. Then screw the wooden block (with the lamp) to the bottom of the container so that the lamp shines upward.
Prepare the cardboard and foam base Cut the piece of cardboard to a disk shape so it fits inside the barrel and sits above the lamp. Mist the cardboard lightly with water so that the PU foam will not adhere too strongly—but also not so much that it becomes soggy.
Apply PU foam and embed bones Spray PU foam onto the cardboard disk, then mist water over the foam to accelerate the curing process. While the foam is still tacky, place the plastic bones into it and press them in slightly so they stick—but still protrude from the foam. Allow the foam to cure fully. Safety note: follow the safety instructions for the PU foam — use gloves and eye protection, and do the work outdoors.
Decorate your bonfire structure Once the foam is fully cured, gently cut it free from the container sides so it’s easier to lift out. Also remove the cardboard disk if it doesn’t release on its own. Now spray red paint all around the foam so it is covered, and then selectively spray black paint in strategic areas. If you do this at night and have the lamp switched on, you’ll see how the effect becomes more like glowing embers. (Spray varnish is unhealthy to inhale — do this outdoors.)
Tips & Tricks
If your foam layer is too thick and light can’t pass through, simply shave off foam from the backside with a hobby knife. Cured foam is easy to work with.
Don’t overdo the black paint—check along the way to ensure light still penetrates.
If you have cut away too much foam and your bonfire “flames” fall too low into the barrel, attach a few small wooden blocks inside to support and hold the PU foam layer up.
