Halloween Ghost Lantern (Bucket)

This Halloween Ghost Lantern is a simple, durable, and festive outdoor decoration that can be crafted in under an hour with kids helping.  It's designed to withstand   October weather, including rain and wind, using weather-resistant materials. The lantern creates a spooky glowing ghost effect, perfect for a front porch or yard.

Materials Needed

• 1 large white plastic bucket (5-gallon, available at hardware stores, ~$5)
• 1 battery-operated LED puck light (weatherproof, ~$5–$10)
• Black waterproof vinyl or permanent marker (for ghost face, ~$3–$5)
• Clear waterproof sealant spray (e.g., Rust-Oleum, ~$6)
• Scissors or craft knife (for cutting vinyl, if needed)
• Heavy-duty adhesive tape (e.g., Gorilla Tape, ~$5)
• Small rocks or sand (for weight, sourced from yard or ~$3 for a bag)
• Optional: White spray paint (if bucket isn't white, ~$5)
• Total cost: ~$24–$34 (many items may already be at home)

Tools Needed

• Marker or pencil (for tracing)
• Cleaning cloth and rubbing alcohol
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Drill with 1/4-inch bit (optional, for drainage)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bucket (15 minutes)

1. Clean the bucket: Wipe the exterior with rubbing alcohol to remove dirt or oils for better adhesion.
2. Optional painting: If the bucket isn't white, spray paint it with white spray paint in a well-ventilated area. Apply 2 light coats, drying 10 minutes between coats. Let dry for 30 minutes.
3. Add weight: Place 2–3 pounds of rocks or sand in the bottom of the bucket to keep it stable in windy Ohio conditions.

Step 2: Create the Ghost Face (30 minutes)

1. Design the face: Using a marker, sketch a simple ghost face (two oval eyes and an oval mouth) on the side of the bucket. Keep features large (eyes ~4 inches tall, mouth ~3 inches wide) for visibility.
2. Apply the face:
   • Vinyl option: Cut out the eyes and mouth shapes from black waterproof vinyl using scissors or a craft knife. Peel and stick the shapes onto the bucket.
   • Marker option: Fill in the sketched shapes with a black permanent marker, ensuring bold, even coverage.
3. Seal the face: Spray the bucket's exterior with clear waterproof sealant to protect the design from rain. Apply 2 light coats, drying 10 minutes between coats. Let dry for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Install the Light (10 minutes)

1. Position the light: Place the battery-operated LED puck light inside the bucket, on top of the rocks or sand, facing upward to illuminate the ghost face.
2. Secure the light: Use heavy-duty adhesive tape to fix the light to the bucket's interior bottom to prevent movement.
3. Test the light: Turn on the LED light to ensure it glows through the bucket, creating a spooky effect. Adjust placement if needed.

Step 4: Final Setup (15 minutes)

1. Optional drainage: If placing the lantern in an area prone to heavy rain, drill 2–3 small holes (1/4-inch) in the bucket's bottom to prevent water pooling.
2. Place the lantern: Set the bucket upside down in your desired outdoor location (e.g., porch, front yard). Ensure it's on a flat surface to avoid tipping.
3. Secure the bucket: If high winds are expected, place additional rocks around the base or tape it to a heavy object like a cinder block.

Durability Features

• Weather-resistant materials: The plastic bucket and waterproof vinyl/marker withstand Ohio's October rain and temperature swings (30–60°F).
• Weighted base: Rocks or sand ensure stability in winds up to 20 mph.
• Sealed design: The sealant protects the ghost face from fading or running.
• Battery-operated light: LED puck lights are safe for outdoor use and last 50+ hours on one set of batteries, covering the month.

Maintenance Tips

• Check the light weekly to ensure batteries are functional.
• Wipe the bucket if dirt accumulates to maintain the glow effect.
• Store indoors during severe storms (e.g., winds over 20 mph) to extend lifespan.

Total Time

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Face creation: 30 minutes
• Light installation: 10 minutes
• Setup: 15 minutes
• Total: ~70 minutes (plus ~30 minutes for drying)