Thrift store artwork is getting a spooky new look just in time for Halloween! Donna with Do Dodson Designs is joining us to share a fun way to turn an ordinary secondhand print into charming Halloween décor.
With a little Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint and plenty of creativity, Donna adds wispy ghosts, a moody sky, and a few spooky details to her thrifted find. The best part? You don’t need to be an artist to give this trending Halloween project a try. Follow along with Donna and see how easy it is to create your own ghost painting!
(The following is an excerpt from Do Dodson Designs. Read the full article here.)
Easy Halloween Thrifted Ghost Painting
Last year, I jumped on the ghost painting trend using old thrift store paintings, and boy, did it get a lot of attention on Pinterest and TikTok.
So, this year, I’ve been again on the hunt for the perfect canvas or print with a landscape on which to paint my cute ghost creations.
I came across what I think will be the perfect addition to my Halloween decor. Oh my goodness! It’s scenery with horses in the background—farmhouse Halloween! LOL, it couldn’t be more perfect.
Supplies Needed For The Project:
- thrifted scenery print or canvas
- Cotton (white) Chalk Mineral Paint or acrylic paint
- Caviar (black) Chalk Mineral Paint
- paper towels
- paper plate
- disposable bowl
- artist paintbrushes
STEP 1: Preparing The Canvas For Painting
To get started, remove the old artwork from the frame, carefully removing the picture framing glass. Some of the older pieces tend to get stuck to the glass over time. Inspect the artwork for damage that you might need to touch up.
Fortunately for me, mine is plexiglass.
This painting method works with most prints and canvas paintings.
STEP 2: Consider Painting The Background
Because I wanted a darker background for my ghost painting, I created a wash with chalk mineral paint and water.
It’s super simple! Add a few drops of water-based paint to a disposable bowl and add enough water until you get colored water. Use an artist’s brush to wash over the background (or the entire painting) until you get your desired look.
I used a mixture of caviar (black) and cotton (white) to make a dark gray for the sky. Don’t be afraid to use swirling movements with your brush to create a cloudy look. Apply a send coat if the first wash layer isn’t dark enough after it dries. Dig deep for your inner artist and have fun. That’s the most important part of creativity.
STEP 3: Creating The Ghost Figure
This technique is very elementary. There are no faces or details, just a transparent outline of a ghost.
First, outline the ghost using watered-down white paint. Use your imagination. No two ghost characters are alike; I’m sure of that.
Once you have the outline, use white and black to create gray paint, blending the two colors as you paint. This helps to give your ghost shading in areas that resemble transparency and depth.
If you have trees in your thrifted art, paint one peeping out from behind it for added interest.
STEP 4: Adding Details To Your Ghost Painting
After stepping back for inspection, I decided that my little ghosties weren’t enough, so I opted to add a few bats flying around.
Using a fine-tipped artist’s brush and black paint, I carefully added the bats. What’s a night sky without bats?
What would you add to your ghost painting? Perhaps a full moon?
The Results Of My DIY Easy Ghost Painting
Who knew an old thrift store print could become such a fun piece of Halloween décor? This easy ghost painting is the perfect excuse to go thrifting, get creative, and give forgotten artwork a spooky second life.
Keep an eye out for a landscape or vintage print on your next thrift store trip, then grab your Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint and make it your own. Whether you add one friendly ghost or create an entire haunted scene, there’s no wrong way to have fun with this project!
A big thank you to Donna with Do Dodson Designs for sharing this ghostly DIY with us. For another fun and easy Fall decor idea by Do Dodson Designs, check out our blog, How to Make Adorable Fall Decor with a Wood Cutout Kit.
