Eerie Witches' Cauldron Creation
It's no secret that I LOVE Halloween! I go all out every year but I didn't start out that way. I've been purchasing Halloween decor over the last 7 years to create my collection! So take a breath and do something small every year. Before you know it, you'll have an amazing display.
My newest addition? A bubbling witches' cauldron! This is something I've wanted to do for YEARS! After “rescuing” birch logs from a stack of firewood at a friend's cabin I knew the time had come. Faux fire is the best, I mean, seriously!? How could you actually burn these? They are so beautiful! I sourced flickering flame lights and it's exactly what I envisioned!
If you want to start your Halloween decor this year or simply add to your collection, a witches' cauldron makes a HUGE statement. Bonus!? It is quite simple to create once you collect the supplies.
- Level of difficulty: EASY
- Time commitment: 20 minutes – once you've gathered your supplies {I told you it was easy!}
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Witches' Cauldron Supplies:
- (1) Medium sized 16″ plastic cauldron: Oriental Trading (set of 3)
- (6) 12-18″ long small diameter logs: Amazon
- If you live in an area with birch trees you can often find downed branches or contact a tree trimming service to collect logs locally.
- (1) String Flicker flame lights: Amazon
- (2-3) sheets both Red & yellow tissue paper: Amazon
- (1-2) Sheets packing paper or newspaper
- (1) Bag of bones: Oriental Trading {remaining bones can be used for a skeleton wreath}
- (1) Skeleton dog: Costco (in season)
- (1) Witch broom: Michaels
Step 1: Place logs
I created a triangle to fit the width of our fireplace hearth and stacked a second layer on top. My natural logs are rough and curvy. If you purchase logs they will most likely be straighter and easier to work with, although they may roll more.
Pro Tip: If you have trouble with rolling, place a couple of glue dots or furniture felts underneath the leading edge to create a stop.
Step 2: Fill triangle
You'll want to fill up the center of the triangle to create support. I happen to have stacks of packing paper but you can use whatever you have.
Step 3: Place tissue paper
Crumple up your tissue paper in the colors of fire. I had red and yellow so I ran with it. Make sure the tissue covers the inside rim of the logs.
Step 4: Arrange Lights
Place the flickering fire bulb string in the middle and arrange bulbs to stick out around the edges while concealing the cord with the tissue paper.
Step 5: Add cauldron
Place your cauldron on top and balance so it stays put. If you find your cauldron wobbly you could also use a riser in the center for rigid support instead of the packing paper.
Finishing Touches
Finish off your witches' cauldron look by adding bones for a great bone stew. My skeleton dog collects more bones for the stew and a witchy details complete the look. I love how real this looks {so real my toddler is worried about burns!} and the ambiance it gives our great room the month of October.
During a party drop chunk of dry ice inside a bowl of water and watch the smoke rise. That's my kiddos favorite part!
Now where are you going to put a witches' cauldron? This would be an amazing centerpiece on a large buffet, the perfect prop for a Halloween performance, or witches' hovel in a spook alley!
Join me each October for more fabulous Halloween decor and party ideas!
Recommended Halloween Reading:
- Black Cat Halloween Party
- Mad Science Party Ideas
- Little Witches' Soiree – by Mint Event Design
- Also check out our Day of the Dead party and decor series!
Until next time,
Use LED lights..no worries about a fire then..use some spray foam insulation on top of the pot to make that foaming over effect and brush on some green paint on the foam…I like glow in the dark paint for a really awe-sum effect….. put a cardboard box inside the pot and on top of that ..pillow fluff on top of the box…add some color changing pumpkin lights in various spots inside the pillow fluff..if you don’t want to use spray on foam for the overflow effect try using a glue gun and drip it on the top of the pot and paint that instead…do some dry brushing on the pot itself with brown paint and then you have a rusted old pot!
Wow! That sounds amazing. This was a simple project to do but yours is definitely more realistic. I will need to try this for next year Thank you for sharing.
What an added effect the lights give!
The faux fire is so fun! Can’t wait to do some Halloween decorating!
This is such a cute decor idea! I’d love to make one for my front door to greet trick or treaters on Halloween!
Such a fun idea!! I’m definitely trying this!! I love Halloween!!
Bri ! I LOVE this !!!! I think I might have to do this for the kids this Halloween
Simple and effective. I have an actual cauldron that belonged to my grandmother I could do this with for Halloween.
We’re decorating our RV for Halloween this year at the campground, and this will be perfect for the kids and families to enjoy! Great idea, thanks!
So cool and creative!