DIY A Crystalized Halloween Skull On A Dollar Store Budget

Highly unique Halloween decorations are a prized find that often comes at a hefty price tag. If you're looking for distinctive and expensive-looking décor at a budget-friendly cost, look no further than your neighborhood Dollar Tree, which offers a wealth of decor pieces and supplies for making your own DIY decorations that are not only easy on the wallet but high on impact. TikTokker @jaymuneediy recently revealed a cool hack for making glittering crystal skulls from a plastic skull and borax that will look perfect on a spooky tablescape or mantel this season. 

All you will need is a plastic skull, a sanding stone, a box of borax, a pot, and dye or food coloring for this great DIY, which will give a crystallized coating to the plastic skulls. You can make one or many, and in any size you like, with the Dollar Tree providing a host of sizes of skulls. You can also work this technique's similar magic on other Halloween decor pieces, including bats, black cats, and ghosts made of plastic, by using the same technique. 

Begin by sanding down the shine on the skulls thoroughly with a sanding stone, making sure to get all the nooks and crannies around the mouth and eyes. Since the plastic skulls will be submerged in water, you will want to add some well-placed holes for the water to flow through, including a larger hole at the bottom and smaller ones in spots like the eyes or nose. Once the surface is entirely matte, boil water in a large pot. ( @jaymuneediy advises getting a thrifted pot and utensils for this process separate from your usual cookware.)  

After the water has reached a boil, add 1/4 cup of borax for every 1 cup of water, stirring until the mixture is completely clear. Then add your coloring, either fabric dye or Dollar Tree food coloring in your desired shade. Once the dye has dissolved, remove the pot from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before submerging your skulls in the water. Leave the skulls in the pot for 24 hours. After a day, they will be coated in a thick crust of glittering crystals. Remove the skulls and let them dry thoroughly before use.