Lady upcycles 2 laundry baskets, makes the spookiest porch decor yet

Are you looking to elevate your Halloween porch decor with a spooky twist? This DIY black hanging Halloween cage, constructed from upcycled laundry baskets and featuring a creepy skeleton inside, is the perfect project to transform your home into the neighborhood's spookiest haunt. Not only is this project easy on your wallet, it’s also a great way to creatively repurpose everyday items. Perfect for any Halloween enthusiast, this cage adds an eerie touch that’s sure to impress trick-or-treaters and party guests alike.

To make this spooky hanging cage the star of your porch, consider surrounding it with other eerie elements like fake spider webs, dark-colored tulle or gauze, and dramatic lighting. Place the cage in a prominent spot where it can dangle ominously, preferably near the entrance to set the tone for your spooky soirée. Complement the cage with pumpkins, both carved and uncarved, and add a fog machine if you have one for an extra layer of creepy ambiance. For a cohesive look, ensure all decor elements share a common color palette of blacks, grays, and deep purples.

2 laundry baskets (measurements will depend on desired cage size)
Black spray paint (suitable for plastic)
Plastic skeleton (approximately the width and height to fit inside the assembled cage)
Thin black craft wire or zip ties
Heavy-duty scissors or a cutting tool
Pair of pliers
Chain or durable rope for hanging (2-3 feet)
Battery-operated LED light or lantern (optional)

Start by cutting the bottoms off both laundry baskets using heavy-duty scissors or a cutting tool. These will form the top and bottom halves of the cage.

Spray paint both laundry baskets black. Ensure they are evenly coated; you may need multiple coats to cover thoroughly. Allow them to dry completely.

Once dry, take one basket and place the skeleton inside it, positioning it in a way that it will appear to be imprisoned when the cage is assembled.

Attach the second basket upside down to the first, aligning their openings. Secure them together using black craft wire or zip ties, threading through the baskets’ holes to create a sturdy connection.

If using, place the battery-operated LED light or lantern inside the cage to add a haunting glow.

Attach the chain or durable rope to the top of the cage using wire or zip ties, making sure it is securely fastened to support the weight of the entire structure.

Hang the cage from a strong support beam or hook on your porch, ensuring it hangs freely and is visible.

For a different look, you could paint the cage in metallic colors like silver or bronze for a more industrial feel. If you want to make it especially frightening, add some fake blood splatters to the skeleton or drape additional faux cobwebs over the cage. Instead of a skeleton, consider using other creepy figures like zombie dolls or even stuffed animals dressed in eerie costumes. Also, varying the size of the cage by using different laundry basket sizes or reshaping them can add a unique touch to your Halloween display.