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Foam & Prop BuildingNo. 9450 · The 2026 edition

Homemade Barrel Topper

Transform an old trash can into a spine-chilling barrel topper with bones and foam!

Easy

Our own summary of the original — the full post and photos live at halloweenforum.com.

This project uses a Rubbermaid trash can, Bag-O-Bones, leftover skeleton parts, and Great Foam to create a gruesome Halloween prop. You'll shape cardboard inserts, spray paint with red and mahogany lacquer, and carve out the foam for a terrifying effect.

You'll need

Directions

  1. Trace the trash can's opening onto a piece of cardboard, then cut it out so it sits about four inches below the rim.
  2. Attach cardboard strips around the inside top edge.
  3. Use a large kitchen knife to slice through the foam—you'll find it's only attached in a few spots.

Open the original on halloweenforum.com