Living SpacesNo. 7890 · The 2026 edition
How to Make Paranormal Portraits
Turn ordinary portraits into eerie glowing ghosts with this simple DIY Halloween decor project.
Our own summary of the original — the full post and photos live at countryliving.com.
Create a hauntingly glowing portrait by aging a black-and-white photo and cutting out the eyes. Insert red LED lights behind the eyeholes to make them glow eerily, then finish with fake cobwebs for a spooky display. This easy craft uses common materials to transform a normal picture frame into a paranormal centerpiece.
You'll need
Directions
- Print a black-and-white copy of a portrait on standard printer paper, then trim it to size.
- Mix a few drops of black craft paint with water to create a thin solution. Dip a sponge into this mixture and lightly brush it over the print to give it an aged look. Allow the paper to dry completely.
- Cut a piece of card stock to match the dimensions of the photo. Apply glue to the back of the photo and attach the card stock, then let it dry. Using an X-Acto knife, carefully cut out the eyes of the subject(s), slicing through both layers to create holes about 1/4 inch in diameter.
- Open the back of a picture frame, remove the glass, and place the photo inside the frame.
- Thread red mini LED Christmas lights from the back of the frame through the eyeholes. Plug in the lights, then replace the frame's backing (use tape to hold it if necessary). Drape fake cobwebs over the frame for a spooky effect.
