We are well into witchy season and it’s time for a project, am I right? Don’t worry, this one won’t be a back-breaker or a bank-breaker (always a good thing, in my spell book). This idea for a little bewitching yard decor began when I saw and ordered a trio of hand-holding witches online. I ordered them twice — and they were backordered each time and eventually cancelled. Not to be scared off, I decided that I could probably make my own — and maybe even make them look better than the original version. Grab your broomstick and hold on tight as we brew up a few DIY spooky yard witches together!

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DIY Spooky Yard Witches: You Will Need

When I thought about what I would need to make a sturdy, weather proof (as much as possible) witch, I decided a trip to the hardware store was necessary. I wandered through the outdoor/landscaping aisles and came across several shepherd hooks in various sizes. “That’ll do,” I thought to myself as I pondered grabbing a cat gnome for 80% off (I didn’t get it…by the way….). I used two 72″ hooks and one 48″ hook. The 48″ hook size is much more easy to work with — though the 72″ are definitely eye-catching once complete!

Next up, you’ll need to create the head shape for the witchy witch. Depending on the size of the shepherd hook, an 8″ or 10″ foam crafting ball will work well for the noggin’ and will be necessary to secure the hat, later. Wedge the foam ball into the crook of the hook (ha – this is one of those “I’m a poet and didn’t know it” situations). Secure the foam ball with the black cording (this is just to keep it in place for the next step.

DIY Spooky Yard Witch: Layers!

Creating primitive style witches is all about layers, in my opinion. There isn’t a right/wrong way to do this, either. Just eyeball it and do what feels right. For this step, use layers of black landscaping fabric to create the silhouette of the witch. Use one long piece to drape over the foam ball and secure in place by tying a knot around the base of the ball with the black cording. This will create the look of the neck and head. Work the fabric around so that the hook is sticking outside of the fabric – this will act as a small support for the hat later.

Cut various lengths of fabric, gather at an end, and secure the layers along the neck line to create the effect of a cloak. You’ll use part of these layers as the arms – so try to make sure there are enough layers to be able to fill all the leftover spaces. Continue layering – once you’ve achieved the look you want, gather a bulk of the middle fabric and tie a knot with the twine to give an effect of the bodice. At this point, you can secure a layer or two of creepy cloth around the neck to act as a well-worn shawl.

DIY Spooky Yard Witch: Top It Off!

Finally, our fabulously dressed shepherd hook is going to magically turn into a witch with the wave of my…well…fencing staples. Yes (so anticlimactic, I know). Anyway, grab the witch or wizard hat of your choice. I prefer an oversized, patchy wizard hat because they have a lot of character! To secure the hat, place it to where the center of the hat comes over the back of the hook. This position will make it look as though the witch is looking up towards the sky. Secure the hats by using a handful of fencing staples by pushing the staple through the fabric of the hat and all the way into the foam ball. Repeat this steps to create a coven you can be proud to call your own! Now comes the fun part, my ghouls….

DIY Spooky Yard Witches: Create the Scene!

I wanted to create the look of a coven of witchy souls, brewing up a little magic around one of my favorite trees in our front yard. I used the black cording to tie the witch hands together as if they are conjuring up a spell together! This is a bewitching scene during daylight but I also wanted the mood to continue through the night. So, I put together a cauldron filled with battery operated twinkle lights and hung a handful of floating candles to set the scene for our spell.

Can you hear me doing my very best witch cackle right now?? I’m absolutely loving how these turned out and they are super sturdy! This trio has already weathered a couple thunderstorms and quite the wind storm and they are staying strong and wonderfully spooky. These took very little time from start to finish and the end result is spooktacularly stunning my ghouls! What do you think? Do you dare create a coven for your Halloween display? My witchy soul says, “do it!” Stay spooky, my friends, and until next time, peace, love, & light (after coffee).

See another creepy DIY over here!