Spooky Haunted Mill Luminary

Make it step by step

1. Plan the mill

   Stand the box upright. On scrap paper, sketch a crooked roofline, a door, and a few windows. Slightly uneven shapes give the building character.

2. Mark the openings

   Transfer the windows and door to the box with pencil and ruler. Leave at least half an inch of cardboard between openings to keep the walls sturdy.

3. Cut the windows

   Ask an adult to cut the openings with a craft knife on a protected cutting surface. Use scissors for the roof pieces and larger outside edges.

4. Add glowing panes

   Cut tissue paper slightly larger than each opening and tape or glue it inside the box. Mix colors to give different rooms their own glow.

5. Build the roof

   Cut two cardstock rectangles a little wider than the box. Fold a narrow tab along one long edge of each piece. Overlap and glue the tabs into a peaked roof, leaving one side loose for access to the light.

6. Paint and weather it

   Paint the exterior and roof. When dry, use a nearly dry brush with gray or brown paint to add streaks, boards, or bricks. Write MAPLE CREEK MILL above the door.

7. Add atmosphere

   Attach paper bats, a twine vine, or a little cotton batting for fog. Keep decorations clear of the light and its switch.

8. Light the windows

   Place the LED tea light inside, or arrange the light strand so bulbs do not press against the cardboard. Dim the room and switch it on.