Simple Halloween Cage Props

3 Materials

1 Hour

Easy

Here is a super simple, inexpensive way to make decorative cages for Halloween. Each cage costs less than $4 to make if you already have some basic supplies, like spray paint.

Materials

Tools and Materials

Two small laundry baskets
Fake chain
Zip ties or shower curtain rings (I used the shower curtain rings to make my cages easier to open and close if needed)
Black spray paint (If they have black baskets, buy them instead! It will save you a step later)
Silver spray paint
Scissors
Halloween decor

I found all of this at Dollar Tree!

Cut the Handles

Because the baskets have slightly raised handles, my first step was to cut out a spot for the handles on one of the baskets, so the two baskets can sit flush with each other.

I used the cut basket as the top of the cage so if they are placed in an area that can get rained on, the water will drain out instead of puddling in the lip of the basket.

Attach with Shower Curtain Rings

Here is my test fit after cutting the handles. I used a shower curtain ring at each end of the chain to attach it to the bottom side of one basket (the top of the cage). I also am using a couple rings to hold the two baskets together.

Now is a good time to think about what you want to put in your cages. I found this miniature skeleton at Michael’s.

Paint Black

Paint

It was hard to get a decent picture here, but I spray painted the baskets (and shower curtain rings) using a flat black, then lightly went over them with a metallic silver. You want the silver to be a little splotchy to give the look of aged, dirty metal.

Hang

Put everything together and hang it up! We hung ours from hooks on our patio.

If you need things for inside your cages, Dollar Tree also has lots of fake bats, skulls, spiders and other spooky critters! We put a couple bats in the top of one cage.

I’d love to see pictures of your cages and how you decorate them in the comments!

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3 of 18 questions

see previous

E Marie Dee-Campbell
on Oct 27, 2019

suggestion: paint skeleton with glow in dark paint?

1

Answer this
- Amanda
  on Oct 28, 2019
  
  Yes, feel free to decorate however you want. I change it up occasionally and reposition the skeletons or add different things to the cages.
  
  3
  Reply
Megan Melina Colfer-steinert
on Oct 30, 2019

How did I cut the hole out of the handle?

1

Answer this
- Amanda
  on Oct 30, 2019
  
  I used a utility knife because I couldn’t find my exacto knife at the time, but either would work. Just be careful so you don’t slip and cut yourself!
  
  1
  Reply
Carol Jollymore
on Sep 14, 2020

There is a small opening between the edge of the two baskets. Amanda do you ever put the skeletons fingers poking out at that spot?

1

Answer this
- Amanda
  on Sep 14, 2020
  
  Yes, I like to change up the contents and positions several times throughout the Halloween season.
  
  1
  Reply

2 of 140 comments

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Sue
6 hours ago

WOW.....saw this and guess where hubby and I are off to this morning? Yep Dollar Tree, can't wait to make these. I love them !!

Like
Reply
Jeanne
Just now

This is SO cute!

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