This Halloween, transform leftover fence pickets into charming raven decor using black paint, oversized eyes, and a yellow beak. These cheerful ravens are ideal for display from early October through Thanksgiving. The project typically costs under $35 with free lumber, making it an affordable and creative way to repurpose old fence pickets into charming Halloween decor.
Preparing Your Fence Pickets
Begin with firm, dry pickets in various widths and heights. Remove any old nails or screws and brush off dirt and cobwebs. If the wood is damp, allow it to dry completely before painting. At the top of each board, mark a point with a pencil and cut the angles, then smooth the edges with sandpaper. Mixed widths and lengths are a feature, not a problem—a narrow, tall raven standing between two stubbier ones looks far better than three identical boards.
If the pickets already have dog-ear or pointed tops, use them as is. Exercise caution with unknown coatings—pickets installed before 1978 may contain lead paint. If uncertain, avoid sanding and opt for a different piece of lumber. The EPA’s lead-safe guidance is clear about not creating dust from unknown coatings, so it’s best to prioritize safety.
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Materials and Assembly
Gather old fence pickets, a wide base board, exterior wood paint in black, white, and yellow or orange, brushes, pencil, ruler, saw, clamps, sandpaper, thin wood scraps for beaks, wood glue, jute twine, and fabric scraps. A drill and screws are also necessary for assembly. A quart of exterior latex paint runs roughly $18 to $25, and small craft bottles of yellow and white cost a couple of dollars each, keeping the project budget-friendly.
Paint the pickets black, then add white eyes and black pupils. For a three-dimensional effect, glue a small wooden triangle as the beak. Method 1 paints eyes and beak directly on the board, while method 2 glues on a thin wooden triangle for added depth. Attach the ravens to the base board with screws from underneath, ensuring no screw tips are exposed. Two birds fit comfortably on a narrow base, while three or four require a wider board for stability.
Position the ravens near the door, accompanied by a small gourd and autumn flowers.
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Crafting the Raven Faces
For the first method, paint the pickets black, covering all sides and edges. Use a primer if needed, and allow sufficient drying time. Sketch and paint white circles for the eyes, slightly larger than initially thought, to avoid an eerie appearance. Add black pupils, ensuring they face the same direction for a curious expression. Craft idea 1 involves painting the raven faces directly onto the picket, with eyes and beak applied straight to the wood.
Adding Depth with Wooden Beaks
In the second method, follow the same steps for the black base coat and white eyes. Cut and sand small wooden triangles for the beaks, ensuring a smooth finish. Paint the triangles yellow or orange, leaving the glue surface unpainted. Attach the beaks with wood glue, following the adhesive’s instructions for a strong bond. Craft idea 2 features a glued-on wooden beak, with the eyes painted directly onto the picket.
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