If you’re looking for a spine-chilling Halloween DIY, this 3D Halloween Skull Mirror will leave your guests spooked. After the success of my original Halloween mirror using waterslide paper, I wanted to take it a step further this year. One follower commented that the skull would look better if it appeared to be coming out of the mirror—and I couldn’t agree more! So, I took that advice and turned my flat skull illusion into a glowing, dimensional horror piece you can proudly hang on your porch this Halloween.

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How to Make a Creepy 3D Halloween Skull Mirror That Lights Up

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Materials Needed

• Old mirror (preferably vintage or thrifted)
• Gesso or black paint
• Bronze metallic wax paste
• Skull-shaped jelly mould
• Epoxy resin (with 2:1 mixing ratio or per your resin instructions)
• Glow-in-the-dark powder (optional)
• Red resin pigment (optional)
• Battery-operated LED string lights
• Plastic wrap (for protection)
• Fabric (scrap piece, dark colours work best)
• Fabric stiffener or craft glue
• Small bowl for mixing
• Skeleton hands or other Halloween embellishments
• Hot glue gun and sticks
• Sanding block
• Paintbrush or sponge applicator

Step 1: Prepare the Mirror

Start by painting your mirror frame black using Gesso or chalk paint. Once dry, rub bronze wax paste gently over the raised edges using your fingertip to highlight the frame and add an aged, haunted effect.

Reusing last year’s mirror saved time and gave it a nostalgic twist.

Step 2: Make a Glowing Resin Skull

Pour resin into a skull jelly mould. Before pouring, arrange LED lights inside the mould. Leave enough cord length to hide the battery pack behind the mirror later. Add red pigment and glow-in-the-dark powder to the resin for extra effect.

Mix your resin thoroughly for at least 5 minutes. This ensures it cures properly. Pour into the mould, then remove surface bubbles with a blow torch or heat gun. Let it set for 12 hours or as directed.

Once cured, demould and sand the edges. Paint the skull black for a bolder daytime look if desired.

Step 3: Shape the 3D Hood

Mix fabric stiffener (or diluted craft glue) in a small bowl. Soak your fabric thoroughly.

Cover the mirror and skull with plastic wrap to protect the surfaces.

Drape the wet fabric over the skull, shaping it as it dries.

Adjust and refine the shape over time, using whatever you have on hand to hold the folds in place until it hardens completely.

Step 4: Assemble the Mirror

Once dry, hot glue the hood and skull onto the mirror. Touch up the hood and skull with bronze wax paste to blend the look and add depth.

Glue on skeleton hands, painted black and lightly waxed, to enhance the creepy vibe.

Step 5: Hide the Battery Pack

If you misjudged your wire length like I did, hide the battery box with a scrap of black fabric. Add a fake spider or Halloween embellishment to disguise it.

This quick fix added to the eerie effect! The moment I turned the lights on, I noticed the glow-in-the-dark powder, red pigment, black paint, and bronze wax all affected the final light colour. If you want the eyes to shine red, it’s a good idea to leave them unpainted.

Close-up of the skull and hood.

It looks so much better outside because you can see all the details in the mirror.

More Halloween projects for you

This flashing Halloween lightbox can be put on your porch to attract the trick-or-treaters.

These cute Halloween skull men were made using shot glasses.

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