Here is a guide to Summerween – as well as Summerween crafty ideas!
Maybe you’re thinking, “Crafty Chica, Halloween is months away! Why torture myself with visions of candy corn in this scorching heat?”
Well, because Summerween is more than just a spooky summer tease – it’s a new creative opportunity!
The origins of Summerween
The concept of “Summerween” existed before it was even a term. The specific namesake originated from the Disney Channel animated series, Gravity Falls. In a super cute episode, the whole town celebrated what they called Summerween every June 22. The townspeople absolutely loved Halloween so much that they decided to celebrate it twice a year.
Kind of like Christmas in July.
In reality, many people celebrate Halloween all year round. Summer is perfect because that is when a lot of scary movies are released, even TV series such as Stranger Things often debuts in the summer. And of course, retailers love displaying the latest Halloween collections during sun-filled months.
Summerween has been a thing for a while, we just didn’t realize it.
The concept garnered mucho spotlight this year when it became more mainstream. But instead of the traditional, black and orange gothic decor, folks took creative liberty to combine it with bright colors and pool party festivities. Therefore, you see cute jack-o’-lantern watermelons, pink ghost-themed popsicles, disco ball pumpkins, and so much more.
Sure, there will be traditionalists who will not accept this new version of our beloved October fright fest, but I am down for it.
“I love Summerween because I want Halloween 24/7/365,” says Christine Martinez of Phoenix. That pretty much explains the popularity!
With all the craziness going on in the world I think it is fun to have something creative and happy to enjoy!
A guide to Summerween
You can choose one day to throw a boo-bash or celebrate all season. Either way, here are some ideas:
Movie marathon: Create a line-up of your favorite flicks that are not. Halloween-themed (save those for October), but still scary. Lost Boys, The Frighteners, Haunting of Hill House, The Witches, Beetlejuice, Addams Family.
Now that you’re excited about celebrating Summerween, let’s get crafty! Here are some ideas to make your Summerween epic:
Decorations: Think tropical chills!
String up some ghost-shaped pool floats, hang spooky sea creature mobiles (think shark ghosts and jellyfish with googly eyes), and swap out your usual flower arrangements for spooky tiki torches made from tin cans and bamboo sticks.
Don’t forget to turn off those boring white lights and string up some purple fairy lights for that extra eerie glow.
Food and Drinks: Forget the pumpkin spice lattes! Let’s whip up some spooky summer treats.
Watermelon pizzas with spooky faces cut out of cheese.
Eyeball cupcakes with blueberries as the pupils (easy for the kiddos to help with!)
Whip up a chilling batch of “swamp water” punch (green-colored punch with gummy worms and plastic eyeballs floating in it) or some spooky “blood orange” margaritas.
Ice cream sundaes with gummy worms.
Monster Fruit Pops: Make homemade popsicles using fruit juice and purees. Add gummy worms or candy eyeballs to the molds before freezing to create spooky surprises inside each pop.
Ghostly Bananas: Peel bananas and cut them in half. Use chocolate chips for eyes and a mouth to create ghost faces. Serve them frozen for a cool treat.
Jack-o-lantern Heart Cupcakes: Use a heart cookie cutter, then decorate cupcakes with green frosting and add candy pumpkins on top. Use pretzel sticks as stems and green licorice or icing for vines.
Monster Sandwiches: Use cookie cutters to cut sandwiches into monster shapes. Add edible eyes, cheese slices, and other toppings to create fun and spooky faces.
A guide to Summerween – as well as Summerween crafty ideas – more!
Fun and Games: Get your guests involved with some Summerween fun!
Hold a “watermelon carving contest” where everyone can unleash their inner artist (adult supervision for little sculptors, please!).
Carve a pineapple like a ghost.
Play some classic games with a spooky twist, like “Pin the Tail on the Zombie” or “Haunted Scavenger Hunt” for the neighborhood kids. Remember, the possibilities are endless! ️
Summerween craft ideas
check out this cute video full of ideas!
Spooky Seashell Wind Chimes: Decorate seashells with spooky faces and glitter, then hang them on string to create a hauntingly beautiful wind chime.
Glow-in-the-Dark Beach Buckets: Paint your beach buckets with glow-in-the-dark paint and create spooky sandcastle creations after dark!
Summerween T-Shirts: Design your own Summerween t-shirts with fabric paints, stencils, or even those fun iron-on transfers. Who doesn’t want a mermaid witch or a surfer zombie t-shirt?
Glow-in-the-Dark Mason Jar Lanterns: Paint mason jars with glow-in-the-dark paint. Decorate with spooky designs like bats, ghosts, or jack-o’-lantern faces. Place LED tea lights inside for a spooky glow at night.
Halloween Beach Ball Decorations: Paint beach balls with Halloween-themed designs, such as jack-o’-lanterns, ghosts, or skulls. Use these decorated balls as party props or outdoor decorations.
Spooky Pineapple Jack-o’-Lanterns: Carve pineapples instead of pumpkins. Scoop out the insides and carve spooky faces. Light them up with LED candles for a tropical twist on a classic decoration.
Skeleton Flamingos: Spray paint plastic lawn flamingos black. Use white paint to add skeleton designs. Place them in your yard for a spooky yet summery decoration.
Witch Hat Sun Visors: Decorate plain sun visors with felt and craft supplies to look like witch hats. Add ribbons, stars, and other spooky elements. Wear them for a playful and sun-safe Summerween accessory.
Zombie Plant Pots: Paint terra cotta pots with zombie faces or other Halloween themes. Plant succulents or other low-maintenance plants inside. Use them as eerie decorations for your patio or garden.
Things to buy for Summerween!
Neon flameless glow-int-the-dark ghost lanterns
How did you like a guide to Summerween – as well as Summerween crafty ideas? I hope you found some inspiration!
Summerween is the perfect way to enjoy summer with a dash of spooky fun to your summer days. Remember, the key is to let your creativity flow and have fun with it.
