How to make your own light-up creepy Halloween art using a thrift-store picture frame for macabre wall decor.
This quick Halloween wall art project proves that grabbing a $5 picture frame at a thrift store and holding onto it for the right idea pays off. With just a few supplies and a little time, you can turn a vintage frame into spooky, glowing-eyed portrait art perfect for a party or to greet trick-or-treaters.
This easy craft is an ideal accent for a Halloween party, a spooky entryway, or a themed mantel. It’s inexpensive, customizable, and eye-catching when the lights go down.
I picked up a large vintage frame at Goodwill one summer with no plan in mind, but I knew it would be useful. The idea for glowing macabre portrait art came from memories of the Haunted Mansion’s eerie portraits — so I set out to make a DIY version with blood-red glowing eyes.
DIY Creepy Halloween Art With Glowing Eyes
Supplies
- Picture frame (any size will work; I used a 20×24 thrifted frame)
- Portrait print on blueprint or poster paper (I used same-day printing at a local copy shop)
- Black foam poster board or a scrap of black cardboard for backing
- Spray adhesive
- Utility knife or craft knife
- Matte Mod Podge or other matte sealer
- Chip brush for applying Mod Podge
- Masking tape or painter’s tape
- Battery-operated red LED lights (small bulbs work best for eye sockets)
- Command hanging strips or another hanging method
Free Art Printable
If you want the same printable portrait, subscribe to the creator’s email list to access the free download. If you’re already on the list, check your inbox or the printable library provided by the creator for the file.
Steps
Step 1 – Adhere Print to Foam Board
Trim the foam board to fit your frame if needed using a utility knife. Protect your work surface with newspaper or a drop cloth. Spray a light, even coat of adhesive on the foam board, then place the portrait print on top. Smooth out any bubbles and let the adhesive dry for at least 15 minutes. A black backing helps mask any gaps around the edges so the frame looks finished.
Step 2 – Cut Out Small Eye Holes
Place scrap cardboard under the print to protect your surface, then use a utility knife to carefully cut small holes where the eyes are. Use the lights as a guide so the bulbs will sit flush and shine through the openings.
Step 3 – Apply Mod Podge for a Brush-Stroke Effect
After the adhesive is fully dry, brush a thin, uneven coat of matte Mod Podge across the print with a chip brush. Apply in loose, directional strokes to mimic painted brush marks and add texture. If you accidentally apply the Mod Podge before the adhesive is completely dry the paper may wrinkle — this can actually enhance the aged, haunted look, so don’t worry if it happens.
Step 4 – Tape Board Into Frame
When everything is dry, set the foam board into the frame and secure it with tape. If your frame came with clips or a backing, use those instead. Make sure the board sits squarely and the eye holes align with the portrait.
Step 5 – Tape Lights Behind Art
From the back of the frame, place each small red battery light into the eye holes and tape them in place so they won’t shift. Secure the battery pack to the back of the frame, leaving the switch accessible so you can turn the glow on and off.
Step 6 – Hang Frame With Command Strips
Use Command strips for a temporary, damage-free hanging option. Follow the package directions: press the strips firmly to the frame and wall, allow the adhesive to set as recommended, then mount the frame. I press each strip for about 30 seconds and wait an hour before hanging for extra hold.
The Finished DIY Creepy Halloween Wall Decor
When the lights are off, the portrait looks like a vintage painting; flip the switch and the eyes glow a sinister red. The effect is eerie without being gory, and it adds instant atmosphere to a hallway, entry, or party wall.
This particular portrait prompted a lot of teasing from the kids — they gave the sitter a nickname and greeted him whenever they walked by. The lights are easy to turn off when you want the piece to blend back into your regular decor.
For Halloween night, hang this by your front door for a dramatic welcome, or use several framed portraits down a hallway to create a haunted-gallery vibe. The project is quick, affordable, and highly customizable: swap the color of the LEDs, distress the frame with paint, or use different portraits for a varied display.
Now that this piece is finished, it’s inspiring more Halloween crafts for the table and entry. If you love DIY holiday decor, this project is a great starter for exploring spooky, vintage-inspired looks.
After Halloween, you can easily repurpose the frame and backing for another seasonal display — swap in a winter print or an abstract piece and remove the lights for a fresh look.
More Vintage Halloween Decor and Scary Art Ideas
- Curate a collection of vintage-style Halloween prints and frame them for an antique haunted gallery.
- Create a spooky entryway using one large glowing portrait and complementary tabletop decor.
- Use distressed frames, candlelight, and textile draping to enhance a haunted house effect.
- Make themed prints for different rooms—skeleton art for the foyer, portraits for the hallway, and eerie botanicals for the dining table.
