How to make mummy-wrapped porch columns

We love decorating for Halloween and historically go all out, especially in our front yard.

We have skeletons, ghosts, pumpkins, bats, everything you could think of.

However, this year, my son pointed out that we do not have any mummies.

I really didn't want to get a giant animatronic mummy situation, so I was trying to think of how we could incorporate a mummy into our existing space.

All a mummy decoration really is is something wrapped in bandages.

We have columns on our front porch, so I decided to wrap the columns to turn them into DIY mummies.

Here's how we did it, and how you can do it yourself!

How to mummy-wrapped porch columns

Here's how easy it is to DIY this Halloween decoration!

Supplies needed:

• Drop cloth canvas
• Scissors
• Packing tape (or small nails, thumbtacks, etc)
• Googley Eyes - I used these 4" ones and have used these 7" ones if you have a larger column
• Hot glue

STEP 1: Cut the Cloth

First, you want to turn the giant dropcloth into strips of fabric you can use to create the mummy wrap.

Now, of course you could just cut it into strips. And that's fine. But that means you have a lot of loose ends and have to adhere the different strips to the column or tie them together, which is not the desired look.

By cutting strategically, you can have a much easier time wrapping.

Lay out your cloth. If yours is like mine, it will have a lot of creases from being folded. Great! This means we don't have to measure to get equal strips.

Cut along one of the creases the long way across the fabric. Stop with about 4" left. Now, start on the opposite end and cut back, leaving 4" uncut at the end. Repeat until all the lengthwise creases are cut like this.

When you pick up one end, it should create one long strip!

Now, I suggest taking the time to carefully roll this up and not ball it. It will once again make the wrapping much easier!

STEP 2: Start with tape (or nail)

Now, you want to start on your column. Start at the top and secure the end of the fabric strip to the column. I used several pieces of clear packing tape.

Depending on your column material, a small nail or thumbtack may work. Our columns are hollow metal so I didn't want to put a hole in them.

STEP 3: Wrap!

Now, wrap the fabric around the column. This is much easier with a second person to hand the bundle to.

Take your time to ensure:

• The fabric is pulled tight - this is most important to hold itself up. Doesn't have to be as tight as humanly possible but pretty tight.
• The fabric overlaps by at least an inch - we want full coverage here!
• The fabric is relatively flat and untwisted. Once again, we don't need perfection but you want as few twists as possible.

When you get to a corner of the fabric, you might have to pause to tuck it a bit differently. They fold under just fine!

Repeat until your full column is wrapped!

STEP 4: End with tape (or nail)

Finally, finish off with more packing tape or another nail to hold the end in place.

STEP 5: Add Googley Eyes

Now, add googley eyes! You can add a pair, several pairs, or a few random ones all over. Get creative, let kids help, have fun with it!

Some googley eyes are peel and stick. I used hot glue to adhere mine!

I also cut red felt to make little mouths and hot glued that on. This is optional, but a cute and fun add!

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