Haunted Campfire 👻

Get ready to bring some spooky campfire magic to life! In this project, we’ll craft mini marshmallows from clay and create a glowing bonfire scene complete with a cute ghost. We'll paint flames and our ghost, add elements like sticks and rocks, and finish it off with glass, beads, and resin for sparkle. Perfect for all skill levels, this fun and festive project will leave you with a unique art piece, just in time for the spooky season!

For this art project, I'm crafting mini marshmallows using Crayola Model Magic. Start by pinching off a small amount of clay and rolling it into a ball to soften it. Then, shape it into a cylinder. Using a knife or scissors, cut the cylinder into small sections to form marshmallow-sized pieces. Gently roll and press each piece until it resembles a marshmallow. To add detail, use a toothpick to poke a hole in one end, and then place it on a small twig. Let the marshmallows harden for 24 hours. To finish, I'll use a blow torch to give them a realistic toasted look!

Let’s get started on the background! First, I'll use black acrylic paint to cover the sides of the canvas. Then, I’ll work around the front edges, leaving the center untouched. Using Prussian Blue and white paint, I’ll blend them in a circular motion in the middle of the canvas. Once that's done, I’ll dry it with a heat tool.

Next, I’ll create a fire-like glow in the center by blending Golden Yellow, Pure Orange, and white paint in circular strokes. To soften the colors and help them blend, add a bit of water. Once complete, I'll dry it again with the heat tool.

Grab your tracer, tape it to your canvas, place graphite paper underneath, and trace your ghost and fire with a stylus.

For the bonfire, I’ll layer Scarlet, Primary Red, Pure Orange, and Golden Yellow to build up vibrant flames. To create a translucent effect for the ghost, I'll mix white paint with water and apply it lightly. Once finished, I’ll dry the canvas with a heat tool.

Next, I’ll use a black Posca Pen to draw the ghost’s eyes and a graphic pen to add detailed lines to the fire and outline my ghost for extra dimension.

Cover up the ghost and fire with a piece of paper towel while we splatter some paint to create stars in the sky. Mix water with white acrylic paint, dip an old toothbrush into the mixture, and run your finger along the bristles about 12 inches above the canvas to splatter the sky. Dry again. 

I'll also use Traditional Burnt Umber underneath my ghost and bonfire to paint a surface for them to sit on. I'll also use a round paintbrush to paint a few logs in the fire with the brown and white paint. 

Let's add glass! I'm adding Bronze Glass underneath the bonfire. I also have some small firewood sticks from Hobby Lobby that I'll stack on top of the glass. I also have the stick with mini marshmallows that I'll add around the fire. If you would like the ghost to hold on, cut the stick to size and doodle a little arm for the ghost.

We're going to elevate our canvas using blocks. Mix 3/4 oz total of ArtResin and stir gently for three minutes. Pour the resin onto your glass and canvas and use your gloved fingers or brush to spread it over the entire canvas. 

I'll sprinkle some Dark Red, Yellow Opaque, and Gold seed beads onto the bonfire. I also have some random small stones that I'll add around the bottom of my campfire as well. Add some extra resin on top. 

Use a heat gun to pop your bubbles. Keep your heat moving at all times! 

If you don’t want to miss my Facebook LIVE art instruction, make sure you are on my texting list. I always text 10 minutes before I’m going to go LIVE, so you won’t ever miss it. You can text “Hey Cindy” to 901-519-2923.

*Supply lists and tracers are only available to members of The Shattered Circle. If you'd like to learn more about member benefits or get on the waitlist, click here.

Want more inspiration and artwork?

•  My website artshattered.com with resources, shop, and more!
•  My creative membership The Shattered Circle, where you can explore the world of glass art with online workshops, a supportive community, and more!
•  My mini creative membership Just A ‘Lil Bit Monthly Glass Art Club, where you’ll get a new quick and easy online tutorial for just a lil' bit of sparkle in your life!
• My Facebook page where I go LIVE every Wednesday night at 6:00 PM PST.
• My YouTube channel which has tons of free art lessons right at your fingertips.