Making things like knitwear, ceramics, and accessories is a great outlet for creativity. But anyone who has met an imaginative mind knows they like to take their craft up a notch. Some choose to do that by shocking or even frightening others with their creations. After all, beauty can be found in the scariest of places. 

And that’s exactly what we’re doing today, dear Pandas. We’re diving into the world of creepy crafts and searching for something that, when inspected closer, looks sort of magnificent. To find it, all you have to do is scroll down.

While you’re busy admiring these spooky creations, don’t forget to check out a conversation with artist and Halloween enthusiast Greg Cummings, who makes eerie Oak Lane Cemetery displays every year to showcase his works.

We also reached out to BattyJade, a fellow maker of all things uncanny, who shares her artistic process on YouTube.

Photos of both of their works can be found below as well!

#1 "Ark Of The Apocalypse". It Took Me About 14 Months To Complete This. My Work Stands 8 Feet On A Custom-Made Table, 7.5 Feet In Length, And About 2.5 Feet Wide

Image credits: shallowgravestudios

#2 DIY Creepy Picture Frame

Image credits: Stabbing_in_the_Dark

#3 Another Scary Mask Of Mine

Image credits: DmitriyBragin

To learn more about the fascination behind spooky crafts, Bored Panda reached out to artist and Halloween enthusiast Greg Cummings, who makes eerie Oak Lane Cemetery displays every year to showcase his works. He also has a YouTube channel where he uploads tutorials to show how he makes frightening props and teaches others so they can make some of their own. 

We also contacted BattyJade, a fellow maker of all things uncanny, who shares her artistic process on YouTube and sometimes dabbles in playing horror video games. 

Cummings tells us that he’s been a huge fan of sci-fi and horror ever since he was little. “I learned to draw at an early age, and most of my drawings were of monsters, aliens, and, of course, dinosaurs. 

Once I became an adult and had kids of my own, I remembered how awesome the houses that went all out for Halloween were and decided that we would be one of those houses. My artistic talents and interests were the perfect match for making spooky stuff!”

#4 I Made A Necronom IV As A Tribute To H.R. Giger. It's From Recycled Items I Scavenged, Including An Antique Mahogany Mirror I Used As A Frame, Pathe Cine Projector, Washing Machine, And More

Image credits: Simo_666

#5 For Halloween I Made An Arquillen From "Men In Black"

Image credits: xfghxdf

#6 I Made "The Evil Dead" Miniature From Altoid Tin

Image credits: PixieHill

BattyJade’s interesting hobby started in her early years too. "Honestly, I've just always loved weird and creepy things since I was young. I liked art and crafty stuff too, I acquired a lot of hobbies. It started with collecting creepy things, but I didn't have much money. I kind of realized, ‘Hey, I can probably make a lot of this cheaper’. That turned into, ‘Hey, I can make even cooler stuff than this’, and now sometimes I really let my imagination take me to some scary places.”

#7 I Made A Human Egg

Image credits: Annihilatum

#8 A Bit Terrifying, But I Had To Share This Insane Figure Of Barbara From "Beetlejuice" Crafted By My Talented Mother With Clay And A Warped Imagination

Image credits: Joelbotics

#9 I Made A Fairy Mummy For My Sister For Christmas

Image credits: BooneThorn

To Cummings, the process of making creepy items isn’t that different from ‘conventional’ crafting, but some thought still has to be put into how the prop will be used. “In my case, since my display is all outside, I have to take care to use materials that are long-lasting and weatherproof. 

Motors have to be sheltered, and wires need to be protected. I use a lot of latex, and latex breaks down over time and even faster with sun exposure, so repairs are needed every year for some props when they come out of storage.”

#10 I Made My Kids A Night-Light

Image credits: woodmandesignco

#11 A Buddy Of Mine Is A Brilliant Artist. Here's His Sculpture "Tower Of Souls"

Image credits: BerkshireMtnSculptor

#12 I Made This Kraken Candelabra With Air Dry Clay

Image credits: Warm-Picture-6681

Meanwhile, for BattyJade, the biggest difference is the lack of reference material. “Because spooky stuff is a little unconventional, you're less likely to have guides for what you're trying to do. I've had to make up a lot of my projects not really knowing what I was doing. Also, there’s lots of better material shopping during the Halloween season.”

#13 Pink African Flower Tarantula

Image credits: SpaceGoat88

#14 I Made A Little Nut Goblin To Guard My Succulents

Image credits: Spooky_Gecko

#15 I Hope You All Like My Little Goat Buddy. A Papier-Mache And Sheep's Wool Mask I Made Last Year

Image credits: nymla

One of Cummings’ favorite creepy crafts that he has made is an impaled corpse in their witch scene. “It is a decaying body impaled on a tree limb coming up from the ground. It's very realistic, and I'm very proud of it,” he shares. 

If BattyJade had to choose, it would be the giant Man-Eating plant. “It's the first craft video I made and probably the most work I've put into a project, as well as the biggest. It sits by my front door in my living room, and I smile at it every day. It looks so amazing, and people always ask me why I don't sell it, I'm like, ‘I can't, that's my child!’”

#16 I Made A Creepy Rabbit Mask

Image credits: nymla

#17 Weeping Angel Scarf

Image credits: GimpCoder

#18 Here's A Little Cthulhu Baby I Sculpted

Image credits: bexielady

We were also curious to know how the public typically reacts when they see their creations for the first time. BattyJade shares, “I get mixed reactions to my crafts. It's a craft-by-craft basis. Some are super positive and supportive, and say really sweet things! Others just look at me like, Girl, what is going on inside your head. Some people just ask why I made something, they don't understand why I'd want something creepy or weird. But I live for that stuff, so to me, it's perfect.

Meanwhile, Cummings told us, “Most people seem to really enjoy my work. I have had very few negative reactions.”

#19 My Handmade Vases

Image credits: Rushsculpture

#20 My 13-Year-Old Wanted To Be A Creepy Rabbit, So I Made Him This

Image credits: Flierfli

#21 I Made A Life-Size Creepy Tree To Trick Out My Yard For Halloween

Image credits: CraftCrib

In a previous interview with Bored Panda psychologist and founder and CEO of the Private Therapy Clinic, Dr. Becky Spelman explained that engaging in slightly disturbing activities such as viewing or making creepy crafts can be therapeutic and help combat stress and anxiety.

“Engaging in activities that are slightly unpleasant or discomforting but ultimately harmless can provide a sense of control and a way to confront fears or anxieties in a controlled setting. It's a way to experience and process negative emotions in a context where the individual feels safe and in control.”

#22 I Can't Stop Making Creepy Old Man Faces, And Now I've Ended Up With A Cursed Teddy With A Dude Inside That's Trying To Pass Himself Off As A Bunny

Image credits: OtherwisePop6430

#23 I Made An Old Halloween Decoration New By Turning It Into The Martian From "Mars Attacks"

Image credits: Skissored

#24 One Of My Favorite Mummified Fairies So Far

Image credits: BooneThorn

However, in order to feel the therapeutic effects of crafting, the creations don’t have to be necessarily morbid or spooky, as research suggests that regardless of the medium, this activity can boost mood, improve self-confidence, and reduce stress. The repetitive nature of such tasks helps to calm the body and the mind, while their completion gives a sense of accomplishment and helps to keep the mind sharp. 

#25 I Made A Tiny Spider

Image credits: zakmiskry

#26 Her Name Is Wendy

Image credits: EdgyAnimeReference

#27 I Made A Papier-Maché Boar Mask, Inspired By Lord Okkoto

Image credits: nymla

Several studies have shown that knitting and crocheting can decrease the risk of losing cognitive abilities as people age. Recent research by neuropsychiatrist Yonas Geda, MD, found that knitting protects the nervous system and may reduce dementia by 50%. It can also be soothing for those who already experience signs of dementia.

#28 Found A Prop I Made For My Wife's Costume From Last Year. She Was A "Basic Witch", And This Is Her "Eye Phone"

Image credits: Cerberus1349

#29 This Is A Witch Prop I'm Working On. I Sculpted A Face, Cast It In Latex, And Got It Attached Today. A Big Change To The Overall Look

Image credits: OakLaneCemetery

#30 My Creation Resides In The Garden Many Years Later. Hanging Out And Blending In. Another Older Assemblage Is Chilling In The Coffin In The Background

Image credits: shallowgravestudios

More interestingly, yarn crafts are proven to help with insomnia. Focusing on a soft, soothing, easy, and repetitive project allows the mind and body to wind down enough to go to bed. A study by the Mind/Body Medical Institute found that 100% of insomnia patients reported improved sleep, with 90% being able to give up medication.

#31 Hand-Embroidered Octopus Bag Made By Me. Completely Handmade, Including Sewing The Bag

Image credits: ILWDolls

#32 I Just Wanted To Share This Picture Of The Cute Brooch I Made

Image credits: ArielWClay

#33 A Sculpture I Made

Image credits: That's Vile

#34 Frame Details Of My "Symphony Of The Damned"

Image credits: shallowgravestudios

#35 I Finally Finished My Brain Hat. I Knitted It Through My Neurology And Behavioral Health Courses

Image credits: Jessa_Bluebelle

#36 One Of My Recently Made Dragon Journals. Everything In It Is Made By Hand

Image credits: BJsHandmade

#37 "Shrugganath" By Me

Image credits: Molech999

#38 Handmade Royal Skull

Image credits: Annihilatum

#39 I Created A Xenomorph Brooch

Image credits: Rude_Rub_5315

#40 I Made A New Yarn Bowl

Image credits: OtherwisePop6430

#41 A Catch-All Loose Change Dish. I Made It From A Cat Food Can, Polymer Clay, And Resin

Image credits: SaltySculpts

#42 I Just Finished My Second Creepy Crochet Baby. My Husband Hates My Deformed Yarn Children

Image credits: kattiwin

#43 I Made This Creepy Guy Last Night. He Keeps Staring Into My Soul

Image credits: DeCurt1998

#44 Spooky Planter

Image credits: followmegunslinger

#45 The Mimic And Wendigo I Sculpted

Image credits: wizvrdhd

#46 Handmade Pen Holders

Image credits: crookedsmile.claywork

#47 I Made Something Horrible Or Awesome. I Honestly Can't Tell

Image credits: cryztal2908

#48 I Made Creepy Plants

Image credits: denrae-

#49 Meet The Mimic. Furby Mimics Are Predatory Creatures That Use Their Similar Appearance To A Furby To Trick Humans Into Approaching Them, Only To End Up With Food

Image credits: wickytack

#50 He's Called Styx, A Handmade Art Doll Of The Underworld

Image credits: Feather_wind

#51 The Last Work Of This Year, Which I Took Out Of The Oven. Glass Fusing Technique. Does It Look Like A Magic Mushroom Fly Agaric?

Image credits: artglassceramic

#52 DIY Monster Teeth Mimic Shoes

Image credits: Artistic_Camp_4952

#53 Lip Brooch From Polymer Clay

Image credits: LafekaToys

#54 Billy The Box Cutter

Image credits: Annihilatum

#55 My Alien Creation

Image credits: hillary012092

#56 I Made "A Nightmare On Elm Street" Diorama

Image credits: No-Link9669

#57 I Made A Spooky Skull Out Of Clay. Roughly 5-6 Hours Of Work

Image credits: achen_clay

#58 I Sculpted This Scarecrow Head. Not Sure If I Should Add Some Hay For Hair?

Image credits: Super_Jackfruit_7302

#59 I Made My Own "Dead By Daylight" Hex Totem

Image credits: Bennyblackouttv

#60 My New Creepy Jewelry

Image credits: crookedsmile.claywork

#61 The Halloween Mask I Made For This Year

Image credits: isaac879

#62 I Glazed And Fired But Someone Chipped Her Tooth In The Kiln

Image credits: Ok-Habit-563

#63 I Made Some Creepy Little Goblins, And I'm Calling Them "The Neblings"

Image credits: KalElButthead

#64 My Older Brother Made This For Christmas When He Was About Ten Years Old

Image credits: Osteen

#65 I'm Currently Working On A Creepy Project For Myself

Image credits: clagget1916

#66 I Used Polymer Clay To Transform An Altoids Tin Into A Monster

Image credits: NicolaiKloch

#67 A Creepy Peeling Tray I Made For Storing Guitar Picks

Image credits: filbusbile

#68 This Pot And A Cup I Made

Image credits: P0t8o-BOI

#69 My Candy Bowl

Image credits: Ok_Station_6703

#70 New Blacklight Monsters I've Made Recently

Image credits: iamryancase

#71 My Sister-In-Law Made The Best Costume I Have Ever Seen. This Is Mr. Boogeyman. Ironically, She Is A Therapist And Helps Folks With Their Personal Boogeymans

Image credits: T-Geometricus

#72 Weird Jewelry I Made For A Horror Movie Convention. All Made From Thrifted Dolls

Image credits: haunteddolljewelry

#73 Sculptural Costume

I made the hands and head with paper clay. Painted with acrylic paint and the hair is made of yarn. Made for theater a theater project.

Image credits: Meat_juice_by_TB

#74 Tooth And Gum Ring

Image credits: SaltySculpts

#75 Lately I Have Been Working On A New Set Of Pots

Image credits: Rushsculpture

#76 My Creepy Handmade Plant Pots

Image credits: Patrycjaaax

#77 This Wicker Basket With A Creepy Squatter

Image credits: eliasblisters

#78 This Creepy Thing My Dad Made

Image credits: ANDnowmewatchbeguns

#79 Take A Good Look At My Bald, Hairless Rats. Love Them Or Hate Them, They're Definitely Fun To Make Magnets Out Of

Image credits: wtfpots

#80 For Halloween, I Made The Floating Heads And Other Decor

Image credits: Mom102020

#81 I Turned An Old Vanity Mirror Into Wall Art

Image credits: N-loc

#82 I Created These To Help Silly-Looking Plants To Look Cool. They Each Have Their Own Little Dollop Of Soil Dripping Down Them

Image credits: wtfpots

#83 I Make Planters Out Of Old Dolls

Image credits: RealActualLamp

#84 I Made A Hybrid Steve Buscemi, Paul McCartney, And Christopher Walken Plant Pots. Perfect For Anyone Who Likes Any Of These Men Or Knows Someone Who Looks Like This Warped Face

Image credits: wtfpots

#85 This Is Frank, The Tree I Made A Few Years Ago

Image credits: 641haunt

#86 My Creepy Spell Books Made Out Of Toilet Paper And Glue

Image credits: SkinmealCreations

#87 Toothy BIC Sleeves

Image credits: crookedsmile.claywork

#88 This Very Long Furby Someone At My Work Made. It Even Has A "Spine" In It, So It Can Sit Up And Stare At You, Always Watching And Waiting

Image credits: ira_finn